French Affair
Perfumer: Quentin Bisch
Votes lean masculine
132 ratings
From your scent profile
Ex Nihilo French Affair is a fresh, citrusy and green unisex fragrance built on a chypre frame.
Skunky's take: Starts crisp and lively, my nose approves.
How does it perform?
From 119 community ratings, all out of 10.
Holds up through the day and fades gently toward evening.
People close to you notice, nobody gets overwhelmed.
Sits nicely on a shelf.
The price makes you think, so a small size is a smart start.
Blind buy risk
84% of votes are positive and opinions barely differ.
Notes
They open one after another, from the first spray into the evening.
Top notesfirst 15 minutes
Heart notesfirst few hours
Accords
From most dominant to most subtle.
- Fresh
- Citrus
- Floral
- Green
- Fruity
- Spicy
- Woody
- Earthy
Fresh
Citrus
Floral
Green
Fruity
Spicy
Woody
EarthyWhat does French Affair smell like?
Longevity and sillage are both rated good. Most voters pick spring and fall, though summer has a fair share too. Leisure, daily wear and the office lead the occasions. Votes split almost evenly between masculine and feminine.
It opens with bergamot, violet leaf absolute and lychee, a fresh and fruity start. In the heart, rose absolute, angelica and Atlas cedar bring a floral, woody balance. Vetiver, patchouli and oakmoss give the dry-down an earthy, dry base. Nicolaï Vie de Chateau and Sisley Eau de Campagne have a close profile.
How it changes through the day
First minutes
- Bergamot
- Violet leaf absolute
- Lychee
First hours
- Rose absolute
- Angelica
- Atlas cedar
Towards evening
- Vetiver
- Patchouli
- Oakmoss
When to wear it?
Seasons and occasions, by user votes.
- 31%Spring
- 30%Autumn
- 22%Summer
- 17%Winter
Spring
Autumn
Summer
Winter- Casual23%
- Daytime21%
- Office19%
- Evening19%
- Nighttime16%
Smells like this
The closest scents by notes and accords.
52% matchArbitRary
Ayala Moriel · 2001
51% matchVie de Chateau
Nicolaï · 1992
51% matchSignature / RM
Ruth Mastenbrœk · 2010
50% matchVie de Château Intense
Nicolaï · 2008
49% matchBergamot
Roja Parfums · 2013
48% matchEau du Sud
Goutal · 1997
48% matchEau de Campagne / Country Water
Sisley · 1976
48% matchDiorella (Eau de Toilette)
Dior · 1972
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Last updated: October 26, 2026