1 million paco rabanne

Ultra Male vs Paco Rabanne 1 Million Comparison

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There are a lot of popular men’s fragrances out there, which get heavy use in the night life scene. Two of the more well known colognes are Ultra Male by Jean Paul Gaultier and 1 Million by Paco Rabanne.

1 Million EDT has been going strong for nearly two decades, as a best-seller. Meanwhile, Ultra Male once looked as if it was going to be on the chopping block, but then got a new lease on life with its growing popularity.

The question is, which of these scents is the better option? In this post, I’m going to do a full head to head breakdown and declare a winner, in this contest.

Tale of the Tape

Ultra Male

Notes include: vanilla, pear, amber, woods, cinnamon, cumin, sage, lavender, mint

Click here to try: Jean Paul Gaultier Ultra Male for Men Intense Spray, Eau de Toilette, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original Review: Ultra Male

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

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

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

Opening

Ultra Male opens up with a sweet candy-like intensity, with pear, mint, vanilla, and cinnamon. It also has a nice spice in addition to all of that is both bold and at the same time, smooth. Unlike the original Le Male, it lacks that powdery aroma.

Meanwhile, 1 Million also opens up sweet with citrus, rose, mint, and leather accords running through it. This composition gives off the effect of smelling like grape bubblegum, but is actually quite nuanced when smelled up close.

To me, the spices in the newer bottle seem a bit more prominent. The cinnamon especially warms up the 1 Million aroma. Still smooth and something I enjoy.

The overlaps between the top are apparent in their use of mint and cinnamon, but the outcomes of each is fairly different.

Which one is better? Eh, I like both a lot, but I lean toward how 1 Million opens because there is so much going on and I can catch a different aspect each time. Is it way better than how the Jean Paul Gautier cologne opens? No, but I’ll give it the edge.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

Both of these fragrances are pretty well known as, ‘club beasts’, which means they are the loud and bold type of scents you can wear at a night club. As such, the sillage on both is going to be very good, and that is indeed the case.

Sometimes, I feel that 1 Million projects itself better, but I don’t think that’s entirely the case. In fact, I sprayed Ultra Male twice on a shirt across the room, and can smell it from my sofa. There isn’t really a clear winner here.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million don’t have the same power, that they once did. Ultra Male has been discontinued, so any bottle you get will be the same. As such, I’m switching this category from a tie to Ultra Male.

Edge: Ultra Male

Longevity

I usually get 8-9 hours of wear from Ultra Male. Sometimes, it can go an hour or two longer. However, I consistently get 10+ hours out of 1 Million when I wear it.

Edit: Again, 1 Million doesn’t have that same power. However, I still get 8-9 hours from it. But, now this category is a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Due to the strength of both, neither is usually thought of as an everyday wear. You can wear them during the day, just go easy with both. However, each is much more suited to the nightlife than anything else.

Also, they are cold weather performers, but 1 Million can venture into warmer weather while Ultra Male doesn’t do so well. I’d avoid both during the summer but 1 Million, can take the heat better, and takes this category.

Edge: 1 Million

Overall Scent

I wear both of these colognes at times, so, I can say that both are enjoyable to wear in my mind. It’s not an either/or question for me, but more along the lines of what I’m in the mood for.

That being said, I think that I’ll give the edge to 1 Million here. It’s not a blow out and I love Ultra Male, but I think that the Paco Rabanne has a slightly better smell, more versatility, longevity, and will fit better for most guys.

In fact, I don’t smell 1 Million everywhere like I used to, so I don’t even believe that it is still overused.

Ultra Male is great and it’s a nice choice on cold nights out during the wintertime, but it is just a notch below 1 Million. I used to like it more than I currently do, but I’m not sure that it ever surpassed 1 Million for me. Close though.

Note: Even with the reduction in strength, I would still rather wear 1 Million more often than not. Actually, in some ways it makes 1 Million more wearable, to be toned down some.

Winner: 1 Million

Azzaro Wanted vs. 1 Million Comparison

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1 Million has been a best seller for over a decade and is basically a legend, at this point. It once ruled much of the nightlife, not as much anymore, but it’s a great scent. Wanted was released by Azzaro and quickly grew a following. Between the two, which is better? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: 1 Million vs. Wanted

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

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

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

Wanted by Azzaro

Notes include: tonka bean, lemon, cardamom, vetiver, juniper, ginger, geranium, mint, amber wood

Click here to try: Azzaro Wanted Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my original Review: Wanted Review

Opening

1 Million has always been compared to grape bubblegum in the opening act, by a lot of people. The initial blood orange, grapefruit, leather, and mint combination does make it come across like that.

The latest batch that I tried, seems to have less of that overall. It’s still there, just the start now feels warmer with more spice.

Cinnamon, mainly. Along with an earlier emergence of amber and rose, than I remember. Sweetness, warmth, with a playful spice.

