Wicked: Elphaba Enchanted Eau de Parfum
People are comparing Elphaba Enchanted to several other Ariana Grande fragrances, but I actually haven't tried those. To my nose, this smells like a sweeter take on Atelier Cologne's Vanilla Insensée, or even a more powdery take on Library of Flowers' True Vanilla, but with a lovely, sugary plum woven in. The opening is an airy, sweet vanilla with a soft, fruit shimmer; the plum note is juicy, sweet, and strong at first, and then it settles into the background over the first hour. The woods read more like soft, sugared sandalwood than anything oud-heavy or darker, and the oakmoss adds a dry, elegant base that keeps the sweetness from going syrupy. The moonflower is subtle but adds a powdery floral veil that feels luminous. The overall impression is sweet vanilla + soft, dry woods + hints of plum and moonflower. Cozy, wearable, and very easy to like. About an hour into the drydown, the fragrance becomes a warm, sugary vanilla with powdery woods and a touch of cocoa - a cozy sweater gourmand. Every once in a while, I catch whiffs of tart plum, and it's lovely. It's not the most groundbreaking or avant-garde vanilla, but it's genuinely comforting and incredibly easy to reach for on days when you're not sure what to wear. It lasts about 6 hours on my skin, 8+ in my hair and on fabric, with enough sillage to garner several compliments. If you enjoy cozy, sweet vanillas with gentle fruity and floral accents and a soft wood base, this is a very pleasant, approachable option. I think it's a great value for $70 a bottle. It's a scent I don't regret paying full retail for. Read more
