WHAT I SMELL: I was worried as I applied this and my better half said that I smelled like a cup of Starbuck’s Caramel Machiatto.  I guess that’s as good as a description as any as Anima Dulcis goes on strong and sweet…very sweet.  It’s sharp vanilla and thick chocolate goodness surrounded by smoky light incense.  I didn’t see this as going in the right direction, but as time goes on and as it dries down Anima Dulcis hugs close to the skin, it’s spiced cinnamon vanilla infused cocoa is ever so slightly sweet and very comfortable.  The overpowering sweetness at the beginning, makes way for a light and pleasant layer that seems to sit a millimeter off of your skin.

Anima Dulcis Notes:  Cocoa Absolute, Mexican Vanilla, Cinnamon, Chili Infusion

WHAT IT SMELLS LIKE TO ME:  What a great coffee/chocolate store in the old world was like as you could smell the wonderful foods mixed with the old smell of the building with wide planked wood floors and the rich sweet tobaccos smells that that were wafting in from the crowded streets in town.

THREE ADJECTIVES THAT DESCRIBE ANIMA DULCIS: old world, gourmand, aged

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ANIMA DULCIS: Bois de Jasmin, Australian Perfume Junkies, Now Smell This

BOTTOM LINE:  I do have a bit of a hard time with the initial phase of this fragrance and how it’s just so sweet at the beginning.  But after 30 minutes or so, Anima Dulcis really does become a beautiful fragrance and one that might end up on my FB list as it’s so different from anything else that I own and may be my perfect new cold weather companion.

• Bone Rating: 4 out of 5 possible bones
• Scent: Oriental Vanilla
• Classification: Unisex
• Expense: $165 for 55ml EdP