dior

Dior Homme Intense vs 1 Million Comparison

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So, in today’s cologne comparison, I’m going to do one between two highly popular scents for men: Dior Homme Intense versus 1 Million by Paco Rabanne. In this post, I’m going to break down how each compares head to head, and ultimately which one smells the best. For more detail on each fragrance, I have included my original full wear reviews on them, linked below.

Tale of the Tape

Dior Homme Intense

Notes include: pear, iris, vetiver, ambrette, lavender, cedar

Click here to try: Christian Dior Dior Men Intense Eau de Parfum Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read My Full Review: Dior Homme Intense Review

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

Dior Homme Intense has one of my favorite 15-20 minute fragrance openings ever. I absolutely love spraying this cologne onto my skin and getting hit with the wonderful aroma. Cedar, vetiver, and amber notes blend to create a warm and woody scent that is amazing.

With that in mind, 1 Million would have to start out with something at least as fantastic in order to take this category.

It doesn’t. That’s not to say that it smells bad, but this is the stage where 1 Million has its infamous grape bubblegum aroma. I actually like it quite a bit, but it doesn’t touch the Dior.

That initial burst has lots of orange and grapefruit. But, you’re also already getting the rose heart and leather involved as well. Beyond that, there is the spiciness that is most prominent in the first half of the wear.

A nice dose of cinnamon, with a bit of mint, but it takes more to pick that one out of the bunch.

Nevertheless, the Dior takes this category.

Edge: Dior Intense

Projection

Dior Intense lives up to its name and delivers an excellent sillage. 1 Million can be a complete bomb of cologne when applied.

So, while Dior Intense is strong, 1 Million is still that much stronger.

Update: Newer bottles of 1 Million have that strong initial burst and project quite far. However, it doesn’t maintain that same level throughout. It might actually be somewhat equal between them now.

The old formulas of 1 Million were absolutely beast mode and could outdo DHI easily. Now, not so much.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

You won’t have a problem with either of these fragrances not lasting long enough. I get double digit hours of wear from each of them. Which one goes longer? Not sure, if one lasts 12 and the other 13 hours, but it’s not really important at that point. It’s pretty even here.

Update: Nowadays, I give the edge to DHI. The latest bottle of 1 Million that I purchased, lasts in the 8 hour neighborhood now. So, it’s for sure lost a couple of steps.

Edge: Dior Intense

Versatility

Dior Intense and 1 Million are both great in the colder months of the year. Neither one is a summer scent, but I think Intense holds up better in slightly warmer weather. Though, not in the high summer.

Dior Intense is great in that it can be worn at the office, on a date, or at a night club. It’s classy and sexy, which gives it a flexibility that many colognes don’t possess.

1 Million smells much more youthful and is best served as a nightlife wear. This limits its usefulness for a lot of guys.

Dior is just the classier and more well-rounded fragrance. 1 Million is the fun attention grabber, which may not appeal to you on an individual level.

Edge: Dior Intense

Overall Scent

To me, Dior Homme Intense is just the better scent all around. I think that the scent itself is great and it has much more universal appeal.

When I wear, Dior Intense, I always get lots of complements. 1 Million is great, I still wear it at times, but it’s not in the same league.

The grape bubblegum opening scares some people off of wearing it, but I think it gets better as it dries down. I still personally like breaking out 1 Million, now and again. It’s still got a charm about it and isn’t nearly as ubiquitous as it used to be.

That being said, I’d rather wear 1 Million Prive, over the original. However, that’s another story, and for the matchup between the two stars of this post, I’m going with Dior Homme Intense. (Update: that’s discontinued now, anyway).

It’s an amazing fragrance, that has achieved classic status in such a short time. The dry down while not as good as how Dior Intense opens, is still a powdery and appealing chocolate-like scent that really grabs attention.

Winner: Dior Homme Intense

4 Fragrances Similar to Miss Dior

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Miss Dior is a sprawling line from Dior which has ended of creating a ton of flankers over the past few decades, under this title. However, sometimes you want to get something similar for cheaper or find an alternative that is in the same vein as Miss Dior, but slightly different. This is my page for keeping up with scents that are alike this best selling fragrance.

What Perfumes Smell Like Miss Dior?

