Perfume Reviews

Cloud Aurora by Ariana Grande

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Cloud Aurora was released in 2026, as the newest addition to the long-running Cloud perfume lineup from Ariana Grande. I recently tested out Aurora, so, let’s do a full review of this scent and how it compares to the others.

 

Cloud Aurora Breakdown

Notes include: spun sugar, blackcurrant, musk, vanilla glazed petals, sandalwood, amber, vanilla smoke, blonde woods

Click here to try: Cloud Aurora at Sephora

Ariana Grande Cloud Aurora bottle.

My Full Review

Here’s how the perfume is described: Luminous. Magical. Hopeful. Where light meets wonder. Ariana Grande Cloud Aurora is a dreamlike fragrance inspired by moments of magic and endless possibility.

I tested this fragrance out in store. As such this will be a one-time wear review, if and until I do an update. 4 sprays on the skin and I also sprayed a blotter test strip to see how it develops.

Aurora opens up with blackcurrant and the sugary spun vanilla (cotton candy) note taking the lead. Right away, I noticed that the muskiness is toned down in this version of Cloud, and the series’ praline note is noticeably absent.

Blackcurrant isn’t allowed to be too sharp in the mix, tempered by the sweetness and fluffiness of the vanilla notes. I saw some people comparing it to strawberry, which I can kind of get, but not entirely.

There are multiple vanilla notes in this one. Obviously, to this point, we’ve already gotten the fluffy cotton candy one. The rest of it smells like a more generic vanilla and some vague light smokiness once the top has started to burn off.

As this scent moves into the middle, the fluff begins to fade and this is a fruitier vanilla fragrance with wood and amber. It’s also a bit powdery at this point. I didn’t think it overwhelmed the composition, I did notice it. 

The sandalwood note that is apparently here doesn’t come across to my nose as distinct, just an impression of woods.

It’s nice. I like when this moves out of the opening, the scent is better at this point in the wear.

The tail end of this is a sweetish vanilla wood with amber. On the paper, there is also the musk note peaking through. I couldn’t detect it on my skin, however.

Blackcurrant isn’t completely distinguishable, just sort of a fruitiness sitting in the middle of that vanilla. 

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Comparing this one to my bottle of Cloud Pink, Aurora certainly doesn’t have the same density or ability to project itself. Actually, after coming back to it after all of this time, Pink felt quite powerful.

Aurora? It’s solid, not a complete beast, but it was very noticeable during the wear and has a strong start to it. It is lighter versus the others in the series while not being weak. 

Cloud Aurora lasted somewhere around 7 hours for me during this one test. Not strong in those last 2-3, but it is there. Don’t expect a powerhouse.

The other Cloud’s are somewhere in that range. For instance, Cloud Pink will go 5-8 hours on skin, depending on the day. I would expect that this fragrance is similar in that manner. 

Not as heavy as the others, but sticks around about the same.

Seasonally, this one is probably best served in the more moderate temperatures of autumn and spring. It’s fine when it’s chilly out or even a bit warm, but it’d probably melt in the extreme heat. Go with something else during the daytime in summer.

This is more of a casual or a daily wear scent for some. Cloud Aurora does skew younger, but I don’t think it’s any different in that regard to other Ariana Grande perfumes. If you wore the other Cloud’s you can wear this. 

cloud aurora bottle

Overall Impressions of Cloud Aurora

Overall, do I like Cloud Aurora? Yes, it might be my favorite of the Cloud line thus far. At least, that’s the way I’m leaning. It’s not super complex or a great perfume, but it is a change of pace from the series and does smell good.

I’d have to wear it a few more times to confirm my feelings about it. Though, generally positive. It smells similar to other non-Cloud fragrances that I cannot currently remember, but it does feel familiar. 

For me, I like the toned down musk in comparison to the other Cloud scents, which often could feel like just another BR540 impression. Aurora has a enjoyable use of the blackcurrant note, which hung around for me for almost the entire wear. 

Funny enough, the blackcurrant really what that I picked up on the blotter paper that I sprayed it on, a day later. Very different from the sweet musk/amberwood aroma of Cloud Pink that I sprayed on a t-shirt. 

