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. :)

I got a decant in a scent subscription this month. The first time I sprayed it, I was like "What is this??", because I had been expecting a Mexican hot chocolate type scent, and at first spray this was so deeply spicy I was confused. The next night I sprayed again before bed and was like, "WHAT IS THIS!!!!". I'm now totally in love with this. My nose is very sensitive to scent (I can smell things that no one around me even notices), but not sophisticated, so I don't tend to be able to pick apart specific notes in a fragrance (I think because it just gets quickly overwhelmed). To me, this is definitely not the gourmand that the notes seem to suggest, but is actually the warm, sexy scent of a campfire. I can smell the smoke coming off the fire, spicy and dry. An hour or so after spraying, it sweetens up some, and I get the cocoa (dry and warm-NOT sweet) and possibly a hint of vanilla. It is really loud at first spray, but tones down to nearly a skin scent quickly. I haven't ever smelled anything like this, and may have to splurge on a whole bottle, even though it is way more than I would usually spend on a fragrance. Side note- I layered this with Nest Cocoa Woods today and it is amazing, though most of the Nest has already burned out to the campfire scent of Anima Dulcis.

This perfume starts as a friend and ends as a lover. The initial spray, was a shock into alerted interest. The pepper start, almost citric in character, wakes the senses. I was startled. I knew that I liked it, but the composition was elusively vitrine, and surprisingly complex, for having only boasted 4 compounds to its structure. I had envisioned Mexican hot chocolate - sweet, spicy, tranquil and warm. But as we began to encounter the heart and base structure of this scent, a very assertive and clean cacao emerges. It arrives in hand with a bright cinnamon flare, as if each had been freshly ground for the wearer. Vanilla's sensibilities, amplified by floral whispers, transcend into the fully developed experience. Even with a base of familiar chords, there is nothing about this to take for granted. The smell is biotic and tempestuous - warming on the skin, and infusing the wearer with a sultry, smoking, incense halo. This perfume holds the spirit of both angel and demon. Soft like a woman's curves, and as dangerous as her intentions. My nose returns again and again, until the final rapture. Keenly aware, and ready to surrender to its charms, I am madly in love with this creation!

LOVE at first whiff, so strong, feel like there’s way more to this than the 4 notes listed above. Incense most definitely. Maybe amber or something resinous? Leather or something else animalic? This is hard for me to describe but it’s this a very viscous, thick, rich, oil-seeming quality oriental - not at all smoky, dusty, or powdery the way some orientals can be (Shalimar for example feels like a much smokier powdery oriental - but I feel like if you are a man who wears Shalimar, but are looking for something w/fewer traditionally femme notes, you would LOVE this). Reminds me of when you burn incense that’s a solid resin, not a stick or a cone. Not surprised the noses behind this also did JV Dark Rebel (quite spicy) and TF Velvet Orchid (which very much also has this same viscous, warm feeling to it to me) Definitely *not* just a gourmand EDIT: now that I’ve given this several wears over the past couple of years, it’s officially my Christmas time perfume. Feels so right for December and holiday festivities.

This fragrance is my chocolate dream in a bottle, I almost want to eat it whenever I spray ot on, the difference why it stands out from other cocoa based perfumes, is this surprising paprika note, which gives this mouth watering concotion a green berry like fresh and airy tissue, the accentuation of chocolate via cinnamon and vanille enriches the effect of this solo-floro cocoa scent, however if my notes is not mistaken, I get some distinct resins as well from ghis receipt, like frankincense dor example and also something zesty like bitter orange peels, also a very tiniest bit of animalic aura, like a very distant indolic ghost passes by time to time between the heart and base notes. I don't know, may be it's just my nose, but I adore this alternative chocolate perfume.

finally fragrance is added to the directory. this is the stand out in my opinion of the first release of fragrances from arquiste. it is a real gourmand. the cocoa and the chili is prominent. it has excellent longevity on me, at least 7-8hrs, with moderate projection for the first 3-4. people around me love this scent, it is really edible. this is a must try for fragrance lovers and for gourmand lovers it is a buy. when i first smelled this i instantly wanted it but needed to see if it lasted and projected, and it was up to my expectations. the others on the arquiste line are also well blended but this one is my favorite of the line. its a pricey bottle but for me it was worth it.

