Best Perfumes for Women

13 Best Smelling Ariana Grande Perfumes

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Like seemingly every celebrity and/or pop stars, there came a time when Ariana would come out with her own scent. Now, more than enough have been released, to create a best Ariana Grande perfume list.

These fragrances are generally aimed at the younger set, and made quite affordable in order to move plenty of units.

To that end, they absolutely have and these have become some of the most popular perfumes out today. But, they are for sure not just limited to teenagers wearing these fragrances.

In this post, I wanted to do a top six list of what has been put out on the market through this point in time. Then, I ranked the other ones just because. Which Ariana Grande perfume smells the best? Read below for my take, after having tested them.

Listing my Favorite Ariana Perfumes

Top Overall Perfume

Sweet Like Candy by Ariana Grande– It’s a close call as to what is the best Ariana Grande  perfume, as tastes are subject. For me, Sweet Like Candy puts itself in the top spot.

It obviously has a certain sweetness, that Ari also shares, yet this one is lighter and more airy.

Vanilla, blackberry, whipped cream, and of course, marshmallow pull together to form a warm and youthful candy-like aroma. Sweet Like Candy comes in an adorable little pink bottle, kicks off with its berry and pear blend, much like the next entry.

However, this one begins to shift more to a creamy, sweet, and familiar aroma. Lots of whipped cream with a vanilla touch and a great marshmallow addition. Very soft, girly, and sits beautifully in the colder weather.

As I wrote in the introduction, these perfumes can have a lot in common with one another. As far as her sweet, girly gourmands go, I think Sweet Like Candy does it better on balance versus the others.

What’s good about Sweet Like Candy?
  • Sweet, but not cloying and heavy
  • Nice performance
  • Creamy soft with marshmallow

The Originator 

Ari by Ariana Grande– A sugary sweet perfume with a blast of raspberry and marshmallow among other notes. It’s kind of an either/or situation between this one and Sweet Like Candy, but this one is still nice with the addition of pear and floral notes during the dry down period.

Update: I think Cloud has taken the best-seller title now from this, with its similarities to Baccarat Rouge 540. Ari is still a very good scent to get a hold of, even if that’s the case.

Ari starts off with the raspberry being the strongest. It is quite fruity in the beginning, with further grapefruit and pear additions, to the mix. It’s really got a vibe, like a Juicy Couture perfume. Very fruity top, with a sweet gourmand touch.

Completely safe and possibly a tad more mature than Sweet Like Candy.

Then, after a bit of time passes, that’s when you get more floral influences. Vanilla orchid comes through a lot, a touch of musk, and that fluffy marshmallow. Ultimately, it’s orchid, marshmallow, raspberry, and pear. Quite nice, well worth a try for the price. My Full Review of Ari

What’s good about Ari?
  • Juicy raspberry start
  • Great floral touches, especially orchid

Another One to Try

Moonlight by Ariana Grande Eau De Parfum – Yet another marshmallow fragrance, but Moonlight takes things in a bit of a different direction. It’s creamy with a plum note that is tart and blends well with the peony floral. Overall, a very interesting fragrance.

This is one does have that tart and slightly more sour fruit opening, versus the other fragrances, on this list. Plum and black currant will do that. No worries though, as Moonlight, isn’t a bomb of a perfume. It is the type that you can wear, almost anywhere without issue.

As it dries down, the peony and marshmallow combine to surround the light fruity notes, and make for a very attractive combination. It has a bit of a creamy/powdery finish.

Not super unique, but the peony and plum do separate it enough, and make it worthwhile at a certain price.

Thank U, Next 2.0 also shares similarities with this one now, as well. Moonlight’s become sort of a blend of 3 or 4 of the perfumes of this line.

What’s good with Moonlight?
  • Similar marshmallow base, with a different twist
  • Plum and black currant are great
  • Easy to wear

Top Thank U, Next

Thank U, Next– Yes, this is a newer scent from Ariana. However, I think that Thank U, Next is already among her best perfumes. It still retains the sweetness, put forth by the other options, but moves away from the usual fluffy marshmallow.