Meanwhile, Wanted kicks off with a lemon note in the lead. It’s actually not as sharp as one would expect and the opening resembles Invictus by Paco Rabanne, somewhat. It definitely differs from that fragrance, when the tonka bean and cardamom grow in strength. 

Which is better at the beginning? I’m going with 1 Million. I don’t think that either opens up amazingly well, but I prefer the aroma of 1 Million versus the pseudo-Invictus opening of Wanted.

Edge: 1 Million

Sillage

Older bottles of 1 Million were monstrous with how they projected. However, it doesn’t have that same punch. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still strong, just lost a step. 

For much of the wear, it will be stronger than average, but just not blowing the doors off with its projection or heaviness.

Wanted starts off about equal to newer bottles of 1 Million, but becomes much more moderate when it settles. While, 1 Million keeps up its power for longer on my skin.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Vintage 1 Million would go for 12+ hours on me, without issue. Newer bottles? Around 8-9 hours of wear. Still very good, just not elite.

With Wanted it’s in the 7-9 hour range. All in all, I’d say they’re about equal to one another now. It used to be a pretty clear win for the Paco Rabanne, but no more.

 

Edge: Push

 

 

Versatility

Seasonally, I think that Wanted has the edge. Neither of these is good for the heat, but 1 Million is best in colder temperatures. Wanted can go warm weather, just avoid extreme heat.

Both skew towards younger guys. With Wanted being appropriate in a wider array of situations. While, 1 Million is geared toward nightlife or casual wear.

Edge: Wanted

Overall Scent

Wanted is a good fragrance, but really not one of my favorites. I like it more once it dries down and develops its own personality.  Tonka bean, apple, and juniper berry are really nice touches after the Invictus-like opening act. 

It does everything well, but nothing amazing.

I’ve always enjoyed wearing 1 Million. I know a lot of people never liked this scent, but it was always a fun and unique wear. If I were comparing Wanted to the older bottles of this Paco Rabanne scent, it’d be any easy win for 1 Million.

Now, it’s a tighter race. Though, I’m still going 1 Million. It just smells better to me, still has good performance, and more depth. 

I would go with either The Most Wanted or The Most Wanted Parfum before either of these. But, between these two, it’s the Paco Rabanne.

Winner: 1 Million

1 Million vs 1 Million Lucky Paco Rabanne Comparison

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There apparently was a 1 Million flanker fragrance release, that I was not aware of, and that is: Lucky. I reviewed it the other day and enjoy it, but how does it stand when compared to the original 1 Million by Paco Rabanne? In this post, I am going to do another comparison to see which one I would choose and why.

Tale of the Tape: Lucky vs 1 Million

1 Million

Notes include: grapefruit, blood orange, rose, mint, cinnamon, amber, leather, patchouli, and more

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

Read my original review: 1 Million Cologne Review

1 Million Lucky

Notes include: hazelnut, cedar, green plum, patchouli, grapefruit, amber, and more

Click here to try: 1 Million Lucky by Paco Rabanne Eau de Toilette Spray 100ml

Read my original review: 1 Million Lucky

Opening

The opening of 1 Million is very famous and familiar to many people by this point. It has an ultra sugary sweet aroma that is likened to grape bubble gum. When you pay closer attention you can pick up cinnamon, rose, and the leather notes.

Newer bottles feel warmer and even spicier than I recall, the original batches. Maybe, it’s a trick of my memory?

1 Million Lucky opens with fresh woods and fruits such as plum. Warm wood covered by amber and a rich hazelnut. It’s sweet and cream without much of any spice to it.

Which one do I prefer? I mean, there is some similarity between them. However, I like the heightened cedar element within Lucky, so I’ll give it the nod.

That’s saying something, because I really do like wearing the original 1 Million. However, the opening act, isn’t my favorite aspect of that fragrance. The newcomer has an edge, with its uniqueness.

Edge: Lucky

Projection

The original 1 Million has huge sillage and for a while it seemed like Lucky would match it. However, while Lucky can start out strong, it never reaches the same highs as 1 Million does. Nor does it have the consistency.

This is even with 1 Million, not having the same crazy projecting power, that it used to. Don’t get me wrong, it still has monster sillage, just a step below its origins. Nevertheless, it can still outplay Lucky.

Update: Nowadays, it’s closer to even. I’d still put the original ahead of what I get with Lucky, based on the back half of the wear, it seems to stick around better.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Lucky is a 6-8 hour fragrance for me. 1 Million lasts seemingly forever. The original has the edge here without a doubt. I always get 10+ hours of wear from it.

I’ve heard that other folks don’t get the same staying power with 1 Million, but it’s still a performer for me. Anyways, it does have significantly better performance that 1 Million Lucky.

