Men’s Fashion

Phantom vs Phantom Parfum Comparison

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Phantom is a release from Paco Rabanne that has become very popular with the public since its release. It’s one that I don’t completely understand personally, but enough folks seem to enjoy the scent. Anyway, the brand has followed up the original Phantom with a newer Parfum version in 2023.

Which of these robot bottled colognes smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy? I’ve tested each and the following are my results.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Phantom Parfum wins on opening, projection, longevity, and overall scent, while versatility is basically a tie.

Buy Phantom Parfum if you want the fresher, stronger, and better-performing version with a smoother citrus opening and longer-lasting projection.

Buy the original Phantom if you specifically prefer the apple note and slightly juicier tropical sweetness, but overall Parfum is the better buy.

Category Phantom Phantom Parfum Winner
Opening Apple, lemon, lavender, vanilla, and a juicy semi-tropical sweetness Lemon, bergamot, rhubarb, cardamom, and a fresher colder citrus opening Phantom Parfum
Projection Strong start, then quickly falls to moderate and later lighter Stronger start and stays upper-moderate for much longer Phantom Parfum
Longevity Around 6–7 hours Around 8–9 hours Phantom Parfum
Versatility Autumn/winter, younger, casual, nightlife Autumn/winter, younger, casual, nightlife Push
Overall Scent Nice opening, but becomes a more average patchouli-heavy sweet scent later More of the best parts of Phantom with stronger performance and better citrus freshness Phantom Parfum
Best For Fans of the original apple-heavy Phantom opening Those who want the stronger, fresher, better-performing flanker —

Tale of the Tape: Phantom vs. Phantom Parfum

Phantom

Notes include: lemon, lemon zest, lavender, patchouli, vetiver, apple, smoke, and more

Click here to try: Phantom by Paco Rabanne

My Full Review: Phantom

Phantom Parfum

Notes include: bergamot, lemon, rhubarb, cardamom, lavender, patchouli, vanilla, geranium, balsam, cedar

Click here to try: Phantom Parfum

Read my review: Parfum

Opening

With Phantom, I actually kind of like the start. Phantom kicks things off with apple and lemon notes, creating a juiciness that is quite nice. The aroma is semi-tropical and sweet, with the way it ties together.

Under that, is lavender and vanilla, further pushing the aromatic creaminess.

That juicy citrus fruit opening will be pushed out by a drier and earthy aroma. The juiciness fades, and patchouli will have its time to shine, with an herbal sort of spice coming together. It dirties it up, and yes, there is a touch of smoke.

With Parfum, we get a stronger use of the citrus up top. That lemon, bergamot, and semi-tropical aroma is back, longer lasting, and better than the original.

With that, you get a rhubarb and cardamom in lieu of the apple note. Once the fruitiness has toned down, this one feels fresher and colder. Slightly greenish undertones, in the early stages.

Which is better? I think Parfum is preferable. I like the start of the original, but I think that Parfum is more appealing in comparison.

Edge: Parfum

Projection

The original Phantom starts off quite strong, but will pretty quickly decay into something moderate, and finally a lighter scent that I can catch whiffs of.

It wasn’t a sillage powerhouse, but could be decent.

With Parfum, I do get a bit of a stronger start. Not by much, though. However, the real value with it, is how long it lasts at a higher level.

Phantom Parfum doesn’t just quickly fall off and it will be in the upper moderate range of projection for a large portion of the wear.

Edge: Parfum

Longevity

With the original Phantom, I could get 6-7 hours of wear on my skin. It wasn’t great, but it was fairly solid, as a fragrance.

The Parfum version will go a bit further. During testing, it lasted 8-9 hours. Not a ton of extra time, but it is noticeably stronger and lasts longer.

Phantom Parfum easily takes this.

Edge: Parfum

Versatility

I don’t think there’s any real distinction here. Both are built better for the autumn and winter months. Neither is going to hold up well in the heat and humidity.

Parfum isn’t different enough to change what the Phantom DNA is all about. Skews younger, casual, can be worn out at night, etc.

To me, this is a tie.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Overall, which of these Paco Rabanne fragrances do I prefer?