This gives you notes of pear, raspberry, coconut, and macarons. It is a bolder option, with more sillage than probably any of the others. A sugary macaron, meets the refreshing qualities of crisp pear and coconut water.

Updated note: Thank U, Next 2.0 came out. Here’s my comparison post versus the original. 2.0 starts off better, but it really fell off quickly.

The rose note, while not super powerful is for sure there throughout the entire wear. It and the musk, help to offset some of the gourmand qualities. I really liked Thank U, Next as it doesn’t have any real weaknesses on my skin.

I should say, some people report it having a so-called, ‘pickle juice’ aroma on their skin. I got none of that and I think I’m in the majority, who doesn’t experience it. But, something to consider with Thank U, Next.

While it starts out bold, it does become much more moderate, and the overall longevity isn’t amazing. Very cute and delicious sort of perfume. Coconut, raspberry, with a sugary baked goods finish. Sweet with a creamy heart. Here’s my full review

What’s good about Thank U, Next?
  • Different from the others on the list
  • Sweet and warm gourmand aroma
  • Stronger projection than the other Ariana Grande scents

best ariana grande perfume

A Better Cloud

R.E.M. by Ariana Grande–  R.E.M. makes the cut versus Cloud, which it share similarities to, but this is a better pick. R.E.M. is a sweet fragrance, but doesn’t have the ‘girly’ kind of aroma when compared to the others.

What is does have is a nice salty caramel, lavender, and fig. Fig is a completely underutilized note, and while not dominant here, it does add something great to the mix.

I think that this one has a bit more depth and feels more mature than the others. The lavender really becomes heavier later on in the wear.

It develops from a sweeter scent, much like Cloud, into a scent with woody under tones, a good dose of lavender, and with a creamy tonka bean coming through.

The sillage and longevity with R.E.M. isn’t amazing, but certainly not terrible either. That’s the one thing the Ariana Grande perfumes could all use, better performance. At least more staying power, if not, actual projecting ability.

Personally, I can get seven hours on skin, with R.E.M. I would expect most people should get at least 5.

But, it is more substantial with a ‘thicker’ feeling than you get with the more airy Cloud. Comes close to unisex and strikes a bit similar to Rochas Man…but still leans feminine and doesn’t have the stronger coffee smell. REM Review

What’s good about R.E.M.?
  • More depth
  • Great lavender note
  • Solid performance, but not heavy

Delightful Pear Release

God is a Woman by Ariana Grande– If you’re a fan of Cloud, Cloud Intense is also another new release that is better and you could go with that instead of R.E.M.

However, the best newer release from Ariana is…God is a Woman ahead of Cloud Intense and Thank U, Next 2.0.

I don’t really get the disappointing reviews from some folks. Yes, this is a lighter scent, but the performance gives me around 7 hours. Maybe its the name? Rather ugly bottle design?

The smell itself? This one features that nice pear note from Thank U, Next blended with a musky ambrette note and fresh cedar wood. The pear is the star here, but there is a light powdery aroma from orris and a brief rose appearance.

Juicy and sweet pear with vanilla, ambrette, and that cedar. It’s light, fresh, and has a sort of semi-aquatic feeling. Pretty simple, but effective, and a certainly a best Ariana Grande perfume. Read my full review

What’s good about God is a Woman?
  • The pear
  • Freshness
  • Rather unique compared to the others

Ranking the Other Ariana Perfumes

7. Cloud Pink

Cloud Pink is the latest flanker from the Cloud series, released in 2023. It’s not so much better than the other two, but for me, it is the best of them currently.

The main difference here is going to be in the opening through the middle act. Also, the lavender note isn’t in this one either.

It starts off with dragon fruit, pink pineapple, and coconut water. This gives the Pink formula a sweeter, fruitier, and somewhat tropical feeling in the opening. Not massive amounts of fruits, but substantial and sets it apart from the other two Cloud perfumes.

No worries though, this is still warm and fluffy, and doesn’t behave as a summer version of Cloud. The dry down is quite a bit like the others, just a different weighting in the notes. Performance is about the same as Cloud. Cloud Pink Review

8. Mod Vanilla

This is one of the two new Mod fragrance releases from Ariana. It does share a lot of similarities with the Clouds, but I prefer this slightly more.

