Ariana Grande Cloud vs Sweet Like Candy

Cloud and Sweet Like Candy are two of the most popular perfumes from Ariana Grande’s line of scents. Cloud, I think, often gets way more attention. Not to mention, it spawned it’s own flankers Intense and Cloud Pink.

Though, if we’re going beyond the popularity, which of these two perfumes actually smells better? Which lasts longer? On this page, I am going to compare these Ariana fragrances, bring attention to their differences, and pick which one I think is better.


Tale of the Tape: Cloud vs. Sweet Like Candy 

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 review: Cloud


Sweet Like Candy

Notes include:

Click here to try: Sweet Like Candy


Opening

Cloud begins with its brightness and sweetness front and center. The lead off is highlighted by the pear note with bergamot and the lavender also coming through early. The lavender never feels all that heavy to me throughout the wear.

I get a bit of the citrus, which adds a bit more sparkle to that pear juiciness. The lavender here, has a certain roughness which takes some of the softer and fluffier qualities of this fragrance away. Still, it does retain that softer style.

With Sweet, it’s also got a pear that is put alongside it’s berry notes. The black currant has some tart aspects here too. The fruitiness is there in the opening act, but it lives up to its sweet name, beyond just fruits.

Warm with whipped cream, vanilla, and marshmallow. Obviously, plenty of overlap with Cloud. The floral notes are a separation, even if they’re not super powerful. Frangipani and jasmine are noticeable.

Which is better? Between the two, I enjoy Sweet Like Candy. The fruitiness to lead things off is better to my nose. Plus, I like the transition it makes, and it smells a bit better versus Cloud, despite their similarities.

Edge: Sweet Like Candy


Projection

I don’t really notice a difference here. At least in terms of how far they project. The sillage of Cloud is a bit lighter, but both of these are essentially moderate with their projection.

Good for an hour or so, before moving into their lighter phases. Either way, both are solid, but no particular advantage here.

Edge: Push


Longevity

Cloud has never been an amazing performer, but it’s serviceable. In my experience, it will go 5-6 hours, on skin. About six hours is what you should expect from this Ariana fragrance.

With Sweet Like Candy, it seems to last in the 7-7.5 hour range, each time that I tested it out. Maybe some people can get a bit more out of the perfume, but I didn’t.

It’s not a massive difference between them, but Sweet has a somewhat stronger performance when compared to Cloud.

Edge: Sweet Like Candy


Versatility

I don’t see too much distinction here, if any.

Seasonally, both are really nice autumn through springtime. Neither is particularly a summer wear, but there might be times in which you could apply Cloud or Sweet Like Candy during that time of year. Neither of these are all that heavy.

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 real winner here.

Edge: Push


Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I like more?

Cloud is a fine perfume. It’s never been my favorite. I’ve always thought it gets more attention because of its associations with being an alternative to BR 540.

I like it. There are parts in the dry down, where I think Cloud really shines as a scent. It becomes more distinct and a pleasure to wear. Coconut and praline, when those are front and center, tends to be my favorite stretch with this fragrance.

Though, with that said, I still like Cloud 2.0 and Pink slightly more as variations.

I still think that Sweet Like Candy is the best smelling Ariana Grande perfume. There are some others, which are close. But, this one takes the common themes from a lot of her scents and then just did a fantastic job at getting all of the elements correct.

It’s sweet without being completely cloying. Sweet gives you a playful and girly aroma, without being too juvenile, and works well in the colder weather. Not too heavy or loud and it has a good mix of sweetness, creaminess, and warmth.

For me, this is a pretty easy decision. Both are worth trying, but Sweet Like Candy just stands out more.

Winner: Sweet Like Candy

Ariana Grande Cloud vs R.E.M. Comparison

Ariana Grande has been coming out with plenty of very popular fragrances under her label. Cloud is the one that has gotten the most attention in the past few years and so will always get compared with others from the line. R.E.M. is one such perfume.

Mainly, because of the blend of sweet notes and lavender, which gives it a similar starting point to Cloud. But, which one is actually better? Lasts longer?


Tale of the Tape: Cloud vs R.E.M.

