Fragrances

1 Million vs. 1 Million Parfum Comparison

by

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?

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

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

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

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

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.

Update: Now, 1 Million EDT, seems to only hit 8 hours with my latest bottle. It doesn’t really stretch to that 10 hour mark. So, I’m changing this to a Parfum win.

Edge: Parfum

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

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.

Out of the newer releases in this line, I probably would opt to go with Elixir, if you want something different from the original. I think that one does a better job throughout versus Parfum.

EDT is 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

Chanel Allure Homme Sport vs. Eau Extreme

by

Chanel’s Allure series, has put out some awesome fragrances for both men and women, over the  years. Allure Homme Sport is one such example that has pretty much outpaced the popularity of its namesake. Then, Chanel came out with Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme, which also received high praise and sales numbers.

However, which one is the better scent? For those in the market, which should you buy? Which cologne has the better performance? Please continue below for my full breakdown. 

Tale of the Tape: Allure Homme Sport vs. Eau Extreme

Allure Homme Sport

Notes include: mandarin, musk, tonka bean, cedar, sea notes, aldehydes, vanilla, pepper

Click here to try: Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 5 oz

Read my review: Allure Homme Sport

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme

Notes include: mandarin, musk, tonka bean, cypress, pepper, sage, mint, vanilla

Click here to try: Chanel Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 OZ.

Read my review: Allure Sport Eau Extreme

Opening

Allure Homme Sport kicks off with a blend of freshness and sweetness. The opening act features fresh aldehydes, sea notes, and mandarin orange. This is all surrounded by the sweet blend of tonka bean and vanilla.

I really like it, at times I get more citrus/sweetness, and other times it feels more musky in the beginning of the wear. 

Meanwhile, Eau Extreme also goes with a fresh take, that is more ‘green’ than anything sweet. Sage and mint are prominent up top and give Extreme a crisp coldness. It also has a cypress note and more pepper than Allure Homme Sport.

In many ways, it feels like those notes have been added on top of what you find with the original.

I wasn’t always sold on how Eau Extreme starts out, but it has grown on me a lot, over the years.

Which is better? Again, I’d probably would’ve used to say Sport, but now I think Eau Extreme has the lead. For me, it’s a really close decision, but I have come to quite enjoy the sage and mint with the tonka wafting up from the base.

Some people might not like the sweeter aspects of the tonka bean, sort of like a sweet almond kind of smell. But, I think that it works well.

Edge: Eau Extreme

Projection

Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme starts out with pretty strong sillage. It doesn’t project itself super far, like across the room, with normal sprays. However, it does have a very solid and consistent power for much of the wear.

The original Sport isn’t as strong. In fact, I think the older bottles had a bit more power than the current batches. It’s not a completely weak scent, in my experience. Though, it’s pretty middle of the road and for sure doesn’t keep up with Extreme.

Update: I did get another sample vial of Allure Homme Sport with my bottle of Eau Extreme. The sillage is pretty much on the lower end of what you could consider moderate. Still, not awful, just not as good.

Edge: Eau Extreme

Longevity

Allure Homme Sport seems to stick around for 5-6 hours. I swear, I used to get a few more hours of wear out of it, but this is what I’m getting from 2020 batches.

Update: Thinking back, yep, closer to 7-8 hours.  Not completely atrocious, but I want more, at this price.

Eau Extreme still seems to hold up at  or close to full strength. I get 8 hours of wear from this more intense version of Allure Sport. It’s hard to remember that far back, but it may have used to go a few hours more. I can’t be sure, though. 

It too, isn’t incredible, but about a full workday worth of staying power is about what you should expect.

Update: I bought a full bottle of Eau Extreme here in 2022 and it still goes that 8 hours without issue. With that, I still get 5-6 hours from the more recent batches of Sport that I received samples of.

Neither cologne is a marathon runner, though.

Edge: Eau Extreme

 

Versatility

Seasonally, both Allure Homme Sport scents can work year round. Though, with each, I’d stay away from the far ends of the hot/cold temperature spectrum. I think they are both at their best in moderate to warm weather.

