Polo Red Parfum by Ralph Lauren

Polo Red Parfum is another flanker in the long line of Red colognes, put out by Ralph Lauren. This one was released in 2023. I’ve already tried this one out once before, but now I’ve gotten a sample size sprayer in order to do a full review. How does it smell? Does Red Parfum last long? Is it worth a try?


What does Polo Red Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: blood orange, bergamot, pink pepper, absinthe, lavender, orris, musk, cedar, opoponax 

Click here to buy: Polo Red Parfum


My Full Review

Red Parfum starts out with a prominent blood orange note, like in Red Extreme. This time, however, it isn’t flanked by coffee and wood. Instead, early on, you get some assistance from a citrus bergamot note and some like warmth/spice of pink pepper.

The pink pepper is pretty subdued to my nose, especially when I compare it to other fragrances with a heavy use of that note.

I was interested in this scent, after reading about the absinthe as a note. Maybe a bit of bitterness in the first hour, underneath everything else. Other than that, it really doesn’t show up on my skin.

One thing that I will note, is the cranberry found in Polo Red EDT, does seem to be here to some limited extent. Not listed, but I keep getting hints of it coming through. So, it probably actually is a part of this blend.

A difference with the others in the line, is that the citrus loses much of its strength after 15 minutes or so. By this time, the lavender and orris notes have moved in. Now, the orris root adds a touch of powder to the scent, but is vastly overshadowed by lavender.

At this point in the wear, it’s: lavender, blood orange, pink pepper, musk, and orris.

Quite fresh, clean, warm, with some increasing resin in the base from the opoponax. In the end, it’s still sweet with the blood orange residue. But, mainly Red Parfum is about the lavender, musk, cedar, opoponax. Orris and pink pepper have faded to basically nothing.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Red Parfum isn’t a super heavy fragrance that bogs down. It does open up with a strong projection and a further reach than Red EDT.

From there, it’s in the upper range of moderate for a few hours, before it slides into something lighter to middling. Pretty good with the power, just not amazing.

On my skin, I get somewhere in the 6-7.5 hour range. It might go 8 hours, at times. Beyond that, I wouldn’t expect much. It’s above average and good for most uses.

Seasonally, Polo Red Parfum can work pretty much whenever, outside of the hottest days of the year. I’d go with something else during the summer months.

It is more of a casual and daytime wear. I think it can fit in more places than Red EDT since it doesn’t have that lemon and strong cranberry coming through the entire time.

Especially, once the citrus notes tone down, this will be able to be worn at the office or school without trouble. It’s not a formal sort of fragrance, but can fit in for the nightlife, without being a ‘club beast’.


Overall Impressions of Polo Red Parfum

Overall, do I like Red Parfum? I do. It’s about on par with the original Polo Red. I might like this one slightly more, but that could change day to day. Nonetheless, it is one of the better releases from this series, while still trailing Red Extreme.

I do love the return of the blood orange note, with the bergamot, and phantom cranberry note giving a nod to the original. It’s got a great citrus blend, fresh spice, clean lavender, and a woodsy base.

The back half of the wear is more basic. Polo Red Parfum loses some of its luster. Though, I find it to still be pleasant enough, and not bad at all.

The performance is better than the EDT and is above average, while not being elite. I never expect Ralph Lauren colognes to have crazy performance, but this is one that I have no real problems with.

All in all, it’s worth checking out, if you like this series. One of the better releases from this brand as of late.

It’s different in some ways, with familiar elements poking up throughout. Less tart and candy sweet than the EDT, over the long haul. It’s probably safe enough for a blind buy, but I might wait for it to go on sale, before grabbing a full bottle.

CK One by Calvin Klein

In the late 1980s through the mid 1990s, there were few bigger names in popular fashion than Calvin Klein. From the famous jeans advertisements, to the black and white fragrance commercials which stirred up some controversy, CK had  created quite a brand.

The thing is that the line of scents for men and women is still highly popular today, as they are always among the best sellers at any online retailer. Perhaps the most popular of all is one of the unisex fragrances, CK One.

If you’re new to fragrances or too young to remember when this scent was everywhere, you probably have some questions. What does CK One Smell like? How long does it last? Is it still worth a try?

