Paco Rabanne
Paco Rabanne
201 votes
A unique visual signature based on accords, character, and seasonality
Corn mint explodes with an almost startling intensity, backed by a crisp bergamot-lemon combination that feels bracing, even slightly herbal. The citric top note is unabashedly sharp, with that mint creating an oddly cooling sensation that makes you question whether this is cologne or aromatherapy.
The coriander and juniper emerge with purpose, introducing a subtle spiciness that transforms the fragrance's character entirely—it's no longer purely fresh, but rather aromatic and slightly botanical. Geranium's peppery, grey-green quality becomes increasingly apparent, adding a dusty, almost papery dimension that prevents the heart from becoming merely herbaceous.
Rosemary, cedarwood, and oakmoss dominate what remains, creating something distinctly woody yet restrained, never heavy. The base sits close to skin, offering a dry, slightly earthy finish that feels more like a ghost than a presence—which, given the reported longevity, is precisely what occurs.
XS pour Homme arrives as a deceptively crisp proposition that belies its structural ambition. Rosendo Mateu has constructed something genuinely herbaceous here—this is not a flanker designed to seduce through sweetness, but rather a composition that prioritises botanical authenticity. The corn mint opening feels almost medicinal in its clarity, a cooling agent that wrestles with the bergamot's citric warmth, whilst lemon adds a sharp, almost peppery counterpoint that prevents any softness from creeping in.
What makes this scent compelling is its heart architecture. Juniper berry and coriander transform what could have been a straightforward cologne into something verging on aromatic, with that coriander bringing a subtle spiced warmth that complicates the fresh narrative. Geranium acts as a bridge—neither fully green nor fully floral—creating a slightly dusty, almost pencil-shaving quality that grounds the brighter notes. This is a fragrance that wears almost like a cologne-meets-aftershave hybrid; intellectual rather than instinctual.
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3.9/5 (77)