XS Cologne: Why You Should Wear This Scent
In 1993, the cologne XS Pour Homme was launched by the designer Paco Rabbane. The perfumer behind this creation was unknown.
XS Paco is available in the eau de toilette concentration. Fragrances generally come in one of four types of concentrations: eau de cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and parfum. Eau de cologne is made up of about 2% to 5% perfume oil; eau de toilette, about 4% to 15% perfume oil; eau de parfum, about 10% to 20% perfume oil; and parfum, about 15% to 25% perfume oil. Therefore, the percentage of perfume oil in XS Cologne is between 4% and 15%.
In 1983, Michael Edwards created a system for classifying perfumes called the Fragrance Wheel. According to this classification system, there are fourteen different Families. Paco XS is part of the Aromatic Family. Dominant notes of lavender and aromatic herbs are characteristic of perfumes classified as Aromatic.
Each Family defined in the Fragrance Wheel is divided into four more subcategories called Fresh, Crisp, Classical, and Rich. These divisions correspond to different intensities of the dominant fragrance notes associated with each Family. Think of these intensities like the differences between Soprano (Fresh), Alto (Crisp), Tenor (Classical), and Bass (Rich). Paco Rabbane XS is in the Fresh subdivision of the Aromatic Family.
There are three segments that make up a fragrance’s life, which are labeled Top Notes, Middle Notes, and Base Notes. These segments occur because each Fragrance Notes that composes a cologne or perfume has differing rates of volatility or evaporation. Therefore, XS Pour Homme goes through three distinct stages.
The Top Notes for XS Paco consists of Rosemary, Lemon, Bergamot, Mint, Tarragon, and Mandarin Orange. These fragrance notes evaporate quickly, only lasting up to 20 minutes.
Middle Notes emerge when the Top Notes dissipate. Middle Notes are known for being the key scent for a perfume. Coriander, Brazilian Rosewood, Bourbon Geranium, Sage, and Juniper are the Middle Notes for the perfume Paco XS.
The Base Notes for Paco Rabbane XS include Amber, Patchouli, Vanilla, Musk, and Sandalwood. They are the longest lasting qualities of a fragrance and help to slow down the evaporation of the lighter notes.
What makes the Michael Edwards Fragrance Wheel so great is that it can help you find fragrances that you would like but never even knew existed. These fragrances Photo by Lagerfeld, Higher Energy by Dior, Gendarme for Men, Equipage by Hermes, and Lomani for Men are also in the Aromatic Family. Chances are that you will like them.
Evelyn Bodhi is a Perfume writer for Perfume Shop Advisor, a website that has more info on XS Pour Homme. Evelyn has been involved in the Perfume industry for almost three decades.