Phantom never did much for me. I didn’t completely hate it. I enjoyed the apple and lemon peel notes, after the initial spray. When those two blend with everything else it’s nice.

After that, Phantom was basically just an average scent. Nothing really stood out about it.

Phantom Parfum gives me more of the parts that I like, with more performance.

Parfum doesn’t completely win me over to the Phantom line, as I personally still don’t want a bottle of either. However, I do like it more than the original.

Note:  If you still can’t decide between these two, you could get a similar fragrance to the original Phantom for cheaper by the Dua Brand called: Error 414. Then, buy Phantom Parfum also. 

The dry down is a big dose of vanilla, some woods, and a now generic sweetness from the top notes. That initial ‘tropical’ scent isn’t there anymore and it has the same vibe as any number of Paco Rabanne scents after that.

In the end, if you liked the original Phantom, you should try Parfum. If you didn’t, I don’t think you need to put Parfum through its paces. Even if, it is the best between them.

Winner: Phantom Parfum

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Phantom if:

You prefer the original Paco Rabanne Phantom DNA
You like apple, lemon, lavender, vanilla, and juicy sweet openings
You enjoy the more tropical fruity feel at the start
You do not mind average performance after the opening fades
You mainly care about the original opening rather than the full wear experience

Choose Phantom Parfum if:

You want the better overall fragrance
You prefer stronger citrus with bergamot, lemon, rhubarb, and cardamom
You want better projection and longer-lasting performance
You like fresher, colder openings with smoother development
You want the best version of the Phantom line based on this comparison

Paco Rabanne Phantom FAQ

Which Paco Rabanne Phantom should I buy first?

This is a line that I think that you should try before spending. Again, I’m not a big fan of any of these, but the answer is probably Phantom Parfum or maybe Phantom Intense. I haven’t tried every single release as of now, but those would be my picks if I had to purchase a Phantom cologne.

Is Phantom more fruity than Phantom Parfum?

Actually, Parfum has more of an initial fruitier kick and it also lasts longer. That’s part of its appeal for me in comparison to the original. But, Phantom comes across as sweeter, while Parfum is more citrusy.

Are Phantom and Phantom Parfum very similar?

They are quite similar. The differences are that Parfum is a smoother experience and the dry down periods are different with how they smell. Woods and vanilla, mostly.

Tobacco Oud vs Intense Comparison

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For this head to head match up, I wanted to take a look at two Tom Ford fragrances but in particular, the two Tobacco Oud scents: the original vs. Tobacco Oud Intense. Which of these colognes smells better? Which has better sillage? Better longevity? Which one is the fragrance to consider buying?

Update: Both of these fragrances have seemingly been discontinued. For sure, Intense. Tobacco Oud seems to pop up and then go away, but you can still find it places online. If you want to try an alternative, The Dua Brand has their ‘inspired by’ take on each: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar. 

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Tobacco Oud Intense wins on opening, projection, and overall scent, while the original Tobacco Oud wins on longevity.

Buy Tobacco Oud Intense if you want the smoother, sweeter, less harsh version with stronger sillage and a better overall wear experience.

Buy Tobacco Oud if you prefer more whiskey, spice, booziness, and longer wear time.

 

Category Tobacco Oud Tobacco Oud Intense Winner
Opening Big oud, whiskey, cured tobacco, coriander, earthy patchouli, rough smoky start Tobacco, oud, amber, tonka bean, dark smoke, smoother sweetness Intense
Projection Strong early, but does not hold peak strength as long Stronger sillage and maintains strength longer Intense
Longevity 10+ hours on skin Around 7–9 hours Tobacco Oud
Versatility Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear Cold weather, dressed-up situations, less casual wear Push
Overall Scent Boozier, spicier, harsher opening that improves into smoother woody sweetness Smoother, sweeter, almost leathery amber-tonka oud with a better full wear Intense
Best For Fans of boozy, spicy, rougher tobacco-oud scents Those who want the smoother, sweeter, stronger-projecting version —

Tale of the Tape: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud vs Intense

Tobacco Oud

Notes include: tobacco, oud, amber, whiskey, vanilla, cinnamon, benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood, coriander, cedar, incense

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum Spray 100ml/3.4oz

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Review

Tobacco Oud Intense

Notes include: oud, tobacco, amber, cedar, coriander, tonka bean, patchouli, sandalwood, labdanum

Click here to try: Tom Ford Tobacco Oud Intense by Tom Ford, 3.4 oz EDP Spray Unisex

Read my original review: Tobacco Oud Intense

Opening

Tobacco Oud opens up with a big dose of the oud, but also whiskey, which is more prominent than the tobacco at the start. Under that layer, there is the cured tobacco, spicy coriander, and an earthy patchouli. The start is rough and pretty smokey.

