Our take
What does Invictus Aqua smell like?
Three years after Invictus, Paco Rabanne gave it an aquatic spin in 2016. Anne Flipo and Nicolas Beaulieu composed it. The opening keeps the grapefruit of the original, paired with yuzu and a hint of pink pepper. It is tart and very bright. The heart moves toward the sea with a marine accord and green violet leaf that feels almost metallic. Ambergris and guaiac wood hold the base, both borrowed from the original. Aqua drops the sweetness of its older sibling and gains a wet skin feel. In 2018 the brand reworked the scent under the same name with a similar profile. Next to Giorgio Armani's Acqua di Giò, Invictus Aqua is woodier and less floral. It belongs with the effective sporty aquatics, without much originality. Longevity is average on warm skin, so a second round of sprays at lunch is often needed.
When to wear it
A summer scent for the gym, the beach or a relaxed office day. Three sprays in the morning, plus a travel atomizer for the afternoon.
It belongs to the Woody, Aquatic family. Invictus Aqua is one of 35 creations by Paco Rabanne in our encyclopedia.
