Invictus Intense by Rabanne

What a beast. I’ve been aging this since 2019, had about 65ml left. Over time, I bought tons of other perfumes and let this sit forgotten in the closet, but when I finally tried it again, the oxidation completely transformed it. It turned slightly fruity with a very pleasant, almost cucumber-like note that mixes beautifully with the whiskey and sounds incredible. I don’t wear it much because I can’t find a reason not to, but it smelled way better than when I first tried it back in 2019.

Very intense; two sprays is already too much. Spectacular longevity, can last even over 24 hours. In my opinion, a bit excessive; you have to be careful not to overdo it. Ideal for night and occasions where you want to stand out. It’s an informal scent.

So rich, too bad they discontinued it. Got one two months ago, I’m going to take care of it to the max.

Please bring it back!

First off, I want to emphasize that this review is from memory; I finished it a few years ago and don’t have it anymore. But I keep a good memory of it. We need to be clear: it’s an Invictus flanker from PR, don’t expect something totally new. No, this is Invictus but with more depth, like a more mature version. Personally, I loved it. Back then, I only used One Million, regular Invictus, and then this Intense version or CK One, sticking to the most mass-appealing scents. My recommendation: if you like Invictus and see it, buy it, you won’t regret it. But keep in mind you’ll get a deep Invictus, and that’s worth it.

Intoxicating, a bomb of sweetness, childish, and not for diabetics. Recommended for kids.

It’s the DNA of Invictus with a darker twist. Good performance, but the intensity gives me headaches, so I wouldn’t buy it again. It gets compliments but smells a bit youthful for my taste.

Smells great, not cloying or annoying. If you get compliments (happened to me at an Oxxo with the cashier), it’s versatile, though I wouldn’t wear it on hot days. Longevity: 9/10 (lasts over 12h, though not very strong). Sillage: 8/10. Price: 6/10. Versatility: 7/10 (not for extreme heat).

Magnificent, but on my skin it lasts 6 hours with strong projection. I sprayed twice and it was a bomb for the first hour, then the intensity dropped but it’s still there. It’s sweet, mysterious, like a suit-and-tie man who knows what he wants. It wrapped around me. Ideal for a mysterious man who loves the beach. The amber and whisky notes definitely make it my favorite. I tested it against Acqua di Giò Profumo and stuck with this. On clothes, it lasts 24 hours with strong projection at first and 10 hours later, amazing. Worth it. Sometimes it feels like sipping sweet whisky on the beach. Great how a fragrance can awaken emotions. It doesn’t smell the same on everyone; unlike regular Invictus, which is heavily copied, I loved this Intense version. My advice: spray it on clothes if it doesn’t last on your skin. You’ll notice when you try it. Since it didn’t last long on my skin, I got discouraged, but on clothes it’s phenomenal. If it’s very sunny, the sun evaporates it, so better for night, but try it whenever. It’s the best I’ve heard, and if you like it, buy it. The essential is that you like it.

This Invictus flanker strays quite far from its mother; the sticky sweetness (present in other Puig releases) contrasts with the aquatic-woody formula that made the original 2013 version popular. I don’t detect the whisky; it’s one of the least alcoholic and woody versions in the line, more amber and sweet. With so many clones and copies, this “Intense” is dispensable and overdone; no one will remember you for it, it smells like bets that filled shelves this decade. It seems like an Eau de Parfum due to its short trail even when freshly applied; to be an EDT Intense, it feels dense and low on alcohol, but close to the skin it lasted over 8 hours, developing better on non-scorching summer nights. It was a gift, pleasant for work or casual outings because it’s different from what I usually wear, but I see it only for fans of this plastic-like and sugary trend where Rabanne excels.

For me, this is the crown jewel of the entire Invictus line.

There’s an artificial note that turns me off, similar to Acqua di Gio Profumo. It feels identical to the original, which is the one I prefer. It has good longevity, a smoky touch, and a slightly boozy vibe. Perfect for going out at night. Paco Rabanne remains a hit, offering trendy products, although personally, I haven’t loved them much. Watch out: for almost the same price, you can grab the discontinued Tenere, a gem from the same designer.

I learned to be decisive with the review and then with the use: I completely changed my mind. I have it and will share my first impressions followed by the final verdict. First: that plasticky, artificial sensation typical of PR and CH. Second: I acknowledge its superior longevity compared to many high-end brands. Third: its ability to cater to simple, popular tastes. We know we can’t be too demanding with an Invictus. It resembles the original in its laurel note, its signature. It has a sweet amber base from start to finish; the orange-pepper combo is clean, sweet, and spicy, a lovely effect. The amber-bourbon blend is pleasant and spicy, diluting over time into a rougher sweetness. It’s for night use, for young parties where you want to overpower other scents without standing out for originality. It’s different from the original (marine, sweet, patchouli) and the Aqua (aquatic, citrus, more sparkling for summer). In short: it’s good and follows mass trends.

I’ve tried three from the line (Original, Aqua, and Intense). While many gravitate toward the Aqua, I’m sticking with this one by far. Beyond the freshness of the Original, it handles notes that give it a more sophisticated and mature vibe. I really loved it and hope to add it to my collection soon. Scent: 9/10, Longevity: 9/10.

At first, it has a heavy trail, feeling sweet, almost like sunscreen, with neroli. The laurel reminds me of Kouros. A touch of whiskey (if you let your imagination run). At 3 hours: amber and soft pepper. At 6 hours: a dirty amber (probably the ambergris), amber, and salt. At 12 hours: a mixed amber finish, quite synthetic. It’s a heavy opening if you overapply it. It maintains a good trail for 4-5 hours, then becomes moderate but lasts past 12 hours. I see it more for winter and maybe for night. It’s a loaded fragrance with this trendy ambergris note, and that finish becomes a bit tiresome.