Ariana Grande’s Cloud doesn’t just smell like a cloud—it smells like the most expensive dessert you’ve ever dreamed of, wrapped in cashmere and floating on air. This $70 gourmand masterpiece has become the signature scent for an entire generation, and honestly? I totally get the hype.
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The Pop Princess Fragrance Empire
Let’s be real—when Ariana Grande first entered the fragrance world, nobody expected much. Celebrity perfumes have a reputation for being cheap, overly sweet, and forgettable. But Cloud, released in 2018, completely changed that narrative.
This wasn’t just another cash-grab celebrity scent. It was Ariana’s way of bottling her aesthetic—dreamy, soft, but with serious staying power. The fragrance became so popular that it spawned multiple flankers and turned skeptics into believers.
Breaking Down These Heavenly Notes
Cloud opens with a surprising twist of bergamot and juicy pear, balanced by lavender that keeps things from going too sweet too fast. It’s like the first bite of a perfect dessert—you get the brightness before the indulgence hits.
The heart is where things get seriously delicious. Creamy coconut mingles with praline and whipped cream, creating this pillowy softness that feels like floating. I gotta say, the coconut here isn’t tropical vacation vibes—it’s more like coconut cream pie at a fancy restaurant.
The base notes of musk, woody elements, and vanilla orchid ground everything beautifully. The musk adds just enough skin-like warmth to prevent the sweetness from becoming cloying, while the vanilla orchid gives it this sophisticated floral backdrop.
Who’s This Dream Scent For?
Cloud is perfect for the girl who wants to smell expensive but doesn’t want to break the bank. If you’re someone who gravitates toward cozy sweaters, aesthetic coffee shops, and believes that life should feel a little magical, this is your fragrance.
It’s designed for teens and young adults, but honestly, I’ve seen women in their 40s absolutely obsessed with this scent. The key is loving gourmand fragrances without wanting to smell like a walking cupcake.
If you’re the type who collects pretty things, loves soft textures, and wants a scent that makes people lean in closer, Cloud deserves a spot in your collection.
When and Where I’d Wear This
Cloud shines in fall and winter—those cozy months when you want to smell like comfort itself. It’s perfect for date nights, coffee shop study sessions, or any time you want to feel like you’re wrapped in the world’s softest blanket.
I wouldn’t reach for this during hot summer days; the creamy richness might feel too heavy. But for evening dinners, romantic walks, or literally any indoor event during cooler months? Chef’s kiss.
It’s also surprisingly versatile for work environments. The projection is noticeable but not overwhelming, so you won’t be “that person” who clears out the conference room with their perfume.
Packaging That Actually Matters
The bottle is genuinely adorable—shaped like an actual cloud with frosted white glass that feels substantial in your hand. The clear, rounded cap sits perfectly on top, and the whole thing looks like a piece of modern art on your vanity.
This isn’t just Instagram-worthy packaging (though it definitely is). The bottle design reinforces the entire cloud concept and makes you smile every time you use it. It’s whimsical without being childish.
How It Performs on Your Skin
Here’s where Cloud really surprised me. For a celebrity fragrance at this price point, the performance is legitimately impressive. You’re looking at 6-8 hours of wear time, with the first 2-3 hours giving you that gorgeous cloud of scent around you.
The projection is strong enough that people will compliment you, but it settles into this beautiful skin scent that lasts through a full workday. The dry down is where the magic happens—the sweetness mellows, the musk becomes more prominent, and you’re left with this sophisticated vanilla-floral blend.
Not gonna lie, I’ve gotten more compliments wearing Cloud than some fragrances that cost three times as much.
What Works (And What Doesn’t)
Pros:
- Outstanding performance for the price point
- Unique take on gourmand that feels sophisticated
- Gorgeous, Instagram-worthy packaging
- Versatile enough for day or night wear
- Compliment magnet—people will ask what you’re wearing
- Accessible luxury vibe without the luxury price tag
Cons:
- Might be too sweet for those who prefer fresh or woody scents
- Not ideal for hot weather wearing
- The popularity means you might smell like everyone else
- Limited seasonal versatility
- Some may find the gourmand aspect too dessert-like
The Cloud Family Grows
Since Cloud’s massive success, Ariana has released Cloud Intense (deeper, more powdery) and Cloud Dew (brighter, less sweet). The original remains the most popular, but if you love the concept and want variations, the flankers are worth exploring.
Cloud Intense is perfect if you want the same dreamy vibe but with more sophistication, while Cloud Dew works better for those who find the original too rich.
My Final Take
Ariana Grande’s Cloud proves that celebrity fragrances can be legitimately amazing when done right. At $70, it offers performance and sophistication that rivals boutique fragrances costing twice as much.
It’s not just a pretty bottle—it’s a well-composed gourmand that manages to be sweet without being juvenile, cozy without being boring, and accessible without feeling cheap. If you’re looking for a signature scent that makes you feel like you’re floating on air, Cloud delivers exactly that.
Whether you’re a longtime gourmand lover or someone curious about sweet fragrances, Cloud is worth the investment. Just be prepared for strangers to ask what you’re wearing—it happens more often than you’d think.