It opens up without one note completely dominant and it has a nice balance. Freesia, musk, and some plum early on in the wear. As it develops, you’ll get more of the vanilla and praline notes.

Along with that, iris and cocoa butter. Not overly powdery, but Mod Vanilla has a gourmand sweetness and creaminess to it. The performance is actually very good. I got 8+ hours on my skin during testing and a bolder sillage than Cloud. Mod Vanilla Review

mod vanilla review

9. Cloud 2.0

The Intense version of Ariana Grande’s Cloud. 2.0 is a slightly better version, with better sillage and longevity.

The pear note is weakened in 2.0, but the lavender smells smoother and plays well off of the amped up ambroxan note. Also, it smells creamier versus the fluffiness of the original. Cloud 2.0 gives more play to the whipped cream, vanilla, and praline notes.

About 7-7.5 hours of wear on the skin, with a pretty noticeable sillage. Cloud 2.0 Full Review

10. Cloud

Cloud is one that got fairly overrated, in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, I like it a fair bit. But, it’s role as a potential BR 540 clone, definitely boosted its profile.

The opening has the bergamot, lavender, and pear start to it. Sparkling, this is when it is most similar to R.E.M. But, that lavender note isn’t nearly as prominent.

The highlight for me, is when you get into the creamier part of the perfume (still less so than 2.0). It’s whipped cream, coconut, and that sweet edible aroma from the praline. At this point, it does start to resemble a cloud, with how light and fluffy it feels.

It does smell fairly nice, but nothing spectacular. The performance is decent. For the right price, and if this is your style, Cloud can be a nice pickup. My Full Review

11. Thank U, Next 2.0

Thank U, Next 2.0 almost replaced the original on this list, with its delicious pomegranate and apple juice laden opening. But, the second half isn’t as good, and the performance topped out at 5 hours for me…which is like 2 or 3 fewer than the original.

It’s very juicy and has a great vibrant energy to the aroma. Then, it settles into a generic floral with the usual Ariana marshmallow note, and some musk. That ending is just a marshmallow musk.

It’s strange how this one, just completely fell apart and lost much of its charm. The opening is pretty awesome, but it’s pretty ho-hum, afterwards. I had high hopes for it, but it’s just okay. For a big discount, it might still be worthwhile. Thank U, Next 2.0 Review

12. Mod Blush

Mod Blush isn’t completely bad or anything. The opening is a tropical fruity aroma, that is sort of like other celebrity fragrances (which are cheaper in price). Then, it turns into something that is like an impression of other perfumes from Ariana Grande.

But, it’s not as good as any of them. Some have compared Mod Blush to Sweet Like Candy or Ari, which is true to some extent, as they have similar vibes. Yet, those are both superior in smell and performance to this.

The aroma itself is fine, but the performance was mediocre for something at this price point. So, Mod Blush almost takes the bottom spot on the list. Mod Blush Full Review

13. Frankie

For me, the weakest is Frankie. Which, is harder to find nowadays, so it’s pretty irrelevant. It was okay, I suppose, it’s difficult to recall what smelled like exactly. It had pink pepper, sugar, some fruity notes up top. Just never came together all that well.

Not something really worth pursuing, nor even coming close to being the best Ariana Grande perfume release.

Mon Paris Lumiere EDT by YSL

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Mon Paris Lumiere is another entry from the fairly long-running YSL series. This perfume was released in 2022. I got a sample of this a while ago, with another order of fragrances, so I tested it out for a full review. How does Lumiere smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Mon Paris Lumiere Smell Like?

Notes include: Isparta rose, lemon, jasmine, datura, white lotus, patchouli, musk

My Full Review

Here’s how YSL describes it: A chypre floral aquatic, as radiant and vertiginous as being loved under Parisian skies. The hypnotic fragrance of datura flower is embraced by the radiance of the white lotus flower and the elegance of the Isparta rose heart absolute. The scent of ecstatic love, a clash of light for an everlasting trail. 

