French Affair by Ex Nihilo
Brand: Ex Nihilo
Concentration: EDP
Scent overview
Parisian panache: violet leaf, bergamot and lychee over rose, pepper and angelica, on oakmoss, patchouli, cedar and vetiver.
Is French Affair worth it?
How it smells: Opens with violet leaf, bergamot and lychee, rose and black pepper at the heart, then dries down to oakmoss and patchouli.
Scent Score: 68/100 (Good). Doesn't stand out. Pairs well with fewer fragrances than most. Nothing wrong with it, but similar fragrances do more. Sample it before buying a bottle. Performance 83, versatility 67, layerability 34 and value 68, each out of 100.
What to expect: Longevity: Lasts all day and into the night. Projection: Arm's-length projection. Best for: Spring and fall, for the office and dates. Layering: Best worn on its own. Leans: Unisex.
Scent Character
EDP · Introduced 2017 · Unisex
Key accords: Violet Leaf, Bergamot, Lychee, Rose, Black Pepper, Angelica
Top Notes
- Violet Leaf
- Bergamot
- Lychee
Heart Notes
- Rose
- Black Pepper
- Angelica
Base Notes
Occasions: Office, Date Night
Seasons: Spring, Fall
Fragrance overview
French Affair by Ex Nihilo belongs to the chypre fragrance family. Parisian panache: violet leaf, bergamot and lychee over rose, pepper and angelica, on oakmoss, patchouli, cedar and vetiver. French Affair opens with Violet Leaf, Bergamot, and Lychee. The heart brings Rose, Black Pepper, and Angelica. It dries down to Oakmoss, Patchouli, Cedar, and Vetiver.
How to wear French Affair
On skin, French Affair by Ex Nihilo has long Lasting longevity, moderate projection, an intensity of 6/10, EDP concentration. It's best in spring and fall. Reach for it for office and date night. Its best layering match in the catalog is Tuxedo by Yves Saint Laurent. Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Tuxedo on top for chypre lift. Start with 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Tuxedo and adjust to taste.
How the notes develop
French Affair opens with Violet Leaf, Bergamot, and Lychee.
The heart brings Rose, Black Pepper, and Angelica.
It dries down to Oakmoss, Patchouli, Cedar, and Vetiver.
What to layer with French Affair
Tuxedo by Yves Saint Laurent
TrySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Strong Match · 85/99
Both are chypre fragrances, and they share violet leaf, bergamot, and rose.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Tuxedo on top for chypre lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Tuxedo
Gris Dior by Dior
Strong Match · 85/99
Both are chypre fragrances, and they share bergamot, rose, and oakmoss.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Gris Dior on top for chypre lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Gris Dior
Mousse de Chene 30 by Le Labo
Strong Match · 82/99
Both are chypre fragrances, and they share black pepper, oakmoss, and patchouli.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Mousse de Chene 30 on top for chypre lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Mousse de Chene 30
Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum by Chanel
TrySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Strong Match · 82/99
Both are chypre fragrances, and they share bergamot, rose, and patchouli.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum on top for chypre lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum
Valentina Assoluto by Valentino
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Strong Match · 82/99
Both are chypre fragrances, and they share bergamot, oakmoss, and patchouli.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Valentina Assoluto on top for chypre lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Valentina Assoluto
Pairings to approach with care
Ombre Nomade by Louis Vuitton
Not Recommended · 33/99
Ombre Nomade has noticeably more projection — use a lighter touch with it to keep the blend balanced. Ombre Nomade brings an oriental contrast to this chypre scent, and they share rose.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Ombre Nomade on top for oriental lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 1 spray Ombre Nomade
Epic 56 Woman by Amouage
Not Recommended · 36/99
Epic 56 Woman has noticeably more projection — use a lighter touch with it to keep the blend balanced. Epic 56 Woman brings an amber contrast to this chypre scent, and they share patchouli.
Order: Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Epic 56 Woman on top for amber lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays French Affair : 1 spray Epic 56 Woman
Related fragrances and why
- Tuxedo by Yves Saint LaurentTrySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.— Both include violet leaf, bergamot, and rose.
- Gris Dior by Dior — Both include bergamot, rose, and oakmoss.
- Mousse de Chene 30 by Le Labo — Both include black pepper, oakmoss, and patchouli.
Frequently asked questions
Which notes are listed for French Affair?
French Affair opens with Violet Leaf, Bergamot, and Lychee. The heart brings Rose, Black Pepper, and Angelica. It dries down to Oakmoss, Patchouli, Cedar, and Vetiver.
How long does French Affair last, and how strong is it?
French Affair by Ex Nihilo has long Lasting longevity, moderate projection, an intensity of 6/10, EDP concentration.
When should you wear French Affair?
It's best in spring and fall. It suits office and date night.
What layers well with French Affair?
Tuxedo by Yves Saint Laurent is its strongest match (85% compatibility). Both are chypre fragrances, and they share violet leaf, bergamot, and rose. Apply French Affair first as your base layer. Its chypre character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Tuxedo on top for chypre lift. Start with 2 sprays French Affair : 2 sprays Tuxedo.
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