I'm now on my second bottle of LOEWE ESENCIA Eau de Parfum (EDP). I first came across it when I happened to try it on at a store, and I never expected that after finishing one bottle, I'd go back and buy the very same fragrance again. If you're looking for a neutral, woody scent that isn't tied to any gender, I hope this post helps.
What Kind of Fragrance Is LOEWE ESENCIA?
LOEWE ESENCIA is a fragrance line from the Spanish luxury house LOEWE. The original was created in 1988 by perfumer Olivier Cresp, and the Eau de Parfum (EDP) version I use was released in 2018.
The main notes of the EDP version are:
- Top notes: citrus, lavender
- Middle notes: moss, herbal green notes
- Base notes: vetiver, sandalwood
On the first spray, a fresh burst of citrus comes rushing up, and as time passes, the moss and vetiver settle in at the center. What lingers at the end is the soft trail of sandalwood. To me, it feels like the scent of a forest carried in on a cool breeze. Like the autumn air that drifts in when you open a window, it's natural and refreshing, yet somehow cozy.
Why Did I Buy a Second Bottle?
I've tried quite a few perfumes, but I rarely buy the same one twice. There are three main reasons I repurchased ESENCIA.
First, it's a scent I never get tired of. Sweet or intense fragrances often won me over at first, only for me to grow tired of them before the bottle was empty. ESENCIA is built around woody and herbal notes, so it never feels like too much, even when I wear it every day. If anything, the longer I wear it, the more I come to appreciate the charm of its base notes.
Second, the longevity is excellent. Maybe because it's the EDP version, if I spray it in the morning, it's still softly there in the evening. It feels like a subtle, never-overpowering trail that carries on all day. Several reviews mention it lasting 24 hours or more, and I didn't feel that was an exaggeration.
Third, it goes with any outfit. Whether it's a crisp shirt for the office or the casual clothes I throw on at the weekend, the scent never clashes. I love that the perfume doesn't overpower me; it blends in naturally, like a part of who I am.
What Makes ESENCIA Appealing as a Genderless Fragrance?
In the fragrance industry, the genderless trend has already become firmly established. We're moving away from an era that divided perfumes by gender toward one where people simply choose the scents they love, regardless of gender.
I think ESENCIA fits this shift perfectly. It's built around wood and moss, but the freshness of citrus and lavender keeps it from feeling heavy. It isn't boxed into the frame of a "feminine scent" or a "masculine scent." It's just a good scent.
In fact, it's the perfume that has earned me the most "What perfume are you wearing?" questions from people around me. Whatever your gender, if you're looking for a scent that leaves a clean, refined impression, I recommend giving it a try.
How Should You Wear It in Each Season?
You can wear ESENCIA all year round, but it feels a little different from season to season.
- Spring/Autumn: This is when ESENCIA truly shines. The combination of cool air and woody notes is wonderful. One or two sprays is plenty.
- Summer: In hot weather, the base notes can come through a bit faster. Rather than your wrists, I recommend one light spray on your collar or hair.
- Winter: In the cold, the scent clings closer to the skin and diffuses softly. The warm trail of sandalwood suits winter beautifully.
Personally, my favorite moment is spraying on ESENCIA before heading out in a trench coat in autumn.
EDT and EDP: Same Name, Completely Different Scents
When you search for LOEWE ESENCIA, both the EDT (Eau de Toilette) and the EDP (Eau de Parfum) come up. Since they're from the same line, you might assume they're similar, but once you actually smell them, you realize they're quite different fragrances.
The EDT, released in 1988, is in the traditional fougère style. Lavender and juniper berry come through strongly, with a heavy, grounding layer of oakmoss underneath. It's appealing if you love classic aromatic scents, but to me it felt a little old-fashioned.
The EDP, released in 2018, on the other hand, feels like the same frame dressed in entirely different clothes. The freshness of citrus opens first, moss and vetiver follow gently, and sandalwood rounds it off with warmth. In place of the EDT's weighty classicism, it has been reinterpreted in a completely modern direction as a refined, light woody scent.
My preference is, without question, the EDP. If the EDT is the earthy smell of a deep forest, the EDP is the fragrance a cool breeze carries with it as it passes through the trees. It's light yet has presence, and it's versatile enough for any season or occasion. It's this charm, unique to the EDP, that made me buy a second bottle.
Good to Know Before You Buy
I don't recommend buying it online without trying it first. In particular, I suggest smelling the EDT and EDP side by side. Even with the same name, they can split opinions completely. Perfume develops differently depending on your skin chemistry, so it's best to try it in person at a department store or a LOEWE boutique. After testing, wait at least 30 minutes to experience the middle notes. If you judge it only by the citrus of the top notes, you may miss what makes this fragrance truly special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Does LOEWE ESENCIA Suit Best?
It suits anyone, regardless of gender, who loves a clean, natural woody scent. If you prefer subtle, refined fragrances over sweet or showy ones, there's a good chance you'll be happy with it. It's a scent you can comfortably wear to work every day, so I also recommend it to anyone looking for an everyday fragrance.
Should I Buy the LOEWE ESENCIA EDT or EDP?
I covered this in detail above, but in short: if you like classic, heavier aromatic scents, go for the EDT; if you want a light, modern woody scent, go for the EDP. I recommend trying both in store before deciding. Personally, I found the EDP far more wearable in everyday life.
If you found this helpful, check out more posts on Na's Bag. You might also enjoy the story of how I built this blog myself with vibe coding.