Emblem by Mont Blanc

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Been posting quite a few Mont Blanc cologne reviews as of late and am going to finish up here today with one of the more popular scents, Emblem.

I’ve already had experience with this one in the past, but got a hold of a sample vial, in order to refresh my memory, and get my thoughts down after wearing it around.

This fragrance was released in 2014. As usual, I’ll explore what’s inside, how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is actually worth a purchase.

My Verdict

Emblem by Mont Blanc is a fresh, spicy, aromatic scent built around grapefruit, cardamom, cinnamon, violet leaf, sage, and tonka bean.

It has a nice contrast between cool and warm notes, giving it a clean but cozy feel that works best in cooler weather.

The performance is middle of the road, with lighter to moderate projection and around 6 hours before it turns into a skin scent. Overall, it’s pleasant, slightly unique, and easy to wear, but not something I’d pay full retail for.

🖋️ Emblem by Mont Blanc — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Fresh Spicy Aromatic Woody
Key Notes Grapefruit, Cardamom, Pepper, Violet Leaf, Cinnamon, Sage, Tonka Bean, Wood, Ambroxan
Season Fall, Winter, Temperate Weather
Occasion Business Casual, Formal Wear, Night Out, Cold Weather, Low-Key Daily Wear
Longevity About 6 hours before becoming a skin scent
Sillage Light to moderate — noticeable early, but not overpowering
Rating ★★★☆☆ 7.2 / 10
Quick Verdict A fresh, spicy, aromatic Mont Blanc scent with grapefruit, cardamom, cinnamon, violet leaf, sage, and tonka bean. Pleasant, cozy, and slightly unique, but the performance is only average and it’s better as a good-deal pickup than a full-retail buy.

Montblanc Emblem Fragrance Overview

Notes include: cinnamon, violet, tonka bean, sage, cardamom, grapefruit, wood, pepper, ambroxan

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Emblem Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3 fl. oz.

My Full Review

The opening of Emblem gives me a blast of grapefruit that is joined by a cool rush of cardamom, pepper, and violet leaf. After a few minutes, I start to pick up more cinnamon in the composition. It is interesting that I experience a warm and enveloping sensation at times.

Meanwhile, there is sort of a chill, that runs through this Mont Blanc cologne. I think the grapefruit and violet leaf, provide that cooling sensation. While cinnamon and cardamom, bring the warm feeling.

Within 20 minutes of applying, Emblem shifts away from the citrus top note opening, and I get an herbal and lightly spiced aroma. The violet leaf is familiar, as is the clary sage, which gives it that earthy sort of quality.

The cardamom stays pretty consistent throughout, to my nose. Meanwhile, there is a delicate hint of creamy tonka bean, that sits in the background during the dry down.

The sage note that comes in, stays fairly moderate during its peak, before retreating to the outer edges of the aroma. Emblem has a nice blend between being cozy and aromatic, slightly sweet and spicy. It’s fresh and not one, which screams for attention.

Further down the line, Emblem has a warm sweetness that feels like an equal part, when compared to the earlier spice.

It’s violet leaf, cinnamon, tonka bean, and cardamom at this point in the wear. The changes throughout are pretty subtle, but there is some jockeying between the ingredients, as time moves on.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Mont Blanc Emblem has a lighter to moderate sillage. It’s not a beast, but you’ll know that you have it on.

It sort of just becomes a part of your day and not something that intrudes and permeates while wearing. At the opening, it will form a solid perimeter around the wearer.

The longevity isn’t outstanding but not terrible either. At around 6 hours, it becomes a complete skin scent, and begins that slow evaporation process. It’s in the middle of the pack, in this regard.

Seasonally, I would slot this as a fall/winter wear, since this is built for the cold weather mainly. Temperate climate, would also be fine.

I couldn’t see myself ever reaching for Emblem during the summer months. The warm spice and later smoothness, just don’t fit really warm weather. Even with it’s lighter, ozonic aspects, I don’t think it’d fit well. At least where I live.

It’s more of a business casual to formal wear sort of cologne. You can wear it out at night, but it’s low key, so don’t expect some kind of club monster. Though, it is attractive enough to be appreciated, when someone else moves close enough.

