Reviews of XS pour Homme (1993)
by Paco Rabanne

I find this somewhat similar to Creed's Himalaya. It certainly is a much cheaper alternative to Creed. The opening is slightly minty. A very earthy and sweet scent that has very mild floral notes. I like the dry down which features a little bit of spices and woods. There is a distinct sweetness that is retained throughout the entire wearing of this scent.

This is the real deal! As someone who wore the original Paco Rabanne Pour Homme for awhile till it became for me a cologne I would give years later a neutral rating, this is without hesitation a thumbs up for clean, fresh and MASCULINE, which BTW is not less sophisticated in my book but more so, especially in a neochypresque scent (minus the oakmoss, vs. a fougere).

The name of the forum is not Creednotes but Basenotes, For me versatile is better. That's something a lot of people don't "get" (money can't buy it), Fine. We have our allegiances. The versatility of this fragrance does not make it "ordinary." This is extraordinary and one should not let the date of release be a source of prejudice. Try it!

I think XS challenges the notion that a scent that is less specific to occasion is somehow a lesser fragrance. Sometimes it's a better one.

A bargain. If you like Creed's Himalaya, Chanels' Platinum Egoiste, or Abercrombie's FIerce, you'll probably like this. It is essnetially a summation/combination of all 3, Himalaya being the closest. The top notes of Mint, poised citrus, and semi-sharp Juniper berries really add a natural outdoors air to the fresh appeal of this one. It shares some aldehydes with Egoiste and Fierce, which again, make it a very fresh masculine scent. It shares the same light crisp/cool/bracing mineral/fuel smell with Himalaya, and this may be the long-lasting subtle synthetic heart note they both share. XS is less musky and peppery than Himalaya, and obviously has less Ambergris, but the base still has the same smooth appeal. Overall, XS is a fragrance that can compete with much more expensive scents, when it comes to fresh, cool, understated, sober, clean and contemporary appeal.

Purchasing this was a rather uncomfortable experience. I was at the front of quite a queue, and when I asked for XS from the shelf, I half expected it to be given to me in a brown paper bag. I am not normally prone to purchasing fragrances on the cheap side, but I felt it was worth revisiting an old friend. The opening is a big bergamot hello, and I wanted to look in the box for the droopy moustache,medallion and Barry White CD that would so perfectly accompany this big "Ta-da". Thankfully, the middle notes took control of this chaotic opening, and the effect is quite glorious. For me,the sense of Juniper is the key to this fragrance, it has the strength and the character to define this. I have had no hesitation in adding this to my wardrobe.It may be cheap, but it certainly comes with a wonderful personality. Longevity is not great, but I have the After Shave version, so it is bound to be a little on the weak side.

This is a long time favorite. Scent combines perfect notes to give it some mystery without being over powering. A light scent that is actually long lasting is hard to find, but this one has it.

This is one of the nicest fragrances I have ever smelled. I have looked at the bottle hundreds of times and never bother to even try it, how wrong I was.
I like it from begging to end, I can wear it to a formal meeting, to a night out of just for everyday casual use. I never tried Himalaya but if it smells like this or better I will rush and buy a bottle.

I think this fragrance is simple perfect and just made it to my top 5 list.
The first day I wore it I got a couple of compliments.
However I did not like it right away, I liked it after one full week of wearing Opium pour homme Perfume, trying to figuring out what was the big deal about Opium. The big deal was no deal.
I gave up Opium and wore XS and it was like breathing again.
I am giving two big thumbs up to this master piece.

wow ! this one stands right besides my creeds, SL's..you name it. opens with a blast of citrus spiked with mint and rounded off with coriander..thereby its pretty floral with a woody and musky sandalwood notes...this ones a very unique citrus based scent...in a way it cant be even called a citrus based scent..its a cross between being woody, oriental, floral & citrus based

excellent longevity, even on sweat soaked summers. the sillage often has curious looks and inquiries. smells just too good. perfect for office, evening, a date? suits it all. a true masterpiece by Paco.....and smells like Himalaya? huh? maybe a hint for 5 minutes..but this no Himalaya...

two thumbs up!