Update: With my newer bottle of 1 Million, it’s around 8 hours of wear. So, it hits the upper end of what I got with Lucky. Still a slight edge with 1 Million, for consistency, but this is a lot more even than what it was.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Is Lucky a versatile fragrance? Yes, I think that this is the aspect where it has the original definitely beat. Since it is much more understated, Lucky can be worn during your everyday life, while also still serving as a club scent.

The original 1 Million could be kind of loud for everyday wear. I’ve personally done it, but it is really a nightlife scent, at its heart. I actually like wearing it casually, like buying smaller bottles, and just hanging out with 1 Million on.

Both colognes, are mainly for younger guys. Lucky, in particular, has a very youthful vibe. It might be the better bet for a teenager.

Edge: Lucky

Overall Scent

I’m tempted to go with the newer scent, as the original 1 Million has been being used by a ton of people for about 20 years now. However, I can’t say that I definitely like Lucky better than the older Paco Rabanne fragrance.

It does smell good, has an overlap with the original. The plum, hazelnut, and woody base were interesting additions but I still think the original is better. Even if, I don’t wear it all that often anymore.

Lucky is a good scent and I’ll probably wear my mini bottle some over the next month. I don’t want to say it’s bad, but I’m putting it at number 3 in terms of 1 Million and it’s spin offs. Prive is my number 1, still.

The original 1 Million, will always bring about fond memories for me, and is one I enjoy coming back to. It’s not the nostalgia clouding my mind, though. It actually is the better scent here.

However, for some guys (especially the younger crowd), Lucky can be a great fragrance for them to pick up. The honey and plum notes and nuttiness is still rather unique and has a certain amount of charm to it.

Winner: 1 Million

Joop! vs. 1 Million Fragrance Comparison

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In this edition of the head to head men’s fragrances match up, I want to do a comparison of two nightlife colognes, from different eras. The late 80s beast, Joop! Homme vs. 1 Million, which has been a champ over the past decade-plus. Which of these scents smells better? Which lasts longer? Has better sillage? Is the better buy overall?

Tale of the Tape

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 review: 1 Million

Joop! Homme

Notes include: orange blossom, vanilla, cinnamon, mandarin, amber, cedar, jasmine, bergamot, lily, heliotrope, tonka bean, patchouli, and sandalwood

Click here to try:  Joop Pour Homme Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Fluid Ounce

Read my review: Joop!

Opening

1 Million is pretty notorious for its bold opening act (as well as the rest of it). It jumps out at you with a blend of blood orange, grapefruit, mint, rose, and smooth leather.

It’s got some spicy elements with the mint and cinnamon, but overall it is warm and sweet, with an amber coating. Mainly, the cinnamon will stick out. More of a warm spice than the colder freshness.

Joop! Pour Homme is also bold, from the start. It goes toward the spicier end of things, with plenty of cinnamon and patchouli, leading things off.

Those are the dominant notes, with amber, some light citrus, and floral notes peaking in from underneath.

Here the spice is more intense than it is in the Paco Rabanne. Joop! has a thicker near syrupy aroma, at times.

Which is better? I prefer how 1 Million starts versus Joop. It has a better aroma, that is sweeter, and more complex. I do like the spice of Joop, but it can also be too much for some people.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

The sillage of both of these scents is pretty legendary. But which takes the crown? In my experience, it is 1 Million.

The current variations of Joop are still very powerful, but may have lost a step versus the vintage. Either way, I think the Paco Rabanne, has always been a bit ahead.

Update: 1 Million is still strong. However, it’s not as strong as it once was, and that peak is shorter lived. I’m flipping this category to Joop!

Edge: Joop!

Longevity

Joop can for between 7-9 hours, on my skin, depending on the climate of the day. Meanwhile, 1 Million again is a beast, and has gotten me 10+ hours on a regular basis always.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million will last arond 8 hours. As such, there’s no longer an advantage here. Let’s change it to a tie.

Edge: Push

Versatility

1 Million and Joop are both best for colder weather and nightlife. Both being loud and sort of monstrous in their sillage, aren’t that great of choices for business environments.

Having said that, I think that 1 Million is slightly better, in warmer conditions than is Joop. Plus, it tends to be more universally appealing and accepted than it’s competitor.

Joop can be very polarizing for people. It’s not for the faint of heart and there’s a ton of people who don’t like it.

Edge: 1 Million

Overall Scent

Alright, this was a pretty easy win for 1 Million. However, I will say that I do actually like Joop! Homme. I know, it can be one that makes people fall into a love/hate relationship, but it does still have its moments of brilliance.

It’ll just never be a ‘safe’ choice. I’ve gotten both extremely positive and negative reactions while wearing it (mostly the early stage spice, hits folks noses hard). It dates back to another era, but can still be a great cheapie, in certain situations.