Intense starts off with the tobacco and oud notes, it is dark and smokey, but under that is a smooth amber and tonka bean blend. It is much sweeter and not as harsh as the original. For that reason, I will give the opening round to Tobacco Oud Intense.

Edge: Intense

Projection

Is the intense version better in terms of sillage? Yes. Tobacco Oud Intense reaches a higher level of strength and maintains that strength for longer than the original’s peak. Even after that, it is still stronger in its more moderate stages.

Edge: Intense

Longevity

This is where it is actually interesting. With the original, I could get 10+ hours of wear on my skin. With Intense, I only get 7-9 hours. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the particular batch or maybe the original just has better staying power.

Edge: Tobacco Oud

Versatility

No real difference here. Both are cold weather fragrances. Better for dressed up versus casual. Both attractive, but not particularly sexy. The similarities don’t provide for distinctions in this category.

Edge: Push

 

Overall Scent

I like the dry down of the original Tobacco Oud, but the opening act, kind of puts me off. It’s too harsh and boozy. The latter stages get, better before it settles down into a smoother woody fragrance with an underlying sweetness…pretty much what Intense is throughout.

The original has more spice and booziness, which I usually enjoy, but not so much in the composition.

Tobacco Oud Intense, just has a better smell throughout. The amber and tonka bean help to create a smooth, almost leathery effect, in the fragrance.

Plus, the oud is toned down, the further along you get into the wear. For me, it is just a better overall experience. Between the two, I’d definitely go with Intense.

Once again, if you can’t find either of these Tom Ford fragrances, you can get a cheaper alternative(s) from The Dua Brand: Tobac Aoud and Tobac Aoud Attar. 

Winner: Intense

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Tobacco Oud if:

You want the longer-lasting fragrance
You like whiskey, tobacco, oud, coriander, patchouli, and spice
You prefer a rougher, boozier, smokier opening
You enjoy the original Tobacco Oud dry down
You do not mind a harsher start if the fragrance lasts longer

Choose Tobacco Oud Intense if:

You want the better overall scent between the two
You prefer a smoother, sweeter tobacco-oud profile
You like amber, tonka bean, oud, tobacco, cedar, and labdanum
You want stronger projection and sillage
You want a less harsh version that still feels dark, smoky, and powerful

Tobacco Oud FAQ

Did Tobacco Oud Intense get discontinued?

Yes, as did Tobacco Oud. As of this update, neither is available for sale through Tom Ford’s website. Will they come back? I don’t know. Much less likely that Intense does.

Is Tobacco Oud Intense smoother than the original?

For me, yes. I think that the Intense version comes across as less harsh and more well-rounded than the original Tobacco Oud.

Which one is better for winter?

They’re both at their best in the winter. So, there’s no real difference, it’s just which fragrance you like more.

Bad Boy vs. Le Parfum Comparison

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Bad Boy has been a very popular cologne from Carolina Herrera. In 2021, the brand launched Bad Boy Le Parfum as its first flanker to this best seller. Naturally, I had to try and compare both of these fragrances, to see if the sequel surpassed the original EDT. Which smells better? Lasts longer? Is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Bad Boy EDT wins on opening, versatility, overall scent, and mass appeal, while Bad Boy Le Parfum wins on projection and longevity.

Buy Bad Boy EDT if you want the sweeter cocoa-tonka-amber profile that is easier to wear in more situations.

Buy Le Parfum if you want the darker, greener, more unique version with better performance and a leather-vetiver dry down.