Classy Cherie

Miss Class by The Dua Brand– The Miss Dior line is extensive with different versions and flankers having been released. Miss Dior Cherie is an extremely popular fragrance under this banner and Miss Class is Dua’s ‘inspired by’ take on this formula.

Cherie is the Miss Dior that featured notes such as: cherry, pineapple, and popcorn. There all here in this Dua re-interpretation of the 2005 vintage scent.

Now, this is one that I have not tried out from Dua. But, I’ve owned over 10 perfumes from this brand that have been inspired by other designer wears, and they’ve been on point with each. This one, looks to be the same, with a ton of reviews attesting to it.

Blooming Inspiration

Citrus Peony by Dossier– Citrus Peony is Dossier’s take on the Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet stye. It was actually one of my favorites from the Miss Dior lineup. Simple, but really quite pretty.

Bergamot and musk are key players in the opening. Then, it’ll switch into becoming more floral. Peony is heavier than the Damask rose in this blend. And that’s what Dossier is trying to recreate with its Citrus Peony.

A fresher citrus top with the peony blend coming on in the middle. To me, Bouquet never had much of a greenish aroma to it, either. The Dossier is currently available for under $30, so, you can get a great daily wear without spending too much.

Signoria Cherie

Signorina Miele by Fragrenza– Here’s another Miss Cherie inspired scent, this time from Fragrenza. This is a brand that I bought a bunch of samples from last year and found them to be high quality and true to what they were trying to recreate.

The price currently is higher than the Dua version listed above. However, sometimes they will sell out and not have it in stock when you want to buy. As such, this can be a great second option for those who want a cheaper Cherie.

Miss Louis 

Attrape-Reves by Louis Vuitton– Attrape-Reves isn’t exactly like any of the Miss Dior scents. It has similarities to Absolutely Blooming and overlap with the others. However, if you like the Dior style, this Louis Vuitton scent can give you much of what you’re looking for.

First, the noticeable difference is going to be with the inclusion of the cacao note, in this one. But, it’s still not a major player, especially early. We get a fresh litchi and bergamot blend with some light ginger and patchouli coming through.

Later, rose and peony will emerge as the strongest notes in the mix. Fruity-patchouli, then, floral-patchouli with a touch of a powdery sort of cocoa aroma. Good mix of many of the same beats as Miss Dior, just presented a bit differently. One of my favorites from LV. Attrape-Reves Review

Joy Intense by Dior

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Joy Intense is the 2019 follow up the popular, but not super well loved, Joy by Dior. I have never done a review of this one, since I sort of forgot about the series, after the original was pretty much only decent. How does Intense fair? Is it an improved upon formula? Is the performance good? Is Joy Intense worth a try?

What does Dior Joy Intense Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, bergamot, Grasse rose, jasmine, vanilla, sandalwood, musk, tonka bean

Click here to try: Dior Joy Intense

joy intense review

My Full Review

Here’s how Dior describes it: Floral fireworks, concentration of joy. The dazzle of juicy citrus mingles with colorful sparks of Grasse rose and jasmine, heightened by an enveloping, woody echo of sandalwood tinged with vanilla.

The original Joy has a blend of peach and orange up top, that Intense lacks. Sure, you get citrus influence here, but the bergamot doesn’t seems as strong as the other two.

Early on, I get a lot of the jasmine, neroli, and powdery aroma that was in the original. Here, the jasmine shows up earlier. There is still indeed a freshness to this one early on, the bergamot is there, creating a bright and sparkling undertone.

As we get to the next phase, Joy Intense is fully displaying its jasmine and Grasse rose combination. With that is the vanilla and tonka bean notes. Very much a floral-vanilla, at this point.

Has some sweetness and creaminess, but it’s mostly a light powder/musky aroma wrapped around the floral core.

For the rest of the way, it’s kind of like the original. Jasmine really stands out. This time, there is more vanilla, less powder in the dry down than Joy. None of the patchouli. It’s hard to tell, but I feel like less of a sandalwood influence in Intense.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This is the stronger of the Joy fragrances, as the name suggests. It’s definitely strong in the opening, but isn’t massive really. You will get a scent trail for a few hours, good projection, but not a super heavy scent.

It’s solidly above average throughout the wear, though.

With the original Joy, it lasted up to about six hours on my skin. Does Intense do a better job of sticking around?