1 Million is just better smelling and while it doesn’t perform the same, it’s still quite good for an EDT. Add to that, its mass appeal, and you have why it’s been a best seller for a long time now.

It is a superior fragrance to Joop! Homme and I would rather wear it versus that, in almost every scenario, even with my soft spot for Joop.

Winner: 1 Million

1 Million vs Le Male Fragrance Comparison

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In this installment of my cologne comparison series, I’m going to take a look at two mega selling fragrances with very distinct bottle shapes. The gold ingot of 1 Million by Paco Rabanne versus the Blue torso of Le Male by Jean Paul Gaultier. These are two extremely popular and great smelling colognes for men.

However, I want to break it down further and find out which is the better performer, the better smelling, and the most versatile of the pair. Which of these scents for guys is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: 1 Million vs. Le Male 

1 Million 

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

Le Male by JPG Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  orange blossom, mint, lavender, woods, vanilla, tonka bean, cinnamon, and more

My JPG Review

Buy here: Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male By Jean Paul Gaultier For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Opening

Upfront, I have to say that both of these colognes are on the sweet side of things, so if that isn’t your type of fragrance you might want to look elsewhere. You’ll notice that they do share some common notes: mint and cinnamon.

Neither of which is the main draw but do support the overall structure of the colognes. Le Male is more of a vanilla/tonka blend with a warm spiciness. The mint and cinnamon, add a bit more of a kick up front.

Though, the impact will be lessened by lavender and orange blossom floral notes.

Meanwhile, 1 Million is like a candy grape at first with a smooth rose/leather undertone to it. The grape-like aroma, comes from those two notes meeting with orange and grapefruit.

It’s very sweet, with a warm amber ingredient enveloping things. With 1 Million, you will get more of the cinnamon note. With Le Male, mint.

It’s much less spicy, to my nose, but those notes will come along more during the dry down. Which scent is better?

I actually prefer 1 Million from the start, as it just has a more interesting profile in my opinion. I have always really enjoyed the bold start, the super sweet profile, and great use of leather/rose/amber.

I enjoy Le Male, but I really feel that it’s in top form, a bit later on in the wear. The sweet creamy/powdery heart, is really where it’s fantastic.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

1 Million is a monster. It is loud and projects extremely well. Le Male is pretty good in this regard, but isn’t touching 1 Million.

Le Male starts out moderate, maybe towards the upper end of what you consider moderate. Then, it’ll get lighter as we move along.

Update: While Le Male, seems basically the same as it ever was in terms of its sillage. 1 Million doesn’t have the same level of sustained power that it once did. It still wins this category, but not by nearly as wide of a margin.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Again, both last well. The Paco Rabanne lasts very well. Seriously, 1 Million will go on and on with very little use, it can become annoying.

Maybe newer bottles don’t have the same power, as it used to, but it still will do a great job on the performance end of things. Update: They don’t last as long. But, I still get 8 hours of wear, from my bottle.

Jean Paul Gaultier is pretty solid, I usually get about 6 hours from it, which isn’t great but it is certainly serviceable. Le Male is much more low key, but as a daily wear, it’ll handle most of a work day. Perhaps, a full one, at times.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Le Male would be better for close quarter situations such as work or school. 1 Million would be better for nightlife, though, a small dab may not overpower the room and thus could be used elsewhere.

I think both are better suited for cool weather, and JPG, especially becomes a mess in the heat. For me, Le Male gets pretty darn cloying when it’s too warm.

Just as a daily wear, Le Male would be the better bet. It isn’t a formal fragrance, but really isn’t going to offend and take over a room. Coming back to this cologne after a few years, I’ve enjoyed how pleasant it can be on certain days.

Le Male has the edge here.

Edge: Le Male

Overall Scent

I like both of these colognes. Like I said, they are both sweet and they do get on my nerves at times because of that. However, I like wearing 1 Million better than Le Male.

It is just more interesting to me. Le Male is nice but it can feel pretty synthetic and I don’t find myself wanting to wear it as often. There are stretches of time, where that isn’t true, but then I grow tired of the JPG once again.

Plus, I think there are plenty of other options that accomplish the same sort of vibe as Le Male. In the winter, I might also go with Kouros Body or Eros or even Burberry. Update: That’s changed, since this was originally posted almost 10 years ago.

1 Million is limited sometimes in its uses ,and I cannot bear to wear it , everyday. However, when I’m in the mood, it fits the bill. The leather and amber notes, really make it something special to me.

Yes, it can be brash at times, and that ‘bubble gum’ smell can be hit or miss depending on the mood.

Overall though, it still has better performance, a deeper profile, and captures attention in ways that the Jean Paul Gaultier perfume doesn’t. I’d wear either, but I prefer 1 Million.

I will say, for most people, Le Male would be the better option due to its versatility and low key style. But, I don’t think that makes it a better fragrance.

Winner: 1 Million