Eau de Lacoste L.12.12. Rouge vs Blanc Cologne Comparison

In this cologne comparison, I want to take a closer look at two options from Lacoste’s L.12.12. line of men’s fragrances, Blanc and Rouge.  Which one of these scents, Red or White, is the better buy in terms of overall smell, performance, and function. I have linked out to each of my original reviews of these colognes below and present my thoughts on each further in detail in those posts. For this, I break it down into different categories and assign whether one has the edge over the other.

Tale of the Tape: Lacoste Blanc vs. Rouge

L.12.12 Blanc

Notes include: cardamom, grapefruit, ylang-ylang, cedar, rosemary, suede, tuberose, leather

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Blanc Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my original review: L.12.12 White

L.12.12 Rouge

Notes include: ginger, mango, black pepper, mandarin liqueur, cardamom, red roiboos tea

Click here to try: Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Rouge Eau de Toilette for Men, 3.3 fl. oz.

Read my original review: Lacoste Red Review

Opening

The openings of both of these colognes are really good. Lacoste Red has an interesting mango note for that summery vibe, while White starts with an energetic grapefruit/floral/woodsy mix.

Blanc has the grapefruit citrus with a fresh woody cedar note. This is joined by the suede/leather smoothness and some warm cardamom and herbal rosemary. It’s got the floral elements, though, it comes across as earthy.

Rouge starts off with that nice mango, some mandarin liqueur, and a unique tea note. I like the uniqueness of this blend, especially early on in the wear.

I have to say, neither one is head or shoulders above the other during the opening, so I’ll say it’s a push for this category. They both start out quite well.

Edge: Push

Projection

Neither is a beast throughout the entire process but they do both project pretty well at the start. I’d say White is the brighter and more noticeable of the two and it tends to have better longevity in terms of projection, as well.

Edge: White

Longevity

So, neither of these are all that great with longevity. Right around 4-5 hours but Red seems to do less than that sometimes, which sucks. White has the edge while still not being a great performer itself.

Edge: White

Versatility

Both scents are pleasant and casual wears for the warmer months of the year. They don’t have the projection or longevity to be a ‘club/nightlife’ cologne. You could use either one for a date but they aren’t particularly sexy. Just fresh and clean for casual situations.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I think that White smells better and is the better performer. I like Red and wouldn’t mind wearing it, if the longevity were better. L.12.12. White just has more energy and a great smell. It too suffers a bit with longevity but it’s passable.

I think that Blanc is a good cologne for springtime and it definitely has the edge between the two in my book.

Winner: White 

Best Men's Colognes

Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.