Lumiere opens up bright, sweet, with an aquatic/ozonic accord underneath. It makes the floral notes seem like they’re floating in water.

Early, it’s notes of lemon, white lotus, and the datura. A few minutes in, I get some jasmine, but that never feels super powerful in this mix. At least on my skin.

It’s a tad odd, when I smell it sometimes, but I think Lumiere works. I do like the fresh and energizing aroma that this has, even if I’m not sold on the early lemon use.

Early, this does have some distinction from Mon Paris Intensment, which has a fruit-chouli aroma to it. That one joins a lighter datura note with black currant and rose in the early stages.

Here, we get the lighter and ozonic style that works better in the heat, but doesn’t have that same substantial feeling in the first half.

The next phase, is more floral and musky. Less of the ozonic aspect and the citrus will start to fade. It becomes more rosy, less lotus, and the jasmine is still involved. Not dominated by any of the floral notes here. Everything seems balanced for the duration.

Basically, Mon Paris Lumiere will end with it’s floral notes, freshness, patchouli, and musk. Not super deep or complex. More like the others in the series, in the second half of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a lighter and fresher scent, but Mon Paris Lumiere isn’t one that is super airy or non-detectable. Actually, overall between it’s ability to leave a scent trail and just project more generally, is a bit above average. At least, for a couple of hours.

On my skin, this one will stick around for 6-6.5 hours. It’s nothing that’s going to be a beast performer. It’s just pretty much okay, across the board.

I thought that this might have a bit more to it, than what I actually got. I didn’t expect a completely massive scent, but I did think that I’d get more than six or so hours out of Lumiere.

Seasonally, Lumiere is a warm weather perfume that’s built for spring and summer. It’s not as heavy as others in the series, so, this YSL can be a good change of pace for those who like this formula and want a springtime variant.

It’s more of a daytime wear. It’s not very formal, but it’d work for most circumstances and can be worn by any age. There’s nothing here that is going to be off-putting for most people.

Overall Impressions of Lumiere

Overall, do I like Mon Paris Lumiere? It’s pretty good. It’s probably somewhere between the original and Mon Paris Intensement. I liked Intensement more than the first one. Lumiere isn’t doing anything wholly different or better than either, however.

The lemon and white lotus combination, in the early stages is nice enough. There’s nothing here that blows me away, but this is a likeable release from YSL.

It’s freshness and musk can be a nice pick me up on a warmer day. The rose and jasmine back half is fine, it’s been done a million times, we’re not breaking much new ground with this perfume.

Lumiere is pretty much a true flanker fragrance, not really going way off in the other direction versus others from the Mon Paris lineup.

Likeable at full price? Probably not. If another from the Mon Paris series is one of your signature scents, you’ll almost certainly like this one. If you didn’t care for one the others, this one isn’t likely to make you a new fan.

A pretty good perfume, with fairly average performance. Get it for a discount, if you can. Or, just skip it entirely.

Gold Knight by Kilian

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Gold Knight is a fragrance sample that I’ve had sitting in a box for many months now. I tested it out a few times, but never got around to putting my thoughts about it down. Well, I essentially forgot about it for a while, and rediscovered it more recently. How does it smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try? Find out below.

What does Gold Knight Smell Like?

Notes include: anise, vanilla, bergamot, patchouli, honey, amber

My Full Review

The aroma of Gold Knight immediately reminds me of Opium Pour Homme, with that anise note up top. Vanilla, anise, and bergamot are here (in lieu of the black currant); along with a general warm amber thickness.

However, it’s definitely not the same as that YSL. Here, it actually is a sweeter honey/amber combination. The spice of the anise is flatter in Gold Knight and it lacks much of the balsamic and smoky notes of that fragrance.

To me, this Kilian is sort of like taking Opium and blending it with Grand Soir. The amber and vanilla notes are especially prominent, as this dries down and that’s basically what that Kurkdjian perfume is.

So, opening up you get a blend of spice and sweetness, both of which are tempered by that thick amber quality. The anise is nice and paired with a delicious honey note early on. Just a hint of the citrus and the opening act is quite attractive here.

