1 Million vs Le Male Fragrance Comparison

In this installment of my cologne comparison series, I’m going to take a look at two mega selling fragrances with very distinct bottle shapes. The gold ingot of 1 Million by Paco Rabanne versus the Blue torso of Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier. These are two extremely popular and great smelling colognes for men.

However, I want to break it down further and find out which is the better performer, the better smelling, and the most versatile of the pair. Which of these scents for guys is the better buy?


Tale of the Tape: 1 Million vs. Le Male 

1 Million 

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

My original review

Buy here: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce


Le Male by JPG Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  orange blossom, mint, lavender, woods, vanilla, tonka bean, cinnamon, and more

My JPG Review

Buy here: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.


Opening

Upfront, I have to say that both of these colognes are on the sweet side of things, so if that isn’t your type of fragrance you might want to look elsewhere. You’ll notice that they do share some common notes: mint and cinnamon.

Neither of which is the main draw but do support the overall structure of the colognes. Le Male is more of a vanilla/tonka blend with a warm spiciness. The mint and cinnamon, add a bit more of a kick up front.

Though, the impact will be lessened by lavender and orange blossom floral notes.

Meanwhile, 1 Million is like a candy grape at first with a smooth rose/leather undertone to it. The grape-like aroma, comes from those two notes meeting with orange and grapefruit.

It’s very sweet, with a warm amber ingredient enveloping things. With 1 Million, you will get more of the cinnamon note. With Le Male, mint.

It’s much less spicy, to my nose, but those notes will come along more during the dry down. Which scent is better?

I actually prefer 1 Million from the start, as it just has a more interesting profile in my opinion. I have always really enjoyed the bold start, the super sweet profile, and great use of leather/rose/amber.

I enjoy Le Male, but I really feel that it’s in top form, a bit later on in the wear. The sweet creamy/powdery heart, is really where it’s fantastic.

Edge: 1 Million


Projection

1 Million is a monster. It is loud and projects extremely well. Le Male is pretty good in this regard, but isn’t touching 1 Million.

Le Male starts out moderate, maybe towards the upper end of what you consider moderate. Then, it’ll get lighter as we move along.

Update: While Le Male, seems basically the same as it ever was in terms of its sillage. 1 Million doesn’t have the same level of sustained power that it once did. It still wins this category, but not by nearly as wide of a margin.

Edge: 1 Million


Longevity

Again, both last well. The Paco Rabanne lasts very well. Seriously, 1 Million will go on and on with very little use, it can become annoying.

Maybe newer bottles don’t have the same power, as it used to, but it still will do a great job on the performance end of things. Update: They don’t last as long. But, I still get 8 hours of wear, from my bottle.

Jean Paul Gaultier is pretty solid, I usually get about 6 hours from it, which isn’t great but it is certainly serviceable. Le Male is much more low key, but as a daily wear, it’ll handle most of a work day. Perhaps, a full one, at times.

Edge: 1 Million


Versatility

Le Male would be better for close quarter situations such as work or school. 1 Million would be better for nightlife, though, a small dab may not overpower the room and thus could be used elsewhere.

I think both are better suited for cool weather, and JPG, especially becomes a mess in the heat. For me, Le Male gets pretty darn cloying when it’s too warm.

Just as a daily wear, Le Male would be the better bet. It isn’t a formal fragrance, but really isn’t going to offend and take over a room. Coming back to this cologne after a few years, I’ve enjoyed how pleasant it can be on certain days.

Le Male has the edge here.

Edge: Le Male


Overall Scent

I like both of these colognes. Like I said, they are both sweet and they do get on my nerves at times because of that. However, I like wearing 1 Million better than Le Male.

It is just more interesting to me. Le Male is nice but it can feel pretty synthetic and I don’t find myself wanting to wear it as often. There are stretches of time, where that isn’t true, but then I grow tired of the JPG once again.

