Polo: Cologne Or Aftershave? The Difference Explained

Polo is a cologne. It was first introduced in 1978 and has since become a classic. It has a strong, masculine scent, with notes of pine, tobacco, and leather. The cologne has undergone several reformulations over the years, but it remains a popular choice for men of all ages.

The difference between cologne and aftershave

While both cologne and aftershave are scented products, they are designed for different purposes.

Aftershave is designed to be used on the face and neck after shaving. It usually contains ingredients to hydrate the skin and sanitise any cuts. Aftershave is scented, but not very strongly, with about 1-2% perfume oil being standard.

Cologne, on the other hand, is specifically designed to make you smell good. It is one of the most popular fragrance options for men and can be used after shaving, as well as at any other time. It has a stronger scent than aftershave and can be used on other parts of the body, such as the wrists. The scent in cologne is more concentrated than in aftershave.

In terms of their composition, both cologne and aftershave are alcohol-based liquids. However, aftershave often contains additional ingredients to treat and heal the skin after shaving.

When it comes to choosing between cologne and aftershave, both can have their place in your grooming routine. If you are looking for a product to soothe and hydrate your skin after shaving, then aftershave is the better option. If you are primarily interested in a strong fragrance, then cologne is the way to go.

It is worth noting that while cologne is typically stronger than aftershave, there are different types of cologne with varying levels of fragrance concentration. These include eau de cologne, eau de toilette, eau de parfum, and parfum, with the latter being the strongest.

As for the Ralph Lauren Polo scent, it is referred to as a cologne or eau de toilette.

Ralph Lauren's Polo: a legendary scent

Ralph Lauren's Polo is a legendary scent that has stood the test of time. Introduced in 1978, it has become an iconic men's fragrance, with a rich history and a devoted following.

The Roots of an Iconic Fragrance

Created by master perfumer Carlos Benaïm, Polo Eau de Toilette, often referred to simply as Polo Cologne, is a bold and experimental scent that has charmed generations of men and women. With its rich base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss, this cologne exudes a deep, resonant masculinity. While it can be worn in modern settings, it also evokes a sense of brawn and classic elegance.

Benaïm's North African roots have undoubtedly influenced his brilliant work. He draws on his memories of the smells of Morocco—the orange flowers, pine trees, mimosas, and the sea—which have found their way into his creations.

The Chypre Family: A Warm and Woody Scent

Polo Eau de Toilette belongs to the Chypre family of fragrances, known for their warm, dry, and mossy scents. Chypres often feature notes of citrus, labdanum, and bergamot, with touches of woodiness that give them a sensual, animal character. Patchouli is also commonly found in this fragrance family.

The Staying Power of Polo Cologne

What sets Polo Cologne apart and makes it an enduring classic? It's a blend of sultry aromatics that speaks to its wearers, evoking a sense of strength, elegance, and tradition. With its unapologetically masculine scent, Polo Cologne has become a signature fragrance for generations of cologne connoisseurs.

The Different Versions of Polo

Over the years, Polo has undergone various reformulations, and its character has evolved. The original fragrance, created by Warner/Lauren Ltd., was known for its strong, dark, and masculine scent, with notes of forest floor, leather, and pine. However, due to regulations and concerns about allergic reactions, the key ingredient oakmoss was largely removed from the fragrance industry, leading to a noticeable change in Polo's profile.

Today, Polo is produced by Luxury Products, LLC, a subsidiary of L'