cloud

Ariana Grande Cloud vs R.E.M. Comparison

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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. 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.

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

Cloud by Ariana Grande

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Cloud from Ariana Grande has become a super popular fragrance over the past few years, due both to the singer’s own fame and the perfume’s resemblance to Baccarat Rouge 540. I’ve had various decanted samples of this in the recent past, but picked up a new one to give the scent a fresh try and a full review of its own. How does it smell? How long does it last? Does it really live up to the hype?

What does Cloud by Ariana Grande Smell Like?

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

My Full Review

Cloud starts things off with a sweetness and lively brightness, getting its lead from the prominent pear note, in the early stages. It is also joined by the lavender and bergamot citrus. The latter, isn’t too strong to my nose, at least.

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 perfume.

After 20-30 minutes, I begin to get more of the heart and base notes coming through. The musk will be stronger in the dry down, but it is also noticeable from close to the onset.

Praline and the whipped cream notes really help to bring home the Cloud moniker to the scent. Sweet and fluffy, with the coconut giving it a clean yet milky aroma.

The further on that I get from the initial spray, the perfume does become more airy, less like a thick cloud and more like fine overhang.

There is a bit of a plasticky aroma within this composition. It’s not too bad for me personally, but I know others really tend to smell that with Cloud. Just something to keep in mind.

The dry down becomes a musky lavender scent with a little woodiness and a hodgepodge of whatever sweet notes are still kicking around.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage of Cloud starts off strong. It isn’t a massive bomb of a fragrance, but the projection will hit that 6-8 feet mark, before moving closer in. Thereafter, it is a moderate perfume, but I’d for sure call it above average in totality.

In terms of how long it lasts, I generally get 5-6 hours from Cloud, on my skin. Usually, it leans more towards the six hour mark. Not an amazing marathon runner type of a perfume, but Cloud is solid enough.

Seasonally, it’s much nicer in the autumn and winter. Though, Cloud isn’t a strictly cold weather wear, but I’d probably avoid the high heat. For most places, you could easily wear this Ariana scent in the springtime.

Also, it’s not completely a teenager fragrance. Yes, teens can wear it, but it isn’t so bubblegum sweet that older women couldn’t have a bottle as well. Heck, with the lavender, it can even be somewhat unisex…definitely leans feminine.

Mostly going to be a casual daily wear. It’s light enough to be in an office or something like that, but isn’t very formal. More of a daytime fragrance, rather than a club beast. I’d call it clean/pretty before anything all that attractive or sexy.

Overall Impressions of Cloud

Overall, do I like Cloud? It’s fine. There’s aspects of it that I enjoy, but on the whole it’s just decent. Not my favorite from the Ariana Grande line and I prefer the Intense version. Though, definitely not a bad perfume by any stretch of the imagination.

I’m not too sure what the fuss it all about with this, based on the fragrance alone. It’s not as good as either of the Baccarat Rouge fragrance, but it is pretty inexpensive. In terms of relative cheapies, it can serve the purposes of a lot of people out there, so it can be a worthwhile perfume to have.

Is it a must have? Not particularly. It smells pretty good, the performance is pretty okay, and it has some mass market appeal. As a man, I don’t find it to be super sexy or anything like that, just somewhat attractive.

It does everything at least decently, but nothing quite reaches the level of outstanding.

Ariana Grande Cloud vs. Ari Comparison

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Ariana Grande has a whole line of fragrances now, but the first of the series was Ari. While it isn’t the absolute best of them, in my opinion, it still ranks pretty highly. Meanwhile, Cloud has become one of the uber-popular perfumes from the pop star, and now exceeds the original release in terms of sales. But, which one is actually better? In this post, I break it down.

Tale of the Tape: Cloud vs. Ari by Ariana Grande

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

Ari

Notes include: marshmallow, pear, orchid, grapefruit, raspberry, musk, rose, lily of the valley

Click here to try: Ariana Grande Ari Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

Read my review: Ari by Ariana Grande

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.

The opening act of Ari is mostly about the fruit notes, which are sweet, and compelling. The marshmallow note at the base, is always present, but becomes much more noticeable later on. For now, it is playing a support role for the raspberry and grapefruit.

Raspberry is the strongest aroma to my nose at first, then, grapefruit. To me, the pear will get a little bit stronger and have its moments in the light. Though, it’s not all that powerful on my skin.

Then, after 15 minutes the vanilla orchid and marshmallow play a greater role. The fruits will move into supporting those two.

Between the two, it’s actually pretty close. Personally, I prefer the opening of Ari to that of Cloud. The raspberry and grapefruit are a nice mix of fruity and sweet, without the lavender of Cloud. Though, it’s not a huge win.

Edge: Ari

Projection

Neither sillage is too heavy and they aren’t projection monsters. Interestingly, they both have that airy or fluffy marshmallow-like softness in terms of sillage. It’s a very close comparison.

Though, I think Cloud has an ever so slight edge over Ari. Cloud Intense is stronger than Ari and that’s somewhat more powerful than the original.

Is it a huge distinction? No. It might not even be completely noticeable, but Cloud takes it.

Edge: Cloud

Longevity

So, neither of this fragrances are super long lasting, nor are they complete disappointments. Just don’t expect all day wear without reapplying.

With Ari, I consistently got around 5 hours during testing. Pretty middle of the road, but useful.

Cloud, on the other hand, goes for about six. It isn’t above and beyond better than Ari, but it does have a distinct edge.

Edge: Cloud

Versatility

Seasonally, Ari probably has a better use case. Outside of the hottest days of the year, it’s fine. With Cloud, it’s best served to be worn autumn through the spring.

Neither of these is a formal fragrance, but can be used in a wide variety of circumstances.

I think that the distinction for Cloud is that it is a bit more mature. Ari is closer to a teenager or early 20s type of perfume. Cloud isn’t super mature, but the age range extends further. That gives it the edge here for me.

Edge: Cloud

Overall Scent

Cloud is a nice perfume that has gotten a lot of attention. Most of that seems to be less because of its own unique aroma and more of its association as a Baccarat Rouge like fragrance.

The early stages of this fragrance are my least favorite. The lavender needs time to settle. Though, once it has the airy sweetness of coconut, praline, and whipped cream is great. I like the fluffiness and how it gives you whiffs of it throughout the day.

It’s also a bit better than Ari with its intangibles. You get more power, longevity, and maturity. It’s got a wider use case than its competitor.

However, I think Ari smells better. Yes, you do have to probably be in the younger demographic to wear it, but that’s most of Ariana’s fragrance audience anyway.

The marshmallow and orchid in the dry down is great. I like the fruitier opening better and the overlap between these scents, doesn’t give cloud much room to take this win.

It’s super close, but just going off of smell, I’d go with Ari.

Winner: Ari

Ariana Grande Cloud vs Cloud Intense

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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 difference? 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 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.

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.

Winner: Cloud Intense