Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I could earn a commission if you purchase something you like through one of these links.

Gentleman, If you’re a young individual looking for a fragrance that’s perfect for a night out on the town, you could do a lot worse than Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million. This scent is not subtle by any stretch of the word. It’s bold, sweet, and attention-grabbing, a combination that has been ‘blinging up the club’ since its launch back in 2008. It’s designed for those who want to make a statement and stand out in a crowd, particularly those who enjoy the nightlife.

But what’s the secret to its enduring popularity? In my view, 1 Million’s appeal lies in its ability to get you noticed and its resonance with a generation of young people who love to party. It’s not a fragrance I would typically choose, both in my younger years and now, but I can’t deny its unique appeal and the impact it can have on your presence, regardless of the gathering you may be attending.

Now, with that being said, let’s address the question that’s on your mind: Is Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million still a fragrance worth your investment in 2024? In this article, I’ll discuss my thoughts on the original and offer some brief insights into its flankers.

Here we go…

Appearance and presentation

The fragrance bottle shaped like a gold bar is arguably one of the most recognisable and iconic designs ever. When you see it, you immediately know what it is, creating a sense of familiarity and connection, so I’ll give it points for that alone.

Personally, I find it a bit on the tacky side, but I can understand its allure, particularly for a younger audience. However, it is undoubtedly unique, and the atomiser functions very well.

Prices and where to buy

When it comes to fragrances for clubbing, Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million often comes with a slightly higher price tag than some of its competitors. For instance, it’s generally pricier than Eros by Versace, a comparison that’s often made, and I’ll talk more about that in a second. But considering what you’re getting, I would say the price is reasonable, though it does lean towards the higher end of my budget for a designer fragrance. 

It is still a best seller on websites like Amazon, a testament to itself. Many people like to hate on 1 Million (Myself included), but you can’t argue with the sales, which indicates there is something about it. People like this stuff even if I don’t, and that’s a fact.

When it comes to getting the best deal, your best bet is almost always the discounters — especially when they’re running coupon codes. And the one that’s never let me down is FragranceX.

They ship worldwide, they only deal in authentic stock, and they’ve got a solid 30-day return policy, which keeps things risk-free.

Prices do move around (sometimes daily, especially during holiday sales), so it’s always worth checking the current deal. 👇

The Notes

Top Notes – Blood Mandarin, Grapefruit, Mint

Middle Notes – Cinnamon, Spicy Notes, Rose

Base Notes – Amber, Leather, Woody Notes, Indian Patchouli

Thoughts on the scent

The opening is undeniably one of the better aspects of 1 Million. It’s sweet, yes, very sweet, with a distinct sugary note that you might have already anticipated. But what sets it apart is the delightful blend of grapefruit notes, which was well-received by most people I encountered, including my wife. It’s not a showstopper, but it’s designed to grab attention (in a good way), and it does just that.

Now, the dry down is where my journey with this fragrance took a turn. It’s warm and spicy, but the sweetness takes a leap, becoming overpowering and, in my view, unpleasant. I must admit, I’m not particularly fond of sweet fragrances anyway, so this was a predictable outcome. However, I’ll do my best to keep my unbiased cap on and provide you with an objective perspective. If you’re someone who appreciates fragrances on the sweeter end of the spectrum (and you really have to), this might just be your cup of tea, as it’s been crafted with that preference in mind.

For me, wearing fragrances like this is akin to strolling through Disneyland. Everything is a little too sweet and sugarcoated, reaching a point where it starts to induce a hint of nausea. I wouldn’t say I like it, guys, nor do I find it particularly masculine, but there’s a good chance you might.

Compliments?

Compliments are pretty much guaranteed, and there are no issues in that area. Just make sure you wear it in the correct setting, and you’ll be fine.

Performance & Reformulations

Paco Rabanne’s 1 Million has undoubtedly been reformulated since its initial release. It used to be a powerhouse that lasted up to 24 hours, and you could quickly fill a room with only one spray. The most recent formulation I am writing about does not have that kind of power.

