Candy Festival

Olfactory Experience

Candy Festival opens with a bright, juicy orange. You get a decent ginger snap at the start, giving it a little zing. The heart is mostly a straightforward mandarin orange, perked up with a touch of pepper. The drydown is where it parts ways with Afternoon Swim. Instead of that salty ambergris, you get a clean musk and a bit of powdery iris. It aims for the same citrusy vibe but lands around 87% of the way there. Afternoon Swim has a depth and natural feel this one lacks, understandably. Expect a slightly more synthetic edge, especially in the opening.

Final Thoughts

If you love the idea of Afternoon Swim but can't stomach the Louis Vuitton price tag, Candy Festival is a solid substitute. It's a cheerful, easy-to-wear citrus scent, perfect for casual days, running errands, or hitting the gym. But for a dumb-reach summer fragrance that won't break the bank, this gets the job done. It's a great option for the budget-conscious or younger fragrance enthusiast.

Wear time & Sillage

Performance is surprisingly decent . I get about 4-5 hours of noticeable projection before it settles closer to the skin. It's not a beast mode fragrance, but it's respectable. Projection is moderate for the first hour or two. A few extra sprays won't hurt.