Our take
What does XS pour Homme smell like?
Paco Rabanne released XS pour Homme in 1993. Gérard Anthony and Rosendo Mateu wrote it in the aromatic fougère tradition, which was in full swing at the time. It opens on mint, with bergamot and lemon for sparkle. Think of a good aftershave. The heart gains depth from juniper berry, geranium and coriander, a peppery and very clean mix. At the base, rosemary meets cedar and sandalwood over a quiet layer of oakmoss. The overall effect is a freshly ironed shirt. Lighter and less sharp than Paco Rabanne pour Homme from 1973, XS keeps one foot in the classics while looking ahead to the fresh scents that would rule the decade. The mint fades after half an hour but the juniper holds on. That is what gives the scent its sporty stance. Today it feels more classic than it did at launch.
When to wear it
An office fougère that offends no one and lasts about half a day. It works better in spring and autumn than in real heat.
It belongs to the Fougère, Aromatic family. XS pour Homme is one of 35 creations by Paco Rabanne in our encyclopedia.
