1 Million Intense by Paco Rabanne

1 Million Intense is a fragrance that has been discontinued for a long time now, having a production run after its 2013 release. It’s one that I knew I hadn’t reviewed on the site, didn’t think I’d ever tried out (I really cannot remember), and I had the opportunity to by an old sample as part of a lot.

Better late than never, I’ve been testing out Intense to see what this one is all about. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is this Paco Rabanne, worth tracking down an older bottle?


What does 1 Million Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: saffron, orange, cardamom, rose, black pepper, cinnamon, patchouli, orris, leather, neroli, sandalwood


My Full Review

Here’s how Paco Rabanne describes it: 1 Million takes on a sensual and warm intensity through its new interpretation: a flamboyant burst of ruby mandarin orange laced with spices on a vibrantly masculine base of iris and sandalwood.

Immediately, you can tell that this is a follow up to the original 1 Million. That mandarin orange comes through plenty juicy and sweet, like in that one. The main difference is going to be the initial spicy punch.

Black pepper, cardamom, and saffron all come through. Cinnamon is there too, and it will become the dominant spice out of the bunch.

It’s rougher than the original, much less sweet, and with a bigger rose note. That, however, will reveal itself more later on.

The black pepper and saffron are pretty huge in that opening. The pepper is short lived, but that fresh saffron note sticks around, just in a declining role.

I actually compared aspects of The One Mysterious Night, to another Paco Rabanne flanker, 1 Million Cologne. However, it also applies to Intense with its spice and rose combo. Not to mention, saffron and citrus.

Once we get past that initial intensity, this one settles down into a smoother floral sort of aroma. Neroli and rose begin to take center stage, alongside them are cinnamon and saffron.

As we dry down, it gets closer to the original 1 Million. Leather which becomes apparent in the first hour, will be one of the last notes standing.

With that, will be the rose, a bit of patchouli, and cinnamon sitting on a woody base. It still has that 1 Million ‘bubble gum’ sweetness to it. Just with more depth.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Yes, 1 Million Intense lives up to it’s name. This one has a very strong sillage, can cloud up a room, leave a trail, and projects very well…in the early stages.

After that, it is still going to be strong, just not oppressively so. 4-6 feet from the skin, is about what I get out of this one.

On my skin, it seems to be in that 9.5-11+ hour range. About what I got with the old original bottles of 1 Million. It’s probably not going past 12 hours, but it’s capable of getting up there.

Seasonally, this one is also and autumn and winter wear. This might get ridiculous in the heat and I’d avoid that. But, on a moderate evening, it’s actually still nice. But, I’d stick to a chilly night.

I’ve never considered the original 1 Million to be a versatile scent. It’s always been a casual or nightlife wear for me. Something fun to wear, every so often.

Intense is along those same line, but I think it’s more mature. It’s depth, spiciness, and toned down sweetness will have a greater appeal across age ranges. Still not a formal fragrance, however.


Overall Impressions of 1 Million Intense

Overall, do I like this version of 1 Million? I do. It takes that 1 Million DNA that I like, amps up aspects, and adds others.

The opening is a spicy and intense punch, but I think that they pulled it off well. Maybe not my favorite part, but I like the transition to the next phase once things have calmed down.

The performance is fantastic. Just like how older bottles of the original were, but a touch above that. Loud (at first) and long-lasting. No complaints in that department.

I think that it’s very good, if you’re a 1 Million fan already. Those who aren’t, probably wouldn’t have their minds changed by Intense.

Then, we come to the fact that bottles are very pricey, since it’s been discontinued. I’m not so sure that it’s worth tracking down for probably 99% of people. If you’re a collector or just someone who loves these Paco Rabanne releases, then, you might be an exception.

For everyone else, I wouldn’t bother, unless you see one out in the wild for a reasonable price. It’s a good fragrance, but not an absolute must have.

Invictus Victory vs. Elixir Comparison

Invictus as a series keeps rolling along. Now, the flankers are getting their own flankers, and have little to do with the original scent. Invictus Victory is one that has been popular over the past few years, and they’ve put out its flanker, Victory Elixir. I’ve tested and reviewed both of these colognes, but which one smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?