Each is very versatile. These fragrances can be worn by men in any age group, have mass appeal, and women seem to like how they smell in general. Not really formal scents or night club beasts, but they’re not out of place in either scenario.

Really, I don’t see a distinction in this category.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two Chanel fragrances do I prefer?

It’s a very close call, in my book, as to which smells better. Allure Homme Sport does have an enjoyable and sweeter aroma. The light sea notes and mandarin give it some distinction. Also, the vanilla and tonka bean notes are more prevalent and creamier. 

It’s a lovely fragrance. The main issue is the performance nowadays, in comparison to Eau Extreme. It would be a coin toss for me, if Sport had close to the same strength as its flanker.

I’ve owned both of them in the past. Now, I have Eau Extreme, and don’t plan on getting the original EDT…despite enjoying it. It’s not absolutely awful with how long that it lasts, so, there still will be people who will absolutely prefer to get the original Allure Homme Sport EDT.

Eau Extreme gives you most of what you get with the original, but with an added freshness and herbal quality up top. The mint, sage, and cypress are all great additions to the basic composition.

Add to that, you get a stronger, longer, and more consistent wear and I have to give it the edge here in 2024. Older bottles, might sway me otherwise, but for what you’ll get a hold of now…go with Allure Homme Sport Eau Extreme.

Winner: Eau Extreme

Stronger With You vs Intensely

by

Stronger With You from Emporio Armani, has spun off more than a handful of other fragrances since its release. It’s become one of the more popular lines out there and that goes for more than just the original release.

Yet, that original EDT cologne, still obviously gets compared to those that followed. One of them is, Stronger With You Intensely. Which of these fragrances smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Stronger with You vs. Intensely

Stronger With You

Notes include: vanilla, mint, cardamom, chesnut, amber, pink pepper, sage, violet leaf

Click here to try: Emporio Armani Stronger With You for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 1.7 oz

My Full Review: Stronger With You

Stronger With You Intensely

Notes include: pink pepper, cinnamon, toffee, lavender, sage, suede, amber, violet, vetiver

Click here to try: Intensely

My Full Review: Stronger with You Intensely

Opening

Stronger With You kicks things off being fully fresh and with its spicier notes out. To me, the cardamom really stands apart from the other notes, as being dominant early on.

Beyond that, it’s: pink pepper, mint, sage. The vanilla and chestnut notes are there also, but will gain strength a bit further in. Early on, it’s cardamom and the gang.

Stronger With You Intensely, also starts with its spiciness. Here, it is warmer and more short-lived. The pink pepper is now the stronger note, joined by cinnamon and sage.

I get a sweeter influence earlier with Intensely. The toffee accord with the cinnamon and caramel notes really gives Intensely a more dynamic feel.

Which do I prefer? These scents do share similarities, but I like Intensely more so, in the opening act.

I like cardamom, but the pink pepper in Intensely with the toffee, is really quite attractive. Plus, I enjoy cinnamon and caramel as notes more than the mint and sage that backs up the cardamom in the original Stronger with You.

The spice is done well in either of these Armani colognes, but I lean towards Intensely.

Edge: Intensely

Projection

The original EDT release of Stronger With You, is actually very strong. Not the most beast mode scent ever, but the projection is great for an eau de toilette, and a more mainstream type of fragrance.

It’ll venture far from the skin during opening, leave a scent trail, and then form a bubble around the wearer.

Intensely, is just a tad stronger than that. It has the same sort of powerful opening, just to a slightly higher degree.

Honestly, it isn’t a huge difference between them, and one might not even notice. But, Intensely gets the nod here. Most of the SWY line has great projection in comparison to many other scents, so, it’s not going to be a deciding factor in this case.

Edge: Intensely

Longevity

So, in either case, you’re going to get very good performance out of either of these fragrances. Both were excellent for designer scents. Again, the Stronger series is great on this front.

With the original, I seem to get just over 10 hours of wear from it. When I’ve tested out the EDT, I’ve never gotten less than 9 hours of wear on skin.