Do not worry about the dud rating for XS Pour Homme in Perfumes: The Guide.
Do not worry about the negative and neutral reviews below.

If you wish to own a scent where, after applying six sprays, gorgeous looking blonde women are likely to say something like "Oooo - what's that you're wearing?", then I strongly suggest that you consider investing in XS.

If you do not care what gorgeous looking blonde women think, and only buy scents that please your inner self, then I suggest that it may be time to re examine one's priorities in life.

The longevity of this scent is very good on me.
Renato

I like this one very much, though the overall impression I get is "generic masculine fougere," with mint standing in for lavender, which I'm not entirely sure isn't in there anyway... My favorite bit is the nice use of geranium and mint here...Giving it a positive vote although for me it's not a super standout. Nice, but not a "must have" for me.

I love it. XS represents floral minty fresh and yet can be worn by men. Longevity is great (more than 5 hours). However, I could not detect any woody notes even after 5 hours. Sillage is quite strong and minimal use is required. Only great for office occasion as it does reflect an emotionless stern men with full of confidence.

I like this fragrance. It reminds me of Eternity for Men. This fragrance seems geared towards the over 40 crowd and that's the crowd I'm in. Good stuff, but I'll admit it wasn't love a whiff, it took a couple wearings before I began to appreciate XS. Thumbs Up!

This fragrance is elegant enough for night use and fresh enough for day use at the office. I mainly wear it on weekends when I go to the bar or clubs and I never had more compliments as with this one. The ladies just love it, it's a great conversation starter.

I absolutely LOVE PACO XS!!! If you've read my other reviews than it's no secret that I'm a HUGE HIMALAYA FAN, that's my signature scent! But along with Platinum Egoiste by Chanel, I wore PACO XS when I was younger. In the mid 90's I started wearing a lil' Hugo by Hugo Boss. I can honestly say in my opinion, this is exactly what this fragrance is: 3/4 Creed Himalaya + 1/4 Hugo by Hugo Boss= Paco XS!!! This fragrance is light, clean and fresh. PACO XS is warm, Himalaya is cool, that's probably one of the biggest differences though.

A bright, transparent fragrance that's very suitable for casual wear and office wear alike. Nice use of juniper, and super longevity.

It's definitely a cousin to Himalaya, yes, and a wonderful alternative if you don't feel like shelling out the bucks for Creed.

There's always a bottle of XS on my bureau. I've yet to try the Extreme version; however, I may just continue to avoid it given the reviews.

This is not bad in its opening. Similar to something Carolina Herrera would produce. It is fresh herbs in the opening but the dry down is a bit cheap for nowadays. Back in 1993, yeah, it would have been a hit (was it?) but now it is beyond common place and downright cheapo.
I bought Navigator from DANA as an experiment once from a dollar store and the dry down is very identical to this frag. To top it off, Navigator was nicer and fresher in its opening...it could pass for XS Blue or something like that.
Because I like the general scents put out by this, I'll give it a thumbs up, but it is old and it shows. So go for it if you are in your 40s I am pretty sure you will like it.

still very nice scent but i like himalaya more.you feel more woody notes in XS.should be worn casual

This scent surprised me more than any others I've bought...

I read the reviews here and figured it would be up my alley... I bought it blind on eBay from a seller I was buying another scent from because I saw it, and figured what they heck, the price was great.

I've had my bottle for about a year now and it's nearly empty, I have to angle the bottle just right to get any out. I find it great for daily wear, as it's not too sultry, strong or pretentious for work. I find myself sniffing my shirts at the end of the day when I wear this... It isn't sold in many stores in my city, so it's fairly unique too.

There is an initial iffy blast of strong juniper-mint to me (invigourating! but not pleasant to me), but it soon settles. What you're left with for the rest of the day is a crisp, sweet, woody smell. It's one of the few scents I've worn (of the dozen I have) where I've been asked what I'm wearing, repeatedly. Women seem to like it!

That said, when my bottle runs out I may try to find a little more sophisticated variation of XS. Definately worth having though.

