The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Tarea launched first in 2007, a brick in the brand's larger mission to bring trend-aware scent to young shoppers. By 2011, Rue21 had grown into a nationwide chain, and the brand decided the original Tarea deserved a second life, reformulated and re-launched under the slogan "Dare to Dream." The composition shifted toward a fruitier, more accessible profile, moving toward a brighter pomegranate and pear opening that suggested a fresh, inviting character. It arrived in the same practical 50 ml EDT format as its sibling scents: ready for the dressing room shelf. The fragrance opens with a vibrant burst of pomegranate, its tartness lifted by the subtle sweetness of ripe pear.
The note pyramid here is textbook fruity-floral, but the execution has a specific purpose. Pomegranate, red apple, and Anjou pear don't just add sweetness, they create a tartness that lifts the composition away from generic florals. Peony and jasmine in the heart are forgiving, widely liked flowers that most people recognize and few people hate. The amber and woody base adds just enough weight to keep the fragrance from evaporating in an hour. This is a formula built for mass appeal, but there's craft in making something this likable, balancing brightness with warmth so the wear doesn't feel like candy or like nothing at all.
The evolution
The opening hits fast. Pomegranate and apple burst bright and tart, with the pear smoothing the edges just enough. Twenty minutes in, the peony and jasmine take over, softer, familiar, the kind of floral that feels like a department store counter in the best way. The base arrives quietly: amber warmth over blonde woods, close to the skin rather than filling the space. By the second hour, it's intimate. By the third, you have to lean in. Lasts a solid afternoon on most skin types, fading to a skin-warm whisper rather than disappearing completely.
Cultural impact
Tarea 2011 by Rue21 arrived during a time when accessible fashion fragrances were becoming a major part of everyday beauty routines. As a budget-friendly option from a brand known for trend-focused clothing, the scent offered young consumers who were just beginning to explore personal scent something that felt contemporary without a major investment. The blend of pomegranate with crisp apple and juicy pear created a bright, inviting character that spoke to those building their first fragrance wardrobe. The scent opens with an immediate burst of fruity sweetness, the pomegranate lending a tangy edge while the apple and pear add juicy depth.
