Paco Rabanne Phantom Elixir Parfum Intense Review
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Ceryn
- Beauty expert since 2015
- Loves: glowy skin and sunkissed scents
Rabanne Phantom, a woody aromatic fragrance for men, launched in 2021. Since then, the Spanish designer brand has released several flankers, including the Parfum and Intense. In 2025, we're welcoming Phantom Elixir Intense, the most powerful edition yet - here's everything you need to know...
What Does Rabanne Phantom Elixir Smell Like?
Phantom Elixir Intense is like the original but turned up a notch. It starts with fresh marine notes (think salty ocean air) and then dives into a subtle heart of oud, which I notice after the marine notes have settled. The base brings a big dose of vanilla, which isn't as sweet as previous versions but is warm and rich. Together, it's a salty-sweet-woody scent that's extremely sophisticated.
You'll Love Phantom Elixir Intense If:
- If you're a fan of Phantom, whether that's the original, Parfum, or the Intense, you'll recognise the DNA of the range in the Elixir Intense.
- If you're looking for an alternative to traditional aquatic fragrances, Phantom Elixir Intense will be a refreshing change (excuse the pun). The fresh notes are there, but they disappear quickly, leading to a woody-warm scent profile.
What Are Phantom Elixir Intense's Notes?
Fragrance family is Aromatic Woody.
Top Notes: Marine Notes
Heart Notes: Vibrant Oud
Base Notes: Marine Accod, Mineral Oud, Vanilla Bean.
How is Phantom Elixir Intense Different to other Phantom fragrances?
As the name suggests, the Elixir Intense is the most powerful scent in the range. It has the biggest projection (you'll smell it on someone from across the room) and is the most long-lasting.
This edition does not contain lavender and is less sweet than previous versions. It perfectly balances freshness and warmth. This is the most grown-up and sophisticated Phantom fragrance, and as such, it lends itself to being a special occasion/evening scent, in my opinion. That said, all Phantom scents are extremely wearable.


What's Phantom Elixir Intense's Inspiration?
"Inspired by Paris at night, where the shadows meet the light, the elegant bottle of PHANTOM Elixir comes in an intense glossy black-to-silver gradient to reflect the olfactive contrast inside. More daring, more seductive; it embodies the clash of freshness and warmth within for the rock and roll night owl who embraces the duality of masculinity." - Rabanne
What's the Longevity Like?
Great! It lasts between 6-8 hours on the skin and even longer on your clothes. It's hands down the most long-lasting of all the Phantom fragrances.
What's Special About The Design?
Phantom's excentric robot bottle has been a talking point since it launched in 2021. Since then, the original silver design has been turned matte black for the Parfum and black-to-blue blue gradient for the Intense. For Elixir Intense, Rabanne has opted for a modern, sleek black-to-silver gradient.