Invictus Aqua (2018)

Okay, this one will probably come off as a bit generic, but that's fine by me because it's pretty much my favorite summer fragrance ever created. Not saying it's the most expensive, or most carefully-crafted, or the objectively best, but it's my personal favorite that works so well to my tastes. I will say as a disclaimer that I've never smelled Paco Rabanne's 2016 version of this so I have no basis of comparison. To me, this is almost saltwater taffy in a cologne bottle. It's sweet, bubblegummy, but also very salty and oceanic with a slightly soapy quality, the latter two accords being the first thing you'll smell off the first spray. It later dries down to woods and amber, and this light, slightly aldehydic, almost fabric-softener vibe that lingers faintly. That part is actually my favorite. This won't be everyone's vibe, but it certainly is mine, and I feel like I pull it off extremely well. Honestly, the reason I reached for Invictus Aqua is because I saw it on a list that called it one of the most seductive men's summer fragrances ever created. But honestly, beyond the sex appeal (of which there is plenty), this is a comforting scent to me. It's got an innocent quality, something nostalgic, kind of recalling long-passed sunny summer days where you'd run around in the grass with your bestie, or a childhood vacation to your favorite beach... maybe I'm particularly drawn to this because gives me that feeling. It's very much my comfort cologne. I will also say that despite previous reviews, this actually lasts quite long on me. 7-8 hours, minimum, but there have been times that 24 hours have passed and I can still clearly detect the cologne without sniffing at my skin. Paco Rabanne has since discontinued Invictus Aqua, and given that I'm not really a fan of the other flankers in the Invictus collection, I've been stocking up on this one as much as possible. I will be needing it to get myself through every summer. As for everyone else (since I do realize this review was somewhat self-centered), because this is discontinued, hard-to-find, and probably very expensive due to its scarcity, this may not be worth it for you, especially since there are plenty of close, not-so-discontinued fragrances that have the same vibe and a similarly pleasing scent profile. It might be more worth it to explore those options. (My top examples: YSL Y Eau de Parfum or Hawas.) However, if you've smelled this before, and like me, have fallen in love with this exact vibe, or are curious about anything I or anyone else may have described here, then give it a shot. Your impressions might fall short of the pedestal my review put Invictus Aqua on, but more than likely you will still enjoy and appreciate the scent. For me, definite 10/10, for both technical and sentimental reasons.

I've been part of the fragrance community for at least 7+ years and have never felt like commenting or reviewing until now. Even though this kind of DNA that Invictus carries, is dominating the more modern fragrances, as it obviously appeals to great majority of people since I feel that we're just a very small percentage of people who not only just buy a fragrance, but collect them with passion and immerse ourselves deeper in their accords and stages. I have never owned the original Invictus, but I have obviously smelled it on more occassions since every 3rd guy either has that, One Million, Sauvage - you know the drill. Never have I tested this fragrance, but based on all the notes and vivid, picturesque descriptions of it, I felt like this is could be the best of both worlds, not only fresh but also mass-appealing, being slightly sweet. I ended up blind buying a bottle of this a bit over a year ago and boy I tell you this has far exceeded my expectations. The slight marine accord with a hint of saltiness and freshness perfectly compliment the sweeter, so called "bubble gum" nature of the frangrance (which isn't the best analogy in my opinion). I am so happy that I've picked up a full 100 ml bottle, now knowing that you literally cannot find this anywhere else anymore, being discontinued since a while. It performs like a beast, applied about 3 - 4 sprays at half past 7 in the morning and at 21:30 I can still smell it off of my neck, leaving and incredible scent trail. I do understand where most people come from, expressing dislike to this fragrance or the type of DNA it carries, but this to me is heavenly and could be worn all-year around, any season, any weather. Smells gorgeous and longevity is incredible. I feel bad for those that couldn't pick up a bottle of this before it got discontinued, mostly because of lack of reviews or due to negative ones. I am delighted that my bottle is still well about 90% full, will definitely last me for 3+ years more.

For most young or even middle aged guys this is a phenomenal warm weather frag. Shortly after purchasing this I found myself reaching for it more and more. (Became my out and about summer go too) If you are mid 30's or under you could easily pull this off in any warm weather casual party or even a casual date. I know from hearing reviews that performance doesn't compare to the OG version, I can't really speak on that. I will say even the 2018 version I would get 5 really good hours with ease and then it would start to taper off. It remains a skin scent for a very long time. If you are a casual fragrance fan looking for a good go to for summer and casual warm weather this is as good or better than anything else I have found and women love it. I would honestly say it's like a summer version of Eros. Not in the sense that they smell similar, more so that they accomplish the same thing a loud bubbly, friendly, outgoing scent that will be noticed. Scent - 9 Projection - 8 longevity - 8.5 Girls - 10 Had 0 negative responses and well above average compliments Total 9/10 I'm sure this won't blow any serious collector away but for the rest of us this will work very well.

Overall a solid release. To my nose this is more of an "aquatic" version of the Invictus DNA when compared to the 2016 version. In the opening you get the grapefruit and violet with hints of aquatic notes , anchored down by the ambroxan and amberwood. In my opinion it is more smoother and pleasant than the 2016 version. This is just as good for compliments from the ladies. The 2016 does beat this version in performance, however this is no slouch. While the 2016 version projected more and lasted for 10+hrs , this gives you 7+ hrs, even longer on fabric ,with solid projection. It is still above average in performance ,especially when considering it is a "fresh" fragrance. I sprayed this 2x on a shirt then washed it and was still able to pick up the scent. In my opinion if you missed out on the 2016 release this is a solid substitute. If you own the 2016 but dont want to use it all up, this can take its place just fine. There's no need to over pay for the 2016 version in my opinion. I think Paco Rabanne refined the smell by using smoother chemicals that last a little less , but giving it an overall smother smell.

Having loved the original Invictus, I purchased a decant of this and the 2016 version that ended up on me buying the full bottle which says a lot about this fragrance. Its definitely a great release (or re-release) from the house of Paco Rabanne, its fresh, aromatic, clean and just the right amount of sweetness to top it all off. This fragrance lasted for a long time on my skin, around 8 to 10 hrs. Projects really well for the first 2 hrs and I got a really nice whiffs throughout the usage which I absolutely love. Compared to the 2016 Aqua, I slightly lean towards the 2018, 2016 Aqua is also fresh but too aquatic, sea-ish and a bit sour on the opening, and definitely not worth the inflated price. If you are considering between this and 2016 Aqua, I Definitely suggest this over the 2016 or probably Rasasi Hawas if you really wanted the 2016 Aqua feel but not wanting to pay the premium. Works best in daytime casual environment throughout spring/summer. Definitely signature scent worthy, people pleasing and compliment getter. Overall score : 8/10