The early stages are sweet with the anise giving things a nice added kick of spice. The bergamot hangs around for a little while, but will fade.

The anise also fades, just not entirely until later. This is when Gold Knight starts to really resemble Grand Soir, which I’m not that big of a fan of. Honeyed amber and vanilla with a touch a patchouli to dirty things up…which separates Gold Knight from that perfume.

That’s pretty much what I get for the rest of the wear.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is good, but not enormous on my skin. It’s pretty steady through most of the wear and I’d call it on the upper end of moderate.

The longevity is very good, even if Gold Knight isn’t entirely beast mode. As I’ve tested it out, Gold has stayed around for at least 9 hours and can venture into double digits. Now, those last hours are basically skin scent level, but very detectable.

Seasonally, this one for the autumn and winter months. It’s warmth, spice, and thicker constitution aren’t going to be great once the heat and humidity kicks in.

Gold Knight is listed as a fragrance for men. But, it’s actually quite unisex. Opium Pour Homme had more intensity and spice, that made it masculine. This is softer and easy to wear for anybody.

During that time frame, it’s safe to wear basically anywhere. It probably won’t lend itself to most high school students, but outside of that, it’s office safe. It can venture into the nightlife and be able to draw complements and not negative attention.

Overall Impressions of Gold Knight

Overall do I like Gold Knight? I do like it, but I also don’t want a full bottle of it. I like the similarities to Opium, which I used to wear a lot, but I still think that the YSL is a better scent. Plus, the back half here isn’t all that exciting.

Pleasant, sure. But, it doesn’t really do all that much for me. If you’re a fan of this kind of vanilla and amber (honey) combination, it could for sure be one to pick up.

The opening with the mix of anise spice and balanced sweet notes is worthwhile, I wish there were more of that or something else going on thereafter to really catch my attention.

The performance is good and it provides plenty of utility, as a versatile unisex perfume.

When I think of Gold Knight, the phrase ‘it’s fine’ comes to mind. Some people will absolutely love this stuff and it is generally highly rated.

To me, it’s a slightly worse version of a scent that I really did love at one point, and another that I never fully ‘got’. Kilian has better fragrances than this, but it’s also not among their worst. For the price, I do want something beyond what Gold Knight provides.

10 Perfumes Similar to Flowerbomb

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Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb is an almost constant best seller and at some times, feels ubiquitous, as you can smell it around so often. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it does indeed have a very nice aroma, and it’s clear why it sells so well.

The thing is, there are also plenty of women, who want an alternative option, a cheaper perfume, or what have you. In this post, I want to give ten perfumes, which can compare to Flowerbomb’s smell fairly effectively.

Favorite perfumes that smell like Flowerbomb

viktor rolf review

One Option 

Gourmand White Flowers by Dossier– If you want a cheaper alternative to Flowerbomb, which seeks to come close to the original, Gourmand White Flowers from Dossier will give you the best bang for your buck.

Gourmand White Flowers is nearly identical to what you get with the V&R original. I will say, most of the time, these cheaper ‘inspired fragrances’ nail the opening act. But, the dry down can be slightly different or not as deep.

Gourmand actually gets it almost perfect and really any differences, won’t be noticeable unless you’re already super familiar with Flowerbomb. Even then, minor.

The Second Inspiration

Reborn Lust by Oakcha– Reborn Lust is the inspired interpretation of our Viktor & Rolf target perfume, by Oakcha. Oakcha has been coming out with a lot of inspired takes on the most popular fragrances and seems to have a good track record.

I haven’t tried this one out, as of yet, but came across it and wanted to add it to the list. It should provide a really close comp, based on the reviews, and at a much better price point.

To quote their ad copy: a scent that is both suggestive and irresistible. Whether you’re looking to awaken your senses or add a touch of intrigue to your evening.

Sounds about right, as to what we’re looking for. Leaving it here for those that want to try.

Ruby Orchid Alt

Floral Explosion of Orchids– The Dua Brand makes the list, but not for a direct imitation of the original Flowerbomb. Rather, it’s for their take on the flanker scent, Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid.

I don’t like it quite as much as the original, but it is still among the better releases from V&R. Peach, orchid, vanilla bean, and peach vine make up the perfume itself. Simple yet captivating.

