Let’s face it, guys, Versace Eros and Paco Rabanne Invictus are two of the most popular warm-weather men’s fragrances on the market. Both fragrances are known for their bold, fresh, masculine scents and ability to turn heads.
Over the years, I have owned several bottles of both fragrances. However, before you buy, there are some key differences between Versace Eros vs Invictus that I wanted to cover.
Versace Eros vs Paco Rabanne Invictus
In the name of research, I popped in-store at Harrods in London to compare Versace Eros EDT vs Paco Rabanne Invictus EDT.
1. Versace Eros Eau de Toilette
Review
Versace Eros is a citrusy yet semi-sweet fragrance that hit stores in 2012. This classy male fragrance oozes class and has that trying-without-trying feel about it.
The first thing I notice is a wave of citrusy freshness. The lemon and apple are bold, giving the fragrance a bright and upbeat feel, and the mint adds a touch of complexity.
Wood becomes more noticeable upon dry-down, adding a touch of warmth and depth to the fragrance. The musk, tonka bean, and vanilla bring a luxurious feel.
Check out my review of the entire Versace Eros collection.
Top Notes:
Mint, Green Apple, Lemon
Mid Notes:
Tonka Bean, Geranium, Ambroxan
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Cedar
Seasons & Longevity
Versace Eros will last you 6+ hours with ease. It is a bold, confident scent that I feel makes a statement and is an excellent choice for any season, especially a night out when dressed to impress.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | Head-turning male freshie with a touch of class. |
| Cons | Very strong at first but settles after an hour. |
2. Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette
Review
Launched in 2013, Paco Rabanne Invictus is a modern, fresh, aquatic fragrance that has remained one of my no-brainer, easy-reach scents over the past decade.
I love the initial wave of refreshing salty citrus; the grapefruit and mandarin orange are prominent and give a refreshing feel. Pineapple adds a splash of tropical sweetness, and it helps to balance out the citrus.
As Invictus dries down, the bay leaf and jasmine become more noticeable. These notes add a touch of spice and warmth to the fragrance. Oakmoss, amber, and patchouli round out the scent giving it a clean and woody feel.
Don’t forget to check out my review on the ENTIRE Paco Rabanne Invictus range.
Top Notes:
Marine Notes, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange
Mid Notes:
Bay Leaf, Jasmine
Base Notes:
Ambergris, Guaiac Wood, Oakmoss, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
It is a refreshing, invigorating scent that is sure to boost your confidence for 5+ hours. I would wear this during spring/summer for running errands, shopping trips, a day at the beach or a workout.
Benefits & Drawbacks
| Pros | A classic-style fresh male scent that will get you noticed |
| Cons | Does not work so well in the colder seasons |
Andrew’s Top Pick
Versace Eros Eau de Toilette
My top pick is Versace Eros Eau de Toilette, as it’s just a little more versatile than Invictus. Fresh in the summer and with a little more depth for the colder seasons. Perfect!
Buyers Summary
| Feature | Versace Eros | Invictus |
|---|---|---|
| Top notes | Mint, Green Apple, Lemon | Marine Notes, Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange |
| Heart notes | Tonka Bean, Geranium, Ambroxan | Bay Leaf, Jasmine |
| Base notes | Vanilla, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Cedar | Ambergris, Guaiac Wood, Oakmoss, Patchouli |
| Overall scent | Bold, citrusy-sweet | Fresh, aquatic |
| Best for | Night out, special occasion | Day at the beach, workout |
Conclusion
So, which of these fragrances is right for you? If you want a bold, confident scent that leans more toward late afternoon and eveningwear, then Versace Eros is a great choice. However, Invictus is the way to go if you need an invigorating freshie for the daytime.
Related: 17 Best Fragrances For Teenage Guys
