Ex Nihilo Fragrance review

Ex Nihilo Speed Legends Living on the Edge Review

A fresh, woody aromatic that balances citrus brightness with earthy depth.

By Vivir ·
In the crowded world of niche perfumery, Ex Nihilo has carved a niche for itself with fragrances that blend Parisian elegance with a modern, global sensibility. Founded in 2013, the house has quickly become a favorite among fragrance enthusiasts who appreciate luxurious compositions with a contemporary twist. Their Speed Legends collection, launched in 2023, pays homage to the thrill of speed and the allure of the open road. Living on the Edge, crafted by perfumer Jordi Fernández, is a unisex woody aromatic that captures the essence of a daring yet refined lifestyle. It's a scent that doesn't shout; it whispers with confidence, making it a perfect companion for the contemporary professional who values subtlety over ostentation. Living on the Edge opens with a burst of citrus and spice, a nod to the adrenaline of a fast-paced life. As it settles, it reveals a heart of aromatic herbs and dark fruit, before grounding itself in a warm, woody base. This is a fragrance that transitions effortlessly from the boardroom to a casual evening out, embodying the versatility that modern consumers crave. In an era where gender boundaries in fragrance are increasingly blurred, Living on the Edge stands as a testament to the power of a well-crafted unisex scent. The fragrance is more than just a pretty scent; it's a statement. It speaks to those who live life on their own terms, who appreciate the finer things but don't need to flaunt them. It's the olfactory equivalent of a well-tailored suit or a vintage watch—understated, elegant, and timeless.
Longevity
4.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
3.0
$280-$385
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Citrus Aromatic Woody Soft Spicy Fruity Sweet Earthy

Notes Pyramid

Top
Pink PepperBergamotMandarin
Heart
Clary SageBlackcurrant
Base
VetiverTonka BeanAmbery Wood

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

A vibrant burst of citrus and pink pepper. The bergamot and mandarin are juicy and bright, while the pink pepper adds a gentle spice. It's energetic and uplifting, like a shot of espresso for the senses.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

The citrus recedes, making way for the aromatic heart. Clary sage brings a herbal, slightly medicinal quality, while blackcurrant adds a fruity tartness. The composition feels smooth and well-blended, with a subtle sweetness emerging.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The base notes emerge, with vetiver taking center stage. The earthy, woody aroma of vetiver is softened by the sweetness of tonka bean and the warmth of ambery wood. The scent becomes a skin-like, comforting aura that lasts for several hours. It's the kind of drydown that makes you want to bury your nose in your wrist.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 4.0/5

5-8 hours estimated on skin

Projection 3.0/5

Projects about arm's length, not overpowering

Sillage 3.0/5

Moderate, leaves a subtle scent trail

When to Wear

SpringBest
SummerOK
FallBest
WinterOK
OfficeCasual outingsDaytime eventsEvening dinners

Pros & Cons

  • Versatile for many occasions
  • Well-blended and smooth
  • Fresh yet warm
  • Good for office and casual wear
  • Pricey
  • Moderate longevity
  • Not a powerhouse projector

Price & Value

$280-$385
High-end niche pricing, but the quality and versatility justify the cost for enthusiasts.

“Worth it if you appreciate refined fresh woody scents and don't mind moderate performance.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Those who enjoy fresh woody aromatic scents
  • Professionals seeking a versatile signature
  • Fans of vetiver and citrus blends

Not Recommended For

  • Those who prefer heavy sweet or gourmand fragrances
  • People who want beast-mode projection
  • Budget-conscious buyers

The Family

Speed Legends Night Drive Ex Nihilo

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Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Ex Nihilo Speed Legends Living on the Edge is a sophisticated, versatile fragrance that masterfully blends fresh citrus and aromatic herbs with a warm, woody base. While it may not be a powerhouse, its refined character and impeccable blending make it a worthy addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate understated elegance.

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Ex NihiloSpeed LegendsLiving on the edgewoody aromaticvetiverunisexniche fragranceJordi Fernández