When i first tried XS pour Homme it made no significant impression, (perhaps i was hanging out in the wrong places) gave it to my dad as a present. When i visited one evening i smelt this, pleasant woody drydown all around the house, guess what, i went back and bought it again. I agree with the comparisons to Egoiste Platinum and Herrera for Men two of my favourites.

Personally I have found this one of the sexiest scents known to man. I prefer my men clean shaven, witty, professional, and preppy and Paco Rabanne XS pour homme is perfect on this type of male. It starts out all sharp herbaceous citrus - perfect for the office or going about your business, but eventually the softer, smoother, animalic (leather, musk) ambery wood (cedar, sandal) base notes begin to come into play and then I find it very hard to keep my mind on business when I am around a man wearing this EDT. XS pour homme is masculine from beginning to end and sexy as h*ll with it! It is so geared to bringing out the best in masculine chemistry that not even I (who can carry off such masculine 'heavies' as YSL M7, Halston Z-14, Crown Perfumery Crown Fougere, Chanel Egoiste, Crown Perfumery Town & Country, etc) can wear it. I just smell like I have been making out heavily with a gorgeous smelling guy. A true classic and a definite member in the 'scents that send women weak at the knees' hall of fame...

Top: Bergamot, Fruit Notes, Galbanum, Green Note, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, Tarragon, Violet
Heart: Geranium, Jasmin, Lily of the Valley, Orris, Ozone, Rose
Base: Amber, Cedar, Leather, Musk, Patchouli, Sandal, Vanilla
(from scentdirect.com)

Top note : Bergamot, Lemon, Rosemary, Tarragon
Middle note : Geranium, Rose, Juniperberry, Mint
Base note : Sandal, Musk, Patchouli, Vanilla
(from osmoz.com)

When I first got this fragrance...I was struck in awe..SO CRISP...almost breathtaking. The intitial smell of citrus and mint smells so good and develops amazingly. The drydown is to die for...warm woody yet maintaing the great crisp/fresh characters of the opening...I am however upset at the longetivity of this.. This one lasts about an hour, which is a shame, which means more sprays..

Wearing it today for the first time, after an impulse buy yesterday.

Gotta say that I'm LOVING the drydown - is it the cedar? sandalwood? That slightly sweet lingering note mixed with the musk. Or is that the coriander? Whatever it is, I like it.

A pleasant fragrance. I don't smell the mint though. Yes, it does smell similar to Herrera for Men by Carolina Herrera. I smell several other fragrances in here and they are: America by Perry Ellis, Design for Men by Paul Sebastian, a little bit of Eternity for Men by Calvin Kline, and maybe some Burberrys for Men. Take all those and mix them together and you might have this fragrance. Overall, it's a pleasant "safe" fragrance to use for all occasions.

A beautiful scent. Simple clean lines and great longevity, its a real wow esp with the opposite sex! Wow factor 9

Well, It's a nice fresh fragrance, nothing groundbreaking, but pleasant.
I don't know why, but on my skin XS has poor longevity.
I like its subtle spicy smell and the light sweet base.

An established, light, and very wearable scent. There is a fleeting resemblance to Creed Himalaya for 10 seconds - but it would be unfair to claim that the two fragrances are similar. They do share the same characteristics in that both are light, but longlasting fragrances; however XS pour homme does have its unique characteristics. Specifically, the top notes of Coriander stands out, as does the heart of juniper berry and the floral component of wild flowers - all these notes are different (and missing) from Himalaya, and distinguish XS. I am not a big fan of coriander and Juniper Berry, and thus prefer Himalaya because it smells a bit cooler and less coriander-ish, but XS is worth trying. Appropriate for summers, will work well during winter too.

I must be a sucker for mint (Live Jazz is another frag which seems conceptually similar to me) because I really like this frag'. Perfect for daytime use.

