Best Perfumes for Women

4 Perfumes Similar Smelling to Thank U Next

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Thank U, Next has become a very popular release from Ariana Grande. It actually smells familiar and like other perfumes on the market, yet, it has unique points which keep it distinct.

For a good portion of people, this scent doesn’t particularly work on their skin, and has a so-called ‘pickle’ aroma.

I never got that during testing, but it seems to be a problem for some. Anyway, I wanted to present some similar alternatives to Thank U, Next that might be a better substitute.

Which perfumes smell comparable to Thank U, Next?

I haven’t found an exact match of the Ariana Grande scent, as of now. So, if you’re looking for a cheaper super close smelling perfume of it, I’m not sure it yet exists. But, I’ll update the page over time if that changes.

Even Thank U, Next 2.0 doesn’t exactly do the same thing as the original. You can read my comparison here: Thank U, Next vs. 2.0

The Closest Thing

Malibu Night by Dime– This is the best option that I’ve found so far, if you want something that smells quite a lot like Thank U, Next. The problem is, it’s not any cheaper. Basically, a lateral move.

However, Malibu Night also doesn’t smell exactly the same as the Ariana scent. So, there are a few differences.

This does have a good amount of juiciness of raspberry up top. But, the coconut will take control. Quite tropical at times, in it’s presentation, but settles down into something with more of a musky aroma.

Still has that creaminess in the finish. But, I think that Malibu Night uses it’s rose and peony notes a tad stronger than what you get with Thank U, Next. Lighter with a very nice coconut aroma, less of the pure sweetness, but still quite similar.

More Floral, Great Pear

Donna Acqua by Valentino– Donna Acqua is a great fragrance that shares some overlap with Thank U, Next in terms of its notes and overall style. The pear is what is really going to stand out, as their shared commonality.

This Valentino scent is more floral and less sweet when compared to the Ariana frag. The frangipani adds sweet creaminess (along with sandalwood), that mimics aspects of the coconut in our target scent. Plus, the almond provides an additional nuttiness, and furthers the gourmand quality.

The pear gives this the ‘Acqua’ title and it’s a pretty similar experience to Thank U. However, it is probably stronger in this one and doesn’t have to split duties with the raspberry. Donna Acqua takes on more floral characteristics as it dries down, with an additional jasmine note.

Bolder and Better for Cold

Classique Intense by JPG– This Gaultier scent has similarities that many fans of Thank U, Next should enjoy. It’s not a smell alike, but shares aspects with both Thank U, Next and 2.0.

This is a creamy and fruity white floral fragrance with tropical hints peaking through. This one is better in the colder months than the more spring/summer friendly Ariana perfume. Classique Intense is sort of an inversion of much of the Thank U, Next style.

Pomegranate like 2.0, without the sheer juicy quality of the pear note. The pear is a note that may be giving some people the odd smell or one that some simply do not enjoy. Instead, you get tiare, vanilla and orange blossom along with the rose of the original Thank U.

Powerful, sweet, and great for the winter months. Think of it as a Thank U, Next’s slightly more mature and sexy cousin.

Potential One?

Eyes on Me by Miu Miu– Now, this is a newer release and I haven’t gotten to try it yet. But, the overall structure and notes seem to really share a great deal with Thank U, Next. So, I’ll link to it and update, if and when I get to try. As of now, you may have to order it from Japan.

Raspberry, macaron, and rose. It looks like this one lacks the pear and the musk note. But, you get benzoin in the base, which actually might be an improvement. It is pricier than the Ariana Grande perfume, but who knows how much better it might be.

Just on the face of it, Eyes on Me looks like an exceedingly close match. Sans pear note, it just might work better for people, also.

Ariana Grande Cloud vs Thank U Next

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Ariana Grande’s perfume line has become super successful over the past handful of years. Not just one dominant best-seller, but multiple fan favorites have been brought to market. Two of them, are Cloud and Thank U, Next. Two fragrances that are distinct from one another, yet actually share some of the same notes.

It can be a hard decision to pick one of them versus the other. However, in this post, I will do just that. Comparing each on a head to head basis, before declaring an ultimate winner.

Tale of the Tape: Thank U, Next vs. Cloud 

Cloud

Notes include: pear, lavender, bergamot, praline, whipped cream, vanilla orchid, coconut, musk, wood

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum Spray, clear, 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Cloud by Ariana Grande

Thank U, Next

Notes include: pear, coconut water, macarons, pink rose, raspberry, musk

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Thank U, Next Perfume 3.4 oz

Read my full review: Thank U, Next

Opening

Cloud opens up with a blend of notes lead by pear, that is both sweet and bright. The lavender note makes itself known early on, but has sort of a rough finish to it. Cloud itself has a light, fluffy, and sort of airy style to it.

