Editors Rating
Key Takeaways
I know it’s popular to rock niche fragrances right now, but there is one major benefit to embracing a more mainstream cologne. Paco Rabanne 1 Million is widely available and shows no signs of being discontinued. This signature scent is super easy to find from Amazon to your local department store.
It’s all very well discovering an unheard-of brand in an independent boutique on your vacation to Costa Rica until you need a refill. Trust me, I would know. I discovered one of my all-time favorite men’s fragrances at the Blue Lagoon spa in Iceland. The fact I knew I’d likely never get to re-purchase it almost spoilt the scent for me. I relegated it to special occasion status and held onto the bottle for so long that the juice turned sour.
Value for Money
In terms of price, 1 Million is a mid-range scent. It’s not necessarily a budget buy, but it won’t break the bank. But what makes Paco Rabanne 1 Million good value is that the formula has excellent longevity. Just 3-4 sprays have the power to leave you smelling sexy and sweet for 8-10+ hours. Why is this important? Because the more long-lasting a scent is, the less likely you’ll rip through your bottle by applying frequent top-ups.
Scent
The fact that this Paco Rabanne 1 Million review is still relevant today is a testament to the timelessness of this men’s cologne. Launched in 2008, even 15 years later, this fan-favorite fragrance isn’t showing its age. The woody scent profile with sweet spices and zesty citrus still appeals to young, fun-loving fragrance junkies. Fast-forward five years, and I can still see 1 Million being a hit.
Flaws But Not Deal Breakers
The only way to write a fair Paco Rabanne 1 Million review is to include the good with the bad. One of the biggest gripes about 1 Million is its popularity and the fact it’s so easily recognizable. It’s a valid point, but I try to avoid being so narrow-minded when it comes to embracing certain scents. After all, if we can shake off the urge to immediately discount something just because it’s mainstream, we stand to rediscover some amazing colognes.
What Are Customers Saying about Paco Rabanne 1 Million
Out of almost 30,000 Amazon reviewers, 80% rated 1 Million 5 stars, followed by another 10% who awarded it 4 stars. Of course, stats like these speak for themselves, but they’re backed up with glowing comments.
According to Brennan, “I love the way this smells! I bought it for my man, and he smells amazing. It’s a warm scent with notes of vanilla, not overly musky.”
It’s not just the ladies who are avid fans of the fragrance. Just ask lucky reviewer Rob D, who says, “smells so good that my other half did some really naughty things… some of which were quite possibly illegal in certain countries. I’m going to buy a bathtub full of this stuff and simply sleep in it every night. Highly recommended!!!’
Any negative comments come down squarely on the shoulders of 1 Million’s over-popularity. No one puts this better than Fragrantica reviewer 2nuts1bag, “I don’t wear this often because it would become a little too much. I think a lot of negative reviews are because of this reason. Too many people have overdone it. A rich slice of chocolate cake tastes nice, but a second slice might give you a stomachache. Moderation is key. Don’t turn this fragrance into that second slice.”
Unlike many other fragrances, 1 Million has a loyal following. It ranks at a respectable No. 10 on the USA’s top-selling fragrances from June thru August 2022, says Fragrantica.
In any Paco Rabanne 1 Million review, customers should always have the final say. Their message is loud and clear, 1 Million deserves a place in the perfume hall of fame.
Final Verdict
Every week dozens of fragrances are launched, but so many end up as one spritz wonders. For Paco Rabanne 1 Million, though, that’s not the case. Instead, this timeless cologne is as relevant today as it was in 2008. My unbiased Paco Rabanne 1 Million review should have you going for gold and re-adding this classic cologne to your aromatic arsenal.
Alternative Options
1. Dolce & Gabanna The One
Dolce & Gabanna The One is like the older, sophisticated brother of 1 Million. It’s more sultry, mature, and better suited to formal and special occasions. This Dolce & Gabbana cologne carries the same amber, wood, and grapefruit holy trinity but drops the sweet rose and flashy mint. In their place sit ginger, orange blossom, cardamom, and basil. It’s my go-to date night accessory.
2. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky
Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky, released in 2018, is the modern reimagining of this all-star cologne. Bursting with juicy plum, citrus, honey, hazelnut, florals, patchouli, and wood notes, 1 Million Lucky is a more complex and unique offering. While the OG 1 Million is best for fall and winter, 1 Million Lucky is an awesome spring scent.
3. CK One Shock
Love 1 Million but looking for something that’s more daytime friendly? CK One Shock shares a lot of the 1 Million DNA. They both boast an amber, patchouli, and wood base with a citrusy opening and a touch of spice. Where this Calvin Klein cologne differs is that it adds a clean hint of musk, refreshing cucumber and swaps leather for smokey tobacco. The result is a 1 Million-inspired scent that works well when the sun’s still out.
FAQ
-
-
If you’re a cocktail lover, think the bitter, sweet, and citrus notes of an Old Fashioned with the fun of a minty Mojito. Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million is a powerful fragrance that opens with top notes of grapefruit, blood orange and sharp peppermint. Rose absolute and cinnamon are at its heart. The overall vibe is woody and spicy, making it a real crowd-pleaser for the Millennial man.
-
When it comes to 1 Million’s performance, it’s a beast, with the silage and longevity being an impressive 8-10 hours. The golden rule, though, as the scent can become too penetrating, is don’t be a repeat offender by spraying too many times. The aim is to smell sensational without overwhelming those around you.
-
If you’ve used the same fragrance for years and suddenly notice newer bottles smell a little warmer, more citrusy or sweeter, it’s probably down to the formula changing. Most fragrances that have stood the test of time have likely reformulated more than a few times. Sometimes, this is due to revised regulations or supplier changes. Paco Rabanne 1 Million is no exception, yet its original DNA remains true to the OG offering.
-
