Fragrances

Polo Red EDT by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph Lauren has become synonymous with American style. The companies’ designs are clean, classic, and often times colorful. Beyond the world of clothing, Ralph Lauren Polo enjoys also enjoys great success in the fragrance realm. For decades now, the firm has put out colognes and perfumes that perform and smell great.

Polo Red has been one that they’ve relied on for the past decade or so, spawning a ton of flanker scents, which have become somewhat popular in their own right. But, how does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a try?

What does Polo Red Smell Like?

polo red

Notes include: grapefruit, italian lemon, cranberry, saffron, sage, coffee beans, and amber

Click here to try: POLO RED by Ralph Lauren, 4.2 Fl Oz

My Full Take on Polo Red

Sweet, warm, with spice is how I would describe this fragrance in short. This is not a girly type of sweetness like candy or something, rather, the citrus notes produce an alluring scent rooted in the masculine.

I think that there is a certain energy that comes with smelling Polo Red, sort of a refreshing blast that transitions into a moderate fragrance enveloped in a warm glow. It is a seductive cologne which maintains a classy air, subtle yet one which the ladies are sure to enjoy.

It opens with a mix of citrus and cranberry. This pairing is quite sharp and very sweet from the jump. The citrus contingent is led by Italian lemon with some added grapefruit. It opens up with a super bright disposition and of course that tart cranberry note.

Cranberry is the main attraction here, so, keep that in mind if you’re thinking about giving Polo Red a try…you have to like that note to enjoy.

Underneath those three fruity notes, is amber, which provides that warm cloud wrapping around the sweetness.

A few minutes after the sharp/tart opening, the edge is taken off by the amber and the sweetness then takes on a slight bubble gum aroma. Not too overt or anything, but it is the sort of vibe that I pick up on.

The Italian lemon note, I think, adds a different kind of feeling from many other colognes on the market. Versace Eros, also has Italian lemon as one of its notes and the two are somewhat similar, though Eros has a much heavier projection and woodsy feel to it.

There is a coffee bean note listed here, but I’ve never gotten that smell. Polo Red Extreme has the coffee note ramped up, but in the original, it is absent for me.

Saffron and sage are present, particularly the former, which brings some depth of character and a bit of spice. Finally, there is a bit of random wood note in the base. Not much.

So, most of what you’re getting with Polo Red is: tart cranberry, citrus, warm sweetness, with some light spice and wood. Lots of cranberry and lemon, sitting on a sea of amber. It really does evoke a sense of ‘red’.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Polo Red starts off somewhat intensely for me, before it settles down quite a bit into a subtle and moderate fragrance. Some people report that the longevity is a problem but I find it to be so-so in that regard.

Some days, it feels like it lasts quite adequately while other times it gives out too quickly. I’ve tried out doubling up on how much I apply and this works well to boost the longevity.

I’ve gotten anywhere from 4-7 hours, with this cologne over the years. It is kind of strange, its varied outcomes, but it’s usually in line with the other Ralph Lauren colognes.

You don’t need to go overboard but a little more wouldn’t hurt. I currently have a splash mini bottle and I have to go fairly heavy. So, initially Polo Red is radiating from my skin, and then settles down. This definitely isn’t a heavy scent but it does provide a warm cloud of fragrance.

I like this one for the springtime, mostly, although it wouldn’t feel completely out of place during other months of the year. It’s better in colder temperatures, than high humidity, and heat.

Polo Red is a very nice choice for an everyday casual wear and it can be versatile enough for other occasions. It isn’t going to be a formal fragrance, though. Probably not one, you’d want to wear in a more serious office environment.

It’s sweet fruity aroma, will skew more towards the younger set. If I were want a Polo Red fragrance as an older guy, I’d be picking up Extreme.

Overall Impressions of Polo Red

Is Polo Red a good cologne? Yes. I really like this fragrance and it seems that others do as well. It can be somewhat pricey and as such I think it should have better longevity. However, if one grabs a small 0.5 oz bottle for cheap, it would be worth it to wear now and again.

They did just release Polo Red Intense which amps up the qualities of this fragrance but I have yet to try it (Update here is my comparison: Red vs. Intense). Good stuff, but it might be worth getting the Intense version instead now.