Later on, more of the praline, musk, and whipped cream will emerge in support of the main stars of this perfume.

Meanwhile, Thank U, starts out with that same pear note that is joined by an even juicier and delicious raspberry. Also, very sparkling with how it smells. This is paired with warm macarons and the coconut note that is also in Cloud.

Thank U, Next is a bit thicker but each has that watery sweetness provided by the coconut. Which might be slightly more noticeable in Thank U, Next.

Which is better?

For me, it’s a close call. Some people apparently get a pickle juice aroma from Thank U, on their skin, but I don’t at all.

These two do share a similar overlap, but I think I prefer the macaron note versus the lavender that presents in Cloud.

Edge: Thank U, Next

Projection

The opening act of each, hits about the same level of sillage as the other. Both Ariana Grande perfumes, are strong and project themselves well for a time after spraying.

The separation comes once each has settled. Cloud is pretty moderate, you’ll know it’s there, but it’s not consuming the room.

Thank U, Next is also moderate but closer to what could be considered strong. It’ll project itself from the skin, a few feet further, and just pack a bigger punch in general.

Edge: Thank U, Next

Longevity

On my skin, Cloud will stick around for about 6 hours. It has consistently been at this level, each time that I’ve tested it out over the years. It’s solid enough, but never reaches an elite standard.

Thank U, Next has a wider spectrum than its competitor, but is ultimately a longer lasting scent. This perfume will go 7-8.5 hours on me. It can vary, depending on the day, but it exceeds what Cloud does.

Edge: Thank U, Next

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are very versatile. Some Ariana Grande perfumes are geared more towards teenagers. These two, can definitely be appreciated by a wider age group than others in the line.

Seasonally, Cloud is better suited for the cold to moderate temperatures of autumn through early spring. Thank U, shines in the spring and summer months, but can venture into the colder weather.

Hotter days favor Thank U. Colder days favor Cloud.

Can be worn casually or out at night. Neither is super formal, probably not an office scent for most folks. They pretty much occupy the same space. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Cloud is a nice perfume. I’m personally not that high on it, but I do enjoy it to some extent. I think that its association as a BR 540 ‘clone’ has hyped it up somewhat.

Nonetheless, the experience of wear Cloud is a pleasant one. The lavender is my least favorite aspect, in the early stages. But, I really like the dry down period of light and clean sweetness. The coconut, whipped cream, and praline.

The Cloud moniker is very apt. The newer releases in the series, Cloud 2.0 and Cloud Pink are quite similar, but a bit better than the original.

Still, Thank U, Next is more enjoyable. Thank U 2.0, isn’t as good as the original.

To me, Thank U, Next is the better perfume. It smells better and performs well. I think it’s one of Ariana’s top releases. The raspberry, coconut, and pear notes are really nice. It’s semi-aquatic and has a sparkling essence.

Later, it is a musky and sweet scent. The sweetness isn’t really a distinct note and just kind of a blend. Not my favorite part of the wear, but still attractive.

If I have to choose one of these, it’s Thank U, Next. It’s not miles ahead, just far enough to create a clear separation.

Winner: Thank, U Next

11 Amazing Sandalwood Perfumes for Ladies

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Sandalwood is an extremely popular note in both men’s and women’s fragrances. It’s also huge in soaps and body washes. There’s just something about this particular wood note that just draws people in. Most of the time, it’s merely a piece of the composition, and not the overall star.

However, since people love it so much, perfumers have met the demand and created scents built around sandalwood. In this post, I want to explore some of the best options for women, who are looking for a great perfume that is highlighted by sandalwood.

Favorite Sandalwood Fragrances for Her

Before getting into the list, I want to state, that these aren’t presented in any sort of ranked order. Each of these scents, offers something different, while using the sandalwood note and still being the best to do it. There should be something here for just about every taste or style.

Sandalwood & Spice

Tom Ford Santal Blush Eau De Parfum, 1.7 Ounce– Santal Blush is smooth and low key. This is a sandalwood scent that is paired with exotic spices, that don’t overpower the composition. It’s woody, floral, spicy, and beautiful.

It opens with a full array of interesting spices, such as caraway and pepper. Then, it takes on its floral phase, with ylang-ylang. Yet, the peppery spice remains throughout and sits on top of the ever-present sandalwood…which is a bit sweet itself.

