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Paco Rabanne is synonymous with an unconventional style. Over the years, the fashion house has crafted innovative apparel and classic fragrances, with the latter being famous for their timeless ingredients and unique spins.Â
In this 1 million cologne review, we turn our sights on this fabulous cologne, unwrapping the mystery behind its head-turning aroma and masterful seduction. Is this a good fragrance for you? Read on to find out.
What’s the Story Behind Paco Rabanne 1 Million?
The House of Paco Rabanne released One Million in August 2008, proclaiming it as a “fresh and sensual blend of notes, with glittery shine of gold.” Paco Rabanne, the creator of this iconic fragrance, is believed to have received inspiration from his world of metallic-architectural fashion and design — and, of course, gold.
Gold, an old-time seducer, encompasses all aspects of human civilization. From design and architecture to fashion, clothes, and accessories, gold forms an intrinsic and well-respected part of our culture and is widely coveted for its decadence.
In formulating 1 million EDT, a trio of master perfumers (Christophe Raynaud, Michel Girard, and Olivier Pescheux) incorporated golden nuances into the cologne, making the scent synonymous with success.Â
1 Million by Paco Rabanne is pure seduction in a bottle. It releases your inhibitions and enhances your natural instincts and the desire to indulge.Â
A real trendsetter, One Million Cologne laid the ground for other terrific scents, such as Giorgio Armani’s Aqua Di Gio and Versace’s Eros. (To learn more about this cologne, check out my Versace Eros cologne review).Â
This formulation is one of the most admired, top-selling fragrances ever. We unpack the reasons for this next.
1 Million Paco Rabanne
Our Verdict of 1 Million Paco Rabanne
Presentation
1 Million Paco Rabanne is instantly recognizable from its distinctive bottle shaped like a 24-carat gold bar. Pure, striking, and perfectly smooth, the opulence-oozing flacon sports a sleek, golden body and comes in a similar-colored box. It also has an in-built pushdown atomizer which blends perfectly with the general gold aesthetic.
The cologne bottle features golden nuances. And since gold contains divine notes, the bottle and its contents epitomize luxury, wealth, power, and durability.
Paco Rabanne’s One Million Cologne is available in bottle sizes of 50 and 100 ml (1.7 and 3.4 ounces). The fragrance comes singly or as a set accompanied by body care products such as a stick/spray deodorant or shower gel.
Scent
1 Million Cologne for Men is all about provocative, sexy elegance wrapped in a spicy leather accord. This fresh, woody-spicy manly fragrance features well-balanced notes and is the ultimate scent of insolence interlaced with irresistible seduction. It’s also one of Paco Rabanne’s top-rated fragrance formulations.
How Does Paco Rabanne One Million Smell?
One Million smells absolutely delicious. An unrivaled scent explosion from the get-go, this irresistibly captivating fragrance opens with top notes featuring intense blood mandarin, a refreshing burst of cool mint, and grapefruit. The opening is bold and super sweet, almost like candy or bubble gum.
After about 20 minutes tops, the scent progresses, gradually ushering in a sensual cinnamon and rose accord combi before ending in a musky dry-down comprising amber, patchouli, and leather. The ending is spicier, and the cinnamon stands out.
1 Million Eau de Toilette is warm, loud, spicy, and sweet. The bubble gum aroma springs from the blend of citrus, rose, leather, and the rest of the underlying flavors, while amber’s warm essence wraps up the scent in a thick cloud.Â
Undeniably masculine, this is a polarizing scent you either love or dislike from the first whiff.
Performance
1 Million posts above-average performance. For an eau de toilette, this masterfully blended cologne boasts monstrous staying power, lasting effortlessly through the day or night. When worn at night, it progresses well into the morning.
This fragrance sticks around for about 10 to 12 hours (or more) on the skin, all the while smelling absolutely amazing. What’s more, someone can smell its powerful sillage from way off.
Versatility
1 Million Perfume rates okay in terms of versatility. A little on the heavy side for summer, the scent works best in cold (winter and autumn) or moderate weather. It’s the kind of stuff that pairs well with freshly polished shoes and a striking suit, helping you stand out.Â
Go a little easy on the pump if wearing Million cologne to work, as too much of it can become garishly overwhelming. Also, owing to its overtly masculine aroma, it’s unsuitable for men with sensitive noses or unisex wear.
For best results, wear it:
- Casually over the weekendÂ
- For a night of clubbing with the boysÂ
- Whenever you want to feel successful
Overall
1 Million cologne is a fragrance brimming with overt sex appeal. Elegant yet cheeky, the intoxicating blend starts out fresh and potent, then eases into a warm, spicy leather accord in a breathtaking alchemy of blazing seduction.
Over the years, this scent has graced the fragrance counters of men, often taking the coveted position of a beloved signature scent. If you wore it during its heydays, it’s sure to bring back nostalgic memories. Indulge yourself.Â
The cologne is made for teenagers coming of age and flamboyant young adults, particularly the not-so-gentle-men with a rebellious charm. And like all Paco Rabanne scents, it’s uncompromising in its quality and performance. It doesn’t come cheap, either.
Per this Paco Rabanne 1 million review, get this cologne if you want a fragrance that will keep your senses enthralled all day or night. This fresh, spicy scent will offer that and more: You will also possess a luxury brand whose classy appeal is beyond reproach.
Note: Newer formulations might contain additional notes, such as peppermint and Tonka bean, while durability might be less thrilling.
Top Notes: Blood Mandarin, Mint, , Frosted Grapefruit
Middle Notes: Spicy Notes, Cinnamon Bark, Rose Absolute
Base Notes: Whitewood, Indian Patchouli, Leather, Amberketal
Pros
- Smells incredibly delicious
- An intense fragrance with an enduring aroma
- Hugely popular
Cons
- Some people find the opening overly sweet
- Overuse and overwhelming popularity have marred its reputation