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 review: Cloud


R.E.M.

Notes include: lavender, fig, caramel, quince, musk, tonka bean, sandalwood, zefir

Click here to try: R.E.M Ariana Grande edp 100ml

Read my full review: REM by Ariana


Opening

Cloud kicks off with its brightness and sweetness on full display. The lead off is highlighted by the pear note with bergamot and the lavender peaking through early. The lavender never feels all that heavy to me.

I get a bit of the citrus, which adds a bit more sparkle to that pear juiciness. The lavender here, has a certain roughness which takes some of the softer and fluffier qualities of this fragrance away…not entirely, though.

R.E.M. also starts off with a sweetness. But, the lavender note is much more prominent from the start and the fragrance feels more substantial. Caramel, quince, and zefir give it the light gourmand touch, without being overwhelmingly sugary, and it’s actually a bit salty. Caramel is the lead.

Also, the musk from the base comes up early on and you pick up that.

Which is better? I think I prefer the start of Cloud over R.E.M. It’s not a huge difference, but the fruity notes up top really sell it for me.

Edge: Cloud


Projection

Cloud does hit a moderate range with its sillage, but for most of the wear, it is light and airy (yes, cloud-like) with how it projects. Honestly, not bad, and doesn’t feel like a complete skin scent. Just something that is lighter and not a monster.

R.E.M. is more substantial. It has a thicker aroma, better projection, and the sillage is just greater than it is with Cloud. Still, it isn’t a super heavy fragrance or one that will take over a room, with normal sprays.

In the range of moderate, probably upper end of the spectrum. Solid, but not beastly.

Edge: REM


Longevity

All the times that I have tested Cloud out, I get about six hours of wear from it. Not really any more than that and five at worst. So, 5-6 hours is about what it’s capable of and what it will probably provide.

Is R.E.M. longer lasting? For me, yes. Though, neither of these are super long lasting, just decent.

It’ll hit the 7-7.5 hour range, at its max. It doesn’t blow Cloud out in this category, but does seem to have a distinct edge.

Edge: REM


Versatility

Seasonally, Cloud is best in the autumn and winter months, but it can easily venture into the springtime. More of a casual daytime wear. Not very formal, but clean and pretty. It’s actually not a total teenager sort of fragrance. Yes, the sweetness is there, but it does have some depth of character.

R.E.M. is also an autumn through springtime wear. It can go either day or night, as well. But, I think that Cloud lightness is better in the warmer temperatures of spring. R.E.M. is a thicker sort of scent, which plays better in the cold.

R.E.M.’s use of lavender can have more of a masculine vibe. To me, it still comes off as a feminine scent, but that may be something to consider for a portion of those deciding between these two.

Cloud is a tad more versatile and takes this category.

Edge: Cloud


Overall Scent

I like Cloud well enough. Though, I’ve never been too crazy about it versus what many others seem to think of it. There are definite aspects of it that I enjoy. I don’t think it’s the nicest Ariana Grande fragrance.

The opening is nice and catching whiffs of the fluffy and sweet dry down does hold some appeal.

The performance is just okay, but the overall scent is above average to me. I just don’t like it as much as R.E.M.

Cloud is certainly the more popular perfume out of the two, I don’t think it is the better fragrance, however.

Cloud Intense and Cloud Pink are slightly better to me, than the original. Although, neither is drastically different enough to supplant my pick of R.E.M. in a head to head comparison.

R.E.M. is a lavender based perfume, more so than Cloud, so keep that in mind. I like it as it dries down, you still get the salty/sweet caramel, lavender, and a musky base. Sweet with coldness to the gourmand aroma, sort of an iced coffee effect (not necessarily the smell itself).

The performance is better and I think as a whole, R.E.M. takes this match up. It’s not way ahead of Cloud, but it is more mature and has a greater depth to it.

But, if you want a lighter and fluffier sweetness, Cloud might be the better one for you.

Winner: REM


13 Best Smelling Ariana Grande Perfumes

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.