Santal Blush is pretty simple and straightforward, but a great fragrance nonetheless, to serve as a main wear or to serve as a base to pair with another perfume. Really gorgeous entry from Tom Ford.

Warm, Sweet, and Milky

Santal Massoia by Hermes– Resinous, milky, smooth, with hints of dried fruits keeping it all together. This Hermes perfume combines our sandalwood note with a similar wood, massoia.

The combination of the two along with dulce de leche, help to create a delicious creaminess to the unique woody aroma. The floral notes are there, but not distinct, more like an impression of the whole bouquet. Soft touches, not a garden.

It’s like a fresh, milky sandalwood fig aroma. The dried fruits adding some sweetness underneath. This Hermes is on the upper end of the price spectrum, though, well worth giving a try if you’re a sandalwood fan.

Bois des Iles by Chanel– This is an older Chanel perfume from back to the 1920s, Bois des Iles is a great mix of sandalwood and spices. It has some similarities to Egoiste from the men’s line, but is more of a sandalwood focused blend, with greater floral touches.

Tonka bean lends some creamy sweetness, the ylang-ylang and orris give it a floral and somewhat powdery finish, but the lead is the woods. Bois des Iles opens with aldehydes and coriander creating a spicy and fresh dynamic.

It settles down into a woodsy and amber-laden perfume, with a warmth that is great on an autumn or winter’s day.

May not be for everyone, as it does have more of a floral aroma versus the others on this list, but it is unisex and Egoiste is the more masculine alternative.

Blended Sandalwood

Samsara by Guerlain for Women – 3.3 oz EDP Spray– Feminine floral with sandalwood. Intoxicating jasmine and iris create that familiar powdery aroma with a creamy finish.

It’s been around for decades, so, there are different formulations at this point…which yield slightly different results.

Samsara still opens with it’s fruity notes of peach and citrus, leading the way, and its light floral ingredients just beginning to come through. That phase is short-lived and the flowers really take on a stronger role, with ylang-ylang, iris, rose, and jasmine being the major players.

Finally, the rest of the wear becomes sweeter and warmer, with tonka bean, vanilla, and our sandalwood note. Powdery, fresh, warm, creamy, and sweet. Beyond that, a fantastic performer, that will last for many hours.

Sandalwood and Iris

Santal Austral by Matiere Premiere– Creamy, powdery, and with a kick of benzoin in the base. Santal Austral starts things off with its velvety iris note sitting on top of the sandalwood along with almond milk…or at least that the aroma it gives off.

The base stars a tonka bean which adds to the effect, with the benzoin coming through in the latter stages.

It opens with a bit of sweetness. Then, the warmth and dryness of the remaining notes really start to come in, while it retains that iris powder. Though, that’s not an overwhelming aspect, since Santal Austral has a solid balance.

Santal and Woods

Diptyque Tam Dao Eau de Toilette-1.7 oz– Another more of a pure bred sandalwood scent. This one is definitely a woodsy/forest type of fragrance with other notes such as cedar and cypress. Has a very dry and soft aroma.

Unisex, but leans more toward the masculine end of things. Tam Dao features a light rose, in the opening, before moving to its woody rest of the wear.

The sandalwood comes off as fresh, probably due to the strong cedar and cypress combo. Plus, there is a nice amber note, which helps to warm and soothe.

Warm and Smoky 

Sensuous by Estee Lauder for Women – 3.4 Ounce EDP Spray- A sweeter take on sandalwood with a honey notes and a warm sort of smoky profile. Sensuous is one for the colder months of the year, as it really stands out in the freezing weather.

As its name suggests, Sensuous is sexier and more alluring perfume than the previous entries. It is still not a heavy scent, but one that is quite intriguing to experience with its notes of amber, black pepper, sandalwood, magnolia, and ghost lily.

Smooth Creed Sandalwood

Creed Santal Eau De Parfum Spray for Unisex, 4 Ounce– Usually thought of as a men’s fragrance but Original Santal is definitely one that falls in the unisex category. This is a scent that really grew on me, the more that I wore it.

It is sandalwood that is paired well with a slightly spicy cinnamon and smooth vanilla and tonka bean notes.  A very nice scent to wear in the wintertime, not very loud, but sweet and inviting.

I don’t really want to call it a gourmand, but the vanilla/cinnamon, do make it feel somewhat edible at times. Ultimately, the sandalwood is what this one is all about.  Read my full Review of Creed Original Santal.

