Invictus Intense by Rabanne

At first, it repelled me, but I eventually grew to love it. Initially, it felt too white-floral, something I hadn’t noticed in men’s perfumes before, only in women’s. I imagined something more amber and sweet, with a touch of Invictus, but no; it’s a floral bomb with those typical orange and laurel notes, though as it dries down, the whisky and amber become more prominent, approaching what I expected. It wasn’t my style, but now I adore it. Highly recommended for scent, longevity, and projection. Thanks to it, I stepped out of my comfort zone and learned to appreciate the different.

An ignored jewel. I don’t understand why it doesn’t have more recognition or appear on ‘must buy’ lists. Honestly, it has qualities that the public usually values. My girlfriend said it ‘smells like an expensive perfume’ and she’s right. Beyond vaguely recalling the original Invictus, it smells of category, presence, and a classy young man. It’s striking, designed for the night, yet without losing intensity, adding sophistication. The opening moves away from the EDT: a sharp pepper, a soft flower, then an elegant whisky that doesn’t smell boozy, followed by the amber, an absolute and deep protagonist, distinct from today’s designer ambers. Occasionally, salty touches à la Olympéa spice it up perfectly. If you push me, I’d say it could belong in a niche bottle. Perhaps that’s why it didn’t work commercially? I know later batches dropped in performance, but I have a 2016 batch and it’s a bomb: over 12 hours longevity, high projection for three hours, and a constant trail. It leaves that oily base that’s almost invisible, signifying real power. In short, Invictus Intense is an undervalued jewel. If it were launched today, it would be better received. It retains nuances of the original but takes risks, being bolder, denser, and more adult. It’s not super versatile, but it works all year round except in extreme heat. The early batches, like mine, were nuclear. If you find it, don’t hesitate. I treat my 30ml like gold and hunt for a refill like a treasure.

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

Sweet, tipsy, millennial chiclet style, heavier than a bakala after a farla and MDMA binge.

It was my signature fragrance for special occasions during adolescence. It’s from the Invictus family, but thanks to the whisky notes, it’s less youthful than the classic. Now, with more age, it feels like a simpler scent compared to others I own, but I keep a lovely memory of it. It’s a pity they discontinued it. Within the range I’ve had (Invictus classic, Onyx, Intense, and Victory), it’s the one that smells the best and I like it the most, perhaps due to its whisky notes which are also in my current favourite fragrance (Givenchy Gentleman Reserve Privée). I recommend buying it for people between 17 and 20 years old; for older individuals, it may seem simple, and for younger ones, very strong. In my opinion, it works both day and night, but I recommend it for the night, especially at the club, because it’s not elegant and doesn’t reach its full potential in daily wear. In strong heat, it’s certainly heavy, but it can be used on summer nights. I hope you enjoy your purchase if you choose this; ideally, you should try it first, but since it’s discontinued, it’s hard to find and test.

Excellent perfume; it lasts six hours and stays close to the skin until 7 pm. The amber note is what really stands out.

Every time I wear it, I receive compliments; it’s incredible.

Highly recommended, a real gem.

It’s a perfume that smells good; it doesn’t cloy or bother. If you receive compliments, as happened to me at an Oxxo with the cashier, it has versatility, although I wouldn’t wear it on a very hot day. Longevity: 9/10, it lasts more than 12 hours (obviously without much strength). Projection: 8/10. Price: 6/10. Versatility: 7/10 (not recommended for hot days).

This Invictus flanker diverges quite a bit from its parent; 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 trite; 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, yet close to the skin it lasted over eight hours, developing better on summer evenings that aren’t too hot. 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 plasticine and sugary trend in which Rabanne is an expert.

A fragrance that, at least on me, lasts many hours. If you want it to project and last, it’s an excellent option. Its scent is between sweet and liquorish; ufff. Definitely a good blind buy. Don’t hesitate, go get it now, and later you’ll thank me.

It’s a sweet amber with an alcoholic kick, finishing with a salty, marine, and spicy touch. Lasts 12 hours on skin and 24 on clothes. The trail has significant presence without being beastly. I think it suits evening better, though it’s not bad during the day. It activates quite well in cool weather.

I haven’t used this in a long time as I didn’t think much of it. Today, wanting to break my routine, I found it very timid at the bottom of the drawer. I sprayed it without thinking. Its sweet, creamy, and spicy opening left me wanting more (I didn’t remember it being this good). I thought it would fade soon, but it lasted all day, changing and vibrant. After five hours, it mutates into something more refined, a sweet-soft/citrus-green scent that suggests a well-made fragrance. At work, where perfume comments aren’t common, this one received two positive remarks. The experience was very good.

Very sweet at first, then it mellows. I feel it changes over time, softening considerably. Even after several hours, I sense a trail that overwhelms my senses. Something very sweet/salty. It’s not one of my favourites, but my girlfriend gifted it to me and I liked it to vary from the usual.

Undoubtedly the best of the trilogy is Invictus Aqua. This Intense version doesn’t convince me; its blend of pepper, orange blossom, and salt is not pleasant compared to the other two, which on my skin are fresh and complex. Longevity 6 hours, projection 3 hours. For nights and cold climates. Regarding value for money, I give it 7/10. It can be found online between 50 and 75 dollars.