 

Category Bad Boy EDT Bad Boy Le Parfum Winner
Opening Honeyed amber, pepper, cocoa, tonka bean, and creamy sweetness Grapefruit, pepper, green hemp, geranium, leather, and vetiver Bad Boy EDT
Projection Moderate; solid enough but not a powerhouse Moderate, but slightly better than the EDT Le Parfum
Longevity Around 7 hours, sometimes up to 8 Around 8–9 hours consistently Le Parfum
Versatility Best for autumn/winter, casual wear, nightlife, and younger guys; easier to wear lightly Best for autumn/winter, casual wear, and nightlife; can handle slightly warmer days better Bad Boy EDT
Overall Scent Sweet, warm, lightly spicy cocoa-tonka scent with better mass appeal More unique green-leather scent with hemp, geranium, vetiver, and freshness Bad Boy EDT
Best For Guys who want the sweeter, more wearable, mass-appealing option Guys who want the more unusual, greener, better-performing flanker —

 

Tale of the Tape: Bad Boy Le Parfum vs. Bad Boy

Bad Boy

Notes include: white pepper, cocoa, sage, tonka bean, vetiver, pink pepper, grapefruit, and amber

Click here to try: Carolina Herrera Bad Boy EDT Eau de Toilette 3.4oz / 100ml For Men, Black

Read my review: Bad Boy EDT

Bad Boy Le Parfum

Notes include: grapefruit, hemp, black pepper, geranium, leather, and vetiver

Read my Review: Bad Boy Le Parfum

Opening

The opening of the original Bad Boy EDT, strikes quite differently to my nose, depending on whether it is close to the skin or not. Up close, I get a honeycomb like aroma that is dipped in amber and dotted with various pepper notes. 

From afar, I really pick up the sweeter and creamier aspects of this scent. Namely, the cocoa and tonka bean. 

With Le Parfum, I get grapefruit, pepper, and the cannabis note. The cannabis smells slightly smoky and more like the raw plant rather than how it smells when consumed. It’s green, fresh, with the other notes like geranium and leather coming through.

Which do I prefer? It’s a close call, I like the unique opening of Le Parfum when compared to that honeycomb amber. However, I like the sweet cocoa, amber mix more so than the cannabis. I have to give the slight edge to the original.

Edge: Bad Boy

Projection

Neither of these fragrances is a powerhouse type of a scent. Both fall squarely in the moderate camp.

Though, Le Parfum is a bit better a projecting itself when compared to the EDT. The gap isn’t very wide, but it is the winner.

I honestly expected more from each when I tried them out. The reach of each of them is solid enough and with a decent number of sprays, I don’t think you’d be disappointed with either. Le Parfum just doesn’t kick up to that much of a higher level.

Edge: Le Parfum

Longevity

With the original Bad Boy, I generally get 7 hours of wear out of it. Sometimes, it can hit 8 hours, depending on the climate that day.

Meanwhile, Le Parfum will go for 8-9 consistently. Again, not a massive difference, but one has a clear edge.

As it fades, Bad Boy Le Parfum does keep it projecting ability at a higher level deeper into the wear than the EDT. 

Edge: Le Parfum

Versatility

Seasonally, both are best in the autumn and winter months. That being said, Le Parfum can venture into warmer days a bit better. Just avoid the high heat for both of these.

The Bad Boy series is best for younger guys. Think more casual or nightlife wear versus the office. However, I think the original could fit in more places, since it doesn’t literally have hemp as a note. Plus, you could easily go light with it. 

Edge: Bad Boy

 

Overall Scent

I like both of these fragrances, but am not blown away by either. They each have their strengths and it’s a pretty close call as to which one is better.

Update: Even coming back to update this post, years after the fact, this series has never done much for me. All of the fragrances are just fine. Mostly forgettable, but they seem to keep selling well.

Le Parfum is unique, particularly in the early stages, and settles into a nice leather and vetiver blend. My favorite not here, isn’t the cannabis, actually I like the geranium in this. Very fresh and it stole the show for my nose.

Performance is good and while it is fairly limited in its uses, Le Parfum is a fun change of pace.

However, I think that I prefer Bad Boy EDT. When I let this fragrance settle, the wafts of light sweetness and warmth coming off the skin is really nice. The only reason that I don’t rate it higher is the opening can be somewhat of a synthetic mess. Also, I wish it had more strength. 

