Noire Extra II

Noire Extra II opens crisp and zesty - bright Amalfi lemon and aromatic lavender - the budget echo of Paco Rabanne's discontinued Black XS L'Excess for Him. A breezy marine accord and dry cypriol thread through the heart, giving it that fresh, slightly mineral-woody character that set the original apart from the sweeter standard Black XS. The drydown grounds it in patchouli and warm amber, a clean woody-amber finish that keeps things versatile and easy. Where the original could project loudly from the jump before settling to a moderate, long-lasting wear, this take reads flatter and more linear, the sea note thinner and the woods simpler, projecting closer to the skin. Still, it captures the crisp, fresh-woody, casual-cool spirit of L'Excess - lovely for spring and summer days and laid-back evenings - at a budget price, without hunting the secondary market, even if the original's bold opening punch is only suggested.