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Acqua di Gio vs Polo Blue EDT Cologne Comparison

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I am back with another entry into the head to head men’s fragrance match ups, here on the site. Today’s battle is between two aquatic type of colognes, that are both very popular best sellers, Acqua di Gio vs. Polo Blue EDT.

Which of these scents smells the best, the Giorgio Armani or the Ralph Lauren? Ultimately, which gives the best performance, and is worth a buy?

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

Acqua di Gio

Notes include: bergamot, tangerine, neroli, jasmine, rosemary, patchouli, rock rose, hyacinth, persimmon, marine notes

Click here to try: Acqua Di Gio By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 Ounces

Read my review: Acqua di Gio 

Opening

Polo Blue opens with a chilled blend of melon and cucumber. It is quite crisp and joined by amber and tangerine. It’s a pleasant enough smell, but doesn’t really knock it out of the park.

Meanwhile, Acqua di Gio, starts with bergamot and a similar tangerine note to Polo Blue’s. It is a very nice citrus with a sea breeze accord and a bit of a floral aroma with jasmine.

The sea breeze and citrus is really quite nice to start things off with Acqua di Gio. I did enjoy, my last go round testing it out, the emergence of the jasmine note and how that plays off of the citrus.

Which is better? I like AdG more than Polo Blue, I enjoy the citrus notes and it has more of an aquatic feel than does Polo Blue. I just think it smells better overall.

Edge: AdG

Projection

Polo Blue is a very solid moderate with its sillage. Not huge or beasty, but it performs well throughout. Acqua di Gio is also a moderate projecting fragrance.

It was probably stronger when it was initially released. But nowadays, these two are seemingly on par with one another. Neither of them were ever massive with the sillage level.

If you want more intensity, you’ll have to go with one of the other flanker scents in these lines. Between them? You can pick either for the same result.

Edge: Push

Longevity

Acqua di Gio gets 6-7 hours of wear on my skin, as of the last batch I tried. Update: it can actually be 5-6 hours, now, for me.

Polo Blue does a bit better, with 7-8 hours of wear. It has always been consistent for me, at this level. I’m not sure if its lessened at all the past few years.

However, even if it isn’t a loud beast, Polo Blue EDT was always a decent performer.

Edge: Polo Blue

Versatility

Mostly, these two colognes shine in the spring and summertime. However, they both have the capability to be worn year round.

Beyond that, each is safe for both school and work. Also, they are attractive enough to be worn on dates.

Polo Blue and Acqua di Gio, seem to have been best sellers for long periods of time, because they both are so very versatile. Again, no real separation here.

Edge: Push

Overall Scent

I like Polo Blue EDT. It has a nice crisp and cool aroma from the tangerine and melon. The amber note is lovely and the aquatic bits, share a bit of overlap with Acqua di Gio.

That cucumber and melon do produce an interesting watery and crisp effect. I rather like it, even if it’s not amazing.

It’s a solid cologne, overall. I’m just not a huge fan of it and was never all that into it when I had it on. It does have its charm, but just doesn’t reach the same level of likeability.

Acqua di Gio, is the better smelling cologne in my opinion. To this day it still sells, it is still one of the classic aquatic fragrances on the market, and for good reason.

It’s probably a notch below, where it once was, but it still stands above Polo Blue EDT based on the scent. Polo Blue does have a bit better performance, but they are close to equal.

Honestly, I would go with Acqua di Gio Profumo first, before either of these two. I also enjoy Polo Blue EDP, more so than the EDT version.

Winner: AdG

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.

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

Polo Red Intense EDP by Ralph Lauren

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It’s been a few years, since I initially tried out Polo Red Intense, and never got around to doing a review of it. So, when I saw it online, I grabbed a sample vial to go along with the rest of my latest fragrance order. Intense was released in 2015.

In this post, I am going to finally give this Red flanker, a proper review and provide my full thoughts on its performance. Is it any good? Does it last a long time? Please continue below for the complete breakdown.

What does Polo Red Intense Smell Like?

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

My Full Review

Polo Red Intense opens up with a mix of spices and the familiar lemon and cranberry, that was found in the original, Polo Red. You definitely notice the similarities between the two fragrances, only with a heavier dose of: saffron, sage, ginger, and coffee.

It is a blend of citrus sharpness/sweetness and the herbal spices. The original goes really strong with the tart cranberry note, but it is much tamer, here.

As it moves along, I start to pick up more leather and lavender, in the mix. Intense is more of a fresh take on these notes, than the super sweetness, that is found with Polo Red. Intense especially, has less of the citrus notes, after about 15-20 minutes.

The cranberry is still there, but the fragrance, is strong with notes of amber, leather, and the coffee.

During the rest of the dry down, the cologne stays pretty consistent with the smell. You do get periods, in which the herbal notes reappear, where the coffee and fruit notes remind me of Red Extreme, and some other note combinations playing around.