Outside of that, I would probably reach for it more times than I would Le Parfum. Both of these are above average scents, but neither are spectacular. I think the original also has more mass appeal in comparison.

Winner: Bad Boy

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Bad Boy EDT if:

You prefer sweeter fragrances with cocoa, tonka bean, amber, and pepper
You want the more mass-appealing option
You need something easier to wear in more situations
You like warm, lightly spicy designer scents for casual wear and nights out
You want the version the review gives the overall edge to

Choose Bad Boy Le Parfum if:

You want better longevity and slightly better projection
You prefer greener, darker, more unusual fragrances
You like grapefruit, hemp, geranium, leather, and vetiver
You want a fun change-of-pace scent rather than the safer option
You do not mind a fragrance that is less versatile but more distinctive

L’Homme vs La Nuit by YSL Comparison

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I can’t believe that I had never done this comparison, up until now. But, better late than never. For this cologne comparison entry, I am going to be taking a closer look at two scents from YSL: La Nuit de l’Homme vs. L’Homme. Which perfume smells better? Which has better performance? Which projects well? Ultimately, which is the better buy?

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

La Nuit de l’Homme wins overall because it has better projection, better longevity, and a warmer cardamom-lavender dry down that develops more beautifully on skin. L’Homme has the better opening and is slightly more versatile, but its weak longevity makes it harder to recommend as the better buy.

Category YSL L’Homme La Nuit de l’Homme Winner
Opening Light citrus, ginger, basil, violet leaf, sweet freshness, and herbal spice Cardamom, bergamot, lavender, cedar, and vetiver L’Homme
Projection Light and airy throughout the wear Starts moderate, then turns light after 1–2 hours La Nuit
Longevity About 2.5–3 hours with newer bottles Historically 6–8 hours, though newer bottles can be shorter La Nuit
Versatility More versatile; works in warm weather and can move into colder weather too Better for cold weather, spring, dates, and nighttime wear L’Homme
Overall Scent Excellent fresh, sweet, spicy scent with a great opening but poor staying power Warm, spicy, sweet cardamom-lavender scent with a beautiful vetiver dry down La Nuit
Best For Fresh daily wear if you love the opening and do not mind weak performance Dates, nights out, cooler weather, and the better overall buy —

Tale of the Tape: L’Homme vs La Nuit

L’Homme

Notes include: Virginia Cedar, Ginger, Violet, Citron, White Pepper, Basil Flower, Ozone, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Vetiver

Click here to try: L’homme By Yves Saint Laurent Eau De Toilette Spray For Men 3.3 oz

Read my review: L’Homme Review

La Nuit

Notes include: cardamom, bergamot, vetiver, lavender, cedar

Try it out: Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’homme Eau de Toilette Spray, 3.3-Ounce

Read my review: La Nuit de l’Homme

Opening

L’Homme opens up with a light citrus blend of bergamot and citron, with ginger and basil. It is clean and fresh, with a light herbal spice, and a slight green aroma. A bit later, you get the violet leaf, but L’Homme maintains a balance of sweet and fresh.

La Nuit starts off with cardamom and bergamot. The bergamot isn’t too heavy and is soon replaced by the lavender note, for the most part. This one has a pretty big dose of cardamom at the top.

Which is better? It’s really close in my mind and I actually like both. However, I have always really enjoyed the start of L’Homme, and prefer it slightly here.

I love the smell of L’Homme at the start, it’s so good, that even other great scents can be hard pressed to touch it.

Edge: L’Homme

Projection

Neither of these colognes has a monster sillage. L’Homme is pretty light and airy throughout the wear. La Nuit starts out moderate and then goes light after an hour or two. So, it has more power.

This is the main complaint with either of these fragrances, they don’t have much strength. Some of their flankers do, but they usually smell completely different from the originals.

Edge: La Nuit

Longevity

The biggest problem that I’ve had with L’Homme, has always been its lack of staying power. On my skin, it will last 4-5 hours tops. Yep, it’s a letdown.

Update: With my 2021 bottle, L’Homme is now in the 2.5-3 hour range of longevity. The sillage is about the same, but the longevity is somehow even worse. The performance on skin, just isn’t good at all.

