by Ex Nihilo
The Hedonist by Ex Nihilo presents a bright, clean, and modern woody fragrance with a strong emphasis on akigalawood and cedar. Its opening features bergamot and ginger, giving it a zesty, slightly spicy character that remains light and refreshing. The heart centers on akigalawood and cedar with a subtle, resinous quality, enhanced by a powdery musk and tonka bean base, creating a refined and slightly sweet drydown that feels smooth and wearable. The overall structure is elegant and contemporary—similar in spirit to Dior Homme Sport or Bleu de Chanel, but with a more deliberate focus on refined synthetics and a softer musk. It performs well on skin, offering moderate to long-lasting wear with a slightly low sillage, making it ideal for daytime, spring, and cool autumn days. The fragrance has strong unisex appeal, though it leans slightly more masculine in perception, with minimal floral or feminine notes. Its performance and composition are praised by many, but it is frequently criticized for being overpriced, especially compared to other modern fragrances with similar structures.