Polo Red Intense vs. Polo Blue

In this edition of the men’s fragrance comparisons, I am going to be taking a closer look at two offerings from Ralph Lauren, Polo Red Intense vs. Polo Blue EDT. Which of these popular colognes smells the best? Which lasts longer? Which is the better buy? I am going to be comparing the eau de toilette version of Polo Blue, as it is the more popular of the two options. I have included my original reviews of each fragrance linked below.

Tale of the Tape: Polo Red Intense vs. Blue EDT

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

Polo Red Intense

Notes include: cranberry, grapefruit, coffee, leather, ginger, amber, lavender, lemon, cedar, sage, saffron

Click here to try: Ralph Lauren Polo Red Intense for Men 4.2 Oz Edp Spray By Ralph Lauren, 4.2 Fluid Ounce

Read my original review: Polo Red Intense

Opening

Polo Blue starts off with a cool and crisp aroma, with notes of melon and cucumber, checking in early. Those are the two main attractions, with a nice aquatic scent, and a light tangerine and amber note. It is simple and pleasant.

Red Intense starts off with the same lemon and cranberry notes of Polo Red, but with added spices, to give it its own flavor. Red Intense brings forth a heavier dose of sage, saffron, coffee, and ginger. It is a sweet fruit blend with warm herbal spice.

Which is better? To me, Red Intense has the better opening, hands down. It is an improved version of Polo Red, which I already thought started off better than Blue. So, Red Intense is great. After that initial wave, you start to get more leather and lavender, to add a smoothness to the composition.

Edge: Red Intense

Projection

Polo Red Intense does start off with a few hours of pretty strong sillage, before becoming more moderate. It is definitely strong enough to be noticed, with normal application.

Polo Blue doesn’t hit the same heights as Intense, but is a pretty moderate scent throughout. Keep in mind, Red Intense is an EDP and this Polo Blue is an EDT version.

Edge: Red Intense

Longevity

The longevity of Polo Blue is actually pretty good and competes well with Polo Red Intense. With Blue, I get 7-8 hours of wear, consistently. Red Intense will go between 7-9, so, it does have a bit extra. Though, not a major difference.

Edge: Red Intense (slightly)

Versatility

Both of these scents are very versatile. Polo Blue is a bit better in terms of what climate, it can be worn in. It will hold up in the heat, while Red Intense isn’t great on those hotter days.

Meanwhile, Red Intense is better for nightlife, and has more sex appeal. Both are fine casually. pretty evenly matched, but I think Blue EDT holds up a bit better at school or work than does Intense.

Edge: Blue

Overall Scent

Polo Blue is a nice fragrance, but fairly linear, and nothing spectacular. I like it’s aquatic elements, the cucumber/melon/tangerine trio have a bright and crisp aroma. All of this sits within the warm embrace of amber. It is a simple and inoffensive choice for everyday wear, with good performance overall.

However, Polo Red Intense just smells better to me. The dry down has that great cranberry note, with amber, leather, lavender, and coffee. It has lots of personality, warmth, and a dynamic smell.

It can be super smooth, spicy, and fruity. Red Intense is a really interesting fragrance to wear and I would reach for it over Polo Blue a vast majority of the time.

However, Red Intense might not be the best for you. It can indeed be bold and sweet, which might not fit in for what you’re using it for. Many, might want to go with the more versatile Blue EDT.

Truth be told, neither of these would be my first choice from either the Red or Blue lines. If you like Blue: Deep Blue or Blue EDP are better. If you like Red: Red Extreme and Red EDP.

Winner: Red Intense

Best Men's Colognes

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