Note: I have updated this review some 8+ years after the original, to expand and add upon it. Check Out: 7 Best Calvin Klein Fragrances for Men


What does CK One by Calvin Klein Smell Like?

ck one

Notes: papaya, bergamot, lemon, cedar, cardamom, musk, green tea, pineapple and jasmine. green tea and amber

Click here to try: Calvin Klein ck one Eau de Toilette, 6.7 Fl Oz


My Full Review

As a unisex fragrance, CK One had to tiptoe the line between being too masculine and too feminine in the risk of alienating one gender or the other of its customer base.

It just so happens that they accomplished, almost perfectly, a scent which would appeal to both and enjoy massive popularity.

This is what makes CK One such a great starter fragrance or inexpensive every day wearer, its universality. It can be put on and enjoyed by almost anyone.

Its notes are a blend of fruit and more earthy or woodsy ones. However, CK One doesn’t have a heavy or rugged aroma to it, it is clean and warm instead. The papaya and pineapple help to give this scent a light sweetness, which I think plays a major part in its appeal.

The opening is a blast of citrus and the tropical fruits. Lots of lemon and bergamot, that is matched up with papaya and the pineapple.

The is also a hint of green tea with cardamom giving it a slight spice (and perhaps a further lemony tinge). That spice doesn’t hang around too long nor get too intense, but it is there.

The citrus notes feel pretty watery and the musk and floral notes come in rather quickly to generate a soapy quality to CK One.

It’s really not overly soapy, in my mind as I’ve come across fragrances that do it to a much greater extent, but it definitely provides that lighter lathery freshness.

As it dries down, the intensity of the opening citrus notes begin to subside, and it becomes much more green and floral. The base is still musky and woody with the cedar note, but on top of that, is mostly jasmine and lily-of-the-valley.

This is probably the most ‘feminine’ part of the wear, but even still, CK One manages to straddle that line so well. I think that the lemony citrus and the base notes, sort of offset the floral aspects of this fragrance, even when a powdery element emerges.

What I get in the end is, a just out of the shower freshness, with lemon and papaya notes that are met by green floral ingredients. There is a light musk and a woody base holding the whole thing together.

The floral elements are a nice touch. Not too heavy, but a soft jasmine and lily influence, really helps to balance this scent out. Enough to give One, its unisex designation.

One thing that I really like about CK One, is that even after 20 years since its release, its still feels modern and fresh. It really hasn’t lost its luster to me. The notes just give off this crisp energy which invigorates your senses and gathers complements from those around you.

Again, this is not a niche fragrance, which will be a unique find or only some people will enjoy but that doesn’t make a bad scent, it is a best-seller for a reason.


Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it is a light to moderate fragrance. The sillage isn’t super strong, but it was always noticeable. Boy, did you get to notice this stuff back in the 90s, it was on nearly everyone it seems.

For me, One is pretty strong for about 1-2 hours, then becomes much lighter. The initial citrus and tropical fruit, does lend itself to having the illusion of a greater sillage, than may actually be the case.

The longevity is solid, 6-7 hours still seems capable with this stuff, perhaps vintage bottle went even longer.

Seasonally, it was always more of a spring/summer scent, but this was around all the time and can go year round. Super unisex, depending on what part of the wear it leans one way or the other.

This one is very youthful and casual. I’d wear it on a warm day, just hanging around, or out for errands. It’s one of those scents that is great for teenagers and college students to wear to class or wherever.


Overall Impressions of CK One

Overall, CK One is a great scent for those who want something youthful, those who want a versatile everyday wearer, those who like clean and energetic scents that aren’t too manly or too girly, and those who just appreciate a good fragrance.

It was a massive success when it came out and is still selling bottle to this day. Is it super amazing? I mean, nowadays, it is commonplace and isn’t all that exciting. It is pleasant, fresh, and very nostalgic. It still performs and has a scent that people have always enjoyed.

Nonetheless, I still like CK One, and enjoy revisiting this scent from time to time. There are a lot of fragrances from the 1990s, that aren’t around anymore, but this one keeps chugging along.

It’s for sure still worth checking out, if not just for nostalgic reasons. I will say, I’d want a discount versus paying full retail for it. That’s usually not too difficult to accomplish, but full price seems like a bit of a stretch nowadays.