Wow, wow, wow! A really beautiful fragrance. Dusty, woody cacao, subtle vanilla, and a huge, spicy chili pepper note that sizzles with capsaicin. Anima Dulcis is inspired by a Catholic convent in Mexico City (circa 1695), and it definitely conjures a warm, deep, soulful, artisan feeling of Mexico. I was thinking that it didn't smell like anything I'd ever smelled before, but I see people here being reminded of Eris's Mxxx, and I can definitely see that comparison. The sparkle of Mxxx comes from natural ambergris, and in Anima Dulcis, it's from that incredible chili infusion.

What an interesting fragrance. It proves again how well cocao and chilli go together. A very nice dusty spicey opening with the cocoa swirling around in the background. The chilli is no 1 here followed by the cocao which is slightly sweetened by the vanilla and cinnamon. Its definitely bang on unisex. It is pretty linear on me which is ok but it doesnt make it very interesting after a while. Im disappointed in the moderate longevity and sillage considering the price point.

Perfume interesting! It is surprising to its development, a fragrance that knows ancient secrets. An evocative perfume, suitable for cold winter days... Unfortunately sillage is soft you should reapply every now and then. I like Anima Dulcis, this is the first scent I feel of Arquiste, I would also like to try others. All in all a nice elegant and refined scent in Baroque style. Sillage: 6/10 Longevity: 8./10 Scent: 8.5/10 Overall: 8.5/10

This is supremely pleasant and warming. I agree with other reviewers, it is not a dispersing scent. I adore the non-sweet vanilla, cocoa, and peppery fragrance here though. This is a contender for a scent I might buy my boyfriend, who is a little shy about wearing a strong scent. It might be a good choice for an introvert who wants to wear a fragrance for himself or his partner only, but not have it permeate a room. A delicious secret.

Wow this is goooooood. Warm, spicy, sweet and utterly delicious. I knew I would love it based on the notes, and I do. It's well rounded and beautifully blended, there are no hard edges to this perfume just warm waves of spiced chocolate and chilli notes. Heavenly. Great longevity and good sillage too, I do love a good gourmand. I would say, on reflection, that this perfume reminds me of Bal a Versailles.

I’ve had my bottle for almost seven years now and the juice is still in great shape. I purchased it on vacation in Mexico. It’s got such a wonderful dry down that projects into a an elegant yet cozy cloud with any sort of body heat. It’s not well known, but is unique and worthwhile to the point that it makes me want to purchase other offerings from the same perfumer.

Wow this is unusual. I've never had a perfume that I can smell the paprika in so strongly. It blends well with the chocolate and makes something really unusual and stunning. Hardly any cinnamon and the vanilla is just a base warmth. Sadly discontinued and very expensive because I would love a full bottle of this. Moderate projection, lasts around 6-8h on skin.

Oh my Goodness, the vanilla, warm spicy, cocoa notes are blended very well for fall/winter day and /or night. Reminds me of Mogadess by Maria Lux but a little stronger scent. This scent is perfect form the Thanksgiving and Christmas; baking and holiday candles being burned of pumpkin, cinnamon,caramel and spice. I will have to add this to my niche collection.

while i'll admit this is a slightly unusual combination of accords, i still think i love it. it's a very contemplative perfume. perfect for sitting with a good book or just wearing casually to add an air of personal devotion to your day. definitely sample on skin before going all in.

I fell in love with this at first spray. It's truly luscious, spicy, warm, just edible. I'm working my way through the Arquiste Discovery Set and this is definitely my favourite and certainly full bottle worthy. To my nose it is quite similar to Ambre Russe, but not quite as boozy.

I only bring this out in the winter, I think it would be perfect for this night of Halloween and All Souls. It is a beautiful fragrance with fortunately not too much chile. It's quite a heavy fragrance so perfect for a cozy night in.

Such a unique and beautiful scent. I get mainly paprika and vanilla on me once it settles it leaves such a beautiful comforting sillage. Excellent for fall and winter. Highly recommended 10/10

This is delicious, vintage-y ... Has a bit of Kenzo Jungle Elephant vibe . I just sampled this today and will buy a FB 😋

OMG this is really unique and seductive scent No need to say more.....