With Intensely, that gets upped to somewhere in the 11 or 12 hour range. The last couple aren’t that strong, but the flanker does stick around longer than the original.

Edge: Intensely

Versatility

I mean, there isn’t too much of a difference in this category. Both are colder weather plays. Both have power and sweetness, that might not be what you want to go with in the office. Both go great for the nightlife, especially with younger guys.

I don’t see much of a distinction. The sweetness of each, kind of precludes either from being a formal type of scent.

Ehh, basically a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

In the end, which do I prefer? Intensely. I was never a huge fan of the original EDT release, but it was a solid release, just not one that I particularly wanted to wear.

The flankers to that original formulation, have surpassed that one, at least some of them have.

Intensely is one such example. Toffee, vanilla, and suede with periods of spice and lavender. Very nice, without the same chestnut note, but also the vanilla seems to be blended better.

The opening act of the original, isn’t my favorite. But, it is a fragrance that I think improves as it dries down. You get the vanilla/chestnut but also some drier and herbal aromas thrown in also.

Really, the EDT isn’t a bad scent at all. I just think that it falls somewhat short of Intensely. None of the Stronger line really towers above the others to me, there’s some separation, but I don’t dislike any. Intensely and Leather, seem to be my favorites as of publishing.

Anyway, Intensely smells better and has better performance. It gets the win here. Intensely, Leather, and Absolutely are my top three from this line. With the original coming in fourth currently.

Winner: Stronger With You Intensely

Y EDT vs EDP by Yves Saint Laurent Comparison

by

For this entry into the men’s fragrance, head to head match ups, I want to do a comparison between two recent releases from Yves Saint Laurent: Y eau de toilette vs. Y EDP. Which one of these colognes from YSL, smells the best?

Which has better performance? Which is the top buy? I have worn and reviewed each, linked below, and will now share my thoughts as to how the compare to one another.

Tale of the Tape: Y EDP vs EDT

Y EDT

Notes include: bergamot, ginger, aldehydes, violet leaf, geranium, sage, cedar, musk, incense, ambergris, fir

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau De Toilette Spray 100ml/3.3oz

Read my original Review: Y EDT

Y EDP

Notes include: bergamot, apple, ginger, sage, vetiver, geranium, juniper berries, tonka bean, amber, cedar

Click here to try: Yves Saint Laurent Y Eau de Parfum Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce

Read my original review: Y EDP

Opening

Y EDT opens up with a cool and crisp aroma. There is a light bergamot note, along with aldehydes, which gives the EDT a bright and sunny disposition. Underneath that, is violet leaf, ginger, and a light ambergris. It is a very good smell, light, and clean.

The aldehydes and the bergamot are the most attractive parts here. Though, I do also always love a good ginger note.

Y EDP starts off with bergamot also, but this is paired with a stronger, crisp apple note. With these two fruit notes, is a coolly spiced ginger note, and underlying tonka bean and amber. It is super fresh, with some warmth, and a great smoothness.

The second layer of EDP, gives you juniper, sage, amber, and tonka bean. This one has plenty going on and is a deeper fragrance than the original.

Which is better? While I like the Y EDT opening, I do like the eau de parfum version, even more. The apple note with the ginger, is a great pairing, and just has a better smell than the original.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Neither of these scents, has a huge sillage. The EDT has a moderate sillage, that move more into something that sticks closer to the skin. Still, it will be noticeable and I’m never really disappointed with how EDT performs.

The EDP isn’t a total beast either, but the greater concentration, does give it a more pronounced sillage than the original.

I’d say it’s definitely in the strong camp, just not completely overpowering in my experience. Though, the first hour can be pretty powerful and leave a trail.

Now, that does start to change with heavier spraying. You can indeed make this YSL fragrance into something quite potent. Nonetheless, an easy win for it versus EDT here.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

With the EDT, I get 7 hours of wear on my skin. Not great, but not terrible, either. It’s actually pretty good when compared to many other EDT concentrations on the market.