Now, the Dua alternative will mimic what you get from Ruby Orchid pretty closely. Close to the original Flowerbomb, just with a peach note in place of the osmanthus, and it gives the scent a jammy sort of smell.

The vine gives it a slightly green aroma for a time, while the back half is focused more on the ruby orchid and vanilla bean, with the peach taking on a smaller role.

A great option for those who want something close to the original Flowerbomb, while taking things in a new direction.

Exploding Flowers

Petal Explosion by ALT Fragrances– Another Inspiration, this time from ALT Fragrances. I haven’t tried this one out either, but I have experienced a few of this brand’s other inspired takes on designer scents.

Those worked out well and struck a close chord to what they were going for. This one is another extrait de parfum strength and also vegan friendly.

As of writing, a bottle of Petal Explosion is $29.99, roughly on par with the previous two entries on the list. If this one comes close to what you get with Flowerbomb, it should be a good deal.

Similar, Inexpensive, Less Floral Notes

One Direction Between Us Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 1.7 Ounce– This perfume from One Direction is actually pretty close to the smell of Flowerbomb, maybe with slightly less flowers. Nonetheless, you get a nice blend of spice courtesy of patchouli and nutmeg.

Along with, vanilla and amber. In lieu of orchid, you get jasmine here, with a few other floral notes which aren’t too powerful. But, ultimately its a darn good impression of Flowerbomb, at a fraction of the price.

Update: This one has been discontinued for a while now. Bottles are still floating around, but they might not be as cheap anymore.

Inexpensive and Similar 

Hanae Mori Hanae Eau de Parfum spray, 3.4 Ounce– Shares plenty with Flowerbomb, in terms of floral notes and patchouli. However, Hanae Mori EDP is sweeter than the Viktor & Rolf, with its use of strawberries and other fruits.

Oh, and add a solid amount of vanilla, and you’ve got a Flowerbomb alternative with a fruity/sweet profile. This one sort of splits the difference between Flowerbomb and La Vie Est Belle.

Although, I think it is closer to what we want here. Usually, a bottle can be had in the $30-40 range, so you get a nice bargain.

The Other Similar Designer Option

La Vie Est Belle by Lancome for Women 3.4 oz L’Eau de Parfum Spray– Not really a cheaper option to Flowerbomb, but La Vie Est Belle is quite similar. This has less of the patchouli emphasis, but with a nice black currant note, along with caramel and vanilla.

Still warm, with less spice and earthiness. Fruity and clean, with enough quality and elegance to match our target perfume. I’m not sure that I prefer this one above Flowerbomb, as I definitely like the opening act in that fragrance, more so.

However, La Vie does give you a different take and can often be found for a lower price in comparison. La Vie est Belle Review


High End, In the Same Ballpark

MONTALE Vanilla Extasy Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.3 Fl Oz– Montale’s Vanilla Extasy has a similar style to Flowerbomb, while also being completely distinct from our target.

Apricot and the flower blossom are prevalent up top giving this one a fruity/vanilla aroma. This one is less floral, more vanilla, and resinous than the V&R perfume. Yet, there is still plenty of floral influence in this fragrance and it isn’t just another warm vanilla scent.

The opening act, is where it is closest to being like that of Flowerbomb. As it dries down, Vanilla Extasy starts to bring out more of its woody/resinous aromas to go along with the signature vanilla. Not the same as Flowerbomb, but is kind of like a flanker edition of it.

More Vanilla and a Sheer Fragrance

KORRES Vanilla Freesia Lychee Women’s Eau de Toilette, 1 fl. oz.– This one starts off with lychee and patchouli, and then later, moves more into the freesia and vanilla. Another example, with a weaker patchouli versus Flowerbomb, and probably a lighter perfume overall.

However, this Korres scent, does give you a nice vanilla sweetness to go along with the floral aroma of freesia. Strikes a closely related chord to the Viktor & Rolf.

Cheaper but Sweeter

Katy Perry Killer Queen Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce– You get a sweet gourmet top, with praline and fruits, mostly its berries. However, there is a light citrus aroma at the start, from bergamot.