Tale of the Tape: Invictus Victory vs. Elixir

Invictus Victory

Notes include: pink pepper, lemon, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, and lavender

Click here to try: Invictus Victory

My Full Review: Invictus Victory

invictus victory review


Invictus Victory Elixir

Notes include: cardamom, black pepper, bergamot oil, lavender, incense, patchouli, vanilla, amber, and tonka bean

Click here to try: Elixir

My Full Review: Victory Elixir


Opening

Invictus Victory starts out really reminding me of the Pure XS line that Paco Rabanne had put out a handful of years before this. Victory has a lemon note up top, with pink pepper, and a dose of incense.

Sort of smoky, but not overwhelmingly so. Up top, it’s a bit of that lemon with a spiciness and smokiness. As it moves on, Victory will become more about the vanilla and amber notes.

Meanwhile, Elixir starts with a more immediate use of the vanilla and amber. The amber is more powerful here, with a distinct resinous quality to it. Pink pepper has been replaced by a spice mix of black pepper and cardamom.

What’s interesting about Elixir is that it gets sweeter, after a few minutes. It gets more of a tonka bean influence and the impression of coconut. Now, it doesn’t actually have coconut, but it does smell a good deal like it.

Which is better?

I really enjoy both opening acts here. The hint of lemon in Victory is one of my favorite aspects, but it is too short-lived.

With Elixir, it’s a bit more complex early on and the best parts seem to stick around longer. I’ll give it the opening.

Edge: Elixir


Projection

Both of these are above average with the projection and have the ability to leave a scent trail in your wake. Neither are super heavy feeling, but the performance is there.

While Invictus Victory is above average, it wasn’t massive projector when I tested it out. It has a very strong burst at the opening. Then, it becomes rather moderate for the rest of the way.

Victory Elixir is quite powerful. I’m sure it’ll be even better with a full bottle. This one leaps off of the skin and stays at a high level for most of the wear. Pretty much a beast.

Elixir takes this category.

Edge: Elixir


Longevity

Both of these fragrances don’t disappoint when it comes to how long they last. But, there is a clear winner between them.

With Victory, I got in the 8-9 hour range with it during testing. Not amazing, but well above average.

Elixir, was in the 9-11 hour range. It might actually be able to go beyond the higher end of that range for the right person, with a full sized sprayer.

Both Invictus Victory releases have good performances, however.

Edge: Elixir


Versatility

These two are about the same in their use case. Both are best in autumn and winter. Both are suited more towards younger men. Both are attractive fragrances that will get plenty of play in the nightlife.

No real distinction.

Edge: Push


Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?

Honestly, if I’m just going off the smell of each alone, it’s basically a tie. Two of the best releases from the Invictus line.

The opening and transition into the middle, is when they are most distinct from one another. I slightly prefer Elixir during that stage of the wear. Not a huge gap, but if I have to choose, I’ll roll with it.

But, the performance and slightly more unique formula gives Elixir the nod. It’s a lot stronger and gives you a few more hours of wear. Yes, that coconut-like aroma gives it shades of Le Beau Le Parfum, but I think this Invictus is better.

If you liked the original Victory, you’ll almost certainly like Elixir too. Doesn’t mean that you need both, though.

Winner: Elixir

Invictus Victory Elixir by Paco Rabanne

Invictus Victory Elixir is a 2023 release, coming off of the heels of the popular Invictus Victory. I received a small sample of this along with my order of 1 Million Royal. I was curious to try this one out, as I did enjoy Victory. How does Elixir smell? Does it last long? Is it actually worth a try?


What does Invictus Victory Elixir Smell Like?

Notes include: cardamom, black pepper, bergamot oil, lavender, incense, patchouli, vanilla, amber, and tonka bean


My Full Review

Here’s how Paco Rabanne describes it: Discover Invictus Victory Elixir, the pinnacle of intensity from Invictus, the new powerful fragrance for men by Paco Rabanne. A potent elixir made to push victory beyond limits. the time has come to embrace your moment of immortality. A rich, powerful, long-lasting nectar blending spicy woods and biting freshness, for the epic achiever. It’s the ultimate expression of victory. never stop winning.

