Esxence 2026: My Honest Experience in Milan

Esxence 2026 was my second visit to Milan’s most important niche perfume event, and this year the experience felt completely different.

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A Different Kind of Perfume Pilgrimage

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d wake up early, take a train from Brescia to Milan, spend an entire day smelling perfumes, talking to brand founders, and come home carrying a backpack full of samples, I probably would’ve laughed.

Yet here we are.

Esxence 2026 wasn’t just another perfume event. It was a completely different experience compared to my first visit in 2025.

The day started with a train ride to Milan, followed by a quick metro journey and a short walk to Allianz MiCo. While waiting in line before the doors opened, I realized I was standing next to the founder of Fugazzi. Not a bad way to begin a day dedicated to niche perfumery.

What Changed at Esxence 2026 Compared to My First Visit?

My biggest mistake in 2025 was assuming I could truly experience Esxence in a single day. Technically, yes. Realistically, absolutely not.

The exhibition space was noticeably larger than the previous year, welcoming even more brands and even more temptations. Arriving right at opening time made a huge difference: the halls were calm, easy to explore and gave me the chance to spend real time with each brand instead of rushing from booth to booth.

This Time, I Actually Talked to People

The biggest difference between 2025 and 2026 wasn’t the venue. It was me.

Last year I mostly explored quietly. This year I ended up chatting with founders, creative directors and brand representatives like an old gossip columnist. Those conversations completely changed my experience and reminded me that the people behind niche brands genuinely love sharing their stories.

The Brands That Left the Strongest Impression

Some brands confirmed why they’re becoming some of the most talked-about names in contemporary niche perfumery, while others completely surprised me.

Highlights included Coreterno, Botanicae, Sora Dora, Réserve en Afrique, Salum Parfums, Contes de Parfums, Bon Parfumeur and THoO.

Among the emerging names, Sorrentino Perfumes, Narici and Ideo Parfumeurs impressed me with a clear identity and exciting ideas.

Aphorismes by Dominique Ropion was naturally one of the collections I was most curious to experience, given the legendary perfumer behind the project.

Not Every Brand Impressed Me

Let’s be honest: not every booth deserves the same level of enthusiasm.

Some brands delivered originality, quality and a genuine artistic vision. Others felt more like expensive marketing exercises wrapped in attractive packaging. The beauty of Esxence is that you can experience everything firsthand and form your own opinion.

The Haul Was… Generous

I expected to come home with a few samples.

That expectation lasted approximately five minutes.

Many brands were incredibly generous, and I left Milan with enough samples and discovery kits to keep me busy for months. My nose was thrilled. My storage space… considerably less.

The Day Didn’t End at the Exhibition

After leaving Esxence, the perfume marathon continued with an event at the NH Hotel, where I discovered a couple of interesting brands. Later, I headed to Brera for the presentation of The Merchant of Venice‘s latest fragrance before finishing the evening at Carthusia for the launch of the newest addition to the Intenso collection.

Is One Day Enough?

My answer changed dramatically after this year’s visit.

Absolutely not.

Even after spending an entire day at the exhibition, I still felt like I had only scratched the surface. Esxence 2027 is already planned… and this time I’m staying for two full days.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Arrive when the doors open.
• Don’t try to smell everything.
• Talk to the people behind the brands.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Take breaks.
• Leave extra space in your backpack.

Final Thoughts

Esxence remains one of the most exciting events in the perfume industry. Compared to my first visit, this edition felt more personal, more relaxed and far more rewarding.

I left with countless memories, an even longer wishlist and enough samples to keep me testing for months.

One thing is certain: I’ll be back in 2027.