Nothing smells quite like success. The good news is, Victory is yours when you choose the best Invictus cologne.
Invictus is a Latin word that translates as unconquered or undefeated. It’s the embodiment of a determined, strong spirit and represents a person’s ability to triumph in the face of challenge.
So, it’s no coincidence that Paco Rabanne chose a trophy-shaped bottle to contain its original 2013 juice. And one thing is sure; Paco Rabanne is not a designer brand to rest on its laurels. The best Invictus cologne is as triumphant today as it was over a decade ago.
From successful influencer and Tik Tok star Noah Beck to the new face of Paco Rabanne’s Invictus fragrance collection, Houston Rockets, NBA player Jalen Green. Invictus fans are sexy, sporty, and driven.
Not all fragrance flankers are created equal. But first, let’s get to grips with the term flanker. The science behind a brand’s decision to create fragrance flankers is to showcase a familiar best-selling scent while at the same time launching something new and in keeping with current trends.
A flanker is a reincarnation of a popular fragrance. It builds on the original perfume, meaning that Paco Rabbane’s Victory launched in 2021, flanks the OG 2013 Invictus.
Here, with so many diverse versions of the best Invictus cologne, I’ve picked up the gauntlet to bring you what I consider to be my best 5 buys.
So, if you’re man enough to take on the challenge, keep scrolling.
Key Takeaways
Are you looking to win big in the scent stakes this season? Paco Rabanne’s Invictus range is a masterclass in modern yet sophisticated fragrances.
Here, I dish the deets and break down the notes to help you choose the best Invictus cologne to suit your personality and lifestyle. Whether you opt for my personal champion, Invictus Victory, or my favorite Amazon pick Invictus Platinum, you’re sure to come out on top.
Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory EDP Extreme at Amazon
Paco Rabanne Invictus for Men EDT at Amazon
Paco Rabanne Invictus Platinum at Amazon
Paco Rabanne Invictus for Men 3-Piece Tin Box Set at Amazon
1. Best Overall: Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory EDP Extreme
If your life motto is “go hard or go home,” you’ll love my top pick, Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory. This knock-out frag is the best Invictus cologne for men who appreciate sweet and sexy vanilla scents.
Released in 2021, this flanker is a new and welcome addition to the Invictus line-up. The spicy opening is softened with fragrant lavender and settles seamlessly into a rich, ambery vanilla base. To my nose, Invictus Victory is an elevated reincarnation of the brand’s Pure XS cologne.
Sweet gourmand fragrances typically have stellar staying power. And in this area Invictus Victory delivers and then some. Its Eau de Parfum Extreme formula is an absolute powerhouse, delivering a heavy dose of scent that hangs on tight for at least 8 hours. Look no further for your next fall favorite or winter wonder fragrance.
Top Notes: Pink pepper, lemon| Middle Notes: Olibanum, lavender | Base notes: Vanilla, tonka bean, amber| Size: 1.7oz | Type: Eau de Parfum Extreme | Season: Fall, winter
2. Best Budget: Paco Rabanne Invictus for Men EDT
Let’s get real; at around 60 dollars for a 1.7oz bottle, Paco Rabanne Invictus isn’t the king of budget colognes. But I’m here to tell you there’s more than one way to ensure your fragrance represents good
To avoid splashing the cash on a plethora of scents for different occasions, then you need a solid all-rounder. More importantly, minimize the risk of investing in a blind buy you’ll end up relegating to the back bench by opting for a cologne with mass appeal. Paco Rabanne Invictus checks both boxes with gusto.
If citrus fresh fragrances with splashy aquatic vibes are in your wheelhouse, then the OG will be your best Invictus perfume fit. This aromatic Eau de Toilette is a great cologne option for younger guys. It’s lightweight and approachable. Moreover, it offers just enough sweetness to give it an edge over its cologne competitors. Invictus EDT is the ultimate casual cologne. It’s an instant hit for everyday wear and is perfect for spring and summer.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, mandarin, sea notes| Middle Notes: Bay leaf, jasmine | Base notes: Ambergris, guaiac wood, oakmoss, patchouli| Size: 1.7oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Spring, summer
3. Best on Amazon: Paco Rabanne Invictus Platinum
I like to split fresh fragrances into two categories: the blues and the greens. The blue scents feature aquatic, watery notes, like the OG Invictus EDT. Meanwhile, the greens showcase botanical, herbaceous notes like my top Amazon choice, Paco Rabanne Invictus Platinum.
Invictus Platinum is an aromatic cologne with an uplifting citrus opening and woody finish. The green element comes courtesy of invigorating mint, patchouli, and an interesting absinthe note that adds a touch of sweet anise to the blend. This buy is the best Invictus cologne for men who appreciate more niche scents.
On some skin types, I’ve noticed the juice can come across as a little medicinal, putting Invictus Platinum in the “try before you buy” category. But if you’re one of the lucky guys whose skin chemistry plays well with this unique scent, you’re set to discover the best Invictus cologne for long-lasting, day-to-night wear.
Top Notes: Absinthe, grapefruit| Middle Notes: Mint, lavender | Base notes: Ambergris, guaiac wood, oakmoss, patchouli| Size: 1.7oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Spring, summer, fall
4. Best Smelling: Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory Elixir Parfum Intense
I own and love Invictus Victory. So, when I saw Paco Rabanne was releasing Victory Elixir, the $64million dollar question I asked myself was: Do I need to add this to my growing collection too? After putting both fragrances through their paces, for me, the answer is a surefire yes.