The middle and the dry down are my favorite parts to this one. The opening is okay.

Now, will everyone like this? I don’t think anyone will really be offended by this perfume, but you also might find it kind of basic. It’s smooth, sweet, fruity, and various facets of vanilla. Well blended, not too sugary (outside of the opening, which isn’t crazy) or cloying, but with an attractive and enjoyable scent.

If you’ve liked the other Ariana Grande fragrances, you’ll almost certainly like this one. It’s a safe blind buy and solid performer all around. Kind of synthetic smelling at times, just like most of the others are too.

Not a must have, if it sounds interesting to you, try it out.

Liaisons Dangereuses (typical me) by Kilian

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Liaisons Dangereuses, typical me is one of the earlier releases from Kilian and still among the most popular from the brand. They still produce it, over a decade later, so it can’t be too shabby.

Actually, this has always been among my favorites from the fruity/floral offerings. Since I’m making my way through reviewing the By Kilian perfumes, I also grabbed a sample of this to give my updated take of Liaisons Dangereuses.

Quick Overview

Liaisons Dangereuses (Typical Me) is a fresh, fruity-floral fragrance built around peach, blackcurrant, plum, and rose. The opening is the highlight, with peach and blackcurrant doing most of the work while rose adds a jammy floral layer without taking over.

As it develops, the blackcurrant fades and the scent becomes more centered on peach, rose, vanilla, and sandalwood. The dry down stays fruity, lightly creamy, and woodsy, with enough mossy freshness to keep the sweetness from becoming too heavy or cloying.

Overall, this is one of the better fruity-floral releases from Kilian and a particularly strong option if you enjoy peach-based perfumes. It is not especially complex or completely unique, but the balance, versatility, and attractive fruit-rose profile make it an easy fragrance to recommend.

🍑 Liaisons Dangereuses (Typical Me) by Kilian — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fruity Floral Woody
Key Notes Peach, Blackcurrant, Plum, Rose, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ambrette, Moss
Season Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Occasion Office, Casual Wear, Daily Wear, Dates, Night Out, Social Events
Longevity Around 8 hours, give or take
Sillage Moderate — consistently noticeable without becoming loud or overpowering
Rating ★★★★☆ 7.9 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresh and juicy fruity-floral built around peach, blackcurrant, plum, and rose, with vanilla and sandalwood adding creaminess later in the wear. The peach-heavy opening is the standout, while the dry down becomes softer, woodier, and slightly musky. Projection is moderate and longevity is around eight hours. Not especially complex, but attractive, versatile, and one of the stronger peach-focused fragrances from Kilian.

What does Liaisons Dangereuses Smell Like?

Notes include: plum, rose, sandalwood, blackcurrant, ambrette, vanilla, moss, peach

Click here to try: Kilian Liaisons Dangereuses 1.7 Oz. Edp Spray Refill

My Full Review

Let’s see how By Kilian describes this scent: A secret love affair begins innocently enough with jammy rose essence and juicy plum accord in Liaisons dangereuses, typical me.

I know that the plum note is what is featured by the brand as the main note up top. However, it has always been about the peach for me and many others. Really, coming back to Liaisons Dangereuses the peach and blackcurrant notes are the most prominent in the opening act.

It is a sweet and juicy accord, sitting on top of a fresh rose note, and perhaps a touch of moss coming from the base. Kilian calls it a jammy rose and I totally get that. There is plum floating around in here, but on me, I really don’t get all that much. Again, it’s peachy.

What I like about this perfume is how it isn’t a heavy and thick sweetness. There is a fresh, clean, and crisp vibe throughout the wear. The moss and perhaps some geranium, really do a nice job preventing it from becoming an overwhelming cloying mess.

As we transition forward, the blackcurrant fades away and it becomes a peach and rose blend. This is joined by some creaminess of vanilla and sandalwood. At this stage, the tart plum note is somewhat more noticeable, but still not dominant in the composition.

