The next Thank U Next... [reviewing Thank U Next 2.0 edp, by Ariana Grande]

 Unapologetic. Playful. Optimistic.  
Introducing Thank U, Next 2.0 by Ariana Grande

"A juicy new fragrance for the NEXT chapter in your life. 

Ariana Grande’s addicting new  fragrance, Thank U, Next 2.0, opens with mouth-watering fruit, which lures you in for a playful delight. The creamy floral in the heart introduces a flirty yet elevated touch, while the dry down leaves an unforgettable impression."

A little while ago, I had a Superdrug gift card and when I couldn't find anything else that I wanted/needed, I decided to give the latest Ariana Grande fragrance release a shot. I know, I know. Most of the releases under her name have underwhelmed me, but one never knows when another gem like Cloud or R E.M. will pop up.

Let's get ready to explore the layers of Thank U Next 2.0...

Thank U Next 2.0 has a delightful opening; strawberries & whipped cream, with a sprinkling of apple and pear. I don't get any pomegranate- definitely is more pear-like to my nose.  The strawberry note seems especially authentic & juicy.

From the cheerful opening, we soon take a trip back to the pom-pom bottle era.

I find that I can't separate much in the way of floral notes from the existing fruit & cream mix, as the well-known marshmallow accord develops with them and [like with the pom-pom fragrances] takes the spotlight - there's just the overly familiar powdery background to the fruits and vanilla, so I'll place a safe bet and suggest that there's some orange blossom, rose and/or orris here, alongside the jasmine and orchid. Sometimes I also pick up on something nutty in the background too.

Lingering jasmine and fresh musk prevent the sandalwood, marshmallow and cream base from becoming overwhelmingly confectionery-like. Don't get me wrong, it is a sweet and edible mix, but not as cloying & sugary compared to some of the earlier releases.  

The longevity and aura still aren't anything impressive, but after the performance of the last Ariana Grande fragrance I'm relieved by it; I vet up to six hours wear-time on average, although it does go close to the skin after three hours.

Official scent notes: Apple, strawberry cream, pomegranate, white orchid, jasmine petals, whipped marshmallow, musks, and sandalwood.

Thank U Next 2.0 is more unique than the original Thank U Next, which is just Ari with a few drops of coconut added - so in that regard, 2.0 is a major upgrade since it isn't as much of a lazy effort. Having said that, Thank U Next 2.0 still isn't wildly unique, though I understand & appreciate the inspiration that has most likely happened for this release; Thank U Next 2.0 uses key scent notes from the earlier releases from the fragrance line, mixed with new ones, to show how past events contribute to your personal growth. The original Thank U Next may have been going for this kind of story too, but that ended up seeming like the perfume developer ran out of time whilst trying to come up with something, so they just grabbed Ari's blueprint & scribbled coconut on the bottom...

I shouldn't care much for this paint-by-numbers utterly generic release, but the charming fruit & cream opening for Thank U Next 2.0 has sucked me in. Cloud and R.E M. are in no danger of being knocked off my favourites list, as they are both energetic and unique, but I do like this - there's something nostalgic here that ìs calling to me. If you are a fan of the listed key scent notes, or of the Ariana Grande collection, then you'll definitely enjoy the trip down memory line

Thank U Next 2.0 is exclusive to Superdrug, and [so far] is only available in 30ml bottles for £30.