Plus, I think there are plenty of other options that accomplish the same sort of vibe as Le Male. In the winter, I might also go with Kouros Body or Eros or even Burberry. Update: That’s changed, since this was originally posted almost 10 years ago.

1 Million is limited sometimes in its uses ,and I cannot bear to wear it , everyday. However, when I’m in the mood, it fits the bill. The leather and amber notes, really make it something special to me.

Yes, it can be brash at times, and that ‘bubble gum’ smell can be hit or miss depending on the mood.

Overall though, it still has better performance, a deeper profile, and captures attention in ways that the Jean Paul Gaultier perfume doesn’t. I’d wear either, but I prefer 1 Million.

I will say, for most people, Le Male would be the better option due to its versatility and low key style. But, I don’t think that makes it a better fragrance.

Winner: 1 Million

7 Best Smelling Jean Paul Gaultier Colognes

Jean Paul Gaultier fragrances have enjoyed massive commercial success for both its men’s and women’s line. While now, Le Male is almost ubiquitous in its usage, when it was released in 1995 it became popular because of its great scent, even if now it trades based on its reputation.

For this list, I have selected seven scents from Jean Paul Gaultier which I feel represent a best of their men’s cologne collection. Update: Some of these may be more difficult to find now, as there are discontinued options on the list. But, still plenty of scents to enjoy.


What are the Best Smelling JPG Fragrances for Men?

The Nightlife Star

Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male Eau de Toilette Intense 40ml Spray– This is the best choice in my opinion and the Gaultier fragrance that I keep a full bottle of for myself.

Ultra Male was introduced as another flanker fragrance to the original Le Male (listed below) and has surpassed its predecessor in terms of quality, smell, and performance.

I will say, this won’t be the best option for those who are looking for a daily wear. This isn’t an office scent, is limited to colder climates, and skews to a younger audience.

It’s sweet, powerful, and spicy with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, pear, amber, mint, lavender, among others. Ultra Male has great longevity and a bold sillage, that works well for the nightlife during the colder months of the year.

Pear, cinnamon, and mint are really strong early in the wear. The pear and cinnamon give it a distinct vibe from Le Male.

It’s got a candy-like presence while maintaining a masculine vibe throughout. Read my full review: Ultra Male Review


All Around Classic

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray– One of the most popular and widely used fragrances in the world. Le Male blends orange blossom, mint, lavender, and woods to create a fragrance that is sexy and wholly masculine.

The vanilla note is paired early on with the orange blossom, bergamot, cinnamon, mint, and lavender. The cinnamon and minty fresh spice aroma, is at its peak during this time.

The bergamot does give it a slight citrus note up top, to break things up a bit. Then, the cinnamon will begin to fade and it becomes a creamy/powdery kind of scent.

Things end with amber, vanilla, tonka bean, and woods enveloping the floral heart.

It’s been around for decades and is still going strong. This one is more vanilla and mint than Ultra Male and doesn’t have to same bold projection. However, Le Male is still a very nice option for an everyday scent, particularly for younger men. Le Male Full Review

le male jpg review


Sweet New Entry

Le Male Elixir- This has been one of the hottest releases in men’s fragrances in 2023. While Le Male Elixir, may not be for everyone, I think that it deserves much of the recognition that it receives.

Elixir opens with a blend of cold mint, tonka bean, lavender, and vanilla. It’s a fresh and sweet mix, with a heavy sillage at this early stage of the wear.

Then, we start to warm things up with a mix of honey, benzoin, and amber coming up as a heavier part of the composition. In the end, you get plenty of the original Le Male DNA (lavender, mint, vanilla), along with a bold infusion of notes like tobacco and honey.

This is one that I have been enjoying wearing, since I purchased Elixir, a few months back. If you don’t like sweet and heavier scents, skip it. But, it’s worth a try for anyone else. Le Male Elixir Review


The Bold JPG

Gaultier 2 By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men and Women. Eau De Parfum Spray 4 Ounces– Not as heralded as Le Male, however, Gaultier 2 is a winner. It brings together a triumvirate of notes including, musk, amber, and vanilla to create a sweet, warm, and memorable fragrance.

