Black XS
“Black XS by Rabanne is a Oriental Woody fragrance for men”
The Quick Read
Well loved by wearers — a sweet, warm spicy composition with a citrus undertone. Voted best for fall and winter wear, leaning masculine.
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Launched in 2005 by Rabanne, Black XS was created with an explicit rock-and-roll, transgressive persona that drove strong sales momentum among young men. Perfumers Olivier Cresp, Rosendo Mateu, and Christian Dussoulier crafted a fragrance that opens with the bright freshness of lemon and sage before diving into praline and cinnamon for a sweet-spicy warmth. The base notes of tolu balsam, black cardamom, patchouli, Brazilian rosewood, and black amber create an intense, smoky finish. Black XS has become iconic not just for its bold composition but also for spawning numerous limited-edition flankers that capitalized on its youth-market popularity.
Composition & Character
Notes Pyramid
Heart
The Soul
Base
Foundation
How It Wears
Application Tips
Apply Black XS to pulse points for maximum impact — its bold notes project well but settle into skin over time. The praline and cinnamon are most noticeable in the first hour before giving way to the rich base notes, which develop gradually throughout the day.
Christian Dussoulier
Founding perfumer · 10 fragrances
Designer Rabanne
More from Rabanne
Edited by Scentsation Editorial
The story behind the bottle.
The backstage after a high-energy concert, where spicy sweetness mingles with the lingering smoke of incense.
Fig. 01 — Black XS, Rabanne
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