La Nuit is better, but not amazing, either. It is in the 6-8 hour range, mostly toward the lower end of that range. Update: Newer bottles are a few hours less with its overall range.

It L’Homme had the sillage and longevity, it would probably be a constant in my rotation.

Edge: La Nuit

Versatility

Seasonally, L’Homme is more versatile. It smells great in the warm weather and can go into the cold, also.

La Nuit, is more of a cold weather fragrance, that can venture into the springtime. As to when they can be worn, it is pretty much even, except La Nuit, is a better nighttime wear. Overall, I think L’Homme is slightly more versatile.

Edge: L’Homme

Overall Scent

This can be a tough one to do, because I like both of these fragrances a lot. L’Homme really does smell great, it is a simple presentation, but the fresh blend of sweet and spicy is awesome. I completely dig the way it smells. It just has no staying power.

I personally, have actually liked the way that L’Homme smells more so than La Nuit. Just crappy performance. Now, I actually have grown to favor La Nuit’s smell more, and L’Homme is pretty atrocious with how it lasts.

Note: You can get an alternative to L’Homme from The Dua Brand called Rendezvous.

This current bottle that I have, is almost certainly my last, that I will ever purchase. I still spray the air with it from time to time, because its a scent that I’ve owned multiple times over the years.

La Nuit, doesn’t start off as good, but I think that it finishes better than L’Homme. The cardamom and lavender combo starts to take off and get good. Once the vetiver note kicks in completely, the aroma is amazing.

The powdery aroma comes in fully and La Nuit just becomes a super pleasant fragrance to wear.

It is warm, slightly spicy, with enough sweetness to keep it interesting. Plus, it has better performance than L’Homme, even if it isn’t great in its own right.

As such, I’m giving the win here to La Nuit de l’Homme. It reaches higher heights of greatness and has the better performance. Unlike it competitor, it still has some life left in it.

Winner: La Nuit

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose YSL L’Homme if:

You want the better opening between the two
You prefer clean citrus, ginger, basil, violet, and light herbal spice
You need something more versatile for warmer weather
You want a fresh, sweet, spicy designer scent for casual wear
You do not mind very weak longevity from newer bottles

Choose La Nuit de l’Homme if:

You want the better overall buy
You prefer cardamom, lavender, cedar, vetiver, and warm spice
You want better projection and longevity than L’Homme
You mainly wear fragrance for dates, nights out, or cooler weather
You want the scent that develops better in the dry down

Polo Black vs Polo Blue Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I’d like to do another cologne comparison between two scents from the Ralph Lauren line, Polo Black and Polo Blue. These are two of the more popular scents from Polo and seem to be common foes in terms of choice, even though they are quite different fragrances.

Anyways, I’m going to break down how each one smells, performs, when they should be worn, and which of these is a better buy in my opinion.

Quick Overview

🏆 My Verdict

Polo Black wins overall because it has the more interesting scent, better versatility, and a stronger balance of fruit, spice, and woods. Polo Blue lasts longer and is the better choice if you specifically want a cold aquatic fresh scent, but Black is the better buy if you want the more distinctive fragrance.

 

 

Category Polo Black Polo Blue Winner
Opening Fruity mango, tangerine, sage, spice, and woods with a brighter feel Cold cucumber, melon, tangerine, suede, and aquatic freshness Polo Black
Projection Moderate projection Moderate projection Push
Longevity Around 6+ hours, but not much beyond that Around 7–8 hours Polo Blue
Versatility Casual, school, office, and nearly year-round wear outside extreme heat Casual, school, office, and mostly warm-weather wear Polo Black
Overall Scent More distinctive fruity-spicy-woody scent with mango, sage, and sandalwood Fresh aquatic scent with cucumber, melon, musk, moss, and amber Polo Black
Best For Guys who want the more unique and versatile Polo scent Guys who want a colder aquatic scent with better longevity —

Polo Black vs. Blue

Polo Black Tale of the Tape

Notes include:  mango, sandalwood, tonka bean, tangerine, sage, lemon, patchouli

Click here to try: Polo Black by Ralph Lauren for Men – 4.2 Ounce EDT Spray

My review: Polo Black Review

Polo Blue Tale of the Tape

Notes include: amber, melon, patchouli, geranium, cucumber, tangerine, moss, musk

Click here to try: Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau De Toilette Natural Spray, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Opening

Polo Black is noticeably fruity from the start. Now, this isn’t a very sweet type of fruity smell (think dried fruit pieces), the mango note is prominent from the get go but it does have a spicier profile at the start. It also feels much ‘brighter’ as a fragrance than does Polo Blue.

