Ralph Lauren

Ralph’s Club EDP by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph’s Club is a fragrance that I hadn’t really paid all that much attention to after its release. But, I eventually got a hold of it, as part of a sampler pack a few months ago. So, it was only a matter of time before I got to test it out and put this cologne through its paces. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a buy?

What does Ralph’s Club Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, clary sage, cedar, vetiver

ralph's club review

My Full Review

Ralph’s Club opens up with a mix of the lavender and clary sage notes. While it is more herbal and greenish than this example, it actually reminds me somewhat of the start of Luna Rossa Ocean, just paired down.

If that Prada is a ‘blue’ cologne, this is a blue-green. There’s also elements of Y Le Parfum here. Just not a clone of either of those scents.

The lavender and sage are both very present there, along with some vetiver. The same sort of aromatic aroma, just without the oceanic and iris. Yet, there is a light powdery quality to Ralph’s Club early on.

It is very fresh, clean, and has a definite sweetness to keep it interesting.

The lavender is the head honcho, at the start. The clary sage is just a notch underneath. However, that will begin to flip as this Ralph Lauren cologne dries down. The sage never dominates, it just seems to switch roles with the lavender.

Beyond that, you’re going to get the woody freshness of cedar, which doesn’t come across as all that sharp here.

The rest of the wear is a fresh soapiness, with dry woodsy highlights. The powdery part and the sweetness have quieted down a whole lot and are seemingly background noise.

Clean and fresh like a soap or out of the drier laundry. Not too complicated, but still has its charms.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Sillage wise, Ralph’s Club isn’t a monster, but it is above average. For the first few hours, I’d say it’s on the upper edge of what could be considered moderate. Then, it’ll pretty middle of the road thereafter.

Thankfully, it isn’t weak and can project itself nicely off of the skin.

Longevity seems to be in the 7.5 hour range, on me. Again, not a totally great performer, but very useful and not a waste of money.

Seasonally, this can work pretty much year round. I’d avoid the extreme heat. However, cold to moderate temperatures and this thing is a go.

It’s a very attractive and easy to like cologne. The versatility is probably the greatest strength of Ralph’s Club. Casual, office, dressed up, a night out. It’s got you covered for most any occasion and can be worn by all age groups.

They did a really great job at making this one a jack of all trades.

Overall Impressions of Ralph’s Club

Overall, do I like Ralph’s Club? I do. It’s an appealing fragrance with solid performance and sure to be a crowd pleaser.

It’s a pretty basic formula and there isn’t a ton of development. But, the sage and lavender are good enough to carry it.

Yes, it is will remind you of various elements from other popular colognes, but it doesn’t smell exactly like any of them. Just hints of them, while doing its own thing.

The good news, is that if you really enjoy the smell of Ralph’s Club, it will reward you with its versatility. This could very well be a daily wear type of scent for some guys. Is it amazing? No, but it also doesn’t have any really noticeable deficiencies as a fragrance.

Polo (Green) vs Polo Blue Cologne Comparison

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In this post, I want to do another cologne comparison between two fragrances from the Ralph Lauren line, Polo and Polo Blue. Now, Polo is a classic fragrance from the 1970s, comes in that familiar green bottle, and has been a best seller for decades. Blue is a more recent addition to the lineup but has been well received thus far. Which of these colognes smells better? Which performs better? Who should consider wearing each? Read below for the complete breakdown.

Which is Better? Polo vs. Polo Blue

Polo Blue Tale of the Tape

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

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Polo (Green) Tale of the Tape

polo

Notes include: basil, leather, tobacco, oakmoss, pine, cedar, and more.

Click here to try: Polo by Ralph Lauren for Men, Eau de Toilette Natural Spray, 4-Fluid Ounce

Read my original Review

Opening

This is a battle between an aquatic opening in Polo Blue versus the dry woodsy/leathery opening of the original Polo. Polo Green is stronger and more complex then Blue is. I find it to be a much more interesting fragrance.

Blue opens with a cool and crisp blend of cucumber, melon, and some citrus (mainly tangerine). This combination, gives it that sort of aquatic and familiar appeal. Behind that watery trio is a herbal basil note.

Green is a classic sort of scent. It mainly kicks off with pine and leather, but you will also pick up hints of tobacco and the basil, that’s also in Blue.

Between these two, I tend to favor the opening of Green.  Yes, the original Polo has more of an old school aroma, but I like it better. Blue smells nice, but it’s pretty commonplace, and feels like so many other scents.

