Our take
What does Pure XS Night smell like?
Two years after Pure XS, Paco Rabanne released its night version in early 2019 as an eau de parfum. Three perfumers worked on it: Caroline Dumur, Anne Flipo and Bruno Jovanovic. Ginseng kicks things off. It smells like a slightly earthy root, and ginger gives it a bite. That opening is short. The heart quickly turns gourmand with cacao and vanilla. Cinnamon spices up the mix and brings holiday baking to mind. The base runs on a loud salted caramel plus myrrh, which adds a resinous veil. Without the myrrh it would be plainly sweet. The original Pure XS leaned harder on ginger and thyme. Night pushes the dial toward dessert and lasts longer for it. Viktor & Rolf's Spicebomb comes to mind for the spicy warmth, though this one is sweeter. Projection is generous, sometimes too much for a small room.
When to wear it
Made for winter nights out, on the neck and chest. Three sprays at most, or it turns cloying.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber, Spicy family. Pure XS Night is one of 35 creations by Paco Rabanne in our encyclopedia.