Yes, but, it’s nothing to crazy. Maybe 7.5 hours or so. A definite improvement, but it still doesn’t blow anything out of the water. Though, I am glad that this one is better than the disappointing performance of the original.

Intense covers much of the same ground that the original does. However, I will say that it’s a notch below, as I would skip wearing this in the summer. The rest of the year is fine, but the original (while not being a pure summer wear), holds up better in the heat than this.

Pretty much a daytime sort of wear, that can fit in anywhere without causing any offense.

Overall Impressions of Joy Intense

Overall, do I like Joy Intense? I do. This version certainly isn’t amazing, but it is better than the first. Both in terms of smell and it’s performance. It’s a lot more balanced across the board.

The jasmine and vanilla dominance, isn’t exactly the most original fragrance out there, but it smells quite nice. The citrus isn’t too powerful of an influence, just a touch to highlight the rest of the composition.

It’s got enough of a difference from the first Joy, to be worth checking out, if you didn’t care too much for that one.

I probably wouldn’t want to pay full price for a bottle. However, if you can find Joy Intense at a discount, it’s a good perfume from Dior that you could get plenty of use out of.

Sauvage Elixir vs. Bleu de Chanel

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Sauvage Elixir has quickly become a very popular flanker from the top selling Sauvage line by Dior. Bleu de Chanel has been a long time favorite from Dior’s French competitor and these two can often be the final choices of men looking to buy, even if the formulas are quite differenct.

In this post, I want to compare the two colognes. I’m going to use the Eau de Parfum version of Bleu, as I think that’s probably the best of them overall. How does it compare to Sauvage Elixir? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy?

Tale of the Tape: Bleu de Chanel vs. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Bleu de Chanel EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, mint, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De Chaneâ…¼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Opening

Bleu de Chanel EDP kicks things off with citrus, including lemon, but the grapefruit note is actually the stronger of the two.

Bleu will also start to show off its mint note. However, the ginger and pink pepper, have a stronger spiced influence. A little later, you get a smoky incense, and warm amber.

With Sauvage Elixir, you get a ton of spice. In the Dior fragrance it’s: cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. At the top, there is a lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

And especially less citrus than Bleu de Chanel.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Which is better? The opening of Elixir is rather unique and super bold. However, I do prefer the more balanced use of citrus and spice with the Chanel cologne.

Edge: Bleu

Projection

Bleu EDP, is strong, but doesn’t have a crazy powerful projecting ability. In fact, as it wears on, it’s pretty moderate. You’ll get a nice scent bubble, a few hours of creating a scent trail. Bleu de Chanel just isn’t going to overpower a room.

Elixir just might, however. Elixir starts off very powerfully, with a large projection radius, and it maintains a high level for hours on end. Yes, it does settle after that first punch, but it’ll stay stronger than the Chanel for the duration.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

This category is a clear win for Elixir. It’s one of the best performing mainstream designer fragrances out there. When I’ve worn it, I’ve easily gotten to 12 hours of wear.

It goes further than that, but I take a shower before I find out exactly where it tails off. Elixir is well into the double digit hour mark without issue.

Bleu de Chanel EDP definitely isn’t a bad performer, it just gets overwhelmed by the heavier monster from Dior. With Bleu EDP, I get about 8 hours, each time I’ve worn it.

Honestly, good enough for almost any purpose, just not to the same level.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Bleu EDP can go year round, with when you can use it, but is just okay when it’s really hot. Nonetheless, Bleu is better in a variety of climates than is, Sauvage Elixir.

Elixir is built for the autumn and winter months. It’s not like the original Sauvage with its ability to to pair well with warmer weather.

Bleu is also much better as an office scent or a formal-type of fragrance. It isn’t just limited to that, though, as it also fits while wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

Sauvage Elixir works in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. Bleu is more of a daytime fragrance, but wouldn’t be out of place at night, since it is an attractive scent.

Between the two, Bleu has the greater versatility.

Edge: Bleu

Overall Scent

Overall, which is better? I actually like each of these a lot. However, I do think that Bleu de Chanel EDP will be a better buy for most people versus Sauvage Elixir.

Mainly, Bleu just has a wider appeal. Elixir is the more unique of the two, but that spice and licorice won’t appeal to everyone, especially at that high concentration.