Overall Impressions of Emblem

Overall, do I recommend Emblem? I like it. I think the aroma is overall very pleasant to wear. The longevity kind of leaves more to be desire, but it isn’t terrible.

It’s a seemingly simple scent, but it has some sneaky depth. Plus, it has some more unique aspects versus a lot of the other mainstream fare.

I like the cinnamon note, along with the cardamom. The contrast between the warm and cooling sensation is attractive.

The violet leaf doesn’t actually bother me in the mix. It’s for sure one of my least favorite notes, personally. Here, I think it works and doesn’t get on my nerves.

I don’t know that this would be my personal go to, as it occupies that cold weather space, that contains some of my favorite fragrances.

Also, in terms of Mont Blanc scents, I’ve actually been loving Legend Night, as of late. If you can get a good deal on Emblem, it’s a solid choice, not earth shattering but good all around. I wouldn’t pay full retail for it, though.

Cool Water vs. Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I want to do a head to head comparison between two popular men’s aquatics: Polo Blue EDT vs. Cool Water by Davidoff. Now, I’m not a huge fan of either, but I do think they are both solid colognes. The question is, which one smells better? Is there a difference in how long they last? Which is more versatile?

Quick Overview

Cool Water and Polo Blue EDT are both easygoing fresh aquatics made for casual wear and warmer weather. Cool Water is the cheaper classic with a sharper, minty-green feel, while Polo Blue is smoother, cleaner, and a little more polished. In the end, Polo Blue wins overall, but Cool Water still makes sense if value is the main priority.

Category Cool Water Polo Blue EDT Winner
Opening Opens with mint, tobacco, spice, and a green aquatic freshness. More distinctive, but sharper and less immediately smooth. Opens with cucumber, melon, tangerine, and amber. Simple and familiar, but smoother and more enjoyable overall. Polo Blue EDT
Projection Moderate projection. Noticeable enough for daily wear, but not loud or overpowering. Also moderate. It performs at about the same level and stays safe around others. Push
Longevity Newer bottles usually last around 6-7 hours, which is solid but not quite as strong as Polo Blue. Usually lasts around 7-8 hours, giving it a slight advantage in wear time. Polo Blue EDT
Versatility Works well for casual wear, school, work, spring, summer, and easy everyday use. Also fits casual wear, school, work, spring, summer, and safe everyday situations. Push
Overall Scent More affordable and has a nice minty aquatic opening, but the soapy middle can be a drawback. Cleaner, smoother, and more enjoyable overall, even if it is somewhat simple and linear. Polo Blue EDT
Value Usually much cheaper, making it the better buy if you mainly want an affordable aquatic cologne. Smells better overall, but the higher price may not be worth it for everyone. Cool Water

Tale of the Tape: Cool Water vs. Polo Blue

Polo Blue

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Cool Water

Notes include: lavender, mint, tobacco, amber, musk, jasmine, sandalwood, neroli, coriander, rosemary, and more

Click here to try: Davidoff Cool Water Edt Spray for Men, 6.7 oz

Read my Review: Cool Water

Opening

Cool Water opens up with mint, tobacco, and of course these notes are surrounded by an aquatic aroma. It’s got a green and fresh smell, that later picks up white floral notes, and a fairly soapy scent. I really do like the uncured tobacco note and the crisp spice of the mint. It is at times sharp and then smooth.

Polo Blue goes in a different direction with the crisp aquatic style, as it starts off with cucumber and melon. These notes are flanked by a light tangerine and amber. It is pretty straightforward, pleasant, if unremarkable.

Which is better? While I like the mint tobacco combo in Cool Water, I actually like the smell of Polo Blue better. Yes, it can be boring, but it works well.

Edge: Polo Blue

Projection

The sillage of each of these fragrances is consistently moderate. Neither goes into extreme projection mode, nor are they weak. Solid, but won’t overpower a room.

For me, I don’t notice a real difference between how much either projects on my skin. Call it a tie.

Edge: Push

Longevity

With newer bottles of Cool Water, I get 6-7 hours of wear from it. Older formulations were about 8. That’s the way that it goes, usually. However, Cool Water still holds up rather well.