Beautiful Serge Lutens Fragrance

Serge Lutens Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, Santal Majuscule, 1.7 Ounce– Simple and rather straightforward affair. Santal Majuscule has a certain darkness to it, underneath the rich sandalwood, with the bitter sweetness of unprocessed cacao.

Not for everyone, but a very interesting scent, indeed. The cacao isn’t too prevalent, after the start, and it’s more about the rose note flanking the sandalwood.

Santal Majuscule is an all-day wear, with moments of being powdered, then it feels sweeter and creamy. Very nice and popular perfume from Serge Lutens.

Greenish & Leather

Le Labo ‘Santal 33’ Eau de Parfum 0.025 oz Sample– A great performing fragrance that has a unique ‘greenish’ woodsy smell and a nice leather note to go along with it. There is a bit of spice to it, but Santal 33 can also come across as sour on some folks.

This is a fragrance that really depends on your body chemistry and the batch to see how well it turns out. The leather note gives it some uniqueness from many other sandalwood perfume options for women. It is a unisex scent.

Early one you will get more of the papyrus influence, out of the woody notes. Yet, the sandalwood is present throughout, also sharing time with cedar.

The back half is my favorite part of this perfume. Softer, muskier, and the sandalwood. With iris, leather, and amber you get a powdery and clean aroma that really highlights our target woody note. Santal 33 review

Tropical Sandalwood Vibes

Pacifica Beauty Sandalwood Spray Perfume, 1 Ounce– Sandalwood perfume that is blended with tropical citrus fruit. The orange and tangerine are most prevalent in the early stages, but the sandalwood comes out, during the dry down period.

Gives you some sweetness (especially up front), in that familiar citrus way, before coming across with a cleaner and classic fragrance vibe. A nice and affordable sandalwood option. You can usually find bottles in the $10-20 range.

As far as the cheapest options go, this one is a great option without much cost. Though, not up to the same level as the high end perfumes on this list.

Vanille de Tahiti by Perris Monte Carlo

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Vanille de Tahiti was released by Perris Monte Carlo in 2020. I received a sample as a bonus to one of my orders some time ago. I hadn’t heard of this one and actually put off trying it out for a long while. But, eventually I got around to Vanille and wanted to see what it was all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

Vanille de Tahiti Overview

Notes include: champaca, ylang-ylang, vanilla, amber, sandalwood, musk

Click here to try: Vanille de Tahiti

My Full Review

Opening minute is pretty dirty with how it comes across. Between the the ylang-ylang influence and champaca  opening, I get why people might get put off by it. That does clear out pretty fast, for me at least.

The ylang-ylang initially has its earthier aroma going for it, but then starts to take on its more banana-like scent. The champaca here, really comes across as an orange flower note, at least a few minutes in. With those two and the vanilla, there plastic/rubbery tinge to this scent.

Much more floral on the skin. Like a tropical flower smell, once that initial dirtiness wears off. The vanilla seems like one part of a triad on the skin, whereas it feels more dominant early on, when sprayed on clothes.

Actually on clothes, this has a classier Le Male vibe to it, that same fuzzy spice (sans mint/cinnamon). Strange.

Eventually, both on skin and clothes it becomes very much the same. Still, an early divergence.

More of a light champaca, ylang-ylang with a definite sweetness, vanilla, and amber especially. The vanilla isn’t pure creamy vanilla either. Leans that way with the sandalwood influence but Vanille de Tahiti does have a musky/powdery undertone throughout.

The dry down for me is a rather simple aroma of a naturalistic vanilla, amber, and sandalwood. It’s creamier at this point, still a lovely sweetness without being sickly, and this Perris perfume has a nice balance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is a moderate fragrance with how it projects with a lighter scent trail. It’s not going to necessarily reach across the room. However, in my testing of it, it does create a nice scent bubble and is noticeable for almost the entire wear.

The longevity with this one is around 7-8 hours. It’s not the most powerful scent out there, but it does stick around for a good while. It’s nothing elite, but I really wasn’t disappointed with this Perris fragrance.

Seasonally, this one is a bit too much for the height of summer, but it can fit in nicely during the rest of the year. I think it actually works better on a mild day versus the coldest days of winter.

Yes, this is a unisex scent too. Maybe the floral notes make it lean more traditionally feminine, but if you’re a vanilla fan, this can absolutely work for anyone.