Just not elite, but I haven’t had any problems with it. EDT holds up pretty well and just doesn’t go super weak or anything an hour into wear. You get to spend some time appreciating it.

The EDP, however, will go for 10+ hours and easily has the upper hand in this category. It’s sillage is strong, but its longevity is darn near elite. Particularly, for a mass appealing designer cologne.

With my full bottle of Y EDP, this is pretty standard with how it lasts. Never dropping below that 10 hour mark for me and can go quite a bit further than that. Not that you really need it to, in most any scenario.

Edge: EDP

Versatility

Seeing as they are so highly related, I don’t see any major difference between them here. Both are good year round, but especially in the spring and summer.

However, going into the upper boundaries of heat and humidity, you might want to have a summer scent on hand.  Maybe find a bottle of Y Eau Fraiche, if this series is your thing.

They can be worn during any occasion, also. I would say that the EDP has more of an appeal or sexiness, but that’s about it. Maybe you go with EDT, if you want a lighter and fresher sort of daily wear. It’s more low key than EDP.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I do like the way that Y EDT smells, it’s a solid fragrance, but does fall short of the eau de parfum version. The EDT has a clean aroma, with a balance between fresh and sweet notes, and a good performance.

I like the aldehydes and ginger notes and it is a cologne, that could easily be a daily wear.

The EDP is just better. The smell, the strength, and the performance is all better. It is more complex, you have an herbal sage, and the same ginger at the top.

The apple sets it apart, with a crispness, that pairs very well with the amber and tonka bean notes. The commonalities are definitely there, but this is more of a blue-ish ambroxan sort of fresh scent.

If you want something lighter and more low key fresh, you can now get good deals on the EDT version. I’ve seen bottles for as low as $35, recently.

I think that the EDP version of Y, is going to be quite popular going forward, as its smell and performance are top notch. Plus, the whole vibe of the cologne, has a true mass appeal.

Update: it definitely did become pretty popular. I’ve personally bought a bottle of the EDP and still wear it from time to time. Not nearly my favorite anymore, but I still like it from time to time, when I want a clean ‘blue’ cologne to wear..

Winner: Y EDP

9 Fragrances that Smell Similar to 1 Million

by

1 Million by Paco Rabanne has been a best-seller and dominant nightlife fragrance, for over a decade now. It’s success has bred plenty of imitators  to try and capture the lower end of the market.

With so many options out there, one could effectively recreate much of what 1 Million gives you, for a lower price. In this post, I want to provide eight options for guys looking for a cologne that smells similar to this famous scent.

Scents that are Close to 1 Million by Paco Rabanne

Apple Inspiration

Woody Green Apple by Dossier– Woody Green Apple is Dossier’s take on this type of aroma. Perhaps not the same level of spice as the Paco fragrance, but it matches most of what we want, for a cheaper price and with solid performance.

The apple, mint, and grapefruit come on nicely, early in the wear. Then, things will warm up with the cinnamon, tobacco, and floral notes.

This currently runs for $29 per bottle, as of this update. Super value proposition for what you get with Woody Green Apple.

Elixir Alternative

Error 419 by The Dua Brand– 1 Million Elixir is the popular flanker right now, of the original 1 Million. Error 419 is the ‘inspired by’ alternative to Elixir from The Dua Brand.

Elixir is a scent that starts out with a strong apple note, flanked by floral notes that have a fruity tinge to them. The opening is sweet, warm, rather unique versus the original while paying homage.

The dry down will be more about the vanilla note, rose, cedar, and tonka bean. Freshness and smokiness sit underneath.

This is a Dua that I have yet to try, but I have owned over ten from this brand and they do a great job. If you want something that smells like 1 Million Elixir, this is probably your best bet.

Another Inspiration

Santorini Sails by Oakcha– Here’s another option that is inspired by 1 Million. I don’t really get the name in relation to the Paco Rabanne, but the notes line up with what you’d expect.

I haven’t tried this or any scents from Oakcha yet. But, with all of the positive reviews and the inexpensive price point, I figured that I’d add it to the list for those that want to try it out. As of this update, it’s priced at $30 per bottle.