Creed Aventus vs Aventus Cologne Comparison

The release of a new Creed Boutique fragrance, is a pretty big event, in the fragrance world. That is especially true apparently, when it involves a scent which carries the Aventus name. The brand released a men’s flanker fragrance, under this title, and I have tested it out.

The obvious question is, how does it compare to the original? Is it a better formula? Which scent wins the Aventus vs. Aventus Cologne, match up?


Tale of the Tape: Aventus vs Aventus Cologne

Creed Aventus

Top: Blackcurrant, Italian bergamot, French apples and pineapple

Middle: Rose, dry birch, Moroccan jasmine, and patchouli

Base Notes: musk, oak moss, ambergris, and vanilla.

Click here to try AventusCreed Aventus Creed 4 OZ Millesime Spray For Men

My original Review: Creed Aventus


Aventus Cologne

Notes include: birch, ginger, baie rose, mandarin, musk, mint, pink pepper, apple, vetiver, styrax, patchouli, sandalwood

Read my original review: Aventus Cologne


Opening

The original Aventus’ opening, is honestly not my favorite. It does get much better, but to my nose, it strikes me as being quite sharp with the pineapple and bergamot. Plus, it has a dry woodiness.

Together, it takes on a somewhat kitchen cleaner, type of scent. The pineapple, bergamot, and birch are just a lot to deal with, at the beginning.

Aventus Cologne begins with mandarin orange, which doesn’t have the sharpness or tart qualities of the original.

It is paired with a bit of apple, but mostly, mint and ginger. It has a fresh, juicy, cool, and somewhat ‘green’ aroma.

Which is better? I prefer the opening to Aventus Cologne, more than the original. That’s not too much of a surprise, coming from me.

However, I think it is smoother and just a less harsh experience. Still, that’s not to say that there’s a wide gap in enjoyment. Though, the trio of notes it uses are among my favorites, and it works out well.

Edge: Aventus Cologne


Projection

Aventus Cologne’s sillage is pretty moderate, at first. For about two hours, it is solid, and quite noticeable. Then, it becomes a much lighter fragrance, without much ability to project.

Aventus has always been a strong fragrance. It’s not on the top tier of sillage, but, it can certainly make itself known in a room. It is more powerful than the Aventus Cologne formula and it isn’t all that close.

Edge: Aventus


Longevity

Aventus has consistently lasted for 8-9 hours, on my skin, over the years. It’s a scent which performs quite well, in all regards.

Aventus Cologne, stays around for about 5 hours of solid performance, with a few more hours of being a skin scent. Aventus lasts longer and is way more consistent throughout.

The lighter quality of Cologne actually does translate to a worse performance in this case. None of the notes hang around on the skin, for an extended dry down period.

Edge: Aventus


Versatility

Aventus is pretty much a year round fragrance, except for the high heat of summer. To me, it is much better in spring or autumn.

Aventus Cologne, is better in the summer. It’s lighter and got a nice mandarin orange/ginger/mint freshness.

They can both be worn in a variety of situations. Cologne is more understated, while Aventus, is can play the dual role of daytime/nightlife scent. To me, the original still has a bit more use.

Edge: Aventus


Overall Scent

Aventus Cologne is a nice fragrance. There are plenty of aspects of it, that I truly enjoy. I like how it starts off. I like its less smoky aroma.

The dry down is where the homage to the original, is really noticeable. The main drawback here, is that, it doesn’t really perform that well. It’s pretty much the same issue that Viking Cologne has versus Viking.

I know that, it is supposed to be a lighter fragrance, but for the price it doesn’t warrant such performance. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a terrible cologne, by any measure.

It just never fully surpasses the original or provides enough of a difference, to truly get excited about.

Aventus is a classic, at this point. I know what I’m getting. That’s why hundreds of fragrances try to copy Creed Aventus. I know what I like about it and what I don’t. In all of that, I still get a better overall experience and performance than the newer Aventus Cologne.

It’s not a bad effort by Creed, but doesn’t outdo its predecessor.

Winner: Aventus

13 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Bleu de Chanel

Bleu de Chanel is a very popular name in the world of men’s fragrances. The three releases are all very popular and highly sought after. As such, there are going to be guys who want to smell close to Bleu, a near dupe, but don’t want to have to pay the same price. Not to worry, as there are alternatives, which can give you a similar experience for cheaper.