Bleu while not able to match the power and longevity of the Dior, is no slouch itself. Which combined with its more expansive use case makes it a pretty easy pick.

Finally, I do kind of prefer the actual scent of Bleu de Chanel to Sauvage Elixir. I enjoy the massive spice of Elixir and can even get into the sweeter licorice accord. You don’t get to much of a similar perfume to Dior Sauvage, in smell, but the notes are mostly rearraigned.

But, the clean citrus and amber of Bleu EDP is a tad more appealing. Even if it too, has seen a host of Bleu de Chanel ‘clones’ come to market.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Sauvage Elixir vs. Spicebomb Extreme

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Two fragrances which have become massively popular for the colder months are Spicebomb Extreme and Sauvage Elixir. Both the Dior and Viktor & Rolf colognes are flankers to their super successful original namesakes.

The question is, which of these scents is better? Which lasts longer? Which cologne should you buy?

Tale of the Tape: Spicebomb Extreme vs. Sauvage Elixir

Sauvage Elixir

Notes include: grapefruit, wood, lavender, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, patchouli, vetiver

Click here to try: Sauvage Elixir at Macy’s

Read my review: Sauvage Elixir

Spicebomb Extreme

Notes include: tobacco, cumin, cinnamon, saffron, vanilla, bourbon

Click here to try: Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb Extreme Eau De Parfum Spray 50ml/1.7oz

Read my Full Review: Spicebomb Extreme

spicebomb extreme edp

Opening

The spice in Spicebomb Extreme is actually kind of toned down versus what you get with the original. Yes, cumin and cinnamon are still players here, just not massive with it.

Instead, the early stages are really going to be dominated by vanilla, tobacco, and lavender notes. Smooth and warm, led by the tobacco, with a further freshness supplied by saffron peaking up through the middle.

With Sauvage Elixir, you get a lot of spice. In the Dior it’s: cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the top, there is a lighter grapefruit versus the EDT version’s heavier use of citrus.

The next phase will have more of the lavender and some sweetness from licorice and amber. Sauvage Elixir is spicy, woody, with enough sweetness to change it up. Lots going on in the mix.

Which is better? It’s a tight race between them. Though, I think that I slightly prefer the opening of Spicebomb Extreme versus the loud spicy affair that is Elixir.

Edge: Spicebomb Extreme

Projection

Spicebomb Extreme starts out strong, maintains its level for a long time, but spends much of the rest of the wear at something that could be considered moderate.

Elixir, starts off stronger. It also stays very powerful for a longer time, and pretty easily takes this category against a Spicebomb fragrance that is no slouch itself.

Edge: Elixir

Longevity

Both of these colognes have been utterly awesome for me, with their performance.

Spicebomb Extreme goes at least 10 hours and can go as high as 12-13, depending on the climate of the day, etc.

Elixir routinely hit 12 hours for me. I’m not sure where it drops off at, as I will shower in that time frame, but it’s more than enough for anyone.

So, while both do have a long lasting duration of wear, Sauvage Elixir can take it a bit further.

Edge: Elixir

Versatility

Both of these fragrances are mainly for autumn and winter. I would avoid both during the hottest summer months, especially.

Also, I’d much prefer to wear both in casual or nightlife scenarios, versus the office. They are more mature as flankers than each of their original predecessors. Though, neither is really all that formal.

Well put together, yes. But, not tuxedo level formality.

I don’t really see much distance between them here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two colognes do I think is better? I really enjoy both of these, so, it’s not easy to have to choose between them.

With Elixir, you get a significantly altered version of the Sauvage formula. A focus on some different spices and the inclusion of a great licorice note, which somehow doesn’t get massively annoying with that unique aroma.

There are plenty of colognes similar to Sauvage EDT, but Elixir really sets itself apart, while remaining somewhat true to the idea of the series.

The performance is awesome. One of the best mainstream designer fragrances out there right now, in terms of its sillage and how long it stays around.

To me, though, I’d rather have Spicebomb Extreme. You take a bit of a step back with the performance, while still being excellent. The fragrance itself, smells better to me versus the Sauvage.

The vanilla and tobacco are awesome together. I like the spices, they are softer, but the round things out. Plus, the saffron helps to keep it from getting boring.

Not a huge margin between them, Extreme smells better and has long been a cold weather gem.

Winner: Spicebomb Extreme