This is a unisex fragrance, that is also quite simple, and very appealing. Gaultier 2 is bold and heavy on the amber and vanilla, which generates a seductive cloud of inviting heat around the wearer.

It’s been discontinued, but you can still pick up a bottle on the secondary market. If you live in a warmer climate or if it’s summertime, this is one to avoid. However, it can be an absolute gem in the cold and crisp weather.


The Herbal/Floral Cologne

Fleur Du Male by Jean Paul Gaultier 4.2oz 125ml EDT Spray Fleur du Male scales back the masculinity for something a little more androgynous but still quite appealing. A very nice scent for the right man, that mixes floral notes like neroli with herbal notes like basil.

It has a floral sweet opening, then moves into a more spiced powdery, sort of smoky dry down. Great projection and longevity.

This is really a different kind of men’s fragrance, as you get some traditional herbal elements, with a great neroli and almost vanilla undertones. Fleur du Male is quite fresh and clean and a joy to wear in the daytime.

Update: This is now discontinued.


Different Take on the Classic Style

Le Male Terrible– This is another flanker of Le Male, which opens up as a close clone of the original, but with slight differences that get more distinct over time. Noticeably, the mint note is missing from the mix.

The pink pepper and grapefruit notes, set it apart, and give it a warmer vibe. It is lighter than the original, but has a good 6-7 hours of wear, and can be worn pretty much year round.

The dry down becomes about the amber, vanilla, lavender, and pink pepper. It’s really quite attractive. This wouldn’t be my first choice, but I think it’s a good option at the right price. Le Male Terrible Review

Update: Also discontinued.


Best New Release

Le Male Le Parfum– The latest popular iteration of the Le Male series and it’s a really good one. A nice amount of cardamom and soft powder from the iris note. Very nice with the appealing DNA of the original Le Male, especially coming from the lavender in the beginning.

However, it also gives you hints of Ultra Male, without the same powerful sillage (though, performance is still very good). Very warm with spicy punches throughout and wrapped up in that familiar JPG vanilla note.

It’s a more mature fragrance than either of the others. Not super high-end and formal, but it does give a nice update to the classic formula.

Le Parfum is another solid entry from this line and I prefer it versus something like In the Navy, in comparison. This is one if you want something beyond Le Male, but not the same level as Ultra Male. Le Male Le Parfum Review

gaultier le male

8 Fragrances Similar to Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male

Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier has been a best seller since the mid-1990s. As such, it has spawned many imitators. As such, guys who enjoy this fragrance, want to seek out a cheaper or even better alternative perfume to wear.

In this post, I want to present the eight best smelling options for those who want a similar fragrance to Le Male. I have included cheaper scents, those of roughly the same price, and even one that is more expensive (but better quality, in my opinion).


What Fragrances Smell Similar to Le Male by JPG?

Similar JPG Option

Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Terrible Eau De Toilette Extreme Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– The opening of Terrible and the original are very similar. However, this one doesn’t have the mint note, and gets its spice instead from pink pepper.

Also, Le Male Terrible features a prominent grapefruit note, which gives it a different feel. You still get the lavender and vanilla notes, however, Terrible isn’t as spicy as its predecessor. It is warmer and features a fresh dryness in the latter stages, supplied by the vetiver.

This version is probably the closest flanker to the original, but brings some different aspects to the table. Le Male Terrible Review


Best Cheaper Play

Cuba Gold By Cuba For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Ounces– Smooth vanilla, vetiver, jasmine, and lavender. This one does have that famous Le Male scent, though, this actually precedes it. You can definitely smell the similarities, though, this has more jasmine and is less spicy/smoky.

Although, that is still around in the dry down period, thanks to the vetiver. It turns warm, sweet, and powdery with a great amber note. This one is quite close and a lot cheaper. Again, the fresh spiciness, isn’t as strong in Cuba Gold…but it has the other elements.

