Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren

In today’s review, I have tried out a new release from Ralph Lauren, from the Polo Red lineup: Polo Red Rush. This flanker to the original was put out in 2018 and the question is, does it bring something new to the table? What does it smell like? How does it perform? Is this new Red, even worth a try?

What does Polo Red Rush Smell Like?

Notes include: mandarin, grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, saffron, orange flower, spearmint, red apple, lavender, red coffee, cedar, musk

Click here to try: Polo Red Rush by Ralph Lauren EDT Spray 4.2 Oz.

My Full Wear Review

The opening of Polo Red Rush feels pretty similar to the original Polo Red, which opens up with a strong cranberry note. This one, takes a different route, and produces a strong fruity smell with grapefruit, pineapple, apple, and mandarin.

The pineapple and lemon note give it that same sort of sharp quality that you would get from the original Red. Though, this time it is without the cranberry really bringing the tartness.

To my nose, only the top is very similar to the original, and Rush begins to take on its own character about 10 minutes into the wear.

I get a second layer of crisp and cold spearmint running through its heart, and a musk note which sets it quite apart from the other Red colognes. At this point, I get a lot of apple, musk, spearmint, and some saffron for good measure.

Red Rush is quite ‘green’, crisp, fruity, and has some aquatic elements lurking in the background. It’s base is a woodiness led by cedar and a very light coffee note, that is different from the one found in Polo Red Extreme.

It really isn’t that prominent at all. Though, the overall composition is upbeat and energetic, in its own way.

The dry down is more musky and floral than the rest of the wear. Orange flower and lavender come through for me, but saffron still heads up that aspect.

Beyond that, Red Rush is still mostly about the apple, musk, mint, and the citrus which seems to come back more as it reaches its final phases.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, it’s light to moderate. It never felt very ‘loud’ or bold on my skin. Much to the same level, as the original Polo Red, maybe a little softer. It’s one that will probably require a few extra sprays.

Longevity, isn’t great. 5 hours on average, you might get six out of Red Rush. Serviceable but not really where it should be. Trying it out a few times, this seemed to be the natural limit for this scent.

It’s similar in performance to what you might get with the original Red. Red Intense and Extreme bring a longer lasting wear than Rush.

I like this as a cologne for the spring or summer months, though, it is safe to wear year round. Really, it is a year round wear, that’s just at its best when the warmer weather is here.

It probably has it’s strong point within its versatility. It can be worn casually, is safe enough for work, and is pleasant enough to wear out at night. Red Rush isn’t a cologne that is going to offend anyone, it’s pleasing, and easy to wear.

Though, probably won’t give you the same power in projecting, as you might want. It is fresh and clean, but not really sexy. As a low key and unobtrusive fragrance, it does a fairly good job, but isn’t something that stands out.

Overall Impressions of Red Rush

Overall, do I like Polo Red Rush? Meh. This Ralph Lauren fragrance feels unnecessary, in my opinion. It does take the Red line in a slightly new direction, but it’s not unique enough, nor does it perform well enough to be a great addition.

It certainly has its moments and is an overall enjoyable experience, it’s just not amazing in the slightest. Maybe consider picking it up, once it hits the secondary market, and comes down in price. Good, has some solid aspects, but not particularly memorable.

I like the apple and mint notes, along with the saffron. At no point, do I find it particularly bad, and that second layer with the mint is actually quite nice. I’m just not all that impressed by Rush as a whole.

For me, this is the worst of the Polo Red options. It’s not terrible, just kind of pointless. The performance is only okay, so, even if you enjoy the aroma…it still might not be worth it.

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.