Newer Update: I liked this stuff more years ago. It was one of the earlier one’s I enjoyed, when I first started the site in 2013. As of now, I’m not all that high on it. I still do like aspects of Red.

For instance, the cranberry tartness is still pretty unique, paired with that amber glow. Still, I’d pick Polo Red Extreme over this. Depending on my feeling that day on Intense, the original Polo Red EDT, ranks either second or the more usual third out of this series.

It’s fun and fairly attractive. Not the most versatile wear, in terms of age range and occasion, but you can still get good use out of it.

YSL Opium Pour Homme EDT

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One of the first colognes that I ever bought for myself was Opium Pour Homme eau de toilette by Yves Saint Laurent. I remember that I had read positive reviews on the fragrance, but I think what swung me to buying it, was the name. Yes, as stupid as that sounds I simply liked the name, Opium.

It made the cologne sound exotic and addictive to me, which were two qualities that I thought would work well in a fragrance. Opium was introduced by YSL in 1995. In this post, I want to cover how it smells, what the notes are, how long it lasts, and whether or not it is worth a try.

What does Opium Pour Homme Smell Like?

opium

Notes in Opium Pour Homme: Vanilla, ginger, pepper, cedar, black currant, star anise, and balsam

Click here to try: Opium for Men Eau De Toilette by Yves Saint Laurent 3.4 oz

Full Review of Opium EDT

Note: I am reviewing a bottle that I bought in the mid-2000s, on this page and updating it. I did recently purchase one of the last batches that was produced. I don’t recommend getting one of these newer bottles, as it just feels weak and watered down. Unfortunately, it is absolutely gutted in comparison to its vintage formula and not very good.

Opium Pour Homme EDT opens up with a blast of warm spice and a sharp but mellowed black currant. The black currant note is fruity and juicy but is really only noticeable at the top, quickly fading into the background.

Immediately, one is going to notice the presence of balsam, and how its thick warmth envelops the entire composition of Opium. To me, that’s what gives this cologne its whole, ethereal and exotic feel.

It can sometimes seem too concentrated when fresh out of the bottle but it quickly settles and exposes the underlying notes which give it its intoxicating power. This happens when the black currant fades and the spices take hold over more of the scent.

Star anise, pepper, and I also believe that ginger is in the mix as well; this trio provides an Oriental spice and freshness to what otherwise could become a warm almost medicinal mess.

As it dries down further, Opium takes on a sweeter aroma, thanks to the classic vanilla. Vanilla wrapped in that same balsamic note and sitting on top of a cedar base.

It feels somewhat woody, but it is mostly all about that vanilla/balsam combo and the spice (mostly anise, at this point). The cedar does provide more substance here and allows the other notes to do their thing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of the mid-2000s bottle that I have, was really quite heavy at first before settling down to a more moderate wear. Upon first applying it is going to be pretty loud and somewhat harsh, with a rather large radius off fragrance surrounding you.

The longevity was always really good too. I’m not sure if the newer bottles have been reformulated (it might even be discontinued?), but I could get 7-8+ hours of wear out of the EDT, without any problem. 

Update: With this newest bottle, the longevity and power isn’t there to the same extent. A step below for sure. Again, it’s no longer produced from what I can tell, but the last run wasn’t great.

I like to wear Opium mostly in the daytime as I feel it is a perfect complement to casual environments. It is still a captivating fragrance however and routinely draws complements from others including perfect strangers.

Yes, it is bold enough to go into the nightlife, also. Seasonally, it is a cold weather cologne, all the way. Don’t bother wearing this in the heat, as it can get messy. However, in the cold, it is utterly great.

There are certain fragrances on the market that cater to the sensibilities of the younger man, though, I don’t believe this is one of them. That’s not to say it is an old man’s fragrance, it just has a certain sophistication that many of the more fruity based colognes lack.

This cologne has an elegant spice to it, that almost demands it be worn by a man with a certain gravitas. Opium is seductive and always has worked well around women in my experience.

 

Overall Impressions of Opium Pour Homme

Opium Pour Homme is a fantastic fragrance for those who have the right style and sensibility. I don’t think it will mesh well with the stylistic presentation of some guys but I do know that it is a damn good smelling cologne.

