Behind the Scenes: Our 3-Year Quest to Capture Aveda Brilliant

From first sketch to final sniff, here’s how our long-awaited Aveda Brilliant dupe has been brewing—and why we need your help naming it.

The Long Haul: Why Three Years?

Perfumery is as much art as science, and hair mists—especially cult classics like Aveda Brilliant—pose an extra challenge. We weren’t just chasing a scent; we were chasing Brilliant’s signature: that sweet, but slightly bitter orange blossom top note, the green neroli lift, and the skin soft musk finish that feels like silk on your strands. Over 36 months, we:

  • Sourced rare essential oils from Sicily to match that citrus floral zip.
  • Tweaked solvent ratios to ensure slip-and-spritz softness without sticky residue.
  • Tested on every stranger—to nail that ultra fine fragrance.

Each round brought us closer… and then sent us back to the lab. But persistence pays: our current blend finally holds that “just-stepped-out-of-the-salon” shine in fragrance form.

Remember that moment when you first discovered Aveda Brilliant? We’re crafting that exact “OMG, what are you wearing?!” reaction—only it’s ours.

What Makes Aveda Brilliant Irresistible?

  1. Sweet Orange Blossom & Neroli: A sunny zest that wakes up your hair without overpowering.

  2. Green Floral Heart: Subtle jasmine and rose whispers that feel fresh—not powdery.

  3. Soft Musk Dry-Down: The closing act that floats off your locks like a whisper.

Capturing all three layers in a perfume (where alcohol content and volatility play tricks) is a delicate dance. And yes, there were moments of despair—like the time our “final” formula smelled like fizzy cough syrup. Not a good day.

What Makes Aveda Brilliant a Cult Classic Perfume?

  1. Citrus Orange Blossom Zip – Bright and joyful, it wakes you up without ever feeling harsh.

  2. Green Floral Heart – Neroli and lily-of-the-valley intertwine for a fresh-as-a-morning meadow vibe.

  3. Creamy Sandalwood Base – A smooth, soft undercurrent that breathes warmth and elegance.

Translating that into a perfume (with higher perfume oil concentration) meant re-engineering volatility and layering so each phase sings.

Our Breakthrough “Aha!” Moments

  • Natural First Solvent Technique: Letting pure essences shine without drowning them in alcohol.

  • Micro Dose Fixatives: Tiny eco friendly molecules that stretch the life of every citrus sparkle.

  • pH-Balanced Blend: For skin-kind comfort and a smoother dry-down every time.

These innovations transformed fleeting flashes of brilliance into a full perfume performance that lasts all day.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. We can’t wait to put this fragrance in your hands!

Cosmopolitan x Wicked Good Fragrance Brit + Co x Wicked Good Fragrance
Cosmopolitan x Wicked Good Fragrance Brit + Co x Wicked Good Fragrance

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