A spicy gourmand. Really cozy and warm. Decent longevity.

Truly delicious but hugely disappointing on performance. Somehow not cloying or overly sweet - the chili is detectable and makes the vanilla & chocolate smell exotic and rich rather than sugary - and with a really earthy, almost sweaty undertow which keeps it interesting. I'm usually revolted by gourmands so this deserves plenty of respect for fighting its corner. Reminded me of L'Artisan Poivre Piquant in its spikier aspects. But sooooooo weak on sillage - though the persistence is pretty fine. This is frustrating - it's like going into a bakery when you're really lusting for some gorgeous solid wedge of cake, and ending up with an air-filled éclair or choux bun which disappears in a puff of icing sugar. It does last (if you apply enough) but the later stages turn to just an unusually dark and organic vanilla. A near miss, though, so if your skin usually magnifies perfume rather than killing it like mine, definitely worth a try. Shockingly expensive though - the bang per buck is just not adequate in my view. ETA: caved and bought a used partial, to wear and love on cold, grey dark days when somehow, a burst of sweaty-spicy-chilli-chocolate to wear seems like a good idea. Somehow it can warm me from within and make me feel coddled. Sprayed lavishly, and repeatedly, at a discount, this does justify itself

light acceptable animalic top note. it has a cute vanilla cacao note in the middle & the cinnamon appears later. then the pepper arise right after the appearance of past mentioned. this perfume at the beginning gives you the sweaty filthy essence at top, then later it enchants you with the delicate silky spell that it casts around you. the vanilla in it is presented disgracefully as a sexual attractive element that memorizes the victim and drags him-her to bed. this perfume is a MAJOR sexual intense that i believe only the certain evil lady would use it to pull her victim unconsciously to her throne. she is the innocent, respectful, Immodestly, decent, decorous ,bashful (only by look) young lady that came from an aristocratic family. her beauty makes each & every single man look her way unintentionally when she passes as she is aiming on that specific, innocent, masculine young craftsman to drag him alive to her forbidden paradise shocking him by showing her lust & burning desire as she is the one & only that takes the lead. A sexual potion that overcomes the devil in disguise you have to give it more and more time to realize the charm it brings. this perfume is unisex at max. *Use this in bed when you are with someone ;)

A unique take on gourmand fragrances, Anima Dulcis offers equal parts sweet and savory. "Chili infusion" is noted in the upper registry, give a "heat" to the opening first seconds of the fragrance. Faintly, I notice other spices here; most noticeably cumin and cinnamon. Vanilla intermingles, offering a quiet sweetness and creaminess to the overall composition. Cocoa mirrors perfectly with the "hot" chili notes in the opening. Initially showcasing the true bitterness of unsweetened cocoa, it later blends with the sweet vanillic notes and resembles more traditional chocolate. The ingredients smell raw and unadulterated, free from artificiality. As it dries, the vanilla becomes less sweet and more caramel-like, as if sugar has been left too long at the bottom of a heated pan. The cocoa too becomes darker and rich, showcasing its smokey and earthy facets. I really enjoyed the evolution of this fragrance on the skin, as it is truly dynamic. A must try. (156)

At first, I was not so sure about the opening notes as it was too much of heady and medicinal, spicy notes. However, it soon melts into a balanced and intriguing type of spicy dry down, and I couldn't help sniffing my wrist all the time. Every time now I just need to make sure I spray on the perfume 15-20 mins before I leave the house to avoid exposing the opening notes. Otherwise, I enjoy wearing it through the rest of the day and the longevity is decent. Definitely a unisex piece, but I can see this being a love or hate type of thing. The full list of notes are: - Top notes: Sesame seed, Cinnamon bark, Oregano; - Middle notes: Clove buds, Cumin, Huele-de-noche (night-blooming jasmine), Smoked chili infusion (ancho, guajillo and chipotle ) - Base notes: Mexican vanilla bean, Cocoa bean absolute, Oriental-chypre accord

I have a FB of this which I suppose is good since I have to spray with abandon. It was a blind buy because how could one go wrong with the notes? It's a pleasant, dried-fruit woodsy affair for me, no pepper, little chocolate, a wee vanilla and cinnamon, a little sweet, a little dark, nothing rich or heavy. And the faintest praise of all: fine to wear to the office. Unisex. Edit a Year Later: I gave to my husband. It was either sell it since I can't smell it, or try it on him. OMG! What is wrong with my nose that I can't smell it on MEEEE? It's delicious, heavenly, sexy, edible without being too too sweet or foody. It just barely skirts the gender territory; I think it would smell better on a woman, but hubs pulls it off pretty darn well! Bottle has a new home--in my home.

