Paco Rabanne

1 Million Prive vs Invictus Cologne Comparison

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Today, we have another cologne comparison post, and it’s a versus battle between two Paco Rabanne scents. The competitors are: 1 Million Prive vs. Invictus. Prive is of course, the flanker fragrance to the now classic 1 Million, while Invictus has enjoyed huge success since its release, in its own right. The question is however, which cologne is the better choice? Which smells best? Which gives greater performance? Is there a clear winner?

Tale of the Tape: Prive vs. Invictus

1 Million Prive

Notes include: tonka bean, apple, cinnamon, myrrh, mandarin orange, tobacco

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Prive Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my original review: 1 Million Prive Cologne Review

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

Opening

Invictus opens with a citrusy candy-like aroma of a blend of orange and grapefruit notes. This is joined by an aquatic element, that gives it a summertime vibe. Invictus strikes me as something for college aged males and maintains that youthful aroma throughout.

Meanwhile, 1 Million Prive, is darker than both its original counterpart and Invictus. It’s sweet but warm and spicy. I’ve likened the smell of Prive’s opening few minutes to that of cinnamon applesauce. Now, it’s not an absolute lock stock comparison, but I think it fits.

Between the two, Prive, is just so much better and more interesting in my opinion. It’s both masculine and seductive. Plus, it could still be worn by younger guys.

Edge: Prive

Projection

Both of these scents are fairly strong. 1 Million Prive is the stronger of the two and the one that maintains its sillage throughout the wear. In my experience with Invictus, after a few hours, it becomes much quieter and doesn’t have the same impact that it once did.

Edge: Prive

Longevity

Neither of these scents is weak sauce in terms of performance. Yet, there is once again, a clear winner. 1 Million Prive consistently gives me 9-10 hours of wear. Meanwhile, I get 6-7 usually when wearing Invictus.

I think it is the citrus notes that cause it to under perform its Paco Rabanne mate. Prive doesn’t go to the extremes that the original 1 Million did, back in the day, but it’s still a great performer.

Edge: Prive

Versatility

I thought that this might be the category that Invictus takes one, based on the fact that it can be worn in any weather situation, while Prive isn’t great in the highest temperatures.

The problem is, I think that Prive has much more use in a wider variety of social situations. It is more mature and can be worn with a suit, while at the same time, being a damn good club scent.

Invictus can seem to immature for some older guys and would sometimes feel out of place as well. So, I’ll give a very slight edge to Prive in this category.

Edge: Prive

Overall Scent

It’s a clean sweep for 1 Million Prive. Understand that: I’m not even an Invictus ‘hater’. Heck, I’m wearing Invictus Intense right now. It’s just that I happen to think that 1 Million Prive is now the best Paco Rabanne cologne.

Yes, it’s better than both the original and Invictus…and the other flankers.

Update: 1 Million Prive has been discontinued. It’s pretty difficult to find bottles too, at least for a reasonable price.

None of this is to say that Invictus is bad. Again, it has its charms and use. For me, it’s not even a contest, as to which I would rather wear if I had absolutely had to choose. Especially, if your older than say around 25 or so, 1 Million Prive will just come across as the more refined cologne.

I enjoy both at times, but it is just far more often 1 Million Prive. Invictus could still be a good bet for younger guys, but Legend would probably be even better than it. The original Invictus has kind of been cut out of consideration, with at least two of its flankers being a better fragrance.

Winner: Prive

1 Million Prive vs Armani Code Profumo Cologne Comparison

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For this cologne comparison, I am going to take a closer look at two of the more recent popular releases: 1 Million Prive by Paco Rabanne vs. Armani Code Profumo. Both of these fragrances, are flanker scents to other extremely popular releases, and built upon what was great about their predecessors. Which one is better, though? Which gives the best performance? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Code Profumo vs. 1 Million Prive

1 Million Prive

Notes include: tonka bean, apple, cinnamon, myrrh, mandarin orange, tobacco

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million Prive Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce

Read my full review: 1 Million Prive

Armani Code Profumo

Notes include: leather, amber, tonka bean, cardamom, lavender, and nutmeg

Click here to try: Giorgio Armani Code Profumo EDP Spray for Men, 3.7 Ounce

Read my full review: Code Profumo Review

Opening

Armani Code Profumo opens up with a mix of warm amber and tonka bean. There is also a slight citrus aroma added by an orange note. However, it does take on more of a sweet cream soda type of aroma, when the cardamom and nutmeg emerge.

