Invictus vs Invictus Intense Cologne Comparison

Invictus by Paco Rabanne has been a fragrance that has sold very well. Naturally, they have had to release a few flanker fragrances in order to capitalize on that success. One such entry is Invictus Intense. Now, between these two colognes which one smells better? How do they perform head to head? Which one is the better buy? Read below for my full take on these two scents.

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Intense

Invictus

Notes include: grapefruit, sea notes, mandarin orange, bay leaf, jasmine

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

Read my original review

Invictus Intense

Notes include: orange blossom, black pepper, malt accord, wood, black amber, ambergris

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne Invictus Intense Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.4oz

My Invictus Intense Review

Opening

The main difference between the original and Intense, is that, Intense has much less sweetness; especially at the start. The citrus notes that the original put out in full force has been transmuted into something darker, warmer, and a bit salty.

Don’t get me wrong, the sweet/citrus vibe is still there in Intense but it is far less prevalent. The original Invictus is sweet and fresh at the start with those underlying oceanic notes.

I like the opening of the original much more than I used to. The mandarin orange and grapefruit notes are my favorite aspect of it.

I feel like Invictus Intense has a lot more going on from the start and is just more pleasant to my nose. The amber and the whiskey-like aroma from the malt accord is really great and gives you a much more unique take on the Invictus name.

Edge: Intense

Projection

This should be a clear winning category for Invictus Intense, but despite the name, I’m not sure that it is much better than the original Invictus in this regard.

Neither of these colognes are weak and both lean towards the stronger side of things. Intense might be slightly better.

I think that Intense opens up with a greater sillage than does the original, but ultimately, the end up about the same.

Edge: Push (maybe slight lean Intense)

Longevity

With the original Invictus, I would get 6-7 solid hours of wear. With Intense, it jumps to 7-8 hours, with a few more as a skin scent.

Intense is a good performer, still not absolute beast mode, unless you spray ungodly amounts but very good at what it does. I think that opening act with Intense is a bit deceptive, making it seem like it’s more of a powerhouse than it actually develops to be.

Edge: Intense

Versatility

Invictus and Intense are both best served as nightlife, romantic, or casual scents. So, in that sense it’s equal. However, Intense seems to be able to transition to all of the seasons fairly well, while Invictus always strikes me as a spring/summer scent. Intense wouldn’t feel out of place in the colder months of the year.

Edge: Intense

Overall Scent

At this point, I have to go with Invictus Intense. It’s just better, more refined, and more interesting. I like the original Invictus but I was never in love with it.

The darker amber and toned down sweetness give Intense more balance and the orange blossom adds a floral touch without the heavier citrus of the original.

That being said, the booziness of Intense may be off putting to some folks. If I were a younger guy, I might choose the original or Legend over Intense.

I’ll go with Intense between these two and go with 1 Million Prive from Paco Rabanne over both of them.

Winner: Invictus Intense

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.