Black XS (2018) by Rabanne

I bought this for $50, and it’s not worth paying more. It’s not bad and smells incredible, but the longevity is short—it lasts about 4 hours and projects for maybe the first hour, or 30 minutes at most, and no one smells it after that. Although pH and scent perception vary, in my case, it’s the same for everyone. Bottom line: share it knowing you’ll have to reapply, or it’s only worth it at that price point.

I was gifted this, and it starts strong, though I think it fades too quickly. It doesn’t smell bad; it’s serious. With a good suit and cold weather, it can work, but it’s not a fragrance that defines an era. 7/10.

This perfume is a damn compliment machine. I’m definitely going for a second bottle. I’ve used it for everything: formal, party, casual, daily, dates… and the compliments poured in; girls wanted to be closer, and I got seductive looks and smiles. The truth is, very few EDTs achieve what this Black XS does. From day one, I decided it would be my star lotion (until I fall in love with another, as happens in life). But watch out, it’s not for everyone. At least you need to know how to dress, combine colors, have confidence, a good physique, hygiene, and above all, a fresh haircut, because otherwise, my friend, this magic won’t work or perform miracles. It’s a team effort between you and the fragrance; otherwise, you’ll be disappointed. You’ve been warned.

When I was little, my brother used this perfume in its old version, the elongated bottle (this one is from 2018). I remember smelling it when he applied it and it flooded his room with a spectacular aroma in a second. Since then, I’ve had it in my collection, but since it was small and I was gifted it instead of buying it, I have this 2018 version, and it smells nothing like the previous one. This latest Black XS smells good, but its longevity, projection, and sillage leave much to be desired. If you can get it for under 35€, it could be a good option for your collection; if not, there are many much better options with better performance.

Some say there are few changes from the old formulation, but to me, it seems quite more synthetic to the point of not liking it. The old one was a jewel compared to this. Before this, I would opt for the Zara one due to the price.

I’m not sure if it’s due to the reformulation, but the longevity is very weak, lasting only about 3-4 hours, and the projection goes to hell after the first 45 minutes. That said, the scent is incredible and will get you more than one compliment.

Rich, citrusy, and sweet aroma, but not cloying. It’s quite similar to the 2005 version, but a bit more modern (following current trends). I recommend it for fresh days in the shoulder seasons and it clearly works better at night. Good longevity, over 6 hours, and about an hour of good projection. I was surprised. Don’t buy blindly. Rating: 8.3/10.

I don’t know the old version. Black XS 2018 comes out with a blend of juicy lemon and something fruity. Then it sweetens a bit and becomes woody. It’s an exquisite fragrance, youthful and rebellious, very in tune with its old packaging. It’s true that it doesn’t last too long and isn’t in ‘best mode.’ However, I still recommend it. Its ideal use is for spring and summer nights. The sweetness and heaviness aren’t enough to suffocate you if it’s hot. Better occasion? Those quick outings where you know you’re going to a bar or dinner, and it doesn’t last more than 4 hours. 4/10.

There are fragrances loaded with intentions, and this Black XS is the best example. Its opening is very citrusy, sparkling, feeling almost like a punch in the face, but it quickly reveals its true intentions and turns woody and sweet, with a praline that stands out above the other scents to give it that characteristic sweetness and settle into its dry down as a woody fragrance. It’s clearly a night fragrance; I wouldn’t understand it for daily use due to its woody and sweet contribution, which can make it feel too heavy, even so, don’t think it’s similar to a One Million. And yes, it’s a compliment generator. Regarding its projection, it’s limited to half an hour; from then on, it radiates closely, but on skin it can last about 10 hours.

Lemon and praline together with patchouli form an accord that a partner below described very accurately as dulce de leche. On my skin, it doesn’t project much, but it does last a long time.

I first encountered this in 2012, used it a few times, and finally bought it a few months ago… Huge disappointment. The reformulated Black XS is still the same but much diluted. It’s very masculine, perfect for autumn, winter, or spring, for nighttime wear. The 2018 reformulation lost its punch; it projects for an hour and a half to two hours, then stays in a personal bubble for about five and a half hours, never reaching six. The bottle, though original, is uncomfortable and incredibly heavy; the old one was more practical. I got it on sale in Argentina for $105. Given the sky-high price and reduced performance, I don’t recommend it. If you can find a pre-2018 version at a good price, go for it. Despite everything, I love it, but the cost-to-performance ratio is terrible.

It’s a sweet fragrance but also a bit fresh (that’s how I see it). I notice a citrus touch, that typical sweet Paco Rabanne vibe, and a green patchouli base. It was made to be liked and was a hit in the 00s. I don’t know how the original 2005 version compared, but current batches of the 2018 version fall short on longevity. For us perfume lovers, it’s rich, but I recommend buying this Black XS for those who don’t own perfume or are looking for an affordable designer scent (you can find it very cheap).

I was gifted it and it’s a classic that I love. It smells like strawberry from start to finish, with a touch of pineapple, and it’s super linear: it doesn’t evolve at all during its 4 hours. Performance is poor; it has no trail and stays stuck to the skin even if you apply a lot. I don’t remember the old version, but nowadays, if you’re not a super fan or collector, I don’t recommend it.

If you used the old version, you won’t be disgusted; they smell 90% the same, but this one is lighter and less deep. The old one didn’t perform at all, this one is worse, lasting only 10 minutes, and I’m not the only one. The opening is more citrusy, just as versatile. With my eyes closed, I’d stick with the old one; it’s hard to find now, what a pity they changed it like this.

It’s seductive and underappreciated, which is better so it’s not mainstream and you can stand out. This new version has the same performance as the previous one and keeps its charm; it was one of the first designer scents I used for hunting and it worked well. It has the praline sweetness well-balanced with citrus and lovely cinnamon; it’s not a typical gourmand, which makes it more versatile. Great projection and trail (2h) and longevity (6-8h), it’s still worth it.