I don’t have much left of my more vintage bottle and I’m pretty sure it got degraded from heat exposure, but I really do love this scent. Definitely more niche than many other colognes, but Opium EDT, just has a charm and essence that you don’t find too often.

Update: Since I did buy another bottle of EDT, I also bought a vintage bottle of Opium EDP. It is a deeper and better fragrance overall compared to this.

The vanilla, the spices, and the resinous quality are all great to experience. There aren’t too many mainstream designer releases that smell quite like Opium. The ginger and the star anise help to bring it all together for me.

Performance is good, not amazing, but I always felt as though I had gotten my money’s worth. It’s a cologne that seems to come and go from YSL’s collection, but for sure worth a try for those who want something different.

Bleu de Chanel vs. Dylan Blue

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Bleu de Chanel is one of the most popular men’s fragrances on the planet. As such, it will often get compared to other citrus based scents, to see if it lives up to that popularity. One such cologne, is Versace’s Dylan Blue. Which one of this fragrances is better? Bleu EDP vs. Dylan Blue. Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? Note: I am using the EDP version of Bleu, as I consider it to be the best of them.

Tale of the Tape: Dylan Blue vs. Bleu EDP

Dylan Blue

Notes include: black pepper, violet leaf, grapefruit, bergamot, tonka bean, ambrox, fig leaf

Click here to try: VERSACE Pour Homme Sealed Dylan Blue Eau de Toilette, 3.4 Ounce

Read my full review: Dylan Blue

Bleu de Chanel EDP

Notes include: grapefruit, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, tonka bean, ginger, mint, and more

Click here to try: Bleu De Chaneâ…¼ Eau De Parfum Pour Homme Spray 1.7 Fl. OZ. / 50ML.

Read my Review: Bleu de Chanel EDP

Opening

Dylan Blue opens up with its citrus blast of grapefruit and bergamot. It’s bright and juicy, surrounded by an aquatic accord, and dipped in a warm ambroxan note.

What sets this Versace apart, is the inclusion of the fig note, which really makes the opening act of Dylan Blue enjoyable.

This has always been the highlight of the fragrance for me. That touch of fig from the start, helps it to be distinct from the other famous ‘blue’ scents on the market. It is pretty short-lived, however.

Bleu de Chanel EDP starts off with lemon and grapefruit. Very similar to its competitor, but this one is flanked by spicy/fresh notes of ginger, mint, and pink pepper. It’s got depth, with a later smokiness and warmth from an amber of its own.

To my nose, the opening citrus almost comes across as an orange, sometimes. Then other times, it really is a grapefruit dominant aroma.

But, it’s opening is a spicier and fresher mix with the amber base note. Like a colder spice, sitting on top of warmer notes.

It dries down into a much smoother blend, than what you tend to get early on.

Which is better? Honestly, at the start, it is a very close race. I have grown to really like Dylan Blue’s opening act, while Bleu EDP has an interesting development, that is also great. For me, there isn’t any real separation, here.

Edge: Push

Projection

Both of these fragrances, start off with a strong sillage, before turning much more moderate. However, I think Bleu, hits the higher mark and is more consistent throughout the wear. It doesn’t run away with it, but the Chanel is the stronger of them.

Dylan Blue does pack a bit of a punch early on, it just kind of fades into a lighter moderate wear.

Edge: Bleu

Longevity

Dylan Blue is extremely consistent with how long it lasts on my skin. I always get 6-7 hours with it, no more, no less. That’s not bad, but not amazing. Bleu EDP gets me 8-9 hours of wear.

Bleu EDP isn’t a powerhouse, either. It’s never really been one on me, that will go for double digit hours and just dominate a room. Very solid overall, though.

Edge: Bleu

Versatility

Both of these fragrances, can be worn in a variety of situations. I would say, that each is good year round, but I’d give the edge to Dylan Blue in higher temperatures (the EDT of Bleu is better than either in heat).

Meanwhile, Bleu de Chanel is the more refined and mature fragrance. It is better for formal situations, but can still see plenty of use in the nightlife.

If you’re a younger guy (teens or college-age), then Dylan Blue could very well be the one that you’d want to go with. Maybe even, Bleu EDT, instead of EDP.