Ultimately, what I get is a amber soaked cranberry note with warm coffee beans, and a smooth leather/lavender pairing. Everything else plays a bit part. It does have a really intense sweetness, at times, which can be hit or miss. However, it is generally pleasing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, the sillage of Intense is pretty strong at first, but mellows out into something that is more of a moderate. People close by, will notice, but it doesn’t fill a room, in my experience. That initial burst, will bring some power, but never completely hits beast mode.

The longevity is better than the original Polo Red, but isn’t insane. It seems to go somewhere in the 7-9 hour range, depending on the day, and climate. Not bad, but not a superstar, just a very solid wear.

In cooler weather, the performance holds up much better, and will go towards the 9 hour range more often.

Seasonally, I like Red Intense for all climates, except for the hottest days. When it gets too warm, it has a tendency to get a bit messy. Cold to warm weather. It is a very versatile fragrance, that tends to skew towards a younger man, wearing it.

This is one that can go casual or into the nightlife. It smells really good and has a certain sexiness to it. Women have responded well, when I’ve worn it around. That sweet and warm freshness, will have a lot of fans, and enjoy some wide popularity.

Red Intense isn’t one to spray on, for the office. It feels out of place, in a more formal setting. As such, I wouldn’t expect to use it as a daily wear, unless you’re a teenager or college-age.

Overall Impressions of Red Intense

Overall, do I like Polo Red Intense? I do. In my mind, it is better than the original, which I also enjoy. The longevity problems, that the initial release had, are made better. Plus, the warmer and spicier composition, is a joy to smell.

It’s not a fragrance that I want to wear, all of the time. The sweet and spicy blend, can become a bit too much, at times. But, generally, Red Intense is something that I can like wearing.

Update: Trying this again, after a few years, I’m not as high on it. The mix of notes does get on my nerves after a while. Still a nice cologne, but Polo Red Intense, isn’t one that I’d want a full bottle of personally.

(newer update: From what I can tell, Red Intense is now discontinued.)

I definitely do still like Polo Red Extreme more, but that is heavy with orange and coffee notes, which won’t be for everyone. Red Intense feels like it is more of the crowd pleaser and one that a lot of guys would gravitate to.

Ralph’s Club Parfum by Ralph Lauren

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Ralph’s Club has been a good success for Ralph Lauren. They followed up the original with today’s review entry, released in 2022, Ralph’s Club Parfum. I got a sample of this a long while ago, but finally got around to being able to test it out. How does it smell? Does it last long? Is it worth a try?

What does Ralph’s Club Parfum Smell Like?

Notes include: lavender, apple, grapefruit, clary sage, geranium, orange blossom, vetiver, cedar, patchouli, cashmeran 

Click here to try: Ralph’s Club Parfum

My Full Review

Here’s how Ralph Lauren describes it: This authentically masculine scent evokes a rich and sensual fragrance experience. Discover the power of Ralph’s Club Parfum; the greatest night of your life captured in a fragrance.

Parfum opens up somewhat different from the EDP version. There’s more going on here, it’s less greenish, and the sage isn’t as potent.

Apple and grapefruit give Parfum a fruitiness that the original lacks. It’s mainly going to be the apple note, similar to Y EDP by YSL, but not nearly as sweet as that cologne.

The original Ralph’s Club had that same kind of ‘blue-ish’ aroma, but here it is more focused and apparent. Still with the sage and lavender coming through, but balanced with the fruit notes and a fresh geranium.

The apple does have the upper hand, even within that balanced presentation. Though, that lasts for about 15-20 minutes, and Ralph’s Club Parfum will become more floral and woody.

Lavender is still the strongest floral note in this version, but you do get a nice support of orange blossom during the first hour or so. It’s does remain sweeter than EDP throughout, while also not having the same powdery/soapy aspects that I got with that one.

The late middle and dry down periods have some smokiness and earthy parts. Patchouli and vetiver are very present, not overwhelming, but I think that it plays well off of the woods, sweetness, and aromatic freshness.

Towards the end, it’s a sweet smell with cedar, patchouli, and the remaining lavender. On me, I can’t really distinguish anything beyond that.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

This one actually projects very well and is a steady performer without a steep drop-off. Not a heavy fragrance that is going to bog down on you, but it hangs in the air with a solid radius projecting off of the skin.

It’s one of the better releases in this regard, from Ralph Lauren in the last handful of years or so.

On my skin, I get in the 8-9 hour range before it finally disappears completely. It’s not a massive beast or elite performer. But, it’ll give you what you need for most purposes, and a full work day.

Seasonally, this is about as close to a year round wear, as you can usually expect. I’d probably still go with something else on the hottest days or in the absolute depths of winter. Outside of then, you’re golden.

It also fits in pretty much any time that you need to wear it. More of a daily wear, that can be professional, while not coming across as stuffy or formal.

For formal situations, you may want an alternative. Same goes for a nightlife wear, if you need a club beast. This fragrance isn’t like that. Parfum is an easy reach, that is nearly a jack of all trades.

Overall Impressions of Ralph’s Club Parfum

Overall, do I like this fragrance? Yes, it’s quite nice. I liked the EDP, but I think Parfum is a bit better than that. Very much worth checking out, as it can be a signature cologne, or at least one that you can wear pretty much whenever.