The final dry down, has the rose lose some of its steam. It feels like a fruity, fresh woodsy, and slightly creamy blend. No one note stands out that much, aside from that peachy fruit aroma. It doesn’t throw any curveballs and isn’t a very complex wear…just very enjoyable to me.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, it’s pretty middle of the road. Not weak, but don’t expect Liaisons to project like a monster. I do notice it’s presence throughout the entirety of the wear, but it isn’t ‘in your face’ about it.

The longevity is pretty good, just not outstanding. Right around 8 hours, give or take. I don’t notice it sticking around for double digit hours, but it can usually do about a standard workday without much issue. Nice performance, just not top tier by any stretch.

Seasonally, Liaisons Dangereuses can actually work quite well in any season or climate. Weakest in the winter, but it wouldn’t feel wholly out of place there either. It is unisex to an extent, by definitely leans feminine. I doubt most guys would want to wear this one.

 

One of the strengths of this scent is its versatility. It can be worn in a wide variety of situations. It’s not really a formal scent or club beast. However, it can be worn on a night out, as well as to the office.

The name makes it sound more like a seductive or sexy perfume. On some level, it is. I mean, I find it attractive, but I wouldn’t call it a ‘bombshell’.

Overall Impressions of Liaisons Dangereuses

Do I like this perfume? Absolutely. It is one of my favorites for women from the line of Kilian scents. Maybe not the most complex, but as a peach based perfume it is awesome. Smells attractive, plenty versatile, and performs well enough.

The opening is a blend of fruity notes and is probably the aspect that I enjoy the most. The rose is just present enough, but doesn’t steal the show from the peach, blackcurrant, and plum trio.

The latter stages are a blend of peach and rose with fresh and creamy notes duking it out in the base. Also, a very slight spice at times.

Is this one worth a buy? I think so. Provided that you want a peachy/plum rose fragrance or a nice fruity/floral. It isn’t completely unique, there are other perfumes that go this route, but I think Dangereuses distinguishes itself enough.

There’s nothing bad about this perfume. It’s safe and versatile. If it sounds like something right up your alley, give this Kilian scent a try.

Un Jardin Apres la Mousson by Hermes

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Hermes’ Jardin line is one that I’m currently doing my write-ups on, after having tested them out. Today’s perfume is the release, Un Jardin Apres la Mousson (A Garden After the Monsoon). How does this one smell? When should it be worn? Is it worth a try?

Quick Overview

Un Jardin Après la Mousson is a light, airy fragrance built around ginger, cardamom, coriander, pepper, watery notes, and vetiver.

The opening is the most interesting stage, combining warm spices with a cool rainy freshness and light citrus that gives it the impression of a humid garden after a storm.

As it develops, the sharper spice settles down and ginger, soft florals, green vegetal notes, and the aquatic base become more prominent. Later, the fragrance gets drier and earthier as vetiver strengthens, though the overall development stays fairly simple.

You can also try the ‘inspired by’ fragrance Anticipation by Dua, if you want something inexpensive.

What does Un Jardin Apres la Mousson Smell Like?

Notes include: ginger, ginger flower, cardamom, coriander, vetiver, pepper, citrus, water

Click here to try: Un Jardin Apres la Mousson

jardin mousson review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: Un Jardin après la Mousson explores unexpected aspects of India, when the monsoon gives back what the sun has taken from the earth, and drives away the scorching breath of drought.

The opening of Mousson is an interesting blend of warmth and aquatic coolness. It does really capture that rainy aftermath, where the sun is out, but you have somewhat of a break from the heat…but not necessarily to humidity.

The citrus top is light, much like a flavored water than a distinct solo lemon or orange note. This is joined by the suite of spicy notes: pepper, cardamom, coriander, and the headlining ginger.

The pepper and coriander do give it an initial sharp spiciness, that will become more subtle and really a fresh aromatic.

Once this stage has cleared, the heart is where you get much of the garden aspect of this scent. Ginger, floral notes, and a greenish quality with that rainy aquatic base.

The only real change is that it becomes less watery and get a drier aroma, with some added vetiver strength. This Hermes scent is pretty simple in its development.

Spices, watery notes, earthiness/floral, with an underlying sweetness throughout.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Mousson definitely leans more towards the lighter side of things. With a decent amount of sprays, you’ll get an airy scent trail for about 2 hours or so.