I really like this one. It does have gourmand notes, but it's not a gourmand fragrance. The notes listed here on Fragrantica is only a partial list. If you go to Arquiste's website, you'll see that it's actually a complex Oriental fragrance. I can absolutely pick up the jasmine and chypre in it. Which is what attracts me to it, I'm not a fan of straight gourmand fragrances but love Oriental fragrances, white florals, and Chypres, and the gourmand notes aren't too "foody" for me. It's definitely a warm, dark, seductive fragrance. An evening fragrance for sure, but I like it on cool cloudy days too. Projection is moderate, longevity is pretty good. It's an interesting fragrance if you like Oriental fragrances and are looking for a new take on the genre.

Top notes– Sesame seed, cinnamon bark and oregano. Heart notes– clove buds, cumin, ‘huele-de-noche’ (night-blooming jasmine) and a smoked chili infusion (ancho, guajillo and chipotle). Background notes– Mexican vanilla bean, cocoa bean absolute and oriental-chypre accord. Sillage definitely leaves something to be desired. It is a very warm and sensuous fragrance. I wouldn't consider it gourmand and it is not very sweet. I feel it is truly unisex. I personally wouldn't pay full price for a bottle since it sits very close to the skin. If you have the money to splurge though, it is very unique and quite nice.

Hi Guys I tried this perfume a while ago and loved it, it was very sultry and warm and spicy on my skin but I’ve been rather unwelL since and my sense of smell has changed pretty drastically, perfumes that used to smell great on me now smell horrible, so before investing in a bottle at full RRP, without trying it again, has anyone got a part bottle or tester that they want to sell??? Sorry for the cheeky appeal!!!

Beautiful warm cocoa spicy fragrance. I just wish it were more fragrant and intense. Tuned up by about 5x this would be a true gem. I've sprayed 4x and I'm finally starting to get the desired intensity...doesn't really last. 2 hours tops and it's faint. :/ sad, as the price would imply this is a good one. I have 100+ niche samples for swap within Europe - updated spreadsheet of samples on my profile, get in touch!

I bought another ml of this as it really stuck out to me again in the shop. This time around it really reminds me of Serge Lutens Arabie but much more linear, less complex, more balmy, and with a little bit of a vintage vibe to it. Not in a bad way, but it does feel a little dated. Also has a slight cinnabar vibe to it.

Chilli, cocoa, vanilla and cinnamon? Yes please! Sweet delectable delight, this is just what the doctor ordered for cold nights in downtown scenic Auckland. Nothing surprising here, what is listed is what you get, beautifully blended into something less sickly than it sounds.

Dry cinnamon, warm vanilla and a piquant pinch of chilli . The texture is smooth, thick and waxy, with a raw, slightly animalic earthiness, that stops it from veering into Yankee candle territory. Potent and long lasting, but linear and a bit over-priced.

I love it! Softspicy Vanilla, rather skinclose. Not sugarsweet. Very grown-up and deep, rich vanilla with an airy cinnamon. Jag älskar den! Mjukkryddig vanilj som är ganska hudnära. Inte sockersöt. Otroligt vuxen, djup och rik vanilj med en luftig kanel.

Beautiful warm cocoa spicy scent . Very comforting and delicious . Not too gourmandy. Just perfect in my opinion. I wish it was a little stronger and more long lasting. Besides that this fragrance is an absolute gem.

This is dusty dark chocolate with an overdose of paprika mixed with just-settled dust in a murky dark barn. At first I hoped that the paprika would escalate to a spicier, sharper chili note but it stays mild vegetal, almost powdery. There is sweetness mixed in, but my sugar-projecting skin finds this to be in adequate balance with the dank, pungent spice notes. This and Nanban very obviously share the same nose, both full-bodied warm spicy fragrances with an undercurrent of the same animalic funk. However, while Nanban continuously evolves, Anima Dulcis stays the same throughout. Of the two, I prefer the incense and dynamism of Nanban.