Polo Blue hits 7-8 hours pretty consistently, not a huge margin, but better than the Davidoff. Maybe the 1980s version of Cool Water was even better, but it’s still decent these days.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are solid choices for everyday wear. They can go casual or to school or to work, depending on your circumstances. Cool Water and Polo Blue are safe and inoffensive, to those around you, and can gather complements without choking out a room.

Neither is a club scent or really a date night cologne. They shine in spring/summer, but can go year round, as well. There’s no real distinction, in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Cool Water has a really nice opening act, with the mint and tobacco, that sit in the watery mix. I’m not a huge fan of when it turns soapy, towards the middle, but it does come around again with a woody/aquatic base to round things out.

There’s a reason that it’s been popular for so long and it has an advantage of being very reasonably priced.

I like Polo Blue, I’m not a huge fan of the scent (it’s pretty linear and simple), but I would rather wear it over Cool Water. For me, the EDP version, is better than this EDT that I’m comparing to Cool Water. But, I’d take both of the Polo options over the Davidoff.

Why? It just smells better overall. These are fairly evenly matched scents, with similar uses and performance. The melon/tangerine combination with crisp cucumber and the amber notes are quite enjoyable in Polo Blue.

It also doesn’t have the sort of soapy aroma, that Cool Water gives off at times. It’s not way better, but it does have a slight edge in this comparison.

Cool Water is the more inexpensive option, often by quite a lot, so take that into consideration. I like Polo Blue more, but not sure if I’d pay $30 more for a bottle, if I could get Cool Water and another scent for the same price. But that’s up to you and your situation.

Winner: Polo Blue EDT

Paris-Edimbourg by Chanel

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Paris-Edimbourg is a part of Les Eaux de Chanel, a newer series from the French luxury brand. I got a hold of sample of each of these fragrances to give a try, over the past six months or so, in order to post my review of them. How does Edimbourg smell? How long does it last? Is it even worth a try?

My Verdict

Paris-Edimbourg is a crisp, cold, green-woody Chanel fragrance with a bright juniper and cypress opening, softened by lavender, musk, cedar, vetiver, and a light touch of vanilla.

It has a clean, outdoorsy, slightly rainy forest feel that leans traditionally masculine while still being wearable as a unisex scent. The performance is solid but not amazing, with moderate projection and around 6–7 hours of longevity.

Overall, it’s a stylish, refreshing, and unique Chanel, especially for fans of green, woody, aromatic scents.

🌲 Paris-Edimbourg by Chanel — At a Glance
Fragrance Family Aromatic Woody Green
Key Notes Lavender, Musk, Juniper, Cypress, Vanilla, Vetiver, Cedar
Season Spring, Summer, Autumn
Occasion Casual Wear, Semi-Formal, Daytime, Office, Clean Everyday Wear
Longevity About 6-7 hours
Sillage Moderate early on, then lighter and closer to the skin
Rating ★★★☆☆ 7.6 / 10
Quick Verdict A cold, clean, green-woody Chanel with juniper, cypress, lavender, cedar, vetiver, musk, and a touch of vanilla. Refreshing, outdoorsy, and well put together, though more of a like than a love unless you already enjoy forest-like aromatic scents.

Paris-Edimbourg Fragrance Overview

Notes include: lavender, musk, juniper, cypress, vanilla, vetiver, and cedar

Click here to try: Paris-Edimbourg at Chanel

My Full Review

Before we get into my own review, let’s see how Chanel describes this one: An aromatic, woody fragrance that conjures the wild and majestic landscape of the Scottish Highlands, where Gabrielle Chanel found solace in nature.

Paris-Edimbourg opens up with a very bright and fresh greenish profile. There does seem to be a bit of citrus up top, that may just be unlisted. However, the fragrance does have that sort of quality to it.

Along with that, juniper and cypress are very present early on. It has a gin-like quality, effervescence, but much woodier than the drink itself. This gives off strong forest vibes, a bit rainy, but the air is clean and crisp.

The lavender note softens and lends to the fairly masculine sort of soapiness that Edimbourg has. Still, this is a unisex scent that leans masculine, unlike the others in the Les Eaux de Chanel series.