The projection is like 4-6 feet, at its peak. Don’t go into this thinking that you’re going to get a powerhouse, that’s not this scent.

The longevity is about 5-6.5 hours, also. The back half of that is going to be a skin scent, that you’ll catch whiffs of throughout that 3 hour or so span. Then, it’ll fade away.

Seasonally, this is a spring and summer fragrance. I would want moderate temperatures at least to wear Mousson, but more of a warm weather fragrance for me.

This is indeed unisex. I don’t think that it strays too feminine, but it’d lean more that way than something traditionally masculine, in my opinion. But, it’s a safe one for anybody to use.

Casual to semi-formal wear during the daytime. It’s a fresh and invigorating sort of aroma. Not sexy. Not something built for the nightlife or romantic occasions. Just something that can be pleasant to put on for the right person.

Overall Impressions of Un Jardin Apres la Mousson

Overall, do I like Apres la Mousson? It’s fairly enjoyable, but not something I really want to wear often, nor is it my favorite from this series. I’m partial to the Monsieur Li fragrance, myself.

While I like ginger a lot as a note, it’s usually in more of a support role versus the main attraction.

I like the concept and like the other Jardin perfumes, I think that it nails a fairly naturalistic smelling impression of an Indian garden after a monsoon has ripped through. Not that I’ve encountered that personally, but on the level of imagination…this gives that impression.

The mix of water, spices, and vegetal aromas is intriguing. I think that it is worth a try. Personally, I like the opening act where the spices and watery aspect are most pronounced.

The performance is okay, in terms of longevity. However, this is more of a lighter and airy fragrance, so don’t expect much of a long lasting sillage.

If you like these Hermes scent, check Apres La Mousson out. It’s a good perfume, that may speak to you more than it did for me. As an alternative to this, try the ‘inspired by’ fragrance: Anticipation by Dua,

Voce Viva Intensa by Valentino

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Voce Viva is a fairly popular release from Valentino, even if it was one which seems to get mixed reviews from those who have tried it. Either way, it was successful enough for the designer to follow it up with 2021’s, Voce Viva Intensa.

I got a sample sprayer of the perfume with one of my orders a few months back and have tested it out for a full review. How does it smell? How long does it last? Is it worth a try?

Quick Overview

Voce Viva Intensa is a smoother, richer variation of the original Voce Viva, built around orange blossom, vanilla, jasmine, and citrus. The opening keeps the same general citrus character, but removes the ginger kick and puts orange blossom front and center from the beginning.

As the citrus fades, the fragrance becomes increasingly vanilla-heavy, with jasmine adding a softer white-floral layer.

The final dry down is mostly vanilla, generic white florals, and a touch of moss, making the scent sweeter and creamier than the original without changing the formula too dramatically.

🌸 Voce Viva Intensa by Valentino — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Sweet White Floral Vanilla
Key Notes Orange Blossom, Bourbon Vanilla, Jasmine, Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Crystal Moss
Season Fall, Winter, Spring, Cooler Weather
Occasion Daily Wear, Work, Casual Wear, Evening Wear, Social Events
Longevity Around 8–9.5 hours, usually closer to 8 hours
Sillage Above average — upper-moderate projection with a noticeable scent trail
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.0 / 10
Quick Verdict A smooth and sweet white-floral fragrance centered on orange blossom, Bourbon vanilla, jasmine, and citrus. It stays close to the original Voce Viva but removes the ginger and amplifies the vanilla and orange blossom for a richer, cleaner profile. Performance is strong at around 8–9.5 hours with above-average projection. Not especially unique, but an attractive and well-executed cold-weather designer perfume.

What does Voce Viva Intensa Smell Like?

Notes include: bergamot, mandarin orange, jasmine, Bourbon vanilla, orange blossom, Crystal moss

Click here to try: Voce Viva Intensa

voce viva intense review

My Full Review

Before I get into my own thoughts about this fragrance, let’s see how Valentino describes it: A feminine, opulent bouquet of Orange Blossom amplified by Jasmin Absolute, twisted with addictive Crystal Moss and intensified with Bourbon Vanilla. VOCE VIVA INTENSA Eau de Parfum celebrates the sound of your voice in the scent of your fragrance.