So, right away this strikes me as being a much more concentrated version of Invictus Victory. That scent had a lot in common with the Pure XS colognes from Paco Rabanne, but Elixir sort of strips that away to a more focused point.

Victory had the pink pepper and lemon notes up top. Elixir kicks off with a warm, resinous, and vanilla blend. Black pepper is exchanged for the pink variety, but it only lasted a few minutes tops.

The amber accord provides some spice along with the resinous qualities, but it doesn’t hit you in the face with it. There is a light cardamom, but not too much of it.

The incense note, is also in Victory. However, I will say that I can’t detect much of it at all in Elixir. It was very present on my skin with Victory.

Very smooth with how warm it is and the creaminess of the vanilla note. I’m glad the vanilla is heavier in the weighting versus the tonka bean, as I think that it has a more enjoyable scent this way.

A few minutes in, this one starts to feel much sweeter. The way everything combines, it has almost a coconut finish to it. Nothing crazy or overwhelming, but it is there. More like dry coconut flakes than a watery fruit juice.

The dry down lightens up on that sweet/coconut aroma. I get more tonka bean, an increase in the amber, and a lavender note becoming fairly distinct. It was always in the mix, I think, but really wasn’t clear on its own until the middle of the wear. It sort of sits underneath everything else, until fading in the tail end.

That tail end? Pretty much a vanilla, tonka bean, amber, and general freshness. Warm, sort of sweet, but not a complete sweet and creamy mess. It’s nice, pretty basic, at this point.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here is nice and powerful. Definitely one to leave a scent trail in your wake. The projection off of the skin is great and could be nuclear with a full bottle. I did only have that tiny sample sprayer, but even with that, I can tell this one is going to be a beast.

The longevity also just keeps going. 9 hours at least. Maybe up to 11 or so, on my skin. I did eventually shower, but it was still very noticeably immediately prior to that. I’d have to test Elixir again to see exactly how long it lasts.

Nonetheless, expect a strong and long lasting performance out of this Invictus flanker.

Seasonally, this would be best in autumn and winter. Not strictly cold weather, but it’s probably best to avoid the heat. Kind of too thick and loud, to not be cloying in the middle of summer. Go with something else, then.

This is more of a casual or nightlife wear for younger guys. Not just teenagers, but it does have a youthful vibe, while still being one of the more well put together Invictus colognes.

Elixir is probably going to be pretty popular and has that very mass appealing sort of style. I can see this one being worn at bars and nightclubs around the world, in the next few years. Not super sexy, but it has its appeal.


Overall Impressions of Invictus Victory Elixir

Overall, do I like Victory Elixir? I do. Based on this one try, I’m not sure that I prefer it to the original Victory, however. Currently, I rate the smell as being equally enjoyable. I’ll see as I update this, if that changes or not.

Victory Elixir is for sure the better performer between them.

Like some of the other Paco Rabanne scents, this can have a bit of an annoying synthetic quality to it. Not too much of a problem here, but at times I can get tired of a fragrance like this. 1 Million Lucky and the original Invictus a bigger culprits, in this regard.

The aroma is pretty similar to Le Beau Le Parfum from JPG. However, this is better. It has the illusion of coconut, the amber, and tonka bean as the overlap between them. Elixir is a more pleasant and well done experience, in my opinion.

All in all, if you’re a fan of this series, you’ll almost certainly like this one. It’s among the best of them to me, even after this one try. It’s definitely worth trying out, at the very least.

1 Million by Paco Rabanne

Of course I was going to get around to eventually doing a review of 1 Million by Paco Rabanne and so I woke up this morning and said to myself, “Why not now?” After all, this scent is so very popular, especially among younger guys, that I think that’d I’d have to address it at some point.

What is there to be said about a best-selling cologne that comes in a bottle shaped like a gold ingot? Well, plenty is to be said because it is an interesting scent, in my opinion. Now, let us take a closer look at 1 Million and see what makes it such a draw.


What does 1 Million by Paco Rabanne Smell Like?