If they can get the weighting of the notes even somewhat correct, Santorini Sails should be a great deal.

Royal Flight

Le Male Airlines by JPG- This is a flanker from the Le Male series by Gaultier, that I picked up shortly before I purchased my bottle of 1 Million Royal. I was also probably $40-50 cheaper, at the time.

Though, limited supplies of this one may have changed, depending on when you’re reading this.

Note: this is different from the travel edition of the original Le Male EDT, I’ve also seen that labeled as airlines, but that’s just a different box. Check my picture below, Airlines is a different cologne in a darker blue bottle.

This is an alternative, that has a lot of close overlap with the newer Royal. Citrus, cedar, lavender, and cardamom (especially) are the notes that are shared between these two colognes.

Airlines is both sweeter and has a spicier cardamom note than the one found in Royal. The citrus note is less of an influence than what you get with the Paco Rabanne. Granted, the cardamom is also heavier.

The dry down isn’t the same, but as a 1 Million Royal alternative, this is really quite nice. I prefer Royal, but would take this if it were priced at a heavy discount versus Royal. Le Male Airlines Review

Sweet and Inexpensive

Lomani Ab Spirit Millionaire Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce– If you want a low cost close impression of 1 Million, Ab Spirit Millionaire, can fit the bill. I mean, it even takes the gold color scheme of the Paco Rabanne, and utilizes it.

This one is much more vanilla, than what you get with 1 Million, but you do get a warm, sweet, and somewhat spicy fragrance. As it dries down, the amber and spices become more pronounced.

You won’t get the beastly projection, Millionaire is more moderate, but the longevity is good. For the price, it’s worth a try.

The Super Cheapie

Cuba Royal By Cuba, 3.30-Ounce– Royal is a fragrance, which often gets compared to 1 Million by Paco Rabanne, and it is easy to smell why. Royal is warm, starts off quite sweet, and has plenty of tobacco/spice during the dry down.

Is it an exact match? No, but when talking about a $10-12 option, it is close enough. For instance, this doesn’t have the same leathery scent nor the distinct mint.

While this is fairly strong, it doesn’t have the same sillage or staying power as 1 Million. Nonetheless, Royal is a fantastic option, particularly as a nighttime wear for guys who want to save money.

A Subtle Secret

Antonio Banderas The Golden Secret for Men Eau de Toilette Spray, 6.75 Ounce– There is a distinct similarity between The Golden Secret and 1 Million by Paco Rabanne, beyond the bottles looking closely related, they also share many of the same notes.

The Golden Secret is like a more subdued version of 1 Million, with slight differences that become noticeable, once you have worn both colognes. Out of the options, this might be my favorite smelling one, just not the strongest of the bunch.

The Golden Secret has a nice leather note and some spices from ingredients like mint and nutmeg. Smooth and masculine.

Similar but Different

Armaf Club de Nuit Man Eau de Toilette Spray 3.6 Ounce– Club de Nuit is a really good value play. Compared to 1 Million, it isn’t as sweet, but has an amber-laden profile.

That being said, it isn’t a super heavy spiced cologne, but it is there. It has a soft powdery quality at times, during the dry down, with a nice touch of leather.

Armaf is probably the least like 1 Million, out of the bunch, but it is related and has its own lovely quality. Plus, the performance is really good.

Halloween Time

J. Del Pozo Halloween Man Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce– This one is kind of different from the rest, with its sweet fruity/boozy apple martini start, before it settles into something closer to 1 Million.

At that stage, it has the usual leather, amber, and cinnamon notes. It’s got that same sort of spice, with a similar sweet aroma to our subject. It actually sort of reminds me (at times), a bit of a 1 Million flanker called, ‘1 Million Cologne’. Interesting stuff.

There is a cumin note in here, that some people don’t really like, but it does get better further in the wear. Which, it’s understandable when it mixes with that apple martini. Still, this one can be a decent pick up for really cheap.  Halloween Man Review