Anita by Esse Strikes The Notes

It’s a white floral perfume, just as I would define Anita. If you like white floral fragrances, you’ll absolutely love 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 there, giving it interest, balance, and constant direction. It’s not a perfume that hides its identity or location; it jumps from note to note throughout its longevity, clinging to white flowers and playing with their nuances without letting go. Although the description says all notes appear at the beginning, that’s not the case; they are the soul of everything and never fade. Neroli is the most obvious, perhaps why people compare it to Gucci Bloom, but they have nothing in common. Anita is much more carnal, animalistic, and sexual, even possessing certain fecal nuances that Gucci only imagines. Anita is that more interesting girl than the pretty one, the one who reads García Márquez by day and the Marquis de Sade by night, who doesn’t wear makeup or primp, yet her personality turns every head. Gucci Bloom, on the other hand, wants to be Anita but knows nothing, feels sleepy, feels inadequate, and only grabs attention by laughing loudly. Some also compare it to Tom Ford’s Tubéreuse Noir, but to me, it sounds more synthetic, just like Zara’s. The one I find similar to is Michael Kors, though that has an incense and spice touch this one 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. Woods and resins form the base, providing structure and control. Definitely a perfume for having sex, not making love; Anita is too fiery and hungry for such sappiness. It encompasses the most popular white flowers and brings them together on their carnal side. It’s not clean, doesn’t smell like body lotion, though some might recall it due to the almost greasy texture of the flowers and the unctuousness of the sandalwood. Probably, those who dislike dirty white flowers will find it an insult, so I don’t recommend buying it blindly if you’re not sure you like them. Presentation: 6/10 (I approve of it, though it doesn’t seem special). Longevity: 8/10 (lasts nine or eleven hours, which is good for a niche EdP). Sillage: 5/10 (projects little, which is an advantage given its intensity; they hit you with your movements). Originality: 7/10 (there are thousands of white florals, but this one is unique). Versatility: 4/10 (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 haven’t bought it, though I’m considering it.