Immediately upon spraying, I can tell that this is going to be a flanker of Voce Viva that sticks close to the original, and doesn’t completely change everything like some designers do.

It opens up with the same citrus accord as the original. But, I think the opening here comes across as smoother and more refined. The original had a ginger kick, that Intensa does not.

Also, the orange blossom is dominant from the get go. On my skin, the original Voce Viva started strong with the orange blossom and then shifted to gardenia. With Intensa, the orange blossom will reign supreme for most of the duration (until vanilla takes it over).

Yes, there is a jasmine here, just its role isn’t to the same degree as the gardenia in the previous version.

Once the citrus tones down, you will get a very vanilla soaked orange blossom aroma. It’s clean and enjoyable, with a sweetish finish. This stage is actually when I get the most jasmine from this Valentino scent.

The final dry down is vanilla, with less of a distinct orange blossom (more of a generic white floral smell), with some moss in the base.

Voce Viva Intensa doesn’t have the same level of moss or muskiness for that matter. The vanilla and orange blossom get amped up. Close to the original, but retains a distinction from that fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, this one starts off pretty strong and has a higher peak than the original Voce Viva. On the whole, it’s certainly above average with how it projects off of the skin and leaves a scent trail in your wake.

However, it’s not super heavy or powerful. Solid, better than its predecessor, and on the upper end of what could be considered moderate. Capable of being over-sprayed, but fine with normal application.

The longevity is also a bit better. I get 8-9.5 hours with this on my skin. Usually, more towards the 8 hour end of things, but I did get a full 9.5 during one testing run. For a mass appealing designer wear, Voce Viva Intensa is pretty darn good.

This one is also best in the autumn or winter months, while being able to venture into the springtime. In that respect, it’s exactly like the original. I’d still avoid the heat and humidity of late spring and summer with this.

I still don’t consider this one to be particularly sexy. However, I think that it is more attractive and has a slightly better use case for evening wear versus the original. Both of them lean more toward being daily wears, but this has somewhat more appeal.

Overall Impressions of Voce Viva Intensa

Overall, do I like Voce Viva Intensa? I do. I think that I enjoyed the original more than a lot of others seemed to. I also think that Intensa is a slightly better version of this formula.

It’s not far and away better, but I like its smoothness, and taking out of the gardenia in exchange for a lighter jasmine playing a supporting role.

The vanilla and orange blossom are great together. No, it’s not really all that unique, but it is an effective and attractive pairing. The spice is pretty much absent and I don’t get the same muskiness in the latter stages.

The performance is also better than the original. Not by much, but you will get another 1-2 hours of wear and a more powerful scent trail developing. Both versions are quite good with how they perform, anyhow.

This is a really good release from Valentino. Expect a white floral fragrance, with heavy orange blossom influence, and a lot of vanilla. If that doesn’t sound appealing, I’d go elsewhere. If it does, this is a perfume to check out.

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil by Hermes

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Hermes’ Jardin series of fragrances has been pretty popular and one which I have enjoyed from time to time. I’m coming back to them, in order to give these perfumes proper full reviews.

Today’s entry is Un Jardin Sur Le Nil, one of the favorites of the line. How does it smell? Does it last? Is it actually worth a try?

Quick Overview

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is a hyper-fresh, green fragrance that opens with green mango, grapefruit, tomato leaf, and lotus. The first stage has a sharp tropical-citrus quality mixed with watery and vegetal notes, giving it a distinctive naturalistic feel.

As it develops, the mango and tomato leaf fade while hyacinth, iris, musk, sycamore, and citrus become more noticeable. The dry down is cleaner, more floral, and slightly powdery, while still keeping some of the airy aquatic character from the opening.

Overall, Un Jardin Sur Le Nil is one of the more interesting fragrances in the Hermès Jardin line, with plenty of movement between fruity, vegetal, floral, musky, and powdery stages.

