1 Million Intense Rabanne 2013

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Intense is a discontinued early flanker of the original 1 Million, a slightly denser and less fresh variant of the original, still with the sort of bubblegum candy sweetness but not quite as bright/fruity/citric as the original. The note breakdown is actually very similar between the two, so the main distinction (in terms of emphasis) is that Intense has less citrus and more cinnamon and leather, and perhaps a little more rose, as well. Still, the effect is that it’s fairly similar to the original while coming off a bit more nuanced and perhaps more appropriate when subtly is needed, less the “clubbing” scent that the original is sometimes reputed to be.

I like Intense just as I like the original, but my favorite offering in the line remains Absolutely Gold, which takes a lot the sweetness and achieves a better balance, in my opinion, between the sweeter elements and the rest of the notes, which lean a bit more floral. Still, Intense is a nice alternative to the original for htose that enjoy the sweetness but want something a little less bright and loud but more rewarding its dryer elements.

7 out of 10