by Paco Rabanne
Pure XS Night is a rich, warm gourmand fragrance built around caramel, vanilla, cacao, and spicy ginger notes. Its opening is bold and intense, dominated by a sharp, almost medicinal ginger and ginseng that can feel overwhelming or synthetic, though it mellows quickly into a seductive, sweet core. As it evolves, the fragrance develops a deep, velvety sweetness with amber and myrrh providing a balsamic, resinous depth that resists being cloying. The scent is most effective in colder months and excels as an evening or night-out fragrance, offering substantial longevity and moderate-to-strong sillage, even if it doesn’t fill a room like a beast mode scent. The composition strikes a balance between sweetness and structure, avoiding the syrupy pitfalls of many gourmands. Compared to other fragrances, it shares strong similarities with Ultra Male — particularly in its sweet, spicy, and resinous character — though many find it slightly more refined and less fruity. It draws comparisons to A*Men, Superstar, and other textured gourmands, but its unique cacao-caramel-myrrh base gives it individuality. The bottle is heavy and luxurious, adding to its appeal. The overall impression is of a powerful, slightly synthetic-smelling signature scent that feels dark, luxurious, and seductive. It finishes with a dense, sweet, powdery vanilla and myrrh base, making it a standout choice for those seeking an intense, long-lasting, and markedly sweet evening fragrance.