Cirque du Soleil: Eau de Parfum

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle the scent of a fairground at golden hour, Cirque du Soleil gets pretty close. This is a full-bodied gourmand with the unmistakable aroma of buttery popcorn and glossy candied apples, all swirled in a blanket of creamy vanilla. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and surprisingly refined. It is comfort food in fragrance form, dressed up with a touch of elegance.

The Scent

Underneath the edible top there’s a smooth base of amber and woods, like a sturdy wooden table beneath a pile of sugar-dusted treats. It adds just enough warmth and structure to stop the scent from becoming sticky or one-note. The result is a perfume that feels cosy, like wrapping yourself in a soft blanket with dessert on your lap. And yes, it will make you hungry.

That said, it doesn’t feel like uncharted territory. There are plenty of perfumes already playing in this same sweet, indulgent space. Cirque du Soleil is like the perfectly made crème brûlée at a restaurant chain, you enjoy every bite, but you’ve had something very similar before. It’s gourmand by the book: comforting, polished, and professionally done, but without any real risk-taking.

Who is this for?

This is for the gourmand lover who wants something indulgent but still refined. If your collection is light on dessert-style scents and you’re after something fun but not juvenile, this is a perfect pick. However, seasoned collectors with a shelf full of edible fragrances may find it a touch predictable.

Final thoughts

If you’re new to gourmands or just want a playful, well-balanced scent that still feels grown up, this is a great place to start. The execution is spot on. But if your collection already includes a few dessert-inspired fragrances, you may find this one a bit too familiar.

Star Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 / 5)

Review disclosure

Based on on-skin wear + paper tests from a 1ml sample bought from Small Aromas decant service.