Invictus

Paco Rabanne's Invictus made its name on an aquatic-citrus opening - grapefruit and mandarin over marine accords - that settles into a warm base of ambergris, guaiac wood and patchouli, typically holding for six to eight hours on skin. Clean Shaven's version replicates that instantly recognisable fresh, splashy start convincingly, and the bay leaf-jasmine heart gives it the same aromatic lift the original is known for in its first hour or two. The gap opens in the base: where genuine Invictus develops a warm, slightly sweet woody-ambergris trail that lingers into the evening, the dupe fades back to a light citrus-clean skin scent within a few hours. It's a fair everyday stand-in for the opening blast that made Invictus a bestseller, but don't expect the same longevity if you're planning a full day's wear without a top-up.