Is Milton-Lloyd Colour Me Black a dupe of Rabanne Invictus?
Invictus EDT
Rabanne by Véronique Nyberg, Anne Flipo, Olivier Polge, Dominique Ropion Original Favourite
Invictus EDT
| EDT | Concentration | EDP |
| M | Gender | M |
| 2013 | Year | - |
| $$ | Price Tier | $ |
Colour Me Black EDP
The main difference between these two comes down to refinement and ingredient quality. Invictus by Rabanne has a polished, synthetic-marine profile that feels balanced and purposeful, built around its signature bay leaf and ambergris accord, and it holds a clean, sporty confidence from opening to dry-down. Colour Me Black takes a more budget-conscious approach, replicating the DNA but leaning into a sweeter, denser amber profile. Colour Me Black gives impressive longevity for its price, but it lacks the nuanced layering of the original and can turn cloying if you overspray it. Choose Invictus if you value a smoother, more versatile scent. Opt for Colour Me Black if you want the general profile on a strict budget without worrying about the cost per spray.
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Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- Invictus
- Colour Me Black
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You prefer a balanced and refined marine scent.
- You want the original designer experience.
- You dislike overly sweet or cloying dry downs.
- You are shopping on a very strict budget.
- You want a scent for daily gym use or casual wear.
- You prefer a denser and sweeter take on the DNA.
Grapefruit, mandarin and sea water crash in, bay leaf and jasmine add an aromatic lift, and ambergris, guaiac wood and oakmoss leave a salty, woody base. Loud and fresh.
Fresh, spicy and youthful, in the mould of Paco Rabanne Invictus. Grapefruit gives the lift, leather and cardamom the grit, and patchouli and oakmoss the depth. Projection is strong.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Grapefruit
11%
vs
14%
Patchouli
10%
vs
11%
Oakmoss
10%
vs
8%
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
Citrus and sea water suit warm days best, though the woody base lets it work well into autumn. Winter is its weakest.
Occasions
Strong enough for nights out and dates, and fresh enough for sport and casual days. In a quiet office it can be too much.
Seasons
Bergamot and grapefruit are at their best in summer, with the amber and patchouli giving it enough warmth for autumn.
Occasions
Fresh and energetic, it suits casual days, the gym and evenings out where you want to be noticed. It is a bit loud for a small office or a formal setting.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 3 of its 8 notes, including Grapefruit, Patchouli, Oakmoss
Adds amber and bergamot, drops ambergris and bay leaf
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Invictus EDT
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Refills and gift sets (6)
Gift sets (6)
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Gift sets (6)
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