Our take
What does Hugo XY smell like?
Hugo Boss launched Hugo XY in August 2007, alongside its twin Hugo XX. The brief was the tension between the sexes. The scent itself stays in the young, urban Hugo mould. It opens on cold zest. Citron and bergamot arrive together with a green pear leaf and a crushed ice accord that feels like a fogged glass. Mint and basil come next. This is the best part, a crisp smell of cut herbs with no sugar at all. The base sits on cedar and a light patchouli, while a musky root softens the finish without weighing it down. Compared with the 1995 Hugo and its green apple and lavender, XY is drier and more herbal. It is also less memorable. After an hour it stays close to the skin, which makes it easy to wear but a little shy if you want to be noticed.
When to wear it
A hot weather scent for daytime and the office. Spray it generously on the neck and on clothes, since it fades fast.
It belongs to the Citrus, Aromatic family. Hugo XY is one of 35 creations by Hugo Boss in our encyclopedia.
