1 Million vs. 1 Million Parfum Comparison

1 Million EDT is still a best seller after all of these years. Of course, that means that Paco Rabanne is going to continue to release new flanker versions under its banner. The latest is 2020’s 1 Million Parfum. How does it compare? Which smells better? Which cologne lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

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Tale of the Tape: 1 Million vs. Parfum

1 Million

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

Read my Full Review: 1 Million by Paco Rabanne

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1 Million Parfum

Notes include: grapefruit, solar leather, tuberose, pine, resin, amber

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne One 1 Million Pure Parfum Natural Spray For Men 100ml / 3.4oz

Read my Full Review: 1 Million Parfum

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Opening

1 Million EDT opens up with a mix of leather, rose, and citrus (orange and grapefruit), that gives the fragrance a sort of  grape bubblegum like aroma. It’s sweet and warm, with an ever increasing spice coming from mostly cinnamon, but also mint.

All of this is surrounded by the embraced of an amber note, helping to give 1 Million some of its boldness and thickness.

Meanwhile, 1 Million Parfum somewhat mimics the opening of the EDT, but really taking it in a different direction. The opening act is when these two are at their most similar.

Parfum kicks things off with grapefruit and what Paco Rabanne refers to as ‘solar leather’. Basically, trying to recreate the sensation of sunlight (which it does) and the familiar leather note.

Along with that, there is a noticeable tiare flower, with which the solar notes blend and help to give this a somewhat tropical vibe up top.

Which start is better? It’s a close call for me. But, I do like the way that Parfum opens up and gives it a new twist, so I’ll lean that way.

Edge: Parfum

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Projection

Which of these two has the greater sillage and strength? If we’re talking about the classic formulations of the EDT, I’d say that it had the advantage.

However, I don’t think the newer bottles have the same punch that it once did. As such, Parfum will take this category. The EDT isn’t weak, but I think that Parfum’s high point is greater than the original now.

Parfum isn’t elite, but it is well above average. EDT nowadays, still has a rather bold start, but will become much more moderate at a faster pace than it used to originally.

Edge: Parfum

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Longevity

Again, the EDT used to give me a lot more than its current formulation. Back in the day, it was easily over 10 hours on my skin.

Now, it is usually between 8-10, depending on the scenario. Still very good, but not a marathon performer.

Parfum also hits that 8-10 hour range. Yes, the concentration is higher with Parfum, but on me it doesn’t translate into a longer wear.

Edge: Push

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Versatility

So, neither of these fragrances are going to be an office wear scent or something for formal occasions. Pretty much casual scenarios, nightlife, etc.

Each feels more appropriate in autumn and winter. However, Parfum has the edge in that, it can venture deeper into spring than 1 Million can. Parfum can’t venture into the high heat but it’s tropical aspects do lend itself decently to warmer weather.

I will also say, that Parfum does feel a bit more grown up and mature than the EDT. It’s got a well put together style in comparison than the attention grabbing EDT.

Edge: Parfum

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Overall Scent

It does look like a clean win for 1 Million Parfum. However, in terms of overall experience, I’d still go with the EDT.

While I like the opening act of Parfum slightly more, I don’t think it holds up for the duration. The latter stages become more about tuberose and ambergris, which lessens its appeal for me.

I like the opening act, I like the leather and pine freshness, but the dry down is just okay. And that, is what most of the wear will be with Parfum.

With the original 1 Million, it would’ve been an easy win for it, based on older bottles. Still, I’d rather wear it over the newer Parfum. I like the sweetness, the spice, leather, and hints of rose.

It’s warm and kind of brash, but I just think that it smells better in totality, when compared with Parfum. It really comes down to how you feel about the back half of Parfum. It’s not my thing, but some people seem to enjoy it.

Winner: 1 Million EDT