In this post, I want to present some colognes that can serve as alternatives, have a similar style, or just come close enough to what BdC EDT, EDP, or Parfum smells like…while being inexpensive.


Fragrances that are like Bleu de Chanel 

A First Alternative

Bleu de Dua by Dua Brand– This is the more expensive of the similar smelling options, but they also currently have a smaller travel spray size available for $20 (as of posting). Bleu de Dua is their inspired version of the original Bleu formulation from over a decade ago.

This has a smokier vibe than the Dossier scent listed below. Not massive smoke, but that nice incense infusion playing off of the citrus and mint note.

The citrus is somewhat toned down, but the rest of the note compensate with great performance, a woodier dry down, and a sweet touch.

Dua is usually really good with their inspired versions of designer scents and this one hits the mark.


Another Blue 2

Citrus Ginger by Dossier– Citrus Ginger is a lighter and cleaner sort of interpretation of Bleu de Chanel. It’s also a less expensive option at $29 (as of writing) for their full bottle. But, you can also try it out to see if you like it, with how Dossier has things set up.

This one can be a good option. It doesn’t have as much depth and complexity. It also goes with more citrus than the original BdC, not the same incense level as Bleu de Dua, but gives you most of what you get with the current Chanel for a fraction of the price. 


Bleu EDP Similarities

Bleu Memoire by Alexandria– Other ‘inspired by’ takes on Bleu, tend to be of the original EDT version, which is great. My personal favorite Bleu de Chanel variant is the Eau de Parfum and Bleu Memoire sets out to be Alexandria’s version of that.

The EDP has the same great citrus opening, but a greater use of amber in the base. Not as woody as the other Parfum version, but more substantial than the original Bleu de Chanel.

I haven’t tried Bleu Memoire from Alexandria as of yet. I have tried other scents from this brand and they do a really good job at replicating a close experience to the designer fragrance that they’re basing the formula on.

I’m adding it to the list for those who want a Bleu Eau de Parfum alternative.


Bleu Dusk

Dusk by Oakcha– Here’s the latest inspired by Bleu de Chanel option that I’ve found. This time it one from Oakcha called Dusk. 

Now, I don’t have any experience with this brand at all, so I cannot speak to its quality personally. Though, I’ve read a lot of reviews and they generally are very positive.

This is another affordable option for those who want something that smells close to Bleu de Chanel EDT…just with a heavier Extrait de Parfum concentration than the Chanel itself.


Divine Bleu

Divino by Fragrenza– Fragrenza’s version of the BdC formula, is the latest one that I’ve run across. This one is inspired by Bleu EDT, so, yet another option for those who like the original.

I’ve bought samples from Fragrenza about a year ago, testing out a lot of their designer inspired perfumes, and they were all quite good. Very close to what you’d want from a cheaper alternative.

One great thing about them, is the fact that you can buy samples or smaller sizes, without committing to a fully bottle purchase. Even if those are also fairly inexpensive. Just another one to consider.


Pretty Linear but Somewhat Similar

Armaf Tag Him 3.4 Eau De Toilette Spray for Men To continue on the list, we will highlight this inexpensive option, as an alternative to Bleu. Tag Him has a very heavy overlap with the ingredients of the Chanel, and thus, shares quite a close aroma with it.

The closer resemblance to me, is more in the dry down period. The opening here, isn’t my favorite and the weighting of the notes is noticeable different versus what you get with the Chanel scent.

The citrus, ginger, mint, cedar, pink pepper, vetiver, and sandalwood are all here. Is this Armaf, an exactly the same aroma of BdC? No, but it does occupy a similar space, and can be a solid choice for guys who want a cheapie.

You don’t get the same quality or nuance, this is a nice citrus with spice, and without that incense smokiness of Bleu. Not as much depth or layered spice effect, but still a good overall wear. Tag-Him Review


Missoni Style

Missoni Pour Homme– Citrus, ginger, jasmine, and woods. That’s what this one has in common with BdC. So, obviously, it’s going to strike a fairly close chord to what we’re going for.