For the cheapies in this group, I’d say this is the closest to being what we want, while being of solid quality. Great bang for your buck.


Similar Designer Wear

212 Sexy by Carolina Herrera For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4-Ounces– A smooth and seductive scent from Carolina Herrera. 212 Sexy is a cologne that has a fantastic vanilla note, that is fresh and sweet, and somewhat similar to Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier.

212 Sexy has a stronger wood base, than does the JPG, and a bit of citrus at the top. Plus, the vanilla is more involved.  It’s a softer cologne, with a nice powdered sandalwood dry down, which sits underneath that vanilla lead.

Very easy to wear and attractive. You can sometimes find this for cheaper than Le Male, but they will often be around the same price.


Another Inexpensive Alternative

Perry Ellis 360 White By Perry Ellis for Men 3.4 Oz Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Oz– An interesting alternative, that can be had for a price, close to Cuba Gold. In fact, you might be able to grab this and Gold for cheaper than Le Male.

360 White, ends up close to the JPG, but has a persistent citrus aroma during the wear (think lime). It’s not a heavy citrus, but it is there, and makes the distinction from Le Male.

The spice here comes from cardamom and musk, which provide a different take on the freshness. It is warmer and spicier in the beginning, but becomes more vanilla based, as it dries down.


Super Cheap 

CATSUIT BY CREATION LAMIS COLOGNE FOR MEN 3.3 OZ / 100 ML EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY– This one can be tough to find, but is pretty much a cheaper one with a very similar aroma to Le Male. Is it as good? No, the quality isn’t the same. Plus, this has more vanilla.

Catsuit can, however, only cost around $10 which is a good deal for what it is. I’d probably go with Cuba Gold, before this, though.


Same Style, Better Quality

Prada Luna Rossa Sport for Men 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray Generally, this is going to be more expensive than Le Male. However, Luna Rossa Sport is the more mature version, of this style of fragrance. It opens up with a sweet and creamy tonka bean note, which is paired with juniper and ginger.

Those two notes give this Prada scent, a fresh spiciness, while the lavender and vanilla sit underneath. As it dries down, it becomes more like Le Male, because the lavender and vanilla combo really takes hold.

It has that sweet powdery finish and enough spice to keep it interesting. It’s a simple fragrance, but a damn good one. Luna Rossa Sport Review


CR Similar

CR7 by Cristiano Ronaldo– So, this would probably be the last of the group that I’d pick as a replacement or alternative to Le Male. But, CR7 has a very close style. Mind you, the smell isn’t exact, you just get a lot of overlap.

Fresh, powdery, spicy, but more sweetness. Sort of a 1 Million sweetness mixed with aspects of Le Male and Luna Rossa Sport.

It’s got tobacco, cinnamon, and iris as notes. Not a vanilla-centric as Le Male, warmer and sharper with the spice. The performance isn’t great, the quality is decent for the low price range, just not what you get with Gaultier.

For super cheap? It’s got its charm, but again, I’d go with one of the others first.


Airlines Overlap

1 Million Royal by Paco Rabanne– So, there is a flanker of the original Le Male, called Airlines. It’s usually not too expensive, at the moment. However, it can be tough to find.

1 Million Royal has a good deal of overlap with Le Male Airlines, while still being very much a 1 Millon fragrance.

Between these two, you have a noticeable use of the cardamom note, lavender, citrus, and cedar notes. Airlines is sweeter than the warmer and spicier Royal is. But, there is plenty of similarities between the (I own both).

If your someone who is looking for an alternative to Airlines, 1 Million Royal might fit the bill for you.


There is eight alternative and similar smelling fragrance to Le Male by JPG. I will come back to this page and update it, as I find any other potential options, but for now this should suffice. There are a lot of scents that has a closely related profile to Le Male, because of the lavender and vanilla, but don’t really strike close enough to be included here.

