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Good afternoon, gentleman. I have been wearing Paco Rabanne’s Pure XS (pure excess) this week. This fragrance, a modern interpretation of the original 1993 Paco Rabanne XS, is a comeback with a new twist. While I have yet to experience the original, I will share my thoughts on this contemporary version to help you make an informed decision.
I generally like Paco Rabanne’s fragrances, with a few exceptions that are a little too sweet (yes, I’m looking at you, 1 Million!).
Pure XS is an Aromatic Spicy fragrance for men, launched in 2017 and composed by Anne Flipo, Caroline Dumur, and Bruno Jovanovic. As we’re in the peak of summer here in the UK, it’s important to note that this might not be the best time to wear a fragrance like this. However, I’ve taken the liberty to test it out in this season to give you my verdict.
So, is Pure XS a fragrance worthy of your investment? I know you’re eagerly awaiting my thoughts, and I’m equally excited to share them. Let’s explore this fragrance and see if it’s a potential addition to your collection that could genuinely elevate your scent game.
Appearance and Presentation
It’s a modern, sleek-looking bottle that objectively looks nice but doesn’t excite me much. I personally prefer more unique or eye-catching designs. I acknowledge that most people will probably like it, and it is perhaps well-suited for an overpriced department store, but I think it lacks originality. The flip-open cap can be somewhat annoying on application, too.
The blue gives the impression that it could be a fresh or aquatic fragrance, which may be misleading. I would suggest red as a more appropriate colour (I know I am being picky here). In all fairness, I will say it’s not bad, but nothing special.
Moving on!
Price and where to buy
It’s cheap but not cheap enough to be considered a “cheapie.” It sits just below the average price for a designer fragrance. That said, I have noticed a slight decline in the cost of Paco Rabanne’s fragrances in recent years. Not all of them, of course, but definitely some of the bigger boys in the group. I don’t know if that is just in the UK or worldwide, but there you go.
When it comes to getting the best deal, your best bet is almost always the discounters — especially when they’re running coupon codes. And the one that’s never let me down is FragranceX.
They ship worldwide, they only deal in authentic stock, and they’ve got a solid 30-day return policy, which keeps things risk-free.
Prices do move around (sometimes daily, especially during holiday sales), so it’s always worth checking the current deal. 👇
The notes
Top Notes – Ginger, Thyme, Grapefruit, Bergamot, Green Accord
Middle Notes – Vanilla, Liquor, Cinnamon, Leather, Apple
Base Notes – Myrrh, Sugar, Cedar, Woody Notes, Cashmeran, Patchouli
My thoughts on the scent
It has an aromatic, fresh, and sweet opening with bright notes like grapefruit and bergamot at the forefront. As it transitions to the dry down, I can pick up on the vanilla and spices from the cinnamon. A bit of a boozy vibe can also be detected from the liquor, although it’s faint and not enough to throw it out of balance. The woods in the base bring it all together elegantly, and well, I like it.
This fragrance, while reminiscent of D&G The One, has its own distinct charm. It’s warm and inviting and exudes a sensual appeal. Despite what you may have read on Fragrantica, I believe it has been crafted exceptionally well. It’s not as smooth and sophisticated as D&G The One, but it’s a strong contender in its own right. If you’re a fan of sweeter, warm, and spicy fragrances, Pure XS is definitely worth your consideration.
Compliments
Guys, this fragrance is a confidence booster. Similar to D&G The One, Pure XS is bound to get you noticed, especially by the ladies. Depending on where and when you wear it, it’s sure to elevate your game and leave a lasting impression.
And here’s a bonus: the wife is also a fan.
Performance
I’m afraid to say that “excess” is not a word I would use to describe this fragrance’s silage or longevity. It’s not awful, but it’s not great either. You’re looking at about five hours of lasting power, which will project for about an hour at best. A little top-up mid-way through your evening would be in order.
When and where to wear
It needs to be more spicy and dense to be considered solely a winter or autumn fragrance, although you will most likely get the best results during that time of year. You could get away with it in warmer weather, although I think much better options exist for those climates. It’s best suited for evening wear on nights out or special occasions. I wouldn’t wear it casually or in the office, although you could if you really wanted to.
Download the cheat sheet if you’re curious about the type of scents best suited to your situation.
Want to try this fragrance on your skin?
If you’d prefer to sample it first, these are my two favourite
and most reliable places to get authentic decants:
Pros & Cons
Pros
- An overall crowd-pleaser
- Somewhat unique and creative
- Sexy and sensual
- Reasonable asking price
- Great for eveningwear and special occasions
Cons
- Spray cap bottle is annoying
- Performance leaves something to be desired
- Some may not like the boozy element
- Not ideal for casual wear
Should you buy it?
It would be a solid if it weren’t for the performance issue. If you’re willing to spend a bit extra, you might get a longer-lasting fragrance that does the same thing. For example, Hugo Boss The Scent Absolute is a decent spicy evening scent that blows this out of the water regarding silage and longevity. However, Pure XS still has its merits.
It’s a pretty good fragrance, all things considered, and I would recommend it. It makes up for its lack of performance in other areas, including the low asking price. It’s reliable, and the scent would be an ideal dress-up fragrance that won’t disappoint. Let me know your experiences in the comments below.
READY TO GRAB THIS FRAGRANCE?
If you’re ready to add this to your collection, here are two reliable places to check:
- FragranceX – usually the best prices, discount codes, and a wide selection. They also ship worldwide.
- Amazon – great if you prefer Prime delivery speed, just make sure to buy from a trusted seller.
👉 Pick the option that works best for you.
No matter where you’re reading from, smell good, spend smart.
WANT TO FAST-TRACK ALL OF THIS STUFF?
I put together The Ultimate Fragrance Cheat Sheet—a no-fluff guide that covers everything from notes and families to shopping smart and applying like a pro.
It’s built for guys who want to smell sharp without overthinking it.