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

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce


My Full Take on 1 Million 

Here is how Paco Rabanne describes it: Fall in love with danger and grand gestures. Obey no one. Except your fantasies. The 1 million fragrance eau de toilette for men is a beautiful spicy leather scent for insolent gentlemen.

Let me start off by saying that, I enjoy this fragrance. I know that there are plenty of people who don’t because of various reasons, either perceived rightly or wrongly, but I find that it is a very good scent.

I think that many people’s problem with this fragrance stems from its sweet, candy-like opening and its sheer popularity.

Sometimes, things get hated on simply because it is popular, whatever. Anyways, the more valid criticism is it’s really sweet opening notes, which gets compared to bubble gum or fruity candy.

It is important to understand that this initial burst fades after 10-20 minutes before the fragrance starts to reveal itself fully. On my skin, I get more spice and warmth than some other folks, it seems. This is especially true with newer batches of 1 Million

The opening takes on the bubble gum sort of aroma because of a mix of leather, rose, and citrus (orange and grapefruit). This together with the other underlying notes, create a bold and very sweet scent from the start.

It’s just the way things all come together, at first, which produces that smell. However, once you get into the wear the notes become more distinct and identifiable.

That initial sweetness is surrounded by a warm and thick amber note. This is a major part of 1 Million’s boldness, in my view, because it creates a sort of enveloping cloud around the wearer.

The amber note actually reminds me a lot of later (though weaker) releases, such as Dylan Blue. There is also a hint of mint in there which adds a refreshing spice and tinge of coolness, to a very warm composition.

As time moves on, the cinnamon, spices, and amber notes start to come out fully to add some pep and masculinity to the blend and this is where 1 Million really starts to shine. The dry down is spicier and full of leather bouncing off of the cinnamon dominant part of this cologne’s life cycle.

Woody notes also sit at the base and help to solidify the fragrance as something other than the hyper sweet start it’s famous for. In the end, I get: cinnamon, rich leather, amber, rose, wood, and other assorted spices.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, 1 Million has always been an absolute sillage king. It can fill a room and command attention for itself. I can’t speak for the most recently released bottles, as to if they have been reformulated or not, but it’s power has always been a major selling point.

Beyond that, is the longevity that has always garnered me 10+ of wear, and usually much further along than that 10 hour baseline. It’s an all nighter and into the next morning kind of fragrance (again, not sure if newer ones have been weakened).

Update: I’ve grabbed a newer batch in 2020 (and again in 2023) and it seems like 1 Million has lost a step. It hasn’t been terribly weakened, but it doesn’t have that same monstrous sillage and longevity. Probably 85% of what it was, which is still great.

million rabanne review

I still get a very strong opening sillage, but that will quiet down much more quickly than it used to. Nowadays, it will last somewhere in the 8 hour range. Still not bad, but it doesn’t seem to touch those vintage bottle highs.

Seasonally, this Paco Rabanne is best for the colder parts of the year. In the heat, it can get really messy, really fast. Particularly, when it is humid out. This isn’t one for office wear, though, it’s not too heavy with one spray.

This is a nightlife cologne and one that is geared for young men from their teen years through their twenties. It has a playful and youthful vibe, not at all serious or demure.

So, it’s versatility in practice, isn’t all that great. It’s limited to colder or moderate temperatures, more casual situations, and a younger audience in general.


Overall Impressions of 1 Million

All in all, if you are looking for a fragrance that can be used when you go out partying and whatnot, then 1 Million is definitely worth a try.

However, understand that it is not necessarily the most versatile fragrance around lots of people used to wear it, but I really don’t smell it as much anymore. I cannot remember the last time that I came across it, when out on the town.

It’s loud, warm, sweet, and spicy. It’s still a very good scent and I can put it on from time to time and really enjoy wearing it. I do think that 1 Million Prive, has taken the crown, as the best from the Paco Rabanne line. However, this one is still a great grab.

I’ve been wearing this around in 2020, with a travel sprayer, and have really enjoyed coming back to this cologne. Is it my favorite? No, but it does have an appeal, that I’ve always appreciated.

It doesn’t have the same level of performance that it used to. That’s one drawback of the modern 1 Million experience. Though, I still like coming back to this scent every few years to relive the memories.

