Paco Rabanne Invictus

When it comes to fragrances, the question of popularity versus quality has always been an important aspect to take into consideration when shopping for your signature scent. Whilst most men are inclined to go for one of the more popular fragrances, sure to appeal to the ladies, others, who take more pride in their collection of colognes, quickly turn their nose up when they even hear about the so-called ‘club’ scents, let alone smell them.

After their colossal success with best selling fragrances Black XS and One Million, Paco Rabanne have set their aim at creating a much more refined and classically masculine scent that will still appeal to the general public the way their previous works did. Called Invictus, the Latin root for the word ‘invincible’, the new fragrance evokes a sense of power, competition and success.

The scent itself is an interesting blend of aquatic and fruity notes, highlighted by the extreme longevity and staying power the fragrance has on your skin. It opens with an explosive rush of citrus fruits such as grapefruit and mandarin orange, mixed with a marine note that successfully sets the cologne apart from all the other fresh, citrus scents.

Once this initial layer wears off, the core of the fragrance allures you with the duo of earthy bay leaf and airy Hedione jasmine. These fresh tones are anchored by the woody, somewhat tribal base of guaiac wood, patchouli, oak moss and ambergris. The result is a fragrance that feels familiar, yet updated; classic, yet edgy.

In line with the dynamic feel of the scent and the theme of victory, the bottle is a stylised trophy or award, aimed at making you feel just a little bit more special every time you reach for it. With clear, minimalistic chrome etching and a clear liquid, the bottle projects quiet confidence and refinement. This design would make a beautiful addition to any perfume collection, and the quality of the cologne itself makes this a highly recommended purchase.