Black kicks things off with that mango note in the lead. A juicy tangerine note is also present, helping along the tropical sweetness. Although, that’s not the entire story as sage and woodsy notes also come in to give it more depth.

Blue is a fresh and crisp use of cucumber and suede notes with a distinct aquatic profile. Blue is a much colder scent than is Black.

The cucumber is also joined by melon and citrus. The cold crispness of the cucumber and mainly melon notes, give Blue its ‘aquatic’ character. I like it, the freshness of the melon and cucumber is nice and the tangerine is bit of a change from the usual citrus notes.

Polo Black doesn’t really conform to its name with it use of citrus notes and has a much more interesting aroma, in my opinion. Between the two, I’ll go with the way that Black opens versus what I get from Blue.

Edge: Polo Black

Projection

Both are fairly moderate scents and I really don’t notice a difference between the two in this regard. On my skin, at least, they are equals.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Black is decent and actually slightly better than its flanker fragrance, Double Black. Black can get you 6+ hours of wear but not all that much beyond that.

Blue, on the other hand, is good for 7-8 hours and has the edge in this category.

Neither of these is an amazing performer, as with most of the Polo lineup. However, even as an edt, Blue has always been pretty good for what it is. I haven’t noticed a downward trend in its performance, but I haven’t tested out the latest batch.

In any case, Blue beats Polo Black here.

Edge: Blue

 

Versatility

Both of these colognes are great for casual wear in both school and the office. Neither is really a date night or club type of fragrance, though, they wouldn’t be totally out of place either.

However, Polo Blue is mostly just a warm weather scent while Black can function well in pretty much any climate (probably except extreme heat and humidity) and can fit in even during summertime.

It’s not too much of a distance between these two colognes. After all, each is designed to be a mass appealing and versatile wear.

Edge: Black

Overall Scent

I like Polo Black better. Blue EDT has always felt really generic to me. Though, I do like the way it smells. If you want more of an aquatic scent, go with Blue (actually, I’d personally go with Blue EDP or Deep Blue).

Blue is enjoyable and I don’t have really anything too negative to say about the fragrance.

Black is a very nice scent and even if the longevity isn’t quite as good as Blue, I still think that it is a superior fragrance in terms of smell.

It has the right balance of unique fruitiness, spice, and a woodsy heart. Honestly, it’s one of the best releases the Polo has ever done.

It isn’t an overwhelming and definitive win for Black, but I do think that it has more advantages versus the better selling Blue EDT.

Winner: Polo Black

Who Should Buy Each?

Choose Polo Black if:

You want the better overall scent
You prefer mango, tangerine, sage, sandalwood, tonka, and patchouli
You want something fruity, spicy, and woodsy instead of purely aquatic
You need better year-round versatility
You want one of the more distinctive fragrances in the Polo lineup

Choose Polo Blue if:

You want the better longevity between the two
You prefer cucumber, melon, tangerine, musk, moss, and amber
You want a colder aquatic fresh scent
You mainly need something for warm weather
You prefer a clean, casual, easygoing fragrance for school or office wear

Polo Black vs Blue FAQ

Which one is better for summer: Polo Black or Polo Blue?

Polo Blue is better as a fragrance for the warmer weather. Black isn’t bad in the heat, but the melon and fresh aquatic style of Blue just works better in that situation.

Is Polo Black sweeter than Polo Blue?

Neither is super sweet, but Polo Black probably is a tad more so. At least early on in the wear. Though, the melon and citrus do add some fruitiness and not a sugary sweetness in Polo Blue.

Does Polo Blue last longer than Polo Black?

In my experience, yes. It’ll get you a couple more hours of wear versus Black. Neither is amazing, but Blue is a bit better.