Edge: Bleu

 

 

Overall Scent

Dylan Blue is a nice fragrance, that could have been amazing. The opening has grown on me, over the years, and I especially like the fig note. Still, not a complete love, but I’ve found it enjoyable.

The problem is, the latter half isn’t as good, not terrible just not up to the same standard. Also, the performance is decent, but not elite level.

Bleu de Chanel EDP is the better all around cologne. I like the opening act, the smoky accents, and it’s final stages. It has better performance and just smells better, in totality. I’d actually choose any of the Bleu de Chanel fragrances over Dylan Blue.

If price is a real big factor, Dylan Blue, isn’t a bad buy. You can usually find bottles of it, much cheaper than you can any of the Chanel scents. Though, there are cheap Bleu alternatives. There’s a reason that it is a best-seller now, year in and year out. 

But, just based off the rest, BdC takes the cake.

Winner: Bleu de Chanel EDP

5 Best Tommy Hilfiger Colognes for Men

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Tommy Hilfiger was a major force in popular fashion back in the 1990s and while its popularity has faded since then, it still has its place in that world. It’s fragrance line while not as spectacular as many other design houses, does have some highlights that both smell great and can be gotten at a good price.

For this list, I have selected what I feel are the five best Tommy Hilfiger colognes for men and as always have linked each to an online store for purchase.

What are the Best Smelling Tommy Hilfiger Fragrances for Men?

Most Popular

Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men Eau de Cologne Spray, 3.4 Oz– The original namesake of the company. Tommy Hilfiger for men is a crisp and clean presentation loaded with citrus and other fruity notes. Good starter cologne or something to wear casually, as it can be gotten for cheap.

This fragrance is seemingly going to be around forever, as it’s still the highlight of the Hilfiger line up. Tommy starts with a very sharp and tart blend of apple, grapefruit, and cranberry. The cranberry note isn’t used very much in colognes, outside of Polo Red, but it is really nice here.

It opens fresh and crisp, then gets warm and sweet, with its apple pie accord. You can expect a good deal of amber and cinnamon, with later green and floral touches. Tommy was a ubiquitous fragrance back in the 1990s and it’s honestly, still a very attractive cologne. Read my full review here.

rp_tommy-300x300.jpg

Forgotten and Unique

Athletics By Tommy Hilfiger For Men. Cologne Spray 1.7 Ounces–This scent was discontinued a long time ago (but you can find it on Amazon, at times, which I’ve linked). However, I happened to have it back when it was released in 1998, and I was in 5th grade. I lived in a very hot and humid climate and Hilfiger Athletics, was up to the task.

It was sneaky great, as I recall, and very fresh. As a sport scent, it was light with citrus notes including bergamot and grapefruit which was paired with grass and star anise. Simple…wish I still had some, but these are my memories of it.

Smooth Star

True Star by Tommy Hilfiger Eau De Toilette Spray (unboxed) 1.7 oz (Men)– This is another one with that licorice note, that I’m not too crazy about. However, I do like the rest of the presentation of True Star and I think that the other notes like vanilla, sandalwood, and grapefruit work well together.

I don’t think they produce this scent anymore but bottles can still be had online as of now.

True Star has a lemon and grapefruit top filled with light spice, from one of my favorite notes, anise. It actually doesn’t get all that complicated, but you do get a nice leather note, paired with the citrus and vanilla. Oh, and of course, sandalwood. If you want a bottle, you’re going to have to act, while they’re still floating around.

truestar

Youthful Option

Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Eau De Prep Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounce– Eau de Prep’s name alone should indicate that it’s going to be a clean and well put together fragrance. Yes, indeed, that’s what you’re going to get.

Prep opens with a spicy citrus aroma, with notes of pepper and sage. A bit further along in the wear, it becomes a fresher, and noticeably cleaner cologne. Lavender, juniper, and a bit of suede. All of this sits on top of a woody base.

Eau de Prep isn’t terribly complicated. It is, however, a very light scent. So, don’t worry about going to town with the sprays, and for the current price…there’s really no need to.

Best Newer Fragrance

Impact Intense– This is a flanker fragrance to the original Impact, that has enjoyed some moderate success since its release. Chestnut and a red apple note up top, give this one a nice start with a woody dry down.