Both best Invictus colognes play around with the same notes. Yet it’s the way that these notes mingle with each other and develop over time that really sets them apart. While the original Victory opens more citrusy and settles into the amber and vanilla base, Elixir comes straight out the gate with those warm resinous notes.
It’s not an officially listed note, but I 100 per cent detect a coconutty element that reveals itself in the heart of the scent, along with the tonka bean. Where Elixir pulls away from the pack, though, is with its longevity. While Victory puts in an 8–9-hour shift, Elixir stretches to the 9-11 hour mark. Like its older sibling, Elixir is a great cold weather, nighttime fragrance.
Notes: Vanilla, olibanum, amber, tonka bean | Size: 3.4oz | Type: Parfum Intense | Season: Fall, winter
5. Best for Work: Paco Rabanne Invictus for Men 3-Piece Tin Box Set
It’s a catch-22. For a fragrance to be work-appropriate, it must be subtle and non-cloying, which counts out heavy Eau de Parfum. But with the average workday lasting 8 hours and Eau de Toilette having a general wear time of 4-5 hours, herein lies a problem.
Luckily, there’s a way to still enjoy a fresh, airy scent without compromising longevity. Paco Rabanne Invictus’ bright citrus and aquatic notes make it a top contender for professional wear. Now, thanks to a handy Invictus gift set, you can boost this EDT’s staying power so you smell sweet until you punch out.
First, use the Invictus body wash in the morning. Layering products with the same scent is a great way to boost projection. Then, spritz the Invictus spray on pulse points after hopping out of the shower when your pores are more open. Finally, throw the handy travel spray in your back pocket to top up for post-work drinks.
Top Notes: Grapefruit, mandarin, sea notes| Middle Notes: Bay leaf, jasmine | Base notes: Ambergris, guaiac wood, oakmoss, patchouli| Size: 3.4oz/3.4oz/0.33oz | Type: Eau de Toilette | Season: Spring, summer
What to Look for in the Best Invictus Cologne
Longevity
Invictus Eau de Toilette is a manly scent that’s well-balanced and versatile. It will keep you smelling like a winner for around 4-5 hours. This performance makes it a classy contender for wearing to work or whenever you want a more subtle dose of scent.
But in the true battle for supremacy, two main contenders go head-to-head. These are Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory EDP Extreme with 8 hours of longevity and Paco Rabanne Invictus Victory Elixir Parfum Intense with an impressive 9-11 hours of staying power. Both these best Invictus colognes will leave you free to take on any challenge and wear well in winter when you need more punchy projection.
Scent
Paco Rabanne’s Invictus scent line-up includes bold, masculine, people-pleasing colognes. Maybe you’re looking for a sharp citrus opening with a woody finish, like Paco Rabanne’s Invictus Platinum or a marine-inspired scent with sweet undertones courtesy of the OG Invictus.
Whatever scent works best for you, I guarantee you’ll find the best Invictus cologne to suit your mood, taste, and preference. So, if you are searching for a scent to help you take the lead at work, or impress on date night, any one of the best Invictus colognes will leave you feeling like a winner.
Size
If you’re trying out a fragrance for the first time, opt for a 1.7oz bottle. Yes, we all know that when buying perfume, bigger is better. The larger the bottle, the cheaper the cost per spray. But, if you blind-buy and end up not being a big fan of the fragrance, it’s not money well spent.
On the flip side, if you’ve enjoyed wearing the same signature best Invictus perfume ever since you can remember, then go ahead and splash out on the largest bottle you can afford. It should give you two sprays a day for around 12-16 months. Alternatively, go for a 3-piece Invictus tin box set. Here, you’ll find a 3oz EDT spray, a body wash, and a 0.33oz mini spray, making it a smart option for travel.
Final Verdict
Find a family of fragrances you are sure to love. Moreover, you need never shop around again. The classic Paco Rabanne Invictus DNA is light, bright, and fresh.
Meanwhile, modern flankers feature extra warm and woody elements meaning there’s a best Invictus cologne for every season, like my winter wingman Invictus Victory. Its potent blend offers impressive longevity and a compliment-worthy vanilla aroma to enhance your natural skin scent.
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- Are Invictus perfumes good?
A benchmark as to what goes into making a top cologne for men is its ability to remain current and on-trend. Paco Rabanne successfully and consistently creates spin-off scents from the OG Invictus. The brand proves time and time again that these perfumes are way better than “good”. The proof of the pudding is that this past Father’s Day, Invictus Platinum ranked number four of the Perfume Shop’s top 10 bestselling fragrances. Over the years, the Invictus range has earned me more compliments than many other mainstream fragrances.
- Which Invictus cologne is best for summer?
Fresh or floral fragrances are top of my list when scrolling for a summer scent. On a blazing hot day, there’s nothing worse than being smacked in the nose by an overly woodsy or Oriental perfume. For me, the best Invictus cologne once the temperature starts to climb is Paco Rabanne Invictus for Men EDT. It opens with a fresh, sharp sea note with a hint of citrus before reaching the smooth and sweet stage. Some reviewers say this fragrance is best for younger guys. But this summer, go crazy and throw that age-appropriate rule book out of the window!
- Do girls like Invictus?
The right fragrance can take you from zero to hero in seconds. Women say they like colognes that exude masculinity and confidence. As expert Arnaud Montet, VP at International Flavors & Fragrances, explains, a man’s cologne must say, “I am masculine, powerful, and clean. This answers a woman’s basic needs.” Invictus hits the mark on all three counts. So when searching for a cologne that women love, you can’t go wrong opting for one of my best Invictus colognes for men.
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