Ariana Grande Cloud vs Cloud Intense

Cloud has become an extremely popular fragrance release from Ariana Grande. Much of that has to do with its similarities to the much more expensive Baccarat Rouge 540. So, it’s almost natural that it would get a follow up with, Cloud 2.0 Intense.

Now, this creates the decision as to which scent to get, Cloud or Intense? Which lasts longer? What’s the real difference between this perfumes? Is it worth it to pick up the new option?


Tale of the Tape: Cloud vs. Cloud Intense

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


Cloud Intense

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

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Cloud 2.0 Intense Eau De Parfum Ulta Exclusive 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review: Cloud 2.0 Intense


Opening

Cloud starts off with a bright and sparkling aroma. Pear and bergamot citrus take care of that and the pear is the stronger of the two early on.

Also, you will get the lavender note right from the start with this one. The next phase will soften things up and provide that ‘fluffy’ cloud-like aroma. Praline, coconut, and whipped cream start to appear substantially about 20 minutes into the wear.

Cloud Intense still opens up sweet and bright. Though, it feels less sparkling, and I pick up less of the pear note. What Intense is, is smoother. The lavender is stronger at first, but smoother (it will actually end up weaker in the composition in comparison, not by too much).

The ambroxan does make Intense more substantial and not as sheer as Cloud. Intense is thicker and will feature a creamier mix, during the second phase with the coconut, praline, etc.

Which is better?

I like Cloud Intense more so, at the start. The lavender is better here and I enjoy the subtle changes to the blend, like the additional ambroxan note.

Edge: Cloud Intense


Projection

I don’t find Cloud to be a complete sillage bomb. It does have a strong start and projects well enough, but it dries down to a pretty moderate projection that extends a few feet from the skin. Definitely, not weak and does a nice job.

Is Cloud Intense stronger? Yes, it has a bit of a wider radius from the skin. Maybe a few feet more, at it’s peak, but it hasn’t been crazy powerful while testing it out.

Cloud Intense gets the slight edge, though, it’s not a deciding factor.

Edge: Cloud Intense


Longevity

With the original Cloud, I can get up to around 6 hours of wear on the skin. It’s not super amazing, but it doesn’t just disappear in a few hours either.

Cloud Intense will get me an extra hour or so. It’s really not that much better with its performance than the original. The ambroxan and amped up musk, help it to hang around, but it doesn’t go on forever either.

Edge: Cloud Intense


Versatility

These two are pretty equal as to when they should be worn, as there is so much overlap. Colder to more temperate weather. Can be worn casually or out at night. Neither is super formal, probably not an office scent for most folks.

Neither is strictly for younger women either. It’s not a completely mature fragrance or something for fancy evenings out, but the Cloud series isn’t as youthful feeling as some of the other perfumes from Ariana Grande.

Edge: Push


Overall Scent

I’ve never been a huge fan of Cloud. I like it well enough, but I think there are other perfumes by Ariana Grande that are better. That being said, it is a worthwhile scent.

The opening on my skin, is kind of iffy with that lavender note. It does get better, has a sweetness and clean lightness that is entirely enjoyable. Plus, the performance is good enough for the price range.

Cloud Intense is a good deal like the original. However, after comparing them side by side and both individually, I prefer this 2.0 version.

Intense has a better opening with the lavender note. It’s smoother to my nose and not as harsh. The ambroxan note helps with that and adds and additional thickness and warmth. Still clean and bright, but with less of the pear.

Then, it’s second act is when it really shines for me. The whipped cream, coconut, and other gourmand notes get extra creamy and delightful. That’s when these two fragrances are most distinct from one another.

The final dry down is basically the same. Though, Intense is muskier with a stronger wood note, on my skin.

If I didn’t have either of these perfumes and wanted one, I’d pick Cloud Intense. But, if you already have and like Cloud, you more than likely won’t need Intense, as there is so much common ground.

Cloud Intense isn’t leagues better, but it does get the win.

Update: There’s a third Cloud release now, Pink. It is again very similar, but has plenty of differences in the early stages. I think that it is my favorite of the lot. Between these two? Still Cloud Intense.

Winner: Cloud Intense

4 Perfumes Similar Smelling to Thank U Next

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.