Run Wild by Davidoff

Total disappointment. I thought it smelled different from Invictus, but Fragrantica was right: it’s almost identical. Perhaps slightly less citrusy and aquatic, but otherwise spot on. Soon detergents will be selling this ‘Invictus-like’ scent. Ideal if you want to smell just like everyone else; it even smells like Ariel. It had its moment, but today… if you’re looking for something cheap or want to give a joke to an Invictus fan, this is your option.

Undoubtedly, no hype at all. But it’s a proper stinker. Over time, it will become a hidden gem. Although it smells much the same, it’s utterly delicious.

A sweet, fresh, and green cologne, very pleasant, in the style of Wanted and Invictus. Poor longevity and average sillage. Very affordable price and perfect for daily wear.

Run Wild seems born with the ‘ugly duckling’ label alongside its sister ‘Cool Water Intense’. It gives the impression that Davidoff is asked for originality as if from other cool brands. In an era where 99% smells like Invictus or Aventus, Davidoff always offered exciting proposals: Classic, Cool Water, Good Life, or Zino as ‘elite’, and others modest but appreciable like Echo, Relax, or Adventure. Run Wild belongs to this second group. I like it, although it’s not original. It smells like Invictus from the start. The first day I tested it on my arm and could smell it all the way on the train; it projected strongly. But it’s not quite that: it comes out strong and rowdy, but calms down quickly, mutating from Invictus to Chanel Bleu, becoming another trendy perfume. Clearly for a more adult audience, not just due to potency, but because they smoothed out the rough edges and kept the essentials, turning it into a daily wear for men over thirty. It’s the mature and serious version of Invictus, for those who find Paco Rabanne perfumes too scandalous. It won’t go down in history, but it’s perfectly enjoyable for those who don’t always seek something unique.