Akigalawood, cedar, and sandalwood make up the base with a resinous amber note in the mid. This is a great cheaper option for the autumn and winter months. The apple accord up top, gives it a nice sweetness that blended with the amber and chestnut, is sort of candy-like.

But, that sweetness with dampen with time and you get a warm spice with woods and a fresher finish. The cedar note really comes on, as this one moves forward. Pretty decent performance from Impact Intense, as well.

Jardin d’Amalfi by Creed

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Yet another sample I’ve received as of late is Jardin d’Almafi by Creed. This is a unisex fragrance, that is a part of the Royal Exclusives collection, of high end specialty scents. In this post, I’m going to cover my usual how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if I think it is worth a purchase or not.

What does Jardin d’Amalfi Smell Like?

Notes include: neroli, mandarin, bergamot, rose, vetiver, cedar, musk, pink pepper

Click here to try: Jardin D’amalfi By Creed EDP 250ml 8.4 Oz Splash

My Full Review

The opening of Jardin d’Amalfi is a strong burst of mandarin with a bergamot note that is very similar to Creed’s Aventus for men. The bergamot note never takes over and the mandarin is interestingly paired with green/woodsy notes, mainly neroli and vetiver, I think.

Very citrusy up top with that neroli floral boosting it. There is also a slight warmth/spice from pink pepper, but it isn’t all that powerful.

This fragrance is quite a bit floral during the middle act, and though unisex, it definitely seems to stray more toward the feminine end of things. The light apple note, gives this one a slightly crisp bite.

Jardin is my third scent from the Royal Exclusives line by Creed. I would honestly, put it behind Sublime Vanille, but ahead of Spice and Wood in terms of how it smells.

Jardin definitely does have that natural garden type of scent to it; with the rose and neroli which give it, it’s floral dimension. Plus, the top citrus layer gives off a ripe sweetness, like a spring/summer day. It’s a very pleasant and clean fragrance.

There is another layer of woody crispness and greenery involved. Vetiver and cedar seem to be the main two players and I detect just a hint of the pink pepper note in there as well. It’s sort of reminiscent of a pine tree aroma but not as heavy.

The majority of the wear is a citrus/floral with a woodsy green base. The rose note becomes the main floral ingredient, but it never fully takes over the composition.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The projection on this scent isn’t too strong but it is still very noticeable. Jardin d’Almalfi doesn’t strike me as weak in any way, but it isn’t really a smell it across the room fragrance, unless you overdo it.

Overall, it’s a nice moderate sillage that is actually consistent throughout most of the wear, before fading out.

The longevity is actually where it seems to shine, I’ve gotten a full workday out of a few dabs of this juice, during both times that I have worn it. For the price, it should provide good longevity and it actually does the job.

So, after a few times of use, Jardin seems to fall in the 8-9 hour range on my skin. Not complete beast mode, just good.

I totally see this mainly as a casual springtime fragrance, possibly early summer. I’m not sure that it will be all that fantastic when it is super hot outside, but it’ll do nicely in the warm weather.

This is not a club scent or one that I find all that sexy or alluring. It’s natural, fresh, green/citrus.

Unisex fragrance that leans more towards the traditionally feminine. If you’re a man, who isn’t a fan of the floral notes, this will most likely be a pass for you.

Overall Impressions of Jardin d’Amalfi by Creed

Overall, is Jardin d’Almalfi worth a purchase. I’ll set aside the eye-popping price tag for the moment and say that while it’s not really my style, I do think that it smells good.

It’s a bit too floral and ‘girly’ for my tastes and added with that high end Royal Exclusives price, I’ll pass on ever getting a full bottle.

It’s a nice fragrance and if you’ve got the money to spend, you could do a lot worse, but this scent is hardly earth-shattering…it’s just nice and clean.

Again, I think that Sublime Vanille is better than this one. Though, even that fragrance, probably isn’t worth the price, despite having the best vanilla note I’ve come across.

In lieu of this, you could grab an Acqua di Parma or Tom Ford citrus/floral for cheaper. While still getting a perfume that smells great. There’s a ton of other options in this style of scent, which can do the job just as well if not better.