Le Male Elixir vs Ultra Male Comparison

Le Male is a series from Jean Paul Gaultier that has been going on strong for nearly 30 years, at this point. Every year or so, we get ourselves a new take on the name. In 2023, that new edition is Le Male Elixir. But, how does it compare to another classic from the series, Ultra Male. Both are two of the bolder, warmer, and sweeter colognes…but which is actually better?


Tale of the Tape: Ultra Male vs Le Male Elixir

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Ultra Male Review


Le Male Elixir

Notes include: mint, honey, lavender, tonka bean, benzoin, tobacco, vanilla

Click here to try: Le Male Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Elixir


Opening

Elixir actually kicks things off with its mint note out in full force, giving it a cooling fresh spiciness. This is joined by the usual Le Male lavender note.

The other major factor early is going to be from the tonka bean. Elixir also has a vanilla note, it just gets stronger as the wear moves forward. Tonka is sweet and syrupy when paired with the honey note and the fuzziness of the benzoin.

Ultra Male is noticeably absent of the same powdery quality of the original Le Male and has a sugary sweetness like Elixir. But, with an added pear note.

What it does have is a burst of initial spice, mainly from the cinnamon note.  Pear, vanilla, and light citrus round it out and give it an aroma akin to bubble gum.

Which is better? I do like Ultra Male’s start a lot, I feel that it’s been overtaken by what I get with Le Male Elixir. Elixir has an initial coolness, that gets warmer, has great sweetness while being fresh, and you get the early hints of that honey.

Edge: Elixir


Projection

Elixir is definitely a powerfully projecting cologne that will leave a scent trail behind you and a warm sweet embrace around you.

It has that bold start, that will moderate as it dries down. Though, it is a steady decline rather than a sharp drop off.

Ultra Male also comes out with more of a bang before settling down into that upper moderate range. Ultra Male actually has a rather large projection radius at first, but quiets into a moderate.

Between the two, Ultra Male still has an edge. It has been the boldest release from Le Male for years now and that remains the case. I will say, I do have a bottle of Ultra Male from its initial release, so that what I am basing it off of. I haven’t heard anything about it being weakened, however.

Edge: Ultra Male


Longevity

Ultra Male always has gotten me at least 8 hours of wear. That’s baseline and it routinely goes over 10 hours, with 12 not being unheard of.  But, more likely in that 9-10 hour range.

Elixir is pretty close, but a notch below. 8-10.5 hours seems to be its range, thus far, while often falling right at 9 hours in total.

Both are long lasting designers scents. Though, Ultra Male still holds the crown as the boldest and best performing of this JPG line.

Edge: Ultra Male


Versatility

The versatility isn’t the strength of either scent. Being bold, sweet, and built for colder weather doesn’t lend itself particularly well for daily wear. At least for most guys.

Both of these skew towards the younger crowd. Playful and attention grabbing nightlife fragrances, without much subtlety or formality.

They’re about equal in terms of climate. Colder to moderate temperatures. In the heat, they melt.

I think that Elixir could be used better in casual daily situations and has a sweet/warm cozy vibe, that can lend itself to a couple of sprays, and not stick out like crazy. So, not a bad option for school, if you go light.

Not much difference, but Elixir has some more usability in more situations.

Edge: Elixir


Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance do I prefer? It’s a close call either way. Ultra Male has the edge performance wise, but Elixir has depth and a bit more versatility.

Ultra Male gives you a nice sweet and spicy mix. The pear and cinnamon pairing together, with some of the familiar Le Male DNA, was something that really grabbed my attention back when it was released.

What really grabbed my attention, was how powerful it was. I can often spray it in one room of my house and smell the cologne hours later, in another. Not faintly, either, mind you.

For years, I considered Ultra Male to be the best smelling from the series. Though, as the years moved on, I started liking the original and even Le Parfum, slightly more.

Now, Elixir has taken a higher spot on the list. Based on the aroma alone, it might be my favorite, but I still think the original is the most wearable on a regular basis.