Edge: Green

Projection

Polo Blue is rather moderate in its projection, it isn’t super strong but it gets the job done. Polo Green is a strong fragrance and can dominate a room if overused…it’s much more of a beast.

The original Polo doesn’t have the same power it once had, but it still brings the power more than Blue EDT.

They’re both decent for what they bring to the table, but neither hits beast mode. That being said, the original Green bottle is the more powerful between them.

Edge: Green

Longevity

The difference between these two is that Blue will usually be good for 6-9 hours while Green is a 8+ hour scent. Blue EDT has a wide range and much less consistency in what I get from it. It’s not bad, but it can sometimes quit earlier than expected.

Unless either of them has been reformulated in the past couple of years, Green still takes this category over Blue.

Edge: Green

Versatility

The original Polo is a more mature fragrance and thus eliminates some potential younger users. It can also be too heavy at times for use in close quarters.

Blue is a much more versatile and manageable scent that can appeal to multiple types of men. I think that it performs better in the warmer months too, without feeling completely out of place in the more mild parts of the year.

Edge: Blue

Overall Scent

It’s tough to compare these two, since they are really quite different scents. Polo Green is has a dry/smoky/woodsy/green type of aroma and Blue is more aquatic/woodsy.

I think that Green is probably the better scent overall but Blue is a really good choice for everyday wear, that probably has a wider appeal.

It really depends on what you’re looking for in a cologne. If you want a more modern scent, go with Blue. If you want a classic blend of woody notes, smoothness, and some additional spice Polo Green is great.

Actually, you might want to give Polo Intense a try, as it’s a modern update to the classic Green.

Honestly, for most guys, Blue EDT will be a better bet. If you favor Blue, I’d actually pick up Blue EDP or Deep Blue before Blue EDT.

Winner: Polo Green

Polo Red vs Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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I’ve done a whole lot of reviews of Ralph Lauren Polo scents on this site already and even created a list of the brand’s top fragrances. In this post, I want to compare Polo Red cologne versus Polo Blue and see which one will be a better fit for most guys out there. As always, I will break it down by various performance metrics and include my original reviews for each of these scents.

Which Cologne is Better Polo Red or Blue?

Polo Red Tale of the Tape

rp_polo-red-300x259.jpg

Notes of Polo Red: grapefruit, italian lemon, cranberry, saffron, sage

Try Polo Red: Ralph Lauren Polo Red Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 4.2 Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Red Ralph Lauren Review

Polo Blue Tale of the Tape

Notes include: melon, orange, sage, basil, cucumber, geranium, suede, musk

Read my original review: Polo Blue Review

Opening

These two scents are a contrast of cool (Blue) vs. warm (Red) during the opening. Neither one of these fragrances smells bad at first, so, it really comes down to one’s preference between the aquatic opening and warmer citrus/fruit blend. I enjoy the latter.

Polo Blue EDT kicks things off with cucumber, melon, and citrus notes. Obviously, the cucumber and melon give off that crisp and watery vibe.

It is actually quite nice, and as the years have passed, it has grown on me more and more. Underneath that, is an herbal mix of basil and some other notes, giving a slight spice to Blue.

Red, meanwhile, starts with a very sharp/tart lemon and cranberry mix that gets its warm support from amber. Yes, it gets infused with a sweetness too, but I really dig the use of cranberry in this cologne. It isn’t a note that is ever really utilized and it creates a unique vibe.

I have grown to like Blue more than I used to, but Polo Red still has the better opening act, to me. That lemon and cranberry mix, can really hit hard with the amber undertones. So, it can get some taking used to.

Edge: Polo Red

Projection

Neither cologne is a beast. Both are rather moderate. Polo Red seems to be the weaker of the two in this regard and it usually takes me using a bit more of it to get good performance.

Red actually starts off pretty powerful. It settles down, much more than Blue does, and doesn’t have that same intensity of sillage. Blue, is moderate, but keeps fairly steady for longer.

Red might actually have the higher peak, but it just doesn’t hold as well.

Edge: Polo Blue

Longevity

Polo Red has some problems with longevity, which I’ve somewhat solved by just applying more. Depending on how much I wear, it will last in the 4-7 hour range, in most cases.

Not amazing, but it can be quite useful. When it’s colder outside, it will hit the higher end of the spectrum.

Blue, on the other hand, has good longevity and will get a full workday out of it most of the time. So, 7-9 hours, give or take. It isn’t powerful, but it will hang around, with you.