I like the apple note in the opening. It gives off that sweet and fairly ‘blue’ aroma like Y EDP, but it’s not nearly as sweet and in your face about it. Parfum has a better balance in comparison.

It’s clean and has an updated formula to a classic cologne style. I do like the depth that Ralph’ Club Parum has. The smokiness, earthy, woods, and fruits…gives you plenty to enjoy.

The performance is also a selling point. Parfum doesn’t quit early and isn’t weak. There’s really nothing that this fragrance doesn’t do well.

To me, it’s not an amazing release, but it’s something that I can definitely like wear and recommend giving a try. Good all around and one that can cover a lot of bases.

Polo Blue Eau de Parfum by Ralph Lauren

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I couldn’t remember exactly why I had ordered a sample of Polo Blue. After all, I’d already used it before and reviewed it on this site: here. Eventually, I pulled it back out of the box and it dawned on me that I had done so because this was the Eau de Parfum version of the fragrance and not the original release that I’d already went over.

Cool. I was excited to see if there were many differences between this EDP version and the original Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren.  As usual, I want to cover how it smells, performs, when it should be worn, and if it is worth a buy or not.

Update: I’ve come back to add things a few times to my initial review from 2016 for additional thoughts and clarity.

What Does Polo Blue Eau de Parfum Smell Like?

polo blue edp

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

My Full Wear Review

I haven’t smelled the original Polo Blue in a while and only have a slight memory of how it was, so I also have to rely on my posted review, to make comparisons between the two. However, this EDP, definitely feels different.

Actually, the opening really reminds me of Acqua Di Gio Profumo, because of the citrus aroma provided by the bergamot. I still have a sample of that Armani scent and it does share the bergamot, aquatic notes, sage, and patchouli with Polo Blue EDP.

Update: Having had a full bottle of Profumo and trying EDP multiple times since this review, the sage is much heavier in Profumo. But, this is still like a mix of Polo Blue and AdG Profumo, in the early stages, especially.

As a side note, Polo Blue EDT smells a lot like, Eternity Aqua by Calvin Klein.

It opens up with a sharp bergamot, spices, and its oceanic notes. The spices are sage, cardamom, and basil. Each of those notes, seems to have its turn as the main spice, before falling back into the ranks. Cardamom starts off in the lead.

Very aquatic and citrusy at the top, then, the suede comes in to give it an almost leathery feeling. Coming back to Polo Blue EDP, it noticeably has the same style as, Fan di Fendi Acqua during the middle.

Both aquatic, spicy, with smooth notes (actual leather in the Fendi fragrance). Not the same smell, but that cologne also reminds me of this one with how it comes across.

The final dry down, is much more woody/earthy than it had been up to that point. You do still get some basil/sage, but it isn’t nearly as spicy. Wood and patchouli at the base, with suede, sea notes, and some citrus. Much smoother and not as sharp, I really dig the latter stages.

That’s what this fragrance is to me, a blend of Acqua Di Gio Profumo and the original Polo Blue. You would of course have to minus the melon and cucumber notes from the Polo Blue original but that is essentially what this EDP is.

Honestly, I like it. It’s not super exciting but I do think that it is better than the original, which I thought smelled nice but was just bland as hell. Though, it has a lot of similarities to how this smells during that dry down. Still, this is better.

Polo Blue EDP once it settles down, loses a bit of the similarity it shares with ADG Profumo, and begins to emerge more as the original Blue but with more defined notes.

It’s second half takes on a smoother aquatic/woodsy feel with the sea notes and suede, that is noticeably boosted in this version.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, it’s pretty good. Not overly loud but not a skin scent either. On the longevity end, it might be a little bit better than the original but really, not by much. It’s definitely in the realm of average, in that regard.

That initial burst is pretty strong, but it never matched the intensity of the original bottles of AdG Profumo.

I would say that this is a good casual wear for warmer weather and not much of a club or date night scent. Although, I think it’d be okay for the latter. It’s attractive enough, but not necessarily something that will really draw someone in.

Wearing it more often, I’ve been getting in the 5-7 hour range, pretty consistently. Definitely towards the higher end of that range, but sometimes, it doesn’t hold up as well.

In the summertime, this is the type of perfume that I can wear anywhere, and not feel out of place with it on.

Overall Impression of Polo Blue EDP

Overall, is Polo Blue Eau de Parfum a buy? It is better than the original, in my opinion. So, if you liked that, then think of this as an upgrade. It does everything well and as a casual scent, I don’t think you could go wrong owning this one.

It’s pleasant and should garner complements, which is essentially everything most guys want from a fragrance. If you don’t like aquatics or citrus based scents, you should probably look elsewhere.

Polo Blue EDP honestly grew on me, the more that I wore it. It’s still not an absolute love or must buy, but it has such an appeal on certain days, that I want to spray it on.

Update: I’ve also enjoyed Deep Blue from this series. Polo Blue Parfum is also nice. I’d say this one or Deep Blue are my favorites from the line.