As it moves along, the cypress tones down to my nose, and I get more of the vetiver and some cedar. The whole perfume feels cold and attractive with a classical style. Also, the greenish aroma diminishes as it dries down.

Lavender will become more dominant, with the remaining woodsiness, and a touch of vanilla sweetness/creaminess. Not too much vanilla, but it does make an appearance. Towards the end, it is a musky lavender and woods scent.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, its pretty moderate, even early on. It doesn’t project huge on my skin or even a t-shirt. Maybe 4-6 feet, at its maximum. Then, it is a lighter scent that will hang around the skin, but it’s noticeable.

It sticks on me for 6-7 hours, depending on the day. The longevity isn’t amazing, but this Chanel is quite serviceable. But, you might want a little more for the price tag.

Seasonally, it’s a spring through autumn wear. I would like this as a change of pace on the hotter days. Since you get a cold and refreshing green aroma, early on. It’s not too heavy and won’t get bogged down. But, could be equally as nice in the more moderate temperatures.

Again, it is unisex, but leans traditionally masculine. If you like forest and woody fragrance, this could be a nice pick for a woman.

I would wear it casually or semi-formally. It’s more of a clean fragrance than anything all that ‘sexy’. Not a club beast. Something that is relaxed while still being well put together, as a whole.

 

Overall Impressions of Paris-Edimbourg

Overall, do I like Paris-Edimbourg? I do. It’s my third favorite in the Les Eaux des Chanel line. For me, it’s a like, not a love. But, I’m also not a massive fan of greenish/woody scents.

The opening is interesting with the juniper and cypress out in full force. It does have a pretty sharp cleanliness about it. The lavender will soften it up from there, but expect a bright and really fresh aromatic sort of perfume.

The performance is just okay. Nothing special, but it never felt entirely weak on me, either. It’s acceptable and pretty good in the longevity department.

Paris-Edimbourg probably isn’t ever going to be a super mass appealing fragrance. Though, it is one that will for sure have its dedicated fans. If this is your style, the perfume is one that I would get a hold of to try out.

Solid and enjoyable.

Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water Comparison

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In this edition of the cologne comparisons, I’m going to take a closer look at two Creed scents, that I’ve already reviewed on the site: Aventus and Virgin Island Water. How does VIW stand up against the ever popular, Creed Aventus? Which of these scents smells better? Gives better performance? Please continue below for my full take.

Quick Overview

Creed Aventus is the better fragrance overall. Virgin Island Water has the more enjoyable opening, with lime, bergamot, rum, and coconut creating a great tropical beach scent. But Aventus performs better, lasts longer, projects more, and is much more versatile

 

Category Creed Aventus Creed Virgin Island Water Winner
Opening Opens harsh at first, with a citrus-cleaner type impression, before the bergamot, fruit, and woods improve quickly. Opens with lime, bergamot, coconut, and rum. Juicier, boozier, tropical, and more immediately enjoyable. Virgin Island Water
Projection Strong and bold without being an elite powerhouse. Much stronger than Virgin Island Water. Moderate all around and not designed to be a huge projector. Creed Aventus
Longevity Usually lasts around 8-9 hours, with 7 hours as a minimum and occasional double-digit wear. Usually lasts around 4-6 hours, which is mediocre for the price. Creed Aventus
Versatility Works year-round outside of high heat. Good for casual wear, dates, work, and nights out. Mostly a casual summer fragrance. Great for hot weather, beachy settings, and tropical-style wear. Creed Aventus
Overall Scent The better full fragrance, with stronger performance, more depth, and a more useful citrus-fruity woody profile. Great opening and fun summer vibe, but becomes more coconut and suntan-lotion-like with limited use. Creed Aventus

Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs. VIW

Virgin Island Water

Notes include: bergamot, lime, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger

Click here to try: Creed Virgin Island Water by Creed for Unisex – 4 oz Millesime Spray

Read my Original VIW Review

Creed Aventus

Notes of Creed Aventus: 

Top: Blackcurrant,Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try Aventus: Aventus For Men 4.0 oz EDP Spray By Creed

Click here to read my original Aventus Review

Opening

Virgin Island Water strikes an early victory in how these two scents open. The initial blast of VIW is a blend of lime, bergamot, and the coconut note. I honestly think that this is a fantastic tropical aroma that really draws you in.