It’s not exact, by any means, just a much cheaper alternative that brings a similar style. Noticeably missing is the mint note that Bleu EDT has fairly prominently. Missoni also added lavender into the mix.

To me, it seems sharp in the beginning, perhaps too much so. But, the dry down feels woody and fresh and has a much better balance. Performance is okay, just not spectacular.


Journey to Blue

Voyage Bleu by Armaf– Yes, another of the many options from Armaf. This one is better than Tag-Him, more mellow, less spicy, and without the soapiness than can come through in Tag’s opening act.

Voyage gives you an array of citrus. It’s clean and bright, with a juicier aroma when compared to Tag-Him. Ginger still plays a role here, as does pink pepper, with the latter thankfully neutered in strength.

Still, compared to the Chanel fragrance, this is much simpler. Less spicy than either BdC or Tag-Him and none of the smokiness. But, as a fresh citrus with a close composition to Bleu, Voyage is very likeable. Not much depth, however.


A Bit of Parfum

Club de Nuit Blue Iconic by Armaf– Armaf strikes again with this newer addition to the Club de Nuit lineup. This one actually favors Bleu Parfum versus the original EDT. It doesn’t hit either exactly, but leans toward the former.

Whereas, the others from Armaf lack the same incense smokiness, Blue Iconic makes up for it with a well-balanced incense note that pairs well with the dry sandalwood.

The strength versus Tag-Him is enhanced, with Blue Iconic giving you at least a couple hours more of wear. I like that this one has mint and ginger heightened, losing the pink pepper. It feels smoother, warmer, in its spice. Not as rough as the other Armaf editions.

Like BdC Parfum, this doesn’t end with the citrus still being massive. It’s woodier, with a good amber base to boot. Note that this one is pricier versus the other Armaf scents and the savings won’t be as extreme.


Fresh Citrus without the Smoke

United Colors of Benetton United Dreams Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, Aim High, 3.4 Ounce Aim High from Benetton is another affordable choice, for those looking for a scent of the same type as Bleu. This one really does seem like a thinner and less quality version of Bleu EDT, at times.

The citrus is just about right, less spice but close, and no smokiness. Lots of lemon and grapefruit, some sage and mint, with vetiver coming through later on. The longevity isn’t all that amazing, but it’s definitely serviceable, and a pretty good alternative of Bleu for cheaper.

 

A Similar Style 

Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue FOR MEN by Versace – 3.4 oz EDT Spray This isn’t an inspired fragrance, by any means. However, it does some of the same things as Bleu (I’d actually put it closer to Bleu Parfum, though). Dylan Blue is a citrus aquatic, with strong ambroxan notes.

As such, it is in the same fragrance family as, Dior Sauvage and  Acqua di Gio Profumo also.

It opens with a grapefruit and bergamot mix, sitting on top of a watery base. Then, there is the addition of a lovely fig. The dry down is more about the ambroxan and light spiciness.

This one has lots to like, but overall, it just never stays at those heights in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very nice cologne and a best seller, but doesn’t make the cut among the Versace elite. Dylan Blue Review


Lighter but Somewhat Similar Cheapie

Perry Ellis Pour Homme, 3.4 fl oz EDT– This is another inexpensive option that gets close to what Bleu smells like. The citrus and spice, is different here, along with most of the other notes.

However, Perry Ellis Pour Homme does still manage to replicate the same sort of spirit as Bleu. Citrusy clean, with spice, and then some musk in the dry down.

Plenty of cardamom and lavender in this one, none of the incense, and feels lighter than BdC. Light woodiness at the base, mostly from sandalwood, and some cedar. The performance is okay, but nothing amazing. For the price, it fits the bill, and gives you a nice mimic of our Chanel.


Perfume Oil Option

2145 for Men from The Fragrance Shop– I recently bought a sample of this to see how it compared to Bleu EDT. Actually, they did pretty darn well at recreating Bleu de Chanel’s aroma. However, the weighting of the notes is off.

I compared it directly with the real thing and the citrus notes in the Chanel are much more prevalent than in this one. 2145 doesn’t have that same pop that the original does, but the mint and woods are pretty spot on.

I don’t like this as much as the Chanel, but it does come awfully close, I just wish the grapefruit and bergamot were amped up to similar levels. Then, it would be a great alternative choice…as of now, it’s just good. 