I can only concur with the majority. A comfortable fragrance, elegant yet complex, well-rounded, but interesting, very well crafted from the fresh top notes (my skin carries the mint and bergamot nicely) to the sweet-creamy wood base, which is persistent, but not obnoxious (and I easily tire of wood). Truly an organic fragrance, as everything comes together as if this was just how it was meant to be. One of the classiest fragrances I have had the pleasure to encounter and excellently priced at that.

this is nice-really nice easy to wear everyday fragrance this will never leave my top five

One of my favorites from the early 90's. I remember this coming out around the same time as Egoiste Platinum, yet I vastly preferred XS. Light, fresh and easy to wear, the drudown is a wonderful and aromatic woods.

If you like Creed Himalaya, skip the expensive price tag and try this great juniper-focused scen!

Absolute fav of mine! VERY long lasting, not to mention an Awesome! scent.. I also have Cool Water Frozen, Allure Sport, SA Altitude, and M7. XS is no doubt my favorite, very unique. Gotta try it

Very nice scent, its fresh and sweet powedery, it does smell like Creeds Himalaya but I would say they are 50-60% smell alike, Himalaya is more citrusy and of course the Creed House notes makes the difference. But this still a GREAT scent would recommend it to anyone, good sillage maker as well.

The more I use this scent, the better I like it. At the first sniff it struck me as a nice, attractive scent, but nothing special—just like many of the 90’s frags. But I was judging the book by the cover. A well-structured and complex scent, XS has quality and creativity and adaptability—loads. Its opening is bergamot and fruit and green (I get mainly an excellent refreshing mint /green)—a composite note that sparkles. The mid notes are primarily floral but quite masculine. The base is a comfortable light woodnote moderated by a little sweetness and a little spice. All levels exhibit depth and complexity. This is the kind of scent that might recommend blind purchasing. XS has very good longevity and a depth and complexity that advises against being ruled by first impressions. Suitable for almost all occasions, XS fits well in the office, the club, and the boudoir. An excellent hot weather scent and a great switch from the usual run of citruses and aquatics. It has been called the poor man’s Himalaya, but I think of XS as the savvy man’s Himalaya.

People call this the poor man's Himalaya. Personally, I like this one better. It's sweeter off the top and dries down to a subtle peppery note. It isn't too spicy like the way I find Himalaya to be. I've read somewhere that it has cognac in it too, which I think is pretty neat and unique. It gets a lot of play year round, which is rare for many scents.

Ten years after I bought it for the first time, I am going to buy it again. Who could have thought it would develop into a classic? Juniper lends it a distinct, sharp defining characteristic. Great achievement from otherwise unremarkable launch year.

As some have pointed out already the similarity to Creed's Himalaya is striking and I wouldn't say XS is inferior either. You can approach them as two slightly different takes on the same theme. The Paco surely is more woody than Himalaya, and less peppery. Both open with citrus/bergamot but there is some coriander and florals here that are not present in the Creed. Despite the floral elements, I'd say XS is more masculine and rugged, and therefore also less sophisticated. Still a very good fragrance.

I love, love, love, LOVE it!! Minty, fresh and woody. I'm addicted to it!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

Ah, the poor man's Himalaya. Get it even if you have Himalaya since it's original and perhaps more versitile. Good for the office and after hours as well. The transitions from the brisk opening, through the wild flowers to the lovely richness of sweet woods is just fine. I'm going to have to try XS Extreme next.

I am down to the last drops of scent in the cool 'trigger' grasp-delivery-spray-bottle. Anyone out here wish to donate a case of this fine cologne to me?-just 'cause? Ha ha!

Soft woody-floral fragrance, very formal and correct. Top notes are similar to those of Voyageur by Patou (bitter smooth citrus and lavender). Whole fragrance is very regular during the notes. It's just like a good business-style suit itself: low-key, respectful and does not distracting you from the business. Good daytime formal scent for spring and summer. Recommended.

Reminds me of a lighter version of Herrera for men. Doesn't have the staying power of Herrera for men, but smells a bit cleaner. Very nice scent.
The bottle is different to be sure, the way the cap opens up and on the side with a hinge to get to the sprayer is like a high dollar sports car.

Picked up a little 1oz. bottle of this baby about a month ago. It's definitely energetic. I like the way it starts off minty fresh and dries down to musky, sweet wood bottom notes. It's perfect for a day of loafing around or getting active. I'll also be looking out for XS Extreme.