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.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
Andrew is a fragrance enthusiast, collector, and seasoned writer who has a burning passion for all things fragrance and flavour-related, from woody aromatics to green & spicy. Andrew’s Full Bio.
