Midnight Special by Ex Nihilo
Brand: Ex Nihilo
Concentration: EDP
What it smells like
A dark, magnetic blend of saffron and peppery incense warmed by floral nuances, smoky woods, leather, and amber.
Is Midnight Special worth it?
How it smells: Opens with saffron, cinnamon and black pepper, Turkish rose and rose at the heart, then dries down to vanilla and agarwood (oud).
Scent Score: 71/100 (Good). Hidden gem. Established and performs well, but few people know about it. Performance 69, versatility 73, layerability 86 and value 54, each out of 100.
What to expect: Longevity: Lasts a full workday. Projection: Projects strongly. People will notice. Best for: Fall and winter, for evenings and dates. Layering: Layers easily with most of the catalog. Leans: Unisex.
Scent Character
Oriental · Woody Oriental
EDP · Introduced 2016 · Unisex
Key accords: Saffron, Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Turkish Rose, Rose, Grapefruit
Top Notes
- Saffron
- Cinnamon
- Black Pepper
Heart Notes
- Turkish Rose
- Rose
- Grapefruit
Base Notes
Occasions: Evening, Date, Special Occasion
Seasons: Fall, Winter
Fragrance overview
Midnight Special by Ex Nihilo belongs to the oriental fragrance family. A dark, magnetic blend of saffron and peppery incense warmed by floral nuances, smoky woods, leather, and amber. Midnight Special opens with Saffron, Cinnamon, and Black Pepper. The heart brings Turkish Rose, Rose, and Grapefruit. It dries down to Vanilla, Agarwood (Oud), and Patchouli.
How to wear Midnight Special
On skin, Midnight Special by Ex Nihilo has good longevity, strong projection, an intensity of 8/10, EDP concentration. It's best in fall and winter. Reach for it for evening, date, and special occasion. Its best layering match in the catalog is Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent. Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Black Opium on top for gourmand lift. Start with 2 sprays Midnight Special : 2 sprays Black Opium and adjust to taste.
How the notes develop
Midnight Special opens with Saffron, Cinnamon, and Black Pepper.
The heart brings Turkish Rose, Rose, and Grapefruit.
It dries down to Vanilla, Agarwood (Oud), and Patchouli.
What to layer with Midnight Special
Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Oriental and gourmand scents naturally complement each other, and they share vanilla and patchouli.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Black Opium on top for gourmand lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Midnight Special : 2 sprays Black Opium
Nuit d'Issey by Issey Miyake
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Signature Worthy · 98/99
Oriental and woody scents naturally complement each other, and they share black pepper, grapefruit, and patchouli.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Nuit d'Issey on top for woody lift.
Ratio: 1 spray Midnight Special : 2 sprays Nuit d'Issey
Bleecker Street by Bond No. 9
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Oriental and woody scents naturally complement each other, and they share cinnamon, vanilla, and patchouli.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Bleecker Street on top for woody lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Midnight Special : 2 sprays Bleecker Street
Nuits de Noho by Bond No. 9
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Signature Worthy · 98/99
Oriental and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share vanilla and patchouli.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Nuits de Noho on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Midnight Special : 2 sprays Nuits de Noho
Hibiscus Mahajád by Maison Crivelli
Signature Worthy · 98/99
Oriental and floral scents naturally complement each other, and they share cinnamon, turkish rose, and rose.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Hibiscus Mahajád on top for floral lift.
Ratio: 2 sprays Midnight Special : 2 sprays Hibiscus Mahajád
Pairings to approach with care
Art Of Universe by Lattafa Pride
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.Not Recommended · 31/99
Midnight Special has noticeably more projection — use a lighter touch with it to keep the blend balanced. Art Of Universe brings a citrus contrast to this oriental scent.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Art Of Universe on top for citrus lift.
Ratio: 1 spray Midnight Special : 2 sprays Art Of Universe
Bamboo Harmony by Kilian
BuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission. Is FragranceNet legit?Not Recommended · 31/99
Midnight Special has noticeably more projection — use a lighter touch with it to keep the blend balanced. Bamboo Harmony brings a fresh contrast to this oriental scent.
Order: Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Bamboo Harmony on top for fresh lift.
Ratio: 1 spray Midnight Special : 2 sprays Bamboo Harmony
Related fragrances and why
- Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent — Both include vanilla and patchouli.
- Nuit d'Issey by Issey MiyakeBuySame price for you · we may earn a small commission.— Both include black pepper, grapefruit, and patchouli.
- Bleecker Street by Bond No. 9 — Both include cinnamon, vanilla, and patchouli.
Frequently asked questions
Which notes are listed for Midnight Special?
Midnight Special opens with Saffron, Cinnamon, and Black Pepper. The heart brings Turkish Rose, Rose, and Grapefruit. It dries down to Vanilla, Agarwood (Oud), and Patchouli.
How long does Midnight Special last, and how strong is it?
Midnight Special by Ex Nihilo has good longevity, strong projection, an intensity of 8/10, EDP concentration.
When should you wear Midnight Special?
It's best in fall and winter. It suits evening, date, and special occasion.
What layers well with Midnight Special?
Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is its strongest match (98% compatibility). Oriental and gourmand scents naturally complement each other, and they share vanilla and patchouli. Apply Midnight Special first as your base layer. Its oriental character creates the foundation. Wait 30 seconds, then layer Black Opium on top for gourmand lift. Start with 2 sprays Midnight Special : 2 sprays Black Opium.
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