1 Million Prive actually shares elements with Code Profumo, as well as, the original 1 Million. The Paco Rabanne does add apple, cinnamon, and myrrh; which seems to give Prive a slightly more interesting dynamic than its competition.

Honestly, it’s tough to pick between them, since I love both of these fragrances. But for the start? I think that I’ll lean towards Prive.

Edge: Prive

Projection

Neither one of these fragrances is an absolute beast, in my opinion. This sillage on both is strong, but moderately so, not overboard. I do think that Code Profumo has slightly better projection than does Prive. It’s not a lot more, but it does have a little something extra.

Edge: Profumo

Longevity

With 1 Million Prive, I get about 9-10 hours of wear on my skin. Meanwhile, the Armani, will hit double digit hours on a regular basis with me. Both are great performers, but Code Profumo is again better.

Edge: Profumo

Versatility

Both of these scents are built for the cold weather. Also, both are nightlife colognes, that can pull double duty and still work in the daytime. Both are sexy and can be worn dressed up or casually. There is really no clear distinction in this regard.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Once again, this is a very tough match up to choose a winner from, as I really enjoy wearing both of these fragrances and the fill a similar niche.

Armani Code Profumo, is super warm and smooth with great leather, tonka bean, and amber notes leading the way. It’s got outstanding longevity and sillage, plus, it will draw complements.

The only real downside, is that, sometimes the sweet creaminess of the fragrance can be too much, and I won’t want to wear it for a little while.

Meanwhile, 1 Million Prive, has taken the crown as the best 1 Million flanker scent and probably the best Paco Rabanne to date. It’s sweet, it’s warm, and has more interesting notes than does Profumo.

I feel like it has greater depth and the tobacco, cinnamon, and apple exemplify this. Code Profumo can seem like a one tone fragrance, at times, while Prive has more phases.

Also, I think that Prive is going to be more enjoyable for the most people out there, more universal appeal so to speak. Overall, I really don’t think one could go wrong with either, but I will lean towards 1 Million Prive being better.

Winner: 1 Million Prive

Invictus Aqua vs. Light Blue Eau Intense

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For this head to head comparison post, we are going to take a closer look at two popular citrus aquatic fragrances, for the summertime. In one corner, we have Invictus Aqua. Versus, Light Blue Eau Intense, in the other. Which of these marine accord-laden scents, smells the best? Has the better sillage? Longevity? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Invictus Aqua vs Eau Intense

Light Blue Eau Intense

Notes include: mandarin, frozen grapefruit, juniper, aquatic accord, amber woods, musk

Click here to try: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Intense Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 1.6 Ounce

My review: Light Blue Eau Intense

Invictus Aqua EDT

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

Read my review: Invictus Aqua

Opening

Invictus Aqua starts off with its salty marine notes, with a strong blend of yuzu and grapefruit. It’s fresh, clean with that saltiness, and has a bit of pink pepper in it as well. I like the way that Aqua begins, the yuzu is awesome, when combined with the aquatic notes.

Light Blue Eau Intense also starts with grapefruit, but it’s ‘frozen’, and paired with mandarin orange. I think that it’s got a colder quality, less saltiness in the aquatic accord, and the juniper note comes in and adds a nice touch.

Which is better? It’s a pretty close call for me, but I like Eau Intense more here. The crispness, the freshness, and the aquatic accord is all slightly better than in Invictus Aqua.

Edge: Eau Intense

Projection

Both of these colognes are pretty moderate in the sillage. They both start off with a somewhat strong ability to project themselves to the surrounding area. Then, they taper off within a few hours, to something much more subdued…but not weak.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Light Blue Eau Intense lasts about 9 hours on my skin. Invictus Aqua will usually do about 8. However, Aqua has the ability to hit over 10 hours, on occasion. It kind of depends on the climate and my skin, that day.  The Paco Rabanne is a bit better or at least has that ability.

Edge: Aqua (slightly)

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are quite versatile. They really both shine in the warmer months of the year, as the aquatic aroma, truly works in the heat. However, you could wear either year round, if you wanted.

They can be worn casual or at work or for an evening out. I wouldn’t classify either as a nightlife scent, though. There’s no real separation in this category.

