Anima Dulcis

I've slowly been making my way through the Arquiste line, and I have to say, Anima Dulcis is one of my favorites. In all honesty, most of this line is forgettable (L'etrog Acqua, El, and Ellá are nice but nothing special). However, the standouts are really special scents. Once I have the funds, I will definitely be purchasing the FB of this. On my skin, on first spray, I am overwhelmed by this deceptive white-floral scent mixed with oregano. I'm talking about *zero* vanilla, *zero* cacao, and *zero* spice. I actually believed upon first spray that I received the wrong sample of this one. However, 10 minutes later, incense notes started to hit me that I absolutely love and I knew that this was the right sample. These are the "baroque" notes that are listed on Arquiste's site. They absolutely smell like the inside of a church. Frankincense and myrrh-y, in the most beautiful way. A bit later on, the cocoa and paprika notes begin to shine underneath the incense notes. The cocoa, as other reviewers have noted, is less "chocolate" and more of a dry cocoa powder. The paprika adds a bit of spice to make this scent more interesting. In the background of everything, there is an addictively dry vanilla note that rounds everything out. This is a very perfumery perfume that I think you'll either love or hate. There is a powdery note buried in this frag which is the exact smell some people think of when they think of the word "perfume". Something about it feels extremely old-timey, but with a modern update. In my opinion, this is definitely unisex but leaning slightly masculine. I've never tried a warm-spicy fragrance with gourmand notes like this, but I'm totally obsessed with it. Whenever I wear it, I can't stop smelling myself. To me, this is more warm-spicy and less gourmand. The downside to Anima Dulcis is that I think this is one of the least impressive performers from this house. Sillage is decent, projection is average, and longevity is about average for me. After about 7 hours, the scent is totally gone from my forearm. It does persist on my chest, though, for about 8 hours. If you like chocolate scents, or if you like vanilla scents, you should absolutely give this a try. I can't wait for the weather to get colder so I can wear this more often.

This was love at first smell. I finally found a place where I live that does niche fragrances. I came, I stayed, it concquered me... I had not read anything about this fragrance on fragrantica and trying about 10 frags, I did a selection, 6 become 4, 4 became 2 and 2 became one. The last two I decided would be mine. Which ones were they? Anima Dulcis and FM Portrait of a Lady. When I smelled Anima Dulcis I wanted to cry with joy, I don't know why and how but this fragrance smells like me. It is how my home smells like when I come back from a long weekend. It has cinnamon, chilies, it has chocolate and there is vanilla. The most curious thing is that, without knowing I also bought a fragrance which name in latin, means my name in greek. When I curiously googled it I just stared at the screen in disbelief. What a wonderful coincidence. This will be a cherished, precious item in my collection. The bottle is to die for, the colour is of my beloved Irish Whiskey, and the name? The name is me :-) Longevity: This baby lasts. I have it on for 8 hours, it's a very close scent now but I have lost count of how many times I have sniffed myself since the last spray. Closing my eyes and inhaling deeply. 4.5/5 Sillage: Not that much. I get wafts here and there. 4/5 Projection: Moderate, this is not a sexbomb, this is a kind, good soul, she will look after you and cuddle you and love you in a tender, sweet way 4/5 I have such a massive crush on this perfume it's not even funny. PS: I just looked up the maker of this perfume. I have a crush on him as well :-)

Received a sample of this a few days ago and sprayed it on my husband's chest . . . oh, my!! All I can say is DELISCIOSO!!!!!!!! Wow. If I could afford a full bottle, I would SO be running out right now to buy one!! lol What interested me initially was the backstory (see their website - the art is beautiful and so evocative). My husband is from Mexico, and the first time we visited about 16 years ago, his abuelita (grandmother) brought out a platter of pan dulce (sweet breads) and a large pot of chocolate, which was made with fresh milk and stirred with that wooden mixer that you put between two palms and "swirl" (can't think of the name off the top of my head, but we own one now, too!) . . . anyway, Mexican chocolate is nothing like the hot cocoa we buy in the US. It is so rich and flavorful - it's heavenly, really. So, my initial interest was for a gourmand scent that would evoke these lovely memories . . . but, again - Wow! Yes, the rich cocoa wafts in and out (but not *too* much - it stays just long enough and then it disappears before just peeking through a bit here and there - perfect), and then you add that beautiful combination of the chilles, cinnamon, vanilla . . . it's just blended so well so as to form it's own unique scent, and I must say that scent just had me alternating between deep inhales, big smiles, and . . . <3 Needless to say, I would *highly* recommend this for men. For now we will savor this sample and start a savings fund for a full bottle (my husband agrees! *wink*)

This is a rich, incredibly blended fragrance. Warm, spicy and sophisticated. I couldn't keep from smelling my arm repeatedly - it's wonderful from the first application to hours later. The back story about the convent and the perfume fits perfectly. It does smell like walking the halls of a hundreds year old sanctuary while the nuns are cooking and the scent blows through. It is such a treasure of masterful blending that I could wear it everyday and never grow tired of it. Update: My FB arrived from Arquiste this week, and I have been enjoying the spicy rich perfume. I loved the sample, but I must admit that being able to spray adds a whole new dimension. It starts with a powerful almost heated blend of spices that reminds me of cooking in a hot kitchen. My mouth actually waters from the delicious aroma, although it is not a food smell but rather a subconscious reaction from cinnamon and vanilla. The drydown is a sophisticated subtle accord. Individual notes are able to be identified, but the whole is a scent that gives you a burst of delight each time you notice it. Anima Dulcis has a timeless quality. It doesn't make you think vintage or contemporary, but rather a masterpiece that is good for any age. Because of the cinnamon and spices, it reminds me of autumn and winter. Sillage is moderate, which for this type of scent is a benefit. It would be overpowering if it wasn't. Longevity on my skin is tremendous. I can still smell hints of it after 12 hours. This is a truly beautiful perfume.

As a gourmand affecianata, I have wanted so desperately to love this. It is easily liked, but something is off the mark with it. There is a kind of lightness and oddity in this scent 30-90 minutes in, after which it goes back to being just what it ought to be--perhaps a representation of the fermented cacao beans? Chili is apparent around the edges of the aroma, something you feel when you pull your nose away. Sillage is weak, longevity is there, but for the high price, I am determined to find something else. Compared to Jo Malone's Blue Agava & Cacao, this is creamier and has that odd fruit escapade in it, and, of course, greater longevity. EDIT: I have come to a peace with the odd sweetness, which I am now positive is the fermentation of cacao beans. Definitely the sweetness of the cocoa butter is present, and the warmth radiating off the top from the chili. I keep getting whiffs of this as I go through my day, every time thinking, "My goodness, what is that beautiful scent?" Just when I think it's gone, it continues to radiate with greater sillage than I had originally assessed. I think I love it. It is not a masterpiece, but is an interesting and unusual foray into familiar ingredients that I am slowly coming to adore. The drydown IS Mexican chocolate, bearing in mind that Mexican chocolate is creamier and less burdened and dark than its American cousin. Cozy and quiet and satiated, gourmand lovers really ought to treat themselves to try this... perhaps a few times. :)