The One EDT vs. EDP Comparison

The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana is one of the most successful fragrance lines of the past two decades. With that success, comes a whole host of different flanker versions of the original formulation.

They are seemingly endless and have little or a lot to do with the original EDT depending on the edition. But, one that has a ton of overlap with the eau de toilette is The One eau de parfum.

On this page, is my comparison of the original The One EDT launch and the 2015 eau de parfum follow up. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Should you buy?


Tale of the Tape: The One vs. The One Eau de Parfum

The One by D&G

Notes include: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One EDT

My Full Review: The One EDT

the one for men review


The One EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, basil, coriander, amber, tobacco, ginger, cardamom, orange blossom, and cedar

Click here to try: The One EDP

My Full Review The One EDP

the one edp review


Opening

The One EDT opens up with its grapefruit and spices being the main focus. The citrus note is pretty short-lived, but with that amber pool, the coriander and basil notes really come on beautifully.

But, ginger and cardamom are also present. Providing further warmth and spice to the opening act of EDT. It’s not a heavy spiciness, rather, a freshness tempered by the citrus, amber, and emerging tobacco note.

Now, EDP is mostly the same as the original.

But, to my nose, there are differences. The grapefruit has a larger role to play early on in the EDP version. Not entirely citrusy or anything, but it is more pronounced.

I’d say most of the spice profile is the same, but I do think that the cardamom has been amped up some, furthering the citrus impression that I get, while still providing some spiced warmth.

Beyond that, the amber and tobacco are just stronger and more potent.

Which opening to I prefer? Again, it’s like 95% the same. But, I do like the added depth of the EDP a bit more, so it takes this category.

Edge: EDP


Projection

The lack of power and staying power is a hallmark of the original The One. If I spray a good amount of EDT, I get 30-45 minutes of a solid scent trail and projection.

5-6 feet from the skin, is about it’s max distance. Thereafter, it’ll be within 2 feet of where you sprayed it.

With EDP, things improve. A little more of a radius at its peak, that’ll give you a nice scent trail and bubble for 2-3.5 hours. After that, it’ll be close to the skin, much like the original.

But, that improved performance is indeed worth it and simply better.

Edge: EDP


Longevity

The other problem with the original The One for Men was with its longevity. When I first tried it back in the day, I was lucky to get to 2 hours on the skin.

If you go heavy with the sprays (which you should with this cologne), you can stretch that time period to 3-4 hours of wear. Still, pretty darn poor versus what you’re paying.

With EDP, normal sprays nets me about 4-5 hours of wear. With heavy sprays, I can go 6+ hours and up to about 8.

Way better and much more acceptable as a fragrance.

It’s still not amazing, but it works out just fine with the eau de parfum. Plenty of time to enjoy the cologne.

Edge: EDP


Versatility

As far as when and how each should be worn, they’re exactly the same.

Seasonally, autumn and winter, mainly. But, I will still wear them in spring and summer, if it isn’t too hot and humid. Though, it is mostly an indoor only option with air conditioning going.

A nightlife machine, that is sexy and confident.  You can wear them in a variety of situations, appropriate for a wide array of ages, but may not want to go completely formal with it.

Romantic wear, nightlife, casual, and semi-formal.

Edge: Push


Overall Scent

Overall, which fragrance is better? The clear choice is the eau de parfum. The scent itself is overwhelmingly the same, as the original. Plus, the performance is better across the board.

I love the way the original EDT smells, I can pick up those slight differences early on, but it doesn’t change the outcome of this comparison.

Frankly, the performance of The One for Men EDT is too terrible. The price nowadays is fine, but even with heavy sprays, you’d have to apply and re-apply constantly.

Sure, EDP isn’t a powerhouse, but it does give you hours of solid wear before becoming a lighter fragrance. I wear it fairly often and don’t have much in the way of complaints about its performance.

The One Eau de Parfum gives you a deeper and richer fragrance. That amber and tobacco is still awesome and this is a sent that I have come back to recently and will continue to wear into the future.

If you want a The One fragrance, the EDP is the best. There are some other good ones like, Luminous Night, but EDP still reigns supreme.

Winner: The One EDP