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The year 2013 witnessed the launch of an intoxicating, timeless fragrance designed to “ignite the thrill seeker in every man.” A hit from the get-go, Ralph Lauren’s fiery perfume went on to spawn several successful flanker scents.
Ralph Lauren is an iconic brand well-known for clean, classic, and colorful attires that aptly capture the American Style. The innovativeness and creative style of the brand are also evident in its signature fragrances, most notably in the Polo Red cologne.
In this Polo Red review, we’ll reveal the intriguing story behind this scent, explore its ingredients, and provide all the information you need to decide whether it’s a worthy buy.
What’s the Story?
Without exception, all Ralph Lauren scents exude class, sophistication, and undeniable luxe appeal, and Polo Red Cologne for men is no different.
The name, Polo Red, is fitting since perfumer Olivier Gillotin used components befitting the hue, such as cranberries and red grapefruits, to craft this masterpiece.
Polo Red embodies character, strength, and masculinity. But it goes even further – the cologne was inspired by Ralph Lauren’s magnificent car collection. Its speed, style, and adrenaline-fuelled performance lay the foundation for this seductive fragrance.
Polo Red Cologne
Our Verdict of Polo Red Cologne
Presentation
Polo Red comes nestled in a sleek and stylish frosted glass bottle. The red-hued receptacle is paired with an eye-catching chrome cap, “the man on the pony,” etched in black, contrasting with the intensely red bottle.
You can get the cologne in a 125 ml-sized bottle (4.2 ounces), which is good value for money since the bottle will last a while. The perfume bottle comes in a red box, indicating the fragrance’s name and size of contents. Needless to say, it also proudly features the House of Ralph Lauren’s unmistakable Polo Pony.
Scent
Polo Red is a refreshing and seductive scent composed of a highly sophisticated blend of disparate notes. And while it is not a complex formulation, its notes are intricately layered to produce a genuinely memorable perfume that smells amazing.
Classy but subtle, the scintillating fragrance evolves into a moderate woody smell with a touch of the oriental, all wrapped up in a warm glow as we’ll see next.
The cologne kicks off with a sparkling, fresh, and energizing burst of red grapefruit, cranberry, and Italian lemon. Sweetness with a mix of tartness is how we describe this opening. The citrusy lemon and grapefruit blend beautifully with tart cranberry, the star attraction, all underlain by soft wisps of sweet amber.
The sweet amber accords soften the sharp head notes, which gradually morph into a somewhat fruity combination of fragrance notes, welcoming the fragrance’s core. Don’t be alarmed; the sweetness here is not the cloying kind.
Polo Red’s heart comes together in a blend of clary sage, lavender, and spicy red saffron, infusing the scent with aromatic freshness, depth, sensuality, and a deep masculine essence.
Finally, the fragrance ends with redwood, fragrant coffee accord, and mellow amber in a warm cloud of pure sophistication. The coffee accords are indistinct, merely playing the role of undertones.
The Polo Red perfume is sweet, warm, and spicy. Not too sweet, though, as the citrus accords lend it an alluring, manly scent. Cranberry is the dominant note in this composition, so if you like this scent, you will enjoy the Red Polo perfume.
Performance
Polo Red posts a decent performance with a staying power of between four to seven hours. This signature scent provides a long-lasting fragrance and unparalleled allure, making it a favorite for daily wear. It projects rather intensely at the beginning, radiating powerfully from the skin, then slowly settles into a subtle fragrance.
While it’s not a heavy cologne, you may find the longevity somewhat wanting. Still, most Polo Ralph Lauren Red fans agree it’s well worth the price. Our guide will help you decide how many sprays of cologne you should use.
Versatility
Polo Red is a fairly versatile scent meant for casual wear. It’s a great choice for daily wear and small occasions, though probably not for formal wear.
The best time to wear Polo Red Cologne is during cool weather, particularly because of its woodsy aroma. Fall and winter seasons are thus perfect times to don this scent. You can also wear it at night for that special date or when going out.
Overall
Polo Red is a classic Ralph Lauren product. While it comes off as sexy and slightly sporty, it’s timeless and makes an excellent signature cologne, the perfect addition to any fragrance arsenal. Its timeless scent reflects the traditional values of Ralph Lauren and makes an excellent signature fragrance.
Chock-full of cranberry and Italian lemon on a bed of amber, this beautiful fragrance indeed does induce an intense “red” experience. Its dynamic mix of fragrances ensures that you’ll experience something new every time you spray it on your skin. And like all House of Ralph Lauren scents, it’s super wearable.
While it comes at a high price point and the longevity could be better, Polo Red is a well-liked fragrance. It is designed for the consummate thrill-seeker, though the sweet fruity scent might appeal more to a youthful man in his 20s to 30s with a leaning toward bold, fresh, manly fragrances.
Women love the smell of Polo Red, making it a great choice for date nights or anytime you want to show off your romantic side. And not only does this cologne give you an attractive aroma, but it also comes in attractive packaging, making it an excellent gift choice.
Top Notes: Cranberry, Grapefruit, Italian lemon
Middle Notes: Saffron, Sage, Lavender
Base Notes: Redwoods, Amber, Coffee Beans
Pros
- It smells terrific
- A bold and sexy fragrance
- An unmistakable scent
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Longevity is not as good as other perfumes
Polo Red Cologne