At first time i hate this one... But something happends that i have to go back to Saks 24 hrs later and try it again... Indont know why but i loved it. Some hours later (5 or 6) it was still there. An speciall aura was around me; an absoult gourmad. One week later i bough it. You can love it or hate it, but the true is that this one is a "having" an oppinion. If you can, smell this one.

Keep switching up about this throughout wearing. I get a dry, powdery unsweetened cocoa, with animal musk, vintage floral notes and woody vanilla. There were moments I liked it and moments I leaned into disliking it as well - so it gets an okay. I do get the picture of a catholic mexican convent so I guess they nailed that one, but I’m still conflicted 🤔

I had the same experience as @Shaven, about seven reviews below mine. I also get the impression of sandalwood, and a floral kind of drydown. Heavy paprika, minimal chocolate. I am very happy I purchased a sample of this, rather than making a very expensive mistake, and blind-buying the bottle!

Kind of a mess. Theoretically, this should be nice but it somehow isn't. Perhaps I need to sit through it longer but don't have patience for it at the moment.

Very heavy, murky, dusty opulent fragrance. I can see this being worn for the holidays. I appreciate the artistry but overall, not for me

I received some surprise Arquiste samples with an online order. The others were a hard pass - some basic florals that read to my nose as bathroom potpourri. As those lean feminine, I offered them to my partner and she similarly rejected them. I was excited about this one based on the perfumers and notes, and what I could smell from the nozzle. So one home-alone pandemic workday I put it on in earnest - small sprays on wrists, inside elbows, and neck behind my ears. My first reaction was a temptation to wash it off straightaway - just way too sickly sweet for me. But I’m a trooper and waited it out. An hour later, the sweetness dialled down from “migraine” to mere “headache” levels. The rest is a super-literal gourmand, making me smell like a spicy Mexican hot chocolate. Not as offensive as the opening, but also not something I’m looking for, so finally gave in to the temptation to scrub.

Although there are only 4 notes listed, don't be fooled (like me): This is not a simple (gourmand) niche fragrance. There might be spices and vanilla and cacao (which I don't detect), but it is more of a 80ies power house frag. Very perfumery, very strong, fruits and spices and vanilla. It reminds me of YSL, Lauder or italian classic perfumes of the 70s/80s. I expected a simple perfume. What I got I appreciate more in it's original way: Opium, Coco or Organza Indecence. Not niche, nor creativity, imho. Funny, that those classics get beaten for their heaviness and old school perfume smell, but in niche they copy it and everybody seems to love it. As I never wear Opium, although I could wear it vintage extrait, why go for Anima Dulcis?

Dry spices and vintage powder, a more wearable Luten’s Arabie. But unlike Arabie, there’s also something coming across synthetic and hairspray like, I don’t know which note is causing the problem. During my maiden voyage I was conflicted: going from dislike to interesting to indifference then back again to dislike. The dry down is linear but that’s never been a dealbreaker for me. Anima Dulcis does not smell good with my chemistry. There’s a reason I ultimately sold Arabie after owning it for more than a decade, and it’s the same for this spicy stinker—I simply do not like this mix. Edit: also reminds me of Elephant by Kenzo.

Perhaps my nose is not as good as I thought. Or, once again, it's just a matter of chemistry. This is not a good smell on me, or even when I sniffed my sample. One of my absolute favorite scents is YR Cocoon. I think I was expecting something similar minus the patch. I love the back story for this, and it does smell old. But not in a good way. Maybe it's trying to smell like the old convent where the nuns made their cocoa? On me it just smells like the old nuns themselves, who are maybe in serious need of a bath. No thanks.

How could I not love all these notes swirled together?? It sounded like true Mexican hot chocolate (very thick and unlike American watery hot chocolate). This started out with some mysterious heavy floral...like an anchor on my wrist. 20 min in, I got a hint of a dry crushed cinnamon chili powder, without any deliciousness. 1 hour later it started taking on a fermented fruit scent. What should have been a guaranteed winner turned into a head-scratching puzzle of "What went wrong here?"