It is juicier and boozier than how it actually ends up. The rum and lime is a great combination that I love and brings on the summer feeling.

Aventus on the other hand, opens with a really harsh aroma, that I’ve always compared to Lemon Pine Sol (yes, the floor cleaner)…thankfully, it gets much better after that. In fact, after the initial bit, the bergamot note shared by the two scents is near identical and really great.

However, just comparing the opening act of each fragrance, I’ve got to go with VIW.

Edge: VIW

Projection

Virgin Island Water isn’t a strong scent, it’s pretty moderate all around. Don’t expect a monster.

It’s really not designed to have an overwhelming sillage, which would kind of be unbearable during the warmest days.

Aventus is strong and rather bold but isn’t insanely overpowering. It is, however, much stronger than Virgin Island Water and gets the edge here. It can be over-sprayed, but not an elite powerhouse, in my opinion.

Edge: Aventus

Longevity

VIW is completely borderline on having poor longevity and just okay. It depends on the day, but I’ve always gotten 4-6 of wear out of it.

Not great and one would expect more at the price point. I don’t mind the sillage being moderate, but I do have a problem with the mediocre performance.

Aventus, will get 7 hours as a minimum and usually in the 8-9 hour range. Solid performer. Occasionally, I can hit double digits with Aventus. That’s usually when in an air conditioned environment all day.

Some people can get Aventus to last longer on their skin than I do. Either way, Aventus outdoes Virgin Island Water pretty easily.

Edge: Aventus

 

Versatility

Aventus is more of a year round kind of scent, though, it isn’t great in the high heat, in my experience. It can be worn casually, on a date, at work, or for a night on the town.

Aventus is a very well-balanced cologne in this regard. It’s a signature fragrance for a lot of guys out there and will give you near endless opportunities to use it.

VIW has it’s versatility in the fact that it is a unisex scent. Aventus is much more of a masculine fragrance in comparison.

However, it’s almost strictly casual and actually shines in the summer heat. Sure, you could include spring, but unless you live in the tropics…it’s stuck in one season for wear.

Edge: Aventus

Overall Scent

I really like the opening of VIW, it’s nice, and reminds me of being at the beach. As it moves along, it becomes much more coconut dominant and takes on the suntan lotion aroma, which is still good but not as much as the opening.

It’s performance is also not amazing and it has a limited use. It’s more of a niche fragrance or one you’d use only at specific times of the year.

Aventus, I’ve never liked the opening BUT it does get much better. It gives good performance and the citrus-laden blend really starts to take off after that.

There’s a reason why it’s so highly regarded. I still enjoy Aventus, even if, I’m rather fatigued of smelling it. There’s just been such an influx of Aventus alternatives, that it becomes exhausting.

Between the two, the choice is Aventus, unless you’re looking for that specific summertime scent.

Winner: Aventus

Who Should Buy Creed Aventus?

Buy Creed Aventus if you want the better all-around fragrance. It is stronger, longer lasting, more masculine, and much more versatile than Virgin Island Water. It works for casual wear, dates, work, nights out, and most seasons outside of extreme heat.

Who Should Buy Creed Virgin Island Water?

Buy Virgin Island Water if you want a tropical summer fragrance. It is best if you like lime, bergamot, rum, coconut, sugar cane, ginger, and a beachy suntan-lotion style. It is more limited than Aventus, but better if you specifically want a casual hot-weather vacation scent.

FAQ: Creed Aventus vs Virgin Island Water

Which is better, Creed Aventus or Virgin Island Water?

Creed Aventus is better overall. Virgin Island Water has the better opening, but Aventus wins projection, longevity, versatility, and overall scent.

Does Creed Aventus last longer than Virgin Island Water?

Yes. Aventus usually lasts around 8-9 hours, while Virgin Island Water usually lasts around 4-6 hours.

Does Aventus project better than Virgin Island Water?

Yes. Aventus is much stronger and bolder. Virgin Island Water has more moderate projection.

