Is Zara Man Gold a dupe of Rabanne Black XS?
Black XS EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDT |
| M | Gender | M |
| 2005 | Year | 2017 |
| $$ | Price Tier | $ |
Man Gold EDT
The core difference between Zara Man Gold and Black XS comes down to depth and refinement. Zara Man Gold is a direct, affordable homage to the original Black XS DNA, but it doesn't chase the complex, dark strawberry-milkshake nuance that made the 2005 release a cult classic. Instead it offers a simpler, linear sweetness built on praline and spice, perfect for casual daily wear. Black XS goes further, with a bolder, more textured profile built on rosewood and ambergris, though modern reformulations have taken some of the edge off its once-legendary longevity. Choose Zara Man Gold for a budget-friendly, easy-to-wear gourmand that mimics the vibe without the spend. Opt for the original Black XS if brand heritage matters to you, along with the distinct, playful complexity that defined noughties fragrance.
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Black XS
- Man Gold
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a budget-friendly daily scent.
- You prefer a simple, sweet gourmand profile.
- You do not mind reapplying throughout the day.
- You value the iconic original fragrance profile.
- You enjoy the unique rosewood and ambergris depth.
- You prefer a more complex and playful scent evolution.
A legendary noughties fragrance, Black XS is a sweet, dark, and playful scent that's loved by many for its unique 'strawberry milkshake' vibe. Ignore the whiners, this one's a classic - but be warned, performance issues with newer batches mean you should hunt down a vintage if you can.
Praline and cinnamon on a patchouli and cardamom base, with a lemon opening. A sweet gourmand that sits next to Paco Rabanne Black XS on the shelf, sweet and warm but a bit short-lived.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Praline
26%
vs
20%
Cinnamon
22%
vs
18%
Lemon
13%
vs
26%
Cardamom
4%
vs
19%
Patchouli
3%
vs
14%
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
A year-round scent - easy to wear in any season.
Occasions
Black XS is a sweet, bold fragrance that's best suited for casual wear, dates, and nights out. Its moderate to strong sillage and sweet accords might be a bit much for a formal office setting, but it's a solid choice for social occasions.
Seasons
Cinnamon and praline suit autumn best, with spring and winter as good second choices. Summer heat is too much for it.
Occasions
Casual outings and evenings out in cooler weather are its best fit. Worn lightly it can pass in the office, but it is not formal or sporty.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 5 of its 9 notes, including Patchouli, Cardamom, Cinnamon
Adds ambergris and rosewood
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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