Anisia Bella was launched in 2004 as part of Guerlain's Aqua Allegoria range of fragrances. It was created by perfumer Aurelien Guichard, and has notes of aniseed, orange, bergamot, basil, star anise, violet, jasmine, liquorice wood, and cedar.

I love anise-based perfumes, and Anisia Bella is one of my favorites for warmer days when Serge Lutens Douce Amere or Caron Aimez Moi are too heavy. Anisia Bella opens with lightly sugared citrus; the anise is pronounced from the start and stays central through the dry down. There is a minty-peppery undertone from the basil and a bit of sweet violet drifts in and out, but for the most part it is all about the anise. The base is musky and woody, with a fair amount of cedar.

It is a simple fragrance, and like most of the Aqua Allegorias, relatively sheer and soft. I find the lasting power to be reasonable for an Eau de Toilette. If you like anise but don't care for Anisia Bella, Anice by Etro is another summery fragrance that is worth trying. It starts out candy-sweet (more so than the Guerlain) but the sweetness dries up nicely as it calms, and the base is much lighter. It is somewhat foodier than the Anisia Bella, perhaps because of the caraway and fennel notes, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a gourmand, and at any rate it is quite sheer. If I remember correctly, the lasting power is about the same for both fragrances, but unfortunately, the Anice has never turned up at any of the online discounters that carry the Etro line so you will pay more for the experience.

Other Aqua Allegoria reviews: Orange Magnifica & Pivoine Magnifica; Herba Fresca & Mentafollia, Tutti Kiwi.

For purchasing information, see listings for Guerlain and Etro under Perfume Houses.

Update 8/06: I neglected to mention that Anisia Bella has been discontinued by Guerlain, although bottles are still widely available as of this writing.