FreesiaOpens with
GardeniaHeart
MuskDries down toWill you like it? Mark a few fragrances you own or love and we'll tell you.
Marc Jacobs · Sold as feminine
Essence
The quiet luxury of a velvet-cushioned armchair in a dimly lit room, where the scent of freesia and gardenia mingles with the warmth of spices and musk.
Full bottle: Mid-range tier, typically $40–100. Links open each seller's own page. We may earn a commission; it never changes the order.
EssenceMid-range · $40–100
47%Similar accords, often for less1975 · ALREHAB PERFUMESBudget tier, under $40 · shares 5 of its 9 notes8 matches →How it wears
From community votes · bars are each option's shareComposition & Character
Notes Pyramid
HeartThe Soul
BaseFoundation
Main Accords
When to Wear
Who Wears It
The story behind the bottle.
Launched in 2003, Essence by Marc Jacobs is an Oriental Floral fragrance that marries the freshness of citrus with the warmth of spices and musk. The opening notes of freesia and bergamot are crisp and bright, providing a fresh entry before giving way to a heart filled with gardenia, orange blossom, and iris. These florals are enveloped in a powdery and lactonic base that includes musk, benzoin, and tolu balsam, creating an overall atmosphere of soft warmth and subtle spice.
One to two sprays are sufficient to capture Essence's full character. The citrus opening is bright but fleeting, while the powdery base notes develop gradually over time. For a more lasting impression, apply it to pulse points where body heat can further enhance its warmth.
Fig. 01 — Essence, Marc Jacobs
Where to buy.
Wear it for a week first
A decant costs a fraction of a bottle and tells you how it lasts on your skin.
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Designer Marc Jacobs
More from the house · United States
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Chosen from what wearers say it smells like, what its fans also love, and its notes
Love it, not the price?
Matched by accords and notes. Sample first, then decide.
The originalEssenceMarc Jacobs · Mid-range · $40–100ALREHAB PERFUMES · 20151975Shares 5 of its 9 notesunder $40★ 4.24 (17)
With Trussardi Light Him
Adds woody, aromatic and fresh spicy; shares bergamot and iris and 1 more note.
Suggested from accords and notes · not yet tried by wearers
What people
are saying.
Well loved by wearers: loved by 47%, disliked or hated by 13%.