What does Creed Aventus smell like?

Creed Aventus smells fruity, citrusy, smoky, woody, musky, and masculine. It features pineapple, blackcurrant, bergamot, apple, birch, oak moss, ambergris, musk, and vanilla.

What does Virgin Island Water smell like?

Virgin Island Water smells tropical, citrusy, boozy, coconut-heavy, and beachy. It has lime, bergamot, rum, sugar cane, coconut, ylang-ylang, and ginger.

Which one is better for summer?

Virgin Island Water is better for summer and high heat. Aventus can work in warm weather, but it is not as ideal in high heat.

Which one is more versatile?

Creed Aventus is much more versatile. It works in more seasons, more settings, and more occasions than Virgin Island Water.

Which one is better for dates?

Aventus is better for dates because it is stronger, more masculine, longer lasting, and more polished. Virgin Island Water is better for casual beachy or vacation-style settings.

Is Virgin Island Water worth the price?

Virgin Island Water smells great, especially in the opening, but the 4-6 hour longevity makes the price harder to justify.

Should I buy Aventus or Virgin Island Water?

Buy Aventus if you want the better fragrance overall. Buy Virgin Island Water if you specifically want a tropical coconut-rum summer scent.

Invictus vs. Invictus Victory

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Invictus has been such a massive success for Paco Rabanne that we’ve now had about a decade’s worth of flankers released in its wake. Many of the initial releases were a lot like the original Invictus EDT. Now, the names are the same, but they don’t always have much in common.

On this page, I want to compare the original Invictus to one of its much later flankers, Invictus Victory. How does each smell? Which lasts longer? Which cologne is the better buy?

Quick Overview

Invictus EDT is the fresher and more aquatic option. It opens with grapefruit, mandarin orange, sea notes, bay leaf, jasmine, and ambergris, giving it a youthful, watery, blue-fragrance feel. It is better for spring and summer, but it does not perform as well as Victory.

Invictus Victory is the warmer, spicier, and more refined option. It opens with lemon, pink pepper, and incense, then becomes more about vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, and lavender. It is better for fall, winter, nightlife, and stronger performance.

Category Invictus EDT Invictus Victory Winner
Opening Opens with orange, grapefruit, sea notes, ambergris, bay leaf, and a sweet grape bubblegum-like freshness. Opens with lemon, pink pepper, and incense, giving it a spicier, smokier, and more refined start. Invictus Victory
Projection Starts with a strong citrus-aquatic burst, then turns more moderate after the first hour or two. Heavier, stronger, and has greater reach and staying power during the wear. Invictus Victory
Longevity Lasts around 6-7 hours on skin. Lasts around 8-9 hours, giving it the clear performance advantage. Invictus Victory
Versatility Better across seasons, especially spring and summer. More fresh, sporty, and casual. Better for fall, winter, spring, nightlife, and more refined casual wear. Invictus Victory
Overall Scent Fresh, youthful, blue, watery, and sweet, but not as refined or interesting as Victory. Smells better overall, with spice, vanilla, amber, incense, tonka bean, and stronger depth. Invictus Victory

Tale of the Tape: Invictus vs. Victory

Invictus

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

Read my review

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

Invictus Victory

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

Click here to try: Invictus Victory

My Full Review: Invictus Victory

Opening

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic aroma, that gives it a summertime vibe. Not a realistic water, mind you, but that’s what they’re going for.

Ambergris and bay leaf combine with the fruits and aquatic accord to give Invictus a sweet grape bubblegum sort of smell. Very blue-ish and watery, without giving off that oceanic sea water smell.

Invictus Victory starts a lot like the old Pure XS line that Paco Rabanne had put out some number of years before this. Victory has a lemon note up top, with pink pepper, and a dose of incense.

Kind of smoky, but it doesn’t dominate the composition. Up top, it’s a bit of that lemon with a spiciness and smokiness. As it moves on, Victory will start to have a greater use of the vanilla and amber notes.

Which is better? Invictus is pretty good at the start. Kind of a lot to handle all at once, sometimes. But, it’s fine.

However, Invictus Victory has a more refined scent, that’s just more pleasing all around.

