51 Pour Femme Essence De Parfum

The Verdict

Roja Dove 51 Pour Femme takes its name from the address of the Roja Parfums flagship boutique at 51 Burlington Arcade in London's Mayfair -- a location where, as the house poetically suggests, nothing is entirely as it appears. The Essence de Parfum concentration, launched in 2021, sits between the EDP and the Parfum in the 51 Pour Femme lineup, promising a more concentrated experience than the lighter version without the full density of the extrait.

The community response reveals a fragrance that smells undeniably beautiful and luxurious but struggles to justify its premium price, particularly in this specific concentration. Many reviewers who adore the composition recommend the Parfum version instead, finding that the Essence falls short on longevity and sillage.

What It Smells Like

The opening is a wash of bright bergamot that immediately signals quality. There is a sunlit, citrus freshness that feels both cheerful and sophisticated, setting the stage for the elaborate floral composition to come.

The heart is a lush bouquet built around May rose and jasmine, two of perfumery's most prized absolutes. Gardenia adds creamy richness, ylang-ylang contributes exotic sweetness, and tuberose provides that distinctive buttery, narcotic quality. Orange blossom and lily-of-the-valley bring freshness and lightness, lily adds green elegance, and raspberry introduces a fruity spark that lifts the entire accord. The result is what one reviewer described as smelling "the way you imagine perfume should smell" -- a traditional, expensive quality reminiscent of how elegant women smelled in decades past.

The base wraps everything in warmth. Benzoin provides a mouth-watering resinous sweetness, vanilla adds creamy depth, and anise, cinnamon, and clove contribute vivacious spicy warmth. Cashmere wood and sandalwood sit close to the skin, while orris, violet, and patchouli add powdery, earthy complexity. The overall effect is a fruity floral oriental of genuine sophistication.

When to Wear It

The Essence de Parfum concentration is best suited for warmer weather and daytime occasions. Its blithe, sun-drenched character and lighter projection make it appropriate for garden parties, afternoon events, and spring celebrations. The Cafleurebon review described it as having a "playful" and "sun-drenched" personality with "honeyed solar bonhomie" that aligns perfectly with warm-weather elegance.

This is a fragrance for moments when you want to feel classically beautiful without overwhelming a room.

Longevity & Projection

Longevity is the most contentious aspect of the Essence de Parfum concentration. Some reviewers report it lasting all of 30 minutes before becoming undetectable, even on clothing. Others find the blend turns sour after two hours, while the Parfum version is described as sitting beautifully throughout the day. The Essence appears to be the weakest performer in the 51 Pour Femme range, which is unfortunate given the premium pricing. Projection is intimate at best, operating as a close skin scent that rewards proximity rather than filling a room.

The Community Says

The community treats the broader 51 Pour Femme composition with respect while expressing reservations about this specific concentration. Fragrantica reviewers describe both versions as smelling like "the way you imagine perfume should smell" -- traditional, expensive, and classically feminine. The Cafleurebon review praised the Parfum version as "effortlessly luxe" and "incredibly smooth," emphasizing its quality ingredients and refined construction. However, multiple community members specifically advise skipping the Essence and purchasing the Parfum instead, citing dramatically better longevity and a more coherent evolution. The value-for-money question looms large in discussions, with many finding it difficult to justify the price for such fleeting performance.

Who Should Buy This

51 Pour Femme Essence de Parfum is for women who value the experience of wearing a beautifully crafted, classically feminine fragrance and who prioritize the quality of the scent itself over how long it lasts. If you respond to fruity floral orientals of the grand tradition and you find the Parfum version too intense, the Essence offers a lighter touch.

However, most reviewers recommend investing in the Parfum concentration instead. The Essence delivers the same beautiful composition with significantly less staying power, making it a harder proposition to justify at Roja pricing. Those who prioritize value should sample before committing.

The Bottom Line

Roja Dove 51 Pour Femme Essence de Parfum offers a genuinely beautiful fruity floral oriental that embodies classical feminine perfumery at its most refined. The composition is above reproach -- a luxurious, playful, sun-drenched creation that smells the way great perfume should. Unfortunately, the Essence concentration struggles to hold onto this beauty, with longevity concerns that push most informed buyers toward the Parfum version. As an olfactory experience, it is lovely; as a practical purchase at its price point, it demands careful consideration.