The opening act is very berry heavy, though, not as good as the opening of our target. It does get more floral and has powdery quality along with the praline note in the base. Not an exact match, but for like $20, it’s not a bad rendition.

While this is another sweet scent, Killer Queen, adds in a solid bit of patchouli to rough things up a bit. It’s still sweet and girly, but the patchouli and jasmine, bring this Katy Perry perfume closer to Flowerbomb. Like, a more youthful and fruity sweet, version.

Coco Mademoiselle vs Mademoiselle Intense Comparison

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Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle line is insanely popular and the original EDP is still going strong after two decades. One of the flanker fragrances, that the brand released over the years is Coco Mademoiselle Intense. When in the market for one of these fragrances, the decision can often come down to which one of these you prefer. But, which one is actually better? Lasts longer? Is the one to buy?

Tale of the Tape: Coco Mademoiselle EDP vs. EDP Intense

Coco Mademoiselle

Notes include: orange, neroli, may rose, patchouli, vetiver, jasmine

Click here to try: Coco Mademoiselle

Read my full review: Coco Mademoiselle EDP

Coco Mademoiselle EDP Intense

Notes include: patchouli, amber, tonka bean, vanilla, orange, jasmine, rose, musk

Click here to try: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense Eau De Parfum Spray, 1.7 Oz 

Read my review: Coco Mademoiselle Intense

Opening

Mademoiselle EDP starts off with a strong blend of its orange citrus note, neroli, and patchouli. The opening stage is heavy on that orange, before ceding some ground to the floral heart, made up of jasmine and a bit of rose.

It’s bold and have a somewhat gourmand feeling, thanks to the pretty prevalent patchouli. 

Mademoiselle Intense also features the citrus opening, but it is toned down quite a bit. What is amped up in the composition is the patchouli and amber note coming from the base. It is a more powerful opening than even the strength of the original. 

You will also get some of the vanilla, jasmine, and tonka bean. Though, they aren’t that strong early on.

Which is better? I prefer the citrus blend of orange and neroli, in the original Mademoiselle. You still get the patchouli note, but it is a bit more balanced in comparison.

Edge: Mademoiselle

Projection

Yes, Intense does open even stronger than the original EDP version. However, it doesn’t maintain that large of a distinction for the entirety of the wear.

Both of these are perfumes with a heavier sillage than your average popular perfume. They do each mellow out some over the first few hours, but keep up the ability to project or leave a scent trail quite well.

Intense does have the edge in this category, but it’s a lot closer than you’d expect from that opening.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

Both fragrances last on my skin for over 10 hours. I don’t really notice much, if any distinction, in this category. Perhaps, Intense will get you an extra bit of time, but I haven’t really experienced that.

Again, it’s another category that you might expect some massive or at least a substantial difference, but every time with either of these Coco Mademoiselle offerings it’s basically equal.

Edge: Push

 

Versatility

Again, I don’t see a distinction between these two Chanel scents, in this category. Neither is going to be something to wear in the heat, but are fine elsewhere.

Also, that can pretty much be worn whenever…maybe not the most formal settings, but otherwise they can work.

Mostly, autumn through springtime, as a daily wear. You can wear it to school, office, casually, or even for an evening out. Very versatile perfume, which is a part of the popularity of both Mademoiselle and Intense.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

This is actually a close call, as both of these perfumes are great. Coco Mademoiselle Intense has more emphasis on the patchouli and amber aspects of the formula, with even a hint of extra rose. Though, the citrus is toned down.

It’s a bit stronger and has the same great performance as the original. However, I don’t think that it smells any better, and doesn’t bring all that much new to the table. 

Between them, I have a slight preference for the original EDP. It has the strong orange note which I enjoy and less of the patchouli which I have a lower preference for.

It’s not a huge win, and for those who want less citrus, you might consider the Intense or EDT versions versus the original. 

Or again, if you’re a bigger fan of that patchouli note. Other than that, there is a ton of overlap between these two fragrances. Most of the difference comes down to preference about how each note is weighted in the composition.

Winner: Mademoiselle