Most of the Blue scents, outside of Ultra, will hit about this same amount. Some better than others.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

I’d say both are equally versatile in their application in terms of: season, occasion, personal style, etc.

Blue is probably better for being low key, in office situations, as it isn’t nearly as sweet, when compared to Red. However, on balance, they both have about equal usefulness.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I enjoy Polo Red much more than Blue. That’s just my personal preference. I find it to be more unique and a better smelling fragrance overall. Polo Red has released other flankers under this name, but they aren’t really the same as the original

. So, if you want that mix of tart, sweetness, and warmth with less spice…you need the original.

Polo Blue seems more generic and while it is attractive, it smells like a whole lot of other aquatics out there. For instance, Eternity Aqua is almost exactly the same, and is usually cheaper. I also like Polo Blue EDP and Deep Blue more than the original.

However, in terms of value and everyday wear, many guys would probably find Polo Blue to be the better fit for them. It does project better and last longer than Red does. Again though, you can get a cheaper version from other brands, or a better version from Polo.

Blue is the safer choice, but Red is a more interesting one.

Winner: Polo Blue (for most guys) but Polo Red smells a bit better

Polo Blue vs Ultra Blue Cologne Comparison

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For this installment of my head to head fragrance match ups, we have two entries from Ralph Lauren: the original Polo Blue EDT vs. Ultra Blue. Which smells better? The original or its newer flanker cologne release? I have tested out both of them, and as usual, will break down each to some key metrics and declare an ultimate victor.

Ultra Blue or Polo Blue EDT? Tale of the Tape

Polo Blue

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

Ultra Blue

Notes include: lemon, salt, amber, bergamot, basil, verbena, sage, juniper

Click here to try: Ralph Lauren Polo Ultra Blue 2.5 Fluid ounce Eau De Toilette

Read my review: Ultra Blue

Opening

Polo Blue EDT starts out with a crisp blend of melon and cucumber. It’s chilled with a hint of tangerine and amber. To me, it’s always felt kind of bland. It’s nice but not anything spectacular.

I do like that crispness, slight spice, and semi-aquatic feel. On a summer’s day, it can be quite invigorating, even if it isn’t super unique or exciting.

Ultra Blue goes with lemon and salt at the opener, which ain’t much more exciting. It is more of an aquatic and the saltiness is sort of like an ocean breeze. Ultra Blue tracks closer to the EDP version of Blue.

Which is better? Ehhh, it’s a tough call, as neither are great but I think I enjoy the original Blue more here. Ultra Blue tries to go for more of the herbal freshness, with oceanic elements.

That’s not a bad thing, but the execution, isn’t amazing. Pretty good, enjoyable, but I’ll still go with Blue EDT for the starting portion.

Edge: Polo Blue

Projection

The original Polo Blue isn’t a beast, the sillage is moderate for much of the wear, but overall quite solid. You’ll notice it and so will others. I get good performance from the EDT, in this regard. It’s definitely not meant to be a projection monster, but it does give you

Ultra Blue is really kind of weak. It’s somewhat moderate for maybe an hour and then turns into a skin scent. Ralph Lauren fragrances can be so hit or miss, with the power.

Ultra Blue is one of the releases, that is pretty noticeably weak. Particularly when compared to the rest of the Polo Blue lineup, which aren’t that powerful themselves.

It’s kind of surprising, as the other Blue scents are around the same with their sillage. Ultra Blue sort of falls flat.

Edge: Polo Blue

Longevity

Polo Blue always lasted about 7-8 hours on my skin, which is a very respectable amount of time. Blue EDT is at least above average, each time that I’ve worn it. It hasn’t disappointed me, at any time.

While Ultra Blue has weak sillage, it actually stays on the skin for 6 hours, which is a bit weird. However, it is such a light fragrance that its lack of sillage really undercuts how long you think it lasts, since you’re not smelling it all of the time.

Neither one of these colognes peters out early. Blue still wins it fairly easily, with both the hours it can last, and its sustained strength.  But, it’s also true that neither is an absolute performer, on the skin.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Both scents are spring/summertime wears, since they share a common DNA. I’d wear either casually. They could both be worn at an office or for school. They sort of share the same space.

They can technically go year round, but fit in much better during the warmer months. The summer is the peak of Polo Blue’s powers, it’s really a nice and simple wear for that time.

Each is a very versatile wear, that can serve as a daily cologne, for many guys. No clear winner here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

Ultra Blue isn’t a bad smelling cologne. Actually, I quite enjoy the aroma. The lemon, the saltiness, swimming in amber with just a hint of sage and basil sitting underneath. It’s nice. The sillage is just bad and it offers no real advantage over either Polo Blue EDT or EDP.

