Honestly, if you’re a perfume person, you know the drill with celebrity scents. Usually, they’re sugar bombs. They smell like a cupcake factory exploded. But Ariana Grande Love Notes Vanilla Suede is doing something... different. It’s not just another sweet spritz to toss in a gym bag.
Launched in 2024 as part of the ambitious Lovenotes collection, this specific bottle was originally a "love letter" exclusively to the UK.
The strategy was a bit of a gamble. Instead of a global drop, Ariana released different scents for different regions. North America got Pink Woods. Europe got Angels Kiss. Australia got Pressed Petals. And the UK? They got the heavy hitter.
The Scent Profile: It’s Not Just Vanilla
People hear "Vanilla Suede" and they think of a candle from the mall. That is a mistake. This isn't a kitchen vanilla. It’s a "skin" vanilla.
Most people expect a gourmand—something you want to eat. While it has those "edible" qualities, the suede part of the name is literal in its vibe. It’s fuzzy. It’s textured. It feels like wearing a very expensive cashmere sweater that someone else’s perfume has rubbed off on.
What’s actually inside the bottle?
The breakdown of notes is surprisingly sophisticated for a pop star fragrance:
- The Top: Italian Bergamot. This is the "sparkle" you smell right when you spray it. It keeps the scent from feeling too heavy or "sticky" at the start.
- The Heart: Rice Milk and Creamy Sandalwood. This is where the magic happens. The rice milk gives it a lactonic, smooth quality. It’s the reason people say it smells "cloud-like" but more mature than her previous hit, Cloud.
- The Base: Vanilla Beans and Liquid Musks. This is the "suede" finish. It lingers. On some people, the musk turns quite salty and skin-like; on others, the sandalwood stays dominant.
Why the Regional Exclusive Caused a Meltdown
Fragrance collectors are a dedicated bunch. When it became clear that Ariana Grande Love Notes Vanilla Suede was technically locked to the UK (specifically Superdrug), the resale market went insane.
I’ve seen bottles listed on eBay for double the retail price. It’s a 125ml bottle—which is huge, by the way—so the weight makes international shipping a nightmare.
Interestingly, while it was marketed as a UK exclusive, savvy shoppers in the US started finding it at discounters like Jomashop or through specialty importers. It created this weird "forbidden fruit" aura around the scent. If you can't have it, you want it more. That's basic psychology, right?
But is it worth the hunt?
If you already own Mod Vanilla or Cloud, you might wonder if this is redundant. It’s not. Mod Vanilla is much sweeter and more "juvenile" (in a fun way). Vanilla Suede is the older sister who graduated college and moved to a city where it actually snows.
Real-World Performance: Longevity and Projection
Let’s be real: some of Ari’s past scents disappear after twenty minutes. Sweet Like Candy? Gone in a blink.
Ariana Grande Love Notes Vanilla Suede actually sticks.
Because it’s an Eau de Parfum (EDP) with those heavy base notes of musk and sandalwood, it clings to fabrics. If you spray this on a coat, you will still smell it two days later. On skin, most users report a solid 6 to 7 hours.
It doesn't scream. It’s a "nuzzle" scent. It stays within your personal bubble, which makes it perfect for the office or a date where you want someone to lean in closer to figure out what that amazing smell is.
Comparison to Niche Fragrances
There is a massive rumor in the fragrance community that this is a "dupe" for Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold.
Is it? Sorta.
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It shares that airy, metallic vanilla vibe. However, the Ariana version is much creamier because of that rice milk note. It’s less "expensive hotel lobby" and more "warm hug." It also gets compared to Billie Eilish No. 1, but without the heavy spice. It’s cleaner.
Is It Actually "Suede"?
The name is a bit of a metaphor. There is no actual "leather" note in the list. Instead, the "suede" is a feeling created by the combination of sandalwood and liquid musks. It creates a dry, velvety texture.
If you hate the smell of new shoes or leather jackets, don't worry. You won't find that here. You’ll just find a vanilla that isn't wet or syrupy. It’s a dry, powdery, sophisticated take on a note that usually feels overdone.
Where to Buy and What to Look For
If you are trying to track this down in 2026, the "exclusivity" has thinned out a bit.
- Check UK Retailers: If you have a friend in London, Superdrug is still the home base for this.
- Discount Sites: Places like Jomashop or FragranceNet often get "grey market" stock. This is perfectly legal; it just means they bought stock meant for another region and are selling it elsewhere.
- The New "Plush Vanilla": In late 2025, Ariana released Plush Vanilla at Sephora. Many people get these confused. Plush Vanilla is more of a gourmand macaron scent. Vanilla Suede is the woody, musky one. Make sure you check the label.
Actionable Tips for Using Vanilla Suede
To get the most out of this specific fragrance, stop spraying it into the air and walking through it. That’s a waste of money.
- Layer with Unscented Lotion: Vanilla notes "stick" better to hydrated skin. Apply an unscented moisturizer first, then spray.
- Target the "Warm" Spots: Spray the back of your neck and your inner elbows. These areas pulse heat and will help the rice milk and sandalwood notes bloom throughout the day.
- Check the Batch Code: If you’re buying from a reseller, use a site like CheckFresh to ensure the bottle is authentic. Fake Ariana bottles are becoming more common because of how popular the Lovenotes line became.
The bottle itself is a massive 4.25 oz (125ml) glass A-frame with a rose gold plate. It’s heavy. It feels premium. If you’re a collector, the packaging alone is a step up from the plastic "removable" bases of her earlier years.
This fragrance represents a shift. It’s the moment the Ariana Grande fragrance line grew up. It’s less about "pop star merch" and more about legitimate perfumery. Whether you’re a fan of her music or not, if you like warm, woody vanillas that don't smell like a cupcake, this is the one to find.