Scentonym Analysis
Our objective metric for performance per dollar.
First Impressions & Dry Down
El Cielo comes right out swinging with a blast of grapefruit and that signature aquatic vibe. It's aiming squarely for Invictus Aqua 2016, and it gets pretty close – maybe 88%. The opening is brighter, slightly sharper than the original. You can smell the mandarin trying to peek through. The heart replicates the bay leaf and violet leaf well enough. It smells similar. Where it diverges is in the drydown. The ambergris isn't quite as refined. There's a slight synthetic woodiness, a touch of that generic "masculine" accord that cheap clones sometimes exhibit. The patchouli is dialed back, thank goodness.
Longevity & Projection
This is where El Cielo shines. It projects moderately for the first hour, leaving a pleasant bubble around you. Longevity is surprisingly good. I get a solid 6-7 hours on skin. On clothing, it lingers even longer. Not beast mode, but perfectly respectable .
To Buy or Not to Buy?
El Cielo is a strong contender. If you're craving that Invictus Aqua 2016 DNA but don't want to drop a fortune, this is a solid option. It's not a perfect replica; it has a slightly cheaper feel, particularly in the dry down. However, the performance is good, and the overall scent is pleasant and crowd-pleasing. If Invictus Aqua costs 10x more, El Cielo is a no-brainer. A great gym scent or everyday grab for someone on a budget. Recommended for value-conscious fragrance enthusiasts.
Performance Audit
Based on average wear time
Sillage & radius
Relative to market avg
Why we track this:
Price Arbitrage: Significant savings compared to the original Paco Rabanne pricing.
Community Verified: Cross-referenced against 270 enthusiast votes for accuracy.