Black XS (2018)

Black XS (2018) presents a bright, fresh, and gourmand-tinged fragrance with a strong citrus and praline core, creating a sweet yet masculine profile that feels playful and modern. It opens with sharp citrus and sage, followed by a warm, rounded fusion of cinnamon, tolu balsam, and praline, which gives the scent a candy-like gourmand quality. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody-amber base with patchouli and palisander rosewood, lending it a mild depth and softness. The scent is atmospheric, with a modern, youthful character that evokes a mix of neon-inspired pop culture and late-night date vibes. Performance is weak to moderate, with most users finding it fades quickly—often within hours, transforming into a personal, skin-scent level. Projection is light, with moderate sillage at best, and the fragrance is described as lacking strength and presence, especially after the initial burst. While many appreciate its freshness and unique sweetness, others find it synthetic, one-dimensional, or overly sweet, especially those sensitive to pineapple-like notes or harsh, metallic background tones like tagetes. Despite often being compared to the original Black XS, the 2018 version is seen as a lighter, more summery reformulation—still enjoyable for its gourmand charm and nostalgic appeal, but feeling unfocused and lacking the substance or longevity of its predecessor. It’s most suited for casual wear, romantic encounters, or daytime use in cooler climates.