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Britney Spears – Curious: Overview, Smell, Notes & More!

The name alone evokes different emotions in different people.

Whether you love her or not, she’s managed to build one of the most prominent celebrity fragrances.

This was her first perfume, and for many fans, it’s been surpassed by a good number of the other 30+ releases (most notably, the Fantasy line).

No matter your stance on the subject, it still deserves recognition for its modern-day relevance and original influence. 

Curious By Britney Spears: Overview

  • Brand: Britney Spears
  • Fragrance: Curious
  • Release: 2004
  • Gender: Women
  • Perfumer: Claude Dir

Fragrance Notes

  • Top Notes: Magnolia, Pear, Lotus Flower
  • Heart Notes: Jasmine, Tuberose, Pink Cyclamen
  • Base Notes: Musk, Vanilla, White Wood, Sandalwood

What Does It Smell Like?

A beautiful scent, it’s sweet from the offset and carries an energizing vibe to it.

A crisp, sunny day is exactly what the opening smells like.

The first spray has an almost effervescent nature (because of magnolia) and while the perfume is not known for its sweetness, this top does provide a sweet, cotton candy‐like structure around the floral composition.

The heart is what gives it a fresh, aquatic smell.

It follows through with a light, tropical scent and finishes off with a woody base that is complemented by warm vanilla. 

This all brings together a breezy, sensual scent that is sure to take you back to when you were a little girl.

How Long Does It Last For?

Despite being an eau de parfum, it has a shorter lasting power compared to scents like Juicy Couture or other Britney Spears perfumes (e.g. Midnight Fantasy).

The longest it can last on the skin is about four‐five hours on average, similar to Private Show (2016).

While this can be seen as a disadvantage, it’s also advantageous in that it doesn’t lose its richness.

This is not to say that it leaves behind an intense trail; quite the contrary, as the sillage falls between subtle to moderate.

What it does mean is that although the perfume has a light structure, it’s still prominent enough not to fade away too quickly.

The beauty of it is that you can also wear it on your clothes and hair – its fresh structure making it suitable on the hair when diluted.

When Should You Wear It?

Despite being an everyday scent, the humidity and temperature of spring and summer are the most suitable.

It should be worn during the day as the bright features might make it feel a bit awkward during the evenings. 

More relaxing scents are suitable for the night.

Where Should You Wear It?

It’s been said that the fragrance can be worn at official events, but with its youthful, girly features in line with its target audience (teens and young adults), it maybe shouldn’t be your first choice.

Casual events are more well suited to its sunny, feminine vibe.

You’re sure to get compliments at picnics, lunch dates, and get-togethers. 

If wearing it at night is an absolute must, an activity-based date will suit you best.

Presentation and Value For Money

As the name suggests, this fragrance is for the fun, sexy woman who can stand on her own and is not afraid of taking risks – one of the major reasons why it proved an instant hit with the younger generations.

Although hard to find in department stores, legit sellers sell a 100ml (3.3oz) bottle for $30 to around $60.

This is great value for money if it’s going to be your first bottle. 

The packaging is unique and while the bottles have aroused mixed emotions over the years, they shouldn’t stain its reputation as a great gift to those who love Curious.

The Bottom Line

It might not be the best of the bunch, but the whole brand wouldn’t have existed without a bottle of this classic.

You might have been a baby when it was released, so next time you go perfume shopping, give it a try and judge for yourself. 

You might be surprised by the results!

Perfumes that Smell Like Curious by Britney Spears

1. Curious Heart

Released in 2007, it’s 99% similar to the original.

It has the same notes with the only difference being that a spray on the skin smells less intense, emitting a fresh, clean feel.

2. Emanuel Ungaro for Her

The 2019 Emanuel Ungaro release smells sweeter.

It has a more complex scent and contains similar notes like pear and vanilla, with its base being woody and musky.

3. Jala

A warm, sweet swell emanates from a bottle of this perfume.

Released in 2003 by Calypso St. Barth, it contains notes like magnolia and frangipani and is classified as oriental floral.

4. Cosmic Radiance

The Britney Spears perfume opens with a strong, fruity scent when smelled (pear, litchi, mandarin orange).

This is followed by a floral heart and finishes off with a warm base of woods fading away from the body.

5. Armani Code Summer Pour Femme 2010

A bottle of this floral aquatic contains more citrus and has something of a spicy smell to it.

The heart consists of floral notes while the base is carried by warm woods and musk.

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