Edge: Victory

Projection

Both of these fragrances have a strong burst of power during the initial part of the wear. Victory is the heavier of the two, but the citrus notes of Invictus make it seem like a more power scent than it might actually be.

However, both of them will turn more moderate after that first hour or two. But, I’d say that Invictus Victory has the greater reach and staying power when comparing them.

Edge: Victory

Longevity

The original Invictus was never a super long-lasting fragrance for me, but it was always passable. On my skin, I can get about 6-7 hours of wear from this EDT.

With Victory, that gets bumped up to 8-9 hours. Victory Elixir actually hits the double digits, but the original Victory is just shy. Still, it takes this category.

Edge: Victory

Versatility

Invictus EDT has the greater versatility across seasons. It is more of spring and summer wear, that holds up better in winter than Victory does in the heat. Victory is mostly an autumn and winter cologne that can go somewhat into spring.

I think that Victory is the more refined scent of the two. It’s still a younger man’s cologne, but it’s well put together in comparison to the youthful Invictus. I also think that it does a better job as a nightlife option than Invictus.

I tend to give the edge to Victory in this category, because I think it has more use cases within its time of the year, but Invictus EDT does have that seasonal lead.

Edge: Victory (slightly)

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer? It’s honestly not a difficult choice for me. Invictus Victory is the better cologne versus Invictus EDT.

I’ve never been a big fan of the original. Though, I do sometimes enjoy the opening act, and don’t think that it’s a terrible fragrance. People in public do tend to overspray it, which makes it also feel unbearable to be around sometimes.

When compared to Invictus Victory, I just don’t think that EDT does much better. Victory smells better, performs better, and is at least equal with when it can be worn. I like its spice and its vanilla note.

It’s not my favorite cologne in the world, but Invictus Victory would be one of my top picks in the series.

Winner: Victory

Who Should Buy Invictus EDT?

Buy Invictus EDT if you want the fresher, sportier, and more aquatic fragrance. It is better for spring, summer, casual wear, daytime use, and guys who like grapefruit, mandarin orange, sea notes, bay leaf, jasmine, and ambergris. It is the better pick if you want the classic youthful Invictus style.

Who Should Buy Invictus Victory?

Buy Invictus Victory if you want the better overall fragrance. It is warmer, spicier, smoother, longer lasting, and better for fall, winter, nights out, and date-style wear. It is the better choice if you like lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, incense, lavender, and a more refined sweet-spicy profile.

FAQ: Invictus vs Invictus Victory

Which is better, Invictus or Invictus Victory?

Invictus Victory is better overall. It smells more refined, projects better, lasts longer, and has more depth than the original Invictus EDT.

Does Invictus Victory last longer than Invictus EDT?

Yes. Invictus EDT lasts around 6-7 hours, while Invictus Victory lasts around 8-9 hours.

Does Invictus Victory project better than Invictus?

Yes. Both start strong, but Invictus Victory has greater reach and better staying power after the opening.

What does Invictus EDT smell like?

Invictus EDT smells fresh, aquatic, citrusy, sweet, and youthful. It has grapefruit, mandarin orange, sea notes, bay leaf, jasmine, and ambergris.

What does Invictus Victory smell like?

Invictus Victory smells warm, spicy, sweet, smoky, and ambery. It has lemon, pink pepper, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, lavender, and incense.

Which one is better for summer?

Invictus EDT is better for summer. Its citrus, aquatic notes, and fresh sporty profile work better in heat than Victory.

Which one is better for winter?

Invictus Victory is better for winter. The vanilla, amber, tonka bean, incense, and spice give it more warmth and depth.

Which one is better for dates?

Invictus Victory is better for dates. It is warmer, smoother, more refined, and more evening-friendly than Invictus EDT.

Is Invictus Victory more mature than Invictus?

Yes. Invictus Victory feels more mature and better put together, though it still leans like a younger men’s fragrance.

Should I buy Invictus or Invictus Victory?

Buy Invictus EDT if you want a fresh, sporty, aquatic scent for warm weather. Buy Invictus Victory if you want the better fragrance overall with stronger performance and a warmer sweet-spicy style.