Elixir just has a great sweetness. I like the honey and light tobacco notes that come through. The vanilla and tonka bean only add to the sweet, sometimes syrupy glaze. Yes, it can be cloying at times, but so can Ultra Male.

To me, Elixir has the edge versus Ultra Male nowadays. Not by a wide margin, but it wins.

Winner: Le Male Elixir

Le Male Terrible by Jean Paul Gaultier

Today, we have review of another Jean Paul Gautier flanker fragrance: Le Male Terrible. This take on the 1990s classic cologne, Le Male, was released in 2010. I have tested it out and will present, how it smells, what are the notes, how it performs, when it can be worn, and if it is actually worth a buy.


What does Le Male Terrible Smell Like?

Notes include: vanilla, grapefruit, amber, lavender, pink pepper, vetiver

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Terrible Eau De Toilette Extreme Spray, 2.5 Ounce


My Full Review

So, the opening of Le Male Terrible is very similar to the original Le Male. Immediately, you get the vanilla and lavender notes, and it conjures up thoughts of the first release in this series. However, the mint note is noticeably missing and instead you get a mix of grapefruit and pink pepper, in Terrible.

The pink pepper and grapefruit provide a warm and bright aroma in contrast to the cold/fresh/spicy element that the mint note would provide (I actually think that there is an unlisted bit of mint in here, just not as much).

It seems more subdued and smoother than the original. It also lacks cardamom and cinnamon, which makes it even less spicy. It does have a bit of a fresh kick from the pink pepper and later vetiver, but it’s not a particularly spicy scent.

As it dries down, the vetiver comes out some more and adds a certain dry freshness to the composition of this Gaultier (best colognes). Mostly, though, I get amber, lavender, pink pepper, and the vanilla note for the rest of the way.

The amber is the base and the rest of the notes play within its confines. The strongest notes for the dry down are going to be the lavender and vanilla.

This one leans much more toward vanilla than lavender, which is a reversal of the original Le Male.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Le Male Terrible, isn’t too heavy. The sillage is more moderate, probably not as strong as the original, and definitely not as intense as Ultra Male. Overall, it will be noticed, but won’t overpower.

It can seem much lighter than it actually is, as I will catch whiffs of it randomly throughout the day, which I cannot say the same for with a lot of actually ‘weak’ colognes.

 

I’d put the longevity to about 6-7 hours, on my skin. It’s pretty much in line with the current bottles of the original. Not bad, but not elite in the slightest.

Seasonally, yes, it fits in with the cold weather predecessor of the Le Male lineup. However, it also has an ability to fit in during most of the rest of the year. Perhaps, Terrible wouldn’t be the best choice for the hottest and most humid days of summer, but it’s fine any other time.

It’s a versatile fragrance, that can be worn casually, at school/work, or for a night out. It’s not overwhelming, so it’s a safe bet pretty much anywhere you’d like to wear Le Male Terrible to.


Overall Impressions of Le Male Terrible

Overall, do I like Le Male Terrible? Yes, it’s a nice fragrance, that I’d put on par or close to it with the original Le Male. It’s not as good as Ultra Male, but it’s a really solid choice.

I do believe it has been discontinued, but you can still pick up bottles online. It is a fresh and straightforward take on the familiar original cologne, it performs well enough, and has good versatility.

The best scent on the market? No, but a nice option for everyday wear. It doesn’t do anything spectacularly well, but it is an enjoyable cologne to wear.

Update: Coming back to this one, Terrible really was one of the better releases from the Le Male series thus far. That’s not too surprising since it took so many cues from the original, but changed enough to give it a personality of its own. 

It’s possibly top 5 in the series. I’d include Airlines in that mix, Le Parfum, and I have yet to get a hold of Elixir (but it’s getting great reviews thus far. If not fifth, then, at worst a few places back. 

As of this update, it’s still around. But, it is getting scarce more than a decade after its release. Still don’t consider it a must have, so, I wouldn’t reach too high on the price.