Vanille de Tahiti is more of a daytime fragrance. It can be worn casually, to work, dressed up, etc. I don’t think it’d be out of place in certain nightlife situations, but it’s also not a complete club beast or anything.

If it works for your skin, this will probably get complements. Though, I’m not sure how it’s going to come across to those who have noses the really focus in on the more animalic/dirty aspects of the perfume.

Overall Impressions of Vanille de Tahiti

Overall, do I like this perfume? Yes, I actually kind of love it. I knew nothing of this fragrance when I received it, but it’s won me over.

The opening minutes almost made me doubt, but it is a beautiful scent, once I’m past that. Even still, it’s nothing all that bad.

I guess there are some people who get a dirty or toilet type of smell for a long duration. Not the case for me, it’s more just a dirty floral scent for a brief time.

That’s probably going to stop me from giving this a total buy recommendation. I’d say for sure try, if you can before you commit. It’d be disappointing to find out you’re one of those people, who it smells terrible on, after splurging on a fully bottle.

The sandalwood, vanilla, and amber dry down is awesome. With the remaining floral notes floating around, it’s very enjoyable.

Libre Le Parfum by YSL

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Libre Le Parfum was released as a flanker to the popular YSL original back in 2022. I received a few samples of it some months back and tested it out. It wasn’t one that I was particularly excited about trying, but actually came away pleasantly surprised by this perfume. How does it smell? How long does it last? Continue below for my full thoughts.

Libre Le Parfum Overview

Notes include: ginger, saffron, mandarin orange, bergamot, orange blossom, lavender, vanilla, honey, tonka bean, vetiver

Click here to try: Libre Le Parfum

My Full Review

One of the main things that I notice early on with Libre Le Parfum, is how quiet the lavender note is on my skin early. Now, come to find out that it will be more substantial later on, I do like the change of pace from others in the series.

The opening has a good dose of mandarin orange/bergamot, while not ever taking over the composition. It’s held in check by the ginger, saffron, honey, vanilla, and especially the orange blossom. That is the floral note (and note in general) that leads the way here.

Parfum is warm and cozy. The spice is potent, while we get a thick sweetness as well, in this opening act.

After a few minutes, the citrus will fade, as will some of the ginger. Here, I get a mix of saffron, and honey with the orange blossom. The other notes will be sitting underneath this as the main accord for a while.

The next phase for me is the lavender coming on strong at the expense of the orange blossom. It will be even for a little bit, but lavender quickly takes on the dominant role out of the floral notes.

With that, less saffron, ginger is pretty much gone, but you get the tonka bean in their place. So, it’s really a vanilla and honeyed aroma at this point. A sweet, honey-vanilla dipped floral fragrance.

The dry down is mostly lavender and vanilla with a touch of vetiver poking through. Not as thick, still somewhat sweet, but more of a cleaner aromatic smell at this point. Closer to what you get with Libre and Libre Intense.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Le Parfum is a heavy and thick fragrance with plenty of projection. It will leave a nice scent trail for a long time. On me, it felt a tad weaker than Libre Intense, but it is still close to being the strongest of the bunch so far.

The longevity here is fantastic. I get 10-11 hours at least, with Le Parfum sometimes venturing into the 12 hour range. I don’t think it’ll go beyond that on my skin, but this Libre flanker is no slouch.

Seasonally, due to its ingredients and how heavy of a scent it can be, this one is made for the autumn and winter months. I wouldn’t expect to be wearing this outside during the summer months or if you live in a particularly tropical climate.

Add to that, this is one that can really shine in the nightlife, during those colder months. That warmth, sweetness, and enveloping cozy aroma is great. Attractive and bold with what it brings to the table.

Maybe not the best for formal wear or work (depending on your office). Some of you will be able to pull it off in that environment. But, this is just a really nice gourmand version of Libre.

Overall Impressions of Le Parfum

Overall, do I like Libre Le Parfum? Yes, I think it is the best release of the series thus far. I used to think that was Libre Intense, but this surpasses it. Also, it is easily better than L’Absolu Platine which came out around the same timeframe.

It does everything well, so long as you enjoy this sort of heavier gourmand style. It won’t be for absolutely everyone, of course, but I think that most people would enjoy this YSL perfume.

I’d say that this one is a buy. It’s definitely one to try out and see how it works for you, at the very least.

Again, it’d be my number one pick from the Libre line. I wasn’t a big fan of the original, but this and Intense really carry the banner well.

One of the better designer releases in the past few years. It doesn’t seem to get the same attention as things like Burberry Goddess (this is better) or even the other Libre options.