This should not be a cause for concern, though. The reformulation has done it a favour on this occasion, as it always needed some toning down anyway, if you ask me. The current formulation of 1 Million will still last all day and project reasonably well for around 4-5 hours, which should see you through your evening out.

Where to wear?

1 Million is best for nights out, clubbing, and similar activities. I wouldn’t recommend wearing it in the office, as its potency could potentially annoy people. Then again, if you’re a bit of a cringy David Brent kind of Boss at work who tries too hard to impress people, this would suit you down to a tee.

When to wear?

For optimal results, consider wearing 1 Million in colder climates. In warmer temperatures, it’s essential to use it in moderation to avoid it becoming too strong. The heat can intensify it, so a little goes a long way here. It’s also vital not to overspray, as this will quickly overload people’s senses and make you very unpopular with your associates.

🔥NEW FRAGRANCE!

1 Million vs Eros

Regarding the world of clubbing fragrances, 1 Million and Eros by Versace often find themselves in the same conversation. If you’re curious about how these two stack up, I invite you to read my full review of Eros here. But if you’re short on time, here are some key points to consider. 

What sets Eros apart for me are two unique aspects. Firstly, its composition is a step above 1 Million, with a more sophisticated and refined blend. The familiar bubblegum sweetness is there, but it’s less overpowering and cloying than in 1 Million. Eros introduces a fresh green minty note in the opening, which evolves into a warm vanilla in the dry down, a combination that I find works much better and is less annoying.

The second reason to consider Eros is its versatility. Unlike 1 Million, which is often associated with only clubbing, Eros can be comfortably worn in a variety of settings. To put it to the test, I even wore it to the office, and to my surprise, it was a hit, further proving its adaptability. 

Flankers

Here are my thoughts on some of the flankers you can currently buy.

1 Million Intense – If you’re a fan of the original 1 Million, you might be interested in this “intense” version. However, I found that there isn’t much difference from the original other than a more prominent rose note, which, in my opinion, doesn’t offer a great deal of improvement. It does, however, make the scent slightly more masculine, which could be a plus for some. 

1 Million Lucky – is one of the more hyped-up flankers in the lineup and gets a lot of love overall. It introduces some slightly unusual notes, such as hazelnut, honey, and plum. These unique notes add a new twist to the original, creating a fragrance that is, in my opinion, pretty good.

1 Million Parfum – This variant is essentially a more floral version of the original. With notes like tuberose, sea salt, and ambergris, it exudes even more of that bubblegummy sweetness (because the original didn’t have enough of it already, of course). As a parfum, it’s the longest-lasting option and probably the most mass-appealing in terms of receiving compliments. If you like the original, you’ll love this. 

1 Millon Royal – I believe this is the newest addition to the lineup. It has a lot of sweetness (no surprise there), although it has a more darker earthy texture compared to the original with added patchouli and chocolaty-type notes. Other than that, it’s more of the same thing to my nose.

That will do for now with the flankers, as this review is already getting too long…

Should you buy?

If you’re in your 20s and looking for something to impress the ladies, 1 Million could be just the ticket you need. If you’re over 30 and are considering purchasing this, I would suggest you move on to something a little more sophisticated.

Overall, 1 Million is a crowd-pleaser with a captivating scent that most people will appreciate. It performs well as a clubbing scent, but it’s worth noting that its versatility is somewhat limited compared to other popular options like Eros or Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male. I’m eager to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

READY TO GRAB THIS FRAGRANCE?

If you’re ready to add this to your collection, here are two reliable places to check:

• FragranceX – usually the best prices, discount codes, and a wide selection. They also ship worldwide.
• Amazon – great if you prefer Prime delivery speed, just make sure to buy from a trusted seller.

👉 Pick the option that works best for you.

No matter where you’re reading from, smell good, spend smart.

WANT TO FAST-TRACK ALL OF THIS STUFF?

I put together The Ultimate Fragrance Cheat Sheet—a no-fluff guide that covers everything from notes and families to shopping smart and applying like a pro.

It’s built for guys who want to smell sharp without overthinking it.