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Invictus as a series keeps rolling along. Now, the flankers are getting their own flankers, and have little to do with the original scent. Invictus Victory is one that has been popular over the past few years, and they’ve put out its flanker, Victory Elixir. I’ve tested and reviewed both of these colognes, but which one smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?
Tale of the Tape: Invictus Victory vs. Elixir
Invictus Victory
Notes include: pink pepper, lemon, vanilla, amber, tonka bean, olibanum, and lavender
Click here to try: Invictus Victory
My Full Review: Invictus Victory
Invictus Victory Elixir
Notes include: cardamom, black pepper, bergamot oil, lavender, incense, patchouli, vanilla, amber, and tonka bean
Click here to try: Elixir
My Full Review: Victory Elixir
Opening
Invictus Victory starts out really reminding me of the Pure XS line that Paco Rabanne had put out a handful of years before this. Victory has a lemon note up top, with pink pepper, and a dose of incense.
Sort of smoky, but not overwhelmingly so. Up top, it’s a bit of that lemon with a spiciness and smokiness. As it moves on, Victory will become more about the vanilla and amber notes.
Meanwhile, Elixir starts with a more immediate use of the vanilla and amber. The amber is more powerful here, with a distinct resinous quality to it. Pink pepper has been replaced by a spice mix of black pepper and cardamom.
What’s interesting about Elixir is that it gets sweeter, after a few minutes. It gets more of a tonka bean influence and the impression of coconut. Now, it doesn’t actually have coconut, but it does smell a good deal like it.
Which is better?
I really enjoy both opening acts here. The hint of lemon in Victory is one of my favorite aspects, but it is too short-lived.
With Elixir, it’s a bit more complex early on and the best parts seem to stick around longer. I’ll give it the opening.
Edge: Elixir
Projection
Both of these are above average with the projection and have the ability to leave a scent trail in your wake. Neither are super heavy feeling, but the performance is there.
While Invictus Victory is above average, it wasn’t massive projector when I tested it out. It has a very strong burst at the opening. Then, it becomes rather moderate for the rest of the way.
Victory Elixir is quite powerful. I’m sure it’ll be even better with a full bottle. This one leaps off of the skin and stays at a high level for most of the wear. Pretty much a beast.
Elixir takes this category.
Edge: Elixir
Longevity
Both of these fragrances don’t disappoint when it comes to how long they last. But, there is a clear winner between them.
With Victory, I got in the 8-9 hour range with it during testing. Not amazing, but well above average.
Elixir, was in the 9-11 hour range. It might actually be able to go beyond the higher end of that range for the right person, with a full sized sprayer.
Both Invictus Victory releases have good performances, however.
Edge: Elixir
Versatility
These two are about the same in their use case. Both are best in autumn and winter. Both are suited more towards younger men. Both are attractive fragrances that will get plenty of play in the nightlife.
No real distinction.
Edge: Push
Overall Scent
Overall, which of these fragrances do I prefer?
Honestly, if I’m just going off the smell of each alone, it’s basically a tie. Two of the best releases from the Invictus line.
The opening and transition into the middle, is when they are most distinct from one another. I slightly prefer Elixir during that stage of the wear. Not a huge gap, but if I have to choose, I’ll roll with it.
But, the performance and slightly more unique formula gives Elixir the nod. It’s a lot stronger and gives you a few more hours of wear. Yes, that coconut-like aroma gives it shades of Le Beau Le Parfum, but I think this Invictus is better.
If you liked the original Victory, you’ll almost certainly like Elixir too. Doesn’t mean that you need both, though.
Winner: Elixir
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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.