Perfume Review: Ex Idolo Lucid Dream

It’s no secret that I tend to be drawn to niche fragrances. I love how different, extravagant even, the perfume compositions can be as well as the stories that support them. Niche perfumery is an artistic exploration of scent, free from any codes and expectations that are too often seen in mass appealing brands. In a very saturated market, where close to 3,000 new perfumes are launched per year, the niche segment is the one that is driving growth. Over the last few years, the niche segment has also heavily influenced mass and prestige brands. These are now developing new exclusive lines, that significantly differentiate from their core offering. I think it’s safe to say that the trend is here to stay, as consumers continue to seek more individualistic scents. 

With that in mind, I’m constantly on the hunt for new niche perfumes. I love to go to different stores specialising in niche perfumery as well as attending Esxence in Milan to discover new brands and upcoming launches. I’ve never been one to purchase perfumes online, let alone niche fragrances as they can be very pricey. That being said, I’m not opposed to the idea. I was approached by Scent City an online UK based retailer of niche perfumes to test one of their fragrances. After a few discussions with them on the types of notes that I liked, they kindly sent me a generous sample of Ex Idolo’s Lucid Dream. I can tell you right now that I was pleasantly surprised with this fragrance, and I’m glad they suggested it as it fills a gap in my perfume collection.

Ex Idolo is a completely new brand to me. It was founded in 2013 by Matt and Tanya Zhuk and is based out of London. They have a collection of four fragrances with Lucid Dream being one of their latest creations, launched in 2018. Lucid Dream is said to be “an olfactory exploration of lucid dreaming,” which is a semi meditative state where one is aware that they are dreaming. As you can imagine, this fragrance inspires a world full of fantasy and imagination. It’s “a dream in liquid form, transparent and crisp.”

Key Notes

Top: Effervescent citrus, pink pepper, davana

Heart: Smoky osmanthus, rose

Base: Incense, white patchouli

Olfactive Classification: Woody Spicy Floral

What to Expect

Lucid Dream by Ex Idolo opens with a sharp pink pepper note that’s laced with a subtle sweetness. It’s an electrifying spiciness right from the start, but it will settle down. The sweetness in the top is inviting and has a berry-like character, which will persist throughout the development of the perfume.

The heart and soul of Lucid Dream is all about an accord between sumptuous woods and a rose. It takes me deep into an ancient woodland with mythical creatures, that’s full of mystery. The woods have both a smoky and dry facet, which brings depth and richness to the perfume. Paired with the rose, the overall effect is ultra sensual and luxurious.

Lucid Dream is definitely more of a nighttime scent and one which I would classify as a soft oriental. It’s a great choice for those who like woody spicy floral scents and that don’t yet feel like venturing into a full rose-oriental-oud territory. Although there’s a prominent rose note, I feel that this fragrance would be enjoyed by both men and women. Finally, this fragrance has great performance and is extremely long lasting on the skin (+6 hours). You will definitely not get unnoticed with this scent!

Availability

Lucid Dream by Ex Idolo is available in 30ml and 50ml Eau de Parfum for £95 and £125.

Disclaimer

Sample sent by Scent City. I was not paid for this review and all views are my own. Notes and quotes via Ex Idolo.

Review and Image Credit by Jus De Rose