You might also try the ‘inspired by’ alternative fragrance: Complexity of Citrus by Dua

🌿 Un Jardin Sur Le Nil by Hermès — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Green Floral Aquatic
Key Notes Green Mango, Grapefruit, Tomato Leaf, Lotus, Hyacinth, Iris, Sycamore, Musk, Incense
Season Spring, Summer, Warm Weather
Occasion Daytime, Casual Wear, Outdoor Wear, Work, Semi-Formal Occasions
Longevity Around 6–7.5 hours
Sillage Strong early projection reaching about 7 feet, then settles to a moderate level
Rating ★★★★☆ 8.0 / 10
Quick Verdict A hyper-fresh green fragrance that moves from mango, grapefruit, tomato leaf, and lotus into a cleaner floral-musky dry down with hyacinth, iris, and sycamore. It is bright, naturalistic, and more complex than a typical fresh scent. Performance is solid rather than exceptional, with strong early projection and 6–7.5 hours of longevity. Best for spring and summer daytime wear, especially for anyone who enjoys sharp citrus and vegetal notes.

What does Un Jardin Sur Le Nil Smell Like?

Notes include: green mango, lotus, sycamore, tomato leaf, incense, hyacinth, musk, grapefruit, calamus, and more

Click here to try: Un Jardin Sur Le Nil

sur le nil review

My Full Review

Here’s how Hermes describes it: A perfume of life and light, sparkling and generous, where the scents of green mango, lotus, flowers and aromatic rushes mingle with incense and sycamore wood. For Men and women alike.

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil starts off sharp, fresh, yet with a greenish/vegetal aroma. The mango and grapefruit are dominant on first contact with the skin. Tropical and then a layer of citrus, which will reverse when the grapefruit takes over for the fading mango.

It’s interesting to have those fruit notes blended with a mix of earthy and aquatic smelling notes wafting from the heart and base. Tomato leaf is a big player here, along with the lotus, which is the strongest floral note at first.

‘A garden on the Nile’ is what the name translates to and like the others in this Hermes series, it does indeed capture what that might smell like.

As the mango takes a step back, this one gets earthier and more floral. It’s more of a cycle of the floral notes. Early lotus, then hyacinth giving it a slightly sweet green feeling, and then its a bit powdery in the dry down with iris.

It’s still clean and somewhat aquatic, but a lot of the green vegetal aroma will pass. Less tomato leaf, lotus, and the mango.

More of a citrus floral, musk, sycamore, and maybe a touch of incense. Not really something that I pick up a lot of.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one actually has some nice strength early on. The projection off of the skin will extend to maybe 7 feet after spraying. It has a good scent trail with its super fresh cleanliness.

After that, it moderates quite a bit. For much of the wear, I would expect about half of the distance of the peak.

On the skin, it will go for 6-7.5 hours. It’s pretty decent for me, just not amazing or anything that’s going to really shock you with the performance. Not terrible, though.

Seasonally, this is spring and summer all the way. This is one that begs to be worn in the daytime, particularly outdoors in the sunshine. The naturalistic notes ae a joy in the light breeze, which I got to experience coming back and testing this one.

This is a fresh and casual wear. Maybe semi-formal. Not a nightlife or sexy wear. It just smells good and may gather some complements, but won’t be a total attention grabber.

This is technically unisex, but this is definitely more feminine leaning with how it comes across. Though, not entirely so.

Overall Impressions of Un Jardin Sur Le Nil

Overall, do I like Un Jardin Sur Le Nil? Yes, it is one of my favorites from the series, and one of the better Hermes fragrances for women (even if it’s listed unisex).

I do like the green mango note. The complexity and how many different smells that you encounter throughout the duration. Hyper-fresh, yes. Powdery, sure. Vegetal, you bet. And on  it goes.

Personally, though, I prefer Le Jardin de Monsieur Li versus this one…but that just may be only me who’s in that camp.

This one can come across as quite sharp, clean, musky, and a lot of citrus (especially early on). For some, that may be something that turns them off completely from Sur Le Nil. For others, it will scream springtime and be something that they cannot do without. (Complexity of Citrus is a good cheaper alternative perfume to this one)

It is an interesting fragrance for sure, with plenty going for it. I wouldn’t say that it is a must have for everyone, but it is a perfume that you should check out if the Jardin series is of interest to you.