Edge: Push

 

 

Overall Scent

Invictus Aqua is a really nice scent, which I enjoy wearing, for the first few hours. Then, the dry down gets worse and worse to my nose, until I end up not liking it. That citrus and marine combination is great.

It gives Eau Intense a run for its money. But then, it gets an infusion of wood (which is decent). Finally, it dries down to pretty much just to the sea water note…which isn’t too attractive, when it is by itself.

The opening act is great, the performance is great, but a lot of the wear isn’t.

Light Blue Eau Intense, to me, has a slightly better opening. It also has about equal performance to Invictus Aqua. Most importantly, it stays great throughout.

It has quickly become one of my favorite aquatic fragrances, out on the market. Eau Intense is smooth, clean, and its drydown with juniper and amberwood holds the thing together.

For the first few hours, it’s a close call. After that, the D&G owns this contest. Another option, may be to try Light Blue Sun. It’s kind of a midway point between Eau Intense and the original Light Blue. Good for those who think Eau Intense comes on too strong.

Winner: Eau Intense

1 Million Paco Rabanne vs Issey Miyake Comparison

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L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake and 1 Million by Paco Rabanne are two of the more popular men’s fragrances out on the market today. Both of them have been around for quite a long time and are still best sellers even after years of public consumption.

So, what if you’re in the hunt for a new scent to wear and you’ve narrowed it down to these two colognes? Which cologne smells better? Which lasts longer? Which is more versatile?

In this post, I want to put Issey Miyake and the original 1 Million cologne head to head to see which is the best option.

Tale of the Tape: L’eau d’Issey vs 1 Million

1 Million by Paco Rabanne

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

L’eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake Tale of the Tape

Notes include: citrus, spice, musk, amber, and woods

issey miyake

My Issey Miyake Review

Buy here: L’eau De Issey By Issey Miyake For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 6.7 Oz

Opening

The opening of L’eau D’Issey is just ok in my opinion. It’s a spicy citrus scent that doesn’t really wow and is probably the weakest part of the fragrance.

The yuzu and lemon are nice, but it comes across as dry and spicy, thanks to nutmeg and tarragon. It’s a bit too sharp, with some additional tobacco and woodsy notes. Not saying it’s bad, just not my favorite part of this scent.

1 Million starts out with a candy-like grape scent that is bolstered with smoothness provided by leather and rose. Though, this is surrounded by a warm spice as well. Just not nearly as sharp and it’s mainly cinnamon, which leans into that candied sort of vibe.

Both fragrances get better as they go along, but 1 Million is the one that starts out ahead.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

The Paco Rabanne scent is a heavy hitter when it comes to projection. Issey Miyake is no slouch, but it is more of a moderate type of cologne.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million aren’t as strong as they used to be. The sillage is still good and better than Miyake, but it’s not a huge margin any longer.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Both of these scents hold up well, 1 Million is a stronger scent, so it seems like it’s there longer even if it’s the same amount of time. I’ve had no problem with either of these quitting early.

Update: Miyake has always gotten me 6-8 hours of wear. 1 Million used to be 10+. Now, it is more like 8-9 and closer to 8. Sometimes, they are equal, but mostly it’s still the Paco Rabanne.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Now, here’s where Issey Miyake has an advantage. 1 Million can be limited to nightlife and when worn lightly on casual occasions. It also doesn’t work too well in the summer heat. L’eau D’Issey on the other hand almost works well year round and I’ve worn it on just about every type of occasion and it never felt out of place.

Edge: L’eau D’Issey

Overall Scent

I have to admit that I prefer the scent of 1 Million more. 1 Million is a sweet cologne and that does weigh on some people as time goes on, it can get on my nerves, and I only wear it when I’m in the mood.

Issey Miyake isn’t my favorite scent but I like it and others seem to like it on me. Issey Miyake is the better choice for casual wear on a daily basis, but 1 Million definitely has something to it.

I have had L’eau d’Issey as a daily wear in the past, so I do like it quite a lot, particularly the drydown. It would easily be my choice if I needed an all around fragrance versus 1 Million.

If you like citrus/woodsy smells, go with L’eau D’Issey, as the drydown period is much better than the opening.

I wear 1 Million more often, so I’ll go with that. It doesn’t have the same level of power that it used to, but it’s a fragrance that I do like throwing on. In terms of pure smell, it gets the slight edge.

Winner: 1 Million

Invictus vs Invictus Intense Cologne Comparison

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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