Anita by Esse Strikes The Notes

It is a white floral fragrance, much like how I would define Anita. If you enjoy white floral scents, you will undoubtedly adore this. It features orange blossom, gardenia, jasmine, and neroli, with the latter being the most prominent note. I appreciate its clear concept: white flowers. Everything develops from this foundation, giving it interest, balance, and a constant direction. It is not a scent that hides its identity or location; it shifts through notes throughout its longevity, clinging to white flowers while playing with their nuances without ever losing them. Although the description claims all notes appear at once, they do not; they are the soul of the composition and never fade. The neroli is the most obvious element, which is perhaps why some compare it to Gucci Bloom, but they have nothing in common. Anita is far more carnal, animalistic, and sexual, even possessing certain faecal nuances that Gucci merely imagines. Anita is that more interesting girl rather than the pretty one; she reads García Márquez by day and the Marquis de Sade by night, wears no makeup and does not fuss over her appearance, yet her personality turns every head. Gucci Bloom, conversely, wishes to be Anita but knows nothing, feels sleepy, lacks confidence, and only attracts attention by laughing loudly. Some also compare it to Tom Ford’s Tubéreuse Noir, but to me it sounds more synthetic, much like the Zara version. The closest match I find is Michael Kors, although that one has an incense and spice undertone which this lacks. The other flowers, white or not, accompany the neroli with a fleshy touch; even the lily of the valley and mimosa abandon their cleanliness to join the army of sexual succubi. The woods and resins form the base, providing structure and control. Definitely a scent for sex, not for making love; Anita is too fiery and hungry for such sentimentalities. It encompasses the most popular white flowers and unites them in their most carnal aspect. It is not clean, nor does it smell like body cream, although some might be reminded of it by the almost greasy texture of the flowers and the unctuousness of the sandalwood. Those who dislike dirty white florals will likely find it an insult, so I do not recommend buying it blindly if you are unsure whether you like them. Presentation: 6/10 (I approve of it, though it does not seem special). Longevity: 8/10 (lasts nine or eleven hours, which is good for a niche Eau de Parfum). Sillage: 5/10 (projects little, which is an advantage given its intensity; you only catch it with movement). Originality: 7/10 (there are thousands of white florals, but this one is unique). Versatility: 4/10 (suitable only for nights or cold days). Season: summer nights, spring, and a good floral option for winter. Personal taste: 8/10. Would I buy it again?: I have not purchased it yet, though I am considering it.