Black XS (2018) Eau de Parfum bottle Black XS (2018)
Edp Concentration Edp
U Gender U
2018 Year 2014
££ Price Tier £
Al Basel Eau de Parfum bottle Al Basel

ScentArt

A
Black XS (2018)
B
Al Basel
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Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - Black XS (2018)
This updated Black XS is a polarising beast. Some rave about its playful sweetness and mass-appealing charm, while others lament its weakened performance and what they see as a diluted version of the original. Expect compliments, but don't expect it to last.
Statement
Our Verdict - Al Basel
Al Basel is a divisive beast: some rave about its unique blend of sweet, spice, and citrus, hailing it as an underrated summer gem. Others can't stand the synthetic edge and find it headache-inducing. Definitely not a safe blind-buy, but a potential blind-love for the right nose and skin chemistry.
Acquired

Scent Profile

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 18% 17%
Floral 3% 1%
Fruity 1% 1%
Green 10% 12%
Sweet 20% 18%
Warm 19% 20%
Woody 17% 12%
Earthy 15% 15%
Animalic 6% 12%
Fresh 16% 19%

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
Black XS (2018) EdP
Al Basel EdP

Notes

Shared Notes
Lemon 29% vs 57%
Sage 19% vs 42%
Only in Black XS (2018)
Citrus 33% Marigold 18%
Shared Notes
Praline 34% vs 34%
Cinnamon 23% vs 19%
Tolu Balsam 21% vs 23%
Cardamom 20% vs 22%
Shared Notes
Patchouli 30% vs 30%
Ambergris 25% vs 18%
Rosewood 20% vs 21%
Only in Black XS (2018)
Ebony 23%
Only in Al Basel
Leather 29%

Accords

Black XS (2018) Al Basel
100%
Citrus
65%
90%
Warm Spicy
100%
85%
Sweet
86%
73%
Amber
76%
71%
Aromatic
72%
69%
Woody
65%
58%
Balsamic
63%
55%
Patchouli
61%
Leather
60%
55%
Fresh
Animalic
55%
51%
Cinnamon
Citrus shared
100%
65%
Warm Spicy shared
90%
100%
Sweet shared
85%
86%
Amber shared
73%
76%
Aromatic shared
71%
72%
Woody shared
69%
65%
Balsamic shared
58%
63%
Patchouli shared
55%
61%
60%
55%
55%
51%

Performance

Black XS (2018) Al Basel
Moderate (4-6h)
Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Moderate
Projection
Moderate
Moderate
Intensity
Strong

Season and Occasion Fit

Black XS (2018)

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Casual

Its sweet, playful nature and limited longevity make it less suitable for formal or office settings. It excels in casual and date scenarios where its charming, approachable scent can be appreciated up close, especially for younger wearers.

Al Basel

Seasons

Best For:
Summer

A summer scent - airy and clear, designed for hot weather.

Occasions

Best For:
Date
Also Works:
Casual Formal

Its strong projection and longevity make it less suitable for office environments, but it shines in casual settings or on a date where its unique character can be appreciated. The complex warm spicy and sweet accords lend themselves to both semi-formal and casual use, with some finding it surprisingly versatile for summer due to its citrus opening.

Similarity Breakdown

Overall
97%
Olfactory
97%
Notes
96%
Accord
87%
Key Similarities

Both share Warm Spicy, Sweet, Amber accords and Rosewood, Praline notes

Key Differences

Subtle differences in overall composition

Where to buy

Black XS (2018)
Al Basel
also worth checking

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