If you’re in the appropriate age range, check it out, as you might get to enjoy it as well.

Invictus Aqua EDT (2016) by Paco Rabanne

Getting back into men’s fragrance reviews, today’s entry is one from popular designer, Paco Rabanne and is a flanker to the best selling Invictus: Invictus Aqua eau de toilette. Now, this flanker cologne was released in 2016, but is it actually any good? Update: There is another version of this, which came out in 2018. You’ll most likely find that around (if either) versus this one I’m reviewing here. In this review, I’ll cover what’s inside, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it’s even worth buying.


What does Invictus Aqua EDT Smell Like?

Notes include: yuzu, pink pepper, guaiac wood, marine notes, violet leaf, ambergris, grapefruit

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Aqua Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce


My Full Wear Review

Before we get into my review, let’s see what Paco Rabanne has to say about Invictus Aqua: a luminous variation with a fresh woody signature: a refreshing marine top note mixed with sparkling yuzu accents. The sensual guaiac wood base note is reinforced by vibrant pink pepper.

The opening of Invictus Aqua is dominated by fresh yuzu and marine notes. The opening is actually my favorite part of this cologne and the citrus aroma is further enhanced by the inclusion of grapefruit.

Beyond that, the pink pepper note, really helps to set Aqua apart from the other offerings in the Invictus lineup. I’m a fan of pink pepper, as it’s such an underrated note, and has helped propel cheapies like Guess Seductive to its far and wide use.

Aqua is highly fresh, a sporty aquatic, with some slight soapy vibes to it. The marine notes add the aquatic element to this fragrance and they are further paired with ambergris for further saltiness.

However, Invictus Aqua never strikes me as being quite to the level of saltiness, in Bvlgari’s Aqva. It also seems a bit more mature than the original Invictus, while still retaining that similar DNA structure. Aqua isn’t nearly as sweet.

As it dries down, I get more violet leaf, less of the marine notes, and the intro of the guaiac wood. It definitely grows into a woodier fragrance, with a slight outdoorsy dirtiness to it. The oud isn’t super powerful, but you’ll notice it, when putting your nose close to the skin.

Toward the end, what I get is yuzu, guaiac wood, ambergris, violet leaf, and the aquatic notes slowly turning into quite an oceanic scent. It starts to just smell like sea water on my skin. That happens like at the very end of the day, though.

I’m not always a huge fan of aquatics, especially when it turns to pure sea water. Invictus Aqua is exactly that, deep into the wear. It’s really not my favorite part.


Sillage, How Long Does It Last, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s not super heavy or anything. Being a spring/summer fragrance the sillage is going to be lighter, but I’d say it’s fairly strong for an aquatic. It won’t go unnoticed.

The performance from this one is actually pretty great. I can pull 8+ hours from it on my skin. Quite superb for a fragrance in this category. I’d say hours 6-8 really get oceanic, with the aroma. Before that, you’ll get more of the yuzu and violet leaf.

Seasonally, again, spring/summer. It is versatile within that time frame, however. Casual, work, and definitely one to be worn at parties or night clubs. I’d stick to the warmer months, as it just feels out of place and kind of too sharp, in the winter.

It’s attractive in its freshness, meaning, it should draw complements but I really wouldn’t say that it’s particularly sexy. For a guy in his 20s, this will be a solid go to in these scenarios.


Overall Impression of Invictus Aqua

Overall, do I like Invictus Aqua? I do. I think that it is a very good scent for what it is. I’m not looking to buy a bottle personally, since I’m not a huge fan of the Invictus line, but for those who are this is a worthy addition.

Other guys, who want a well performing and versatile warm weather cologne, Invictus Aqua is an option that should strongly be considered. The yuzu note is great, as is the pink pepper.

Not overall amazing, but a nice all around fragrance. I love the yuzu, the oud isn’t too bothersome, but the end is just to marine for my taste. When it is covered by other notes, it works better.

Update: Again, this 2016 version isn’t widely available it seems. Most of those bottle got bought up. Even the 2018 version is now scarce. Personally, I wouldn’t pay above original retail for either. So, unless you already absolutely love one or both, I wouldn’t bother tracking them down.