I’m not even that much of a fan of the original Polo Blue EDT because I find it to be pretty boring. It does smell good and has nice performance, which versus Ultra Blue, that’s all that you really need.

Polo Blue EDT is the winner here, but I’d take the EDP over either of these. Actually, if you were leaning towards Ultra Blue, the newer Deep Blue is closer to that but with better performance. Much more oceanic and with a nice mango note.

I think nowadays, my number one and two from this line would be Blue EDP or Deep Blue. Really depending on the day, which would take that first spot. EDT is fine and can be an easy to wear scent, but it pretty easily takes the win here.

Winner: Polo Blue

Polo Blue EDT vs EDP Cologne Comparison

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Given my recent wear and review of Polo Blue EDP, I thought that I should do a comparison between that fragrance and the original Polo Blue EDT. While there is plenty of overlap between these two Ralph Lauren scents, the EDP does have a slightly different profile which gives it a distinction versus the Eau de Toilette. Which one smells better? Performs better? Is worth a purchase? Continue below for my thoughts.

Polo Blue EDT vs EDP: Which is Better?

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

Polo Blue EDP Tale of the Tape

Notes include: suede, bergamot, cardamom, basil, sea notes, sage, vetiver, woods

Click here to try: R.L. Polo Blue 4.2 oz / 125 ml Eau De Parfum EDP for Men

Read my original review: Polo Blue EDP Review

polo blue edp

Opening

The original Polo Blue EDT is a fresh and crisp experience highlighted by the cucumber and melon notes. To me, that cologne always felt pretty bland, especially in the beginning of the wear.

You get those watery and crisp fruits with some light citrus. Then, the sage and basil ingredients, are seriously toned down when compared to the eau de parfum. I will say, it is fresh and I’ve grown to like it a bit more than I previously had, especially that hint of smooth suede.

Meanwhile, the EDP version strikes me as a blend of the EDT and Acqua Di Gio Profumo. The bergamot note leads off and gives it a citrus aroma to go along with the spice.

Eau de Parfum has much more character than the original and even if I’m not blown away by either, I prefer the EDP. It feels a little bit darker, more intense, and just more substantial.

Again, I’ve like Blue EDT more recently, than I had in the past. But, I’ll still go with the EDP for this category.

Edge: EDP

Projection

Both are moderate in how well they project. However, I will say that the EDP is a bit stronger than the original, but not by much. None of the scents from the Polo Blue lineup are powerhouses, with their sillage, and overall ability to project themselves in a room.

Edge: EDP

Longevity

Either one of these lasts in the 7-8 hour range usually. The EDP might have a slight advantage due to the strength of the bergamot note, but it’s basically even.

The line of Blue fragrances from Polo have all been pretty darn good on my skin. The Red’s have been more all over the map, but these seem to be pretty consistent across the board.

Edge: Push

Versatility

Both are casual and warmer weather scents. I actually think that the EDP has fit in quite well during these winter months, so I’ll give it the edge. Again, it’s not a huge difference.

Both colognes can be worn on a daily basis, but I think they feel more casual, than being office scents. You can wear them out, but they aren’t club bangers.

Edge: EDP

Overall

I think that the EDP is an improvement on the original. The initial similarities with Acqua Di Gio Profumo is a nice addition, as is the later enhanced suede and sea notes, that make the Eau de Parfum feel much more defined.

The original Polo Blue was a decent smelling and performing fragrance, I just found it pretty boring. The EDP on the other hand, has gained some points in its favor, and I actually quite like it.

Plus, I have found that I can usually buy a cheap bottle of Eternity Aqua, which is a near clone of the EDT version and get the same experience for less.

It’s still not my favorite scent but I have found myself wearing the sample a lot over the past few weeks and think that it’s a good buy for those who like citrus/aquatic/woodsy parfums.

Update: I would also put forward, the new release, Polo Deep Blue. It settles into something like a midpoint between the EDT and EDP, but with an interesting opening act of mango and marine notes.

Ranking the Blue releases, I’d have Deep Blue at number one. EDP at number 2. Gold Blend at 3. I have a bottle of Gold Blend, that I got for cheap, and I’d put it a notch below the other two.

If you want a more amber or aquatic fragrance, Deep Blue. If you want a spicier version of the original, EDP is the way to go.

gold blend review

Winner: Polo Blue EDP