Citizen X by Ex Nihilo
Brand: Ex Nihilo
Concentration: EDP
Scent overview
Citizen X presents a refined urban signature that balances luminous citrus and pepper with cool, powdery iris. Its woody, musky drydown feels sleek and quietly sensual, making it versatile enough for the office yet distinctive for evening wear.
Is Citizen X worth it?
How it smells: Opens with bergamot, pink pepper and elemi, iris and violet leaf at the heart, then dries down to vetiver and cedarwood.
Scent Score: 76/100 (Great). Hidden gem. Established and performs well, but few people know about it. Performance 67, versatility 93, layerability 93 and value 52, each out of 100.
Scent Character
EDP · Introduced 2015 · Unisex
Key accords: Bergamot, Pink pepper, Elemi, Iris, Violet leaf, Jasmine
Top Notes
- Bergamot
- Pink pepper
- Elemi
Heart Notes
- Iris
- Violet leaf
- Jasmine
Base Notes
Occasions: Office, Evening, Casual, Date, Special Occasion
Seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter
Fragrance overview
Citizen X by Ex Nihilo belongs to the woody fragrance family. A polished, contemporary blend of sparkling citrus and peppery spice softened by an elegant iris heart and grounded in dry woods, vetiver, and sensual musk. Citizen X opens with Bergamot, Pink pepper, and Elemi. The heart brings Iris, Violet leaf, and Jasmine. It dries down to Vetiver, Cedarwood, Patchouli, and Musk.
How to wear Citizen X
On skin, Citizen X by Ex Nihilo has good longevity, moderate projection, an intensity of 6/10, EDP concentration. It's best in spring, fall, and winter. Reach for it for office, evening, casual, date, and special occasion. Its best layering match in the catalog is Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf. Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Flowerbomb on top for floral lift. Start with 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Flowerbomb and adjust to taste.
How the notes develop
Citizen X opens with Bergamot, Pink pepper, and Elemi.
The heart brings Iris, Violet leaf, and Jasmine.
It dries down to Vetiver, Cedarwood, Patchouli, and Musk.
What to layer with Citizen X
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Woody and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share bergamot, jasmine, and patchouli.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Flowerbomb on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Flowerbomb
Dior Homme Intense by Dior
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Woody and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share iris and vetiver.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Dior Homme Intense on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Dior Homme Intense
Gentleman by Givenchy
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Woody and oriental scents naturally complement each other, and they share bergamot, iris, and vetiver.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Gentleman on top for oriental lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Gentleman
Carnal Flower by Frédéric Malle
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Woody and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share bergamot and jasmine.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Carnal Flower on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Carnal Flower
Paradoxe by Prada
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Woody and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share bergamot and iris.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Paradoxe on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Paradoxe
Pairings to approach with care
Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford
Not Recommended · 36/99
Tobacco Vanille has noticeably more projection — use a lighter touch with it to keep the blend balanced. Tobacco Vanille brings a tobacco contrast to this woody scent.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Tobacco Vanille on top for tobacco lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 1 spray Tobacco Vanille
Lush Vanilla by Zara
Not Recommended · 40/99
This pairing is harder to balance. Lush Vanilla brings a fruity contrast to this woody scent.
Order: Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Lush Vanilla on top for fruity lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Lush Vanilla
Related fragrances and why
- Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf — Both include bergamot, jasmine, and patchouli.
- Dior Homme Intense by Dior — Both include iris and vetiver.
- Gentleman by Givenchy — Both include bergamot, iris, and vetiver.
Frequently asked questions
Which notes are listed for Citizen X?
Citizen X opens with Bergamot, Pink pepper, and Elemi. The heart brings Iris, Violet leaf, and Jasmine. It dries down to Vetiver, Cedarwood, Patchouli, and Musk.
How long does Citizen X last, and how strong is it?
Citizen X by Ex Nihilo has good longevity, moderate projection, an intensity of 6/10, EDP concentration.
When should you wear Citizen X?
It's best in spring, fall, and winter. It suits office, evening, casual, date, and special occasion.
What layers well with Citizen X?
Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf is its strongest match (98% compatibility). Woody and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share bergamot, jasmine, and patchouli. Apply Citizen X first as your base layer. Its woody character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Flowerbomb on top for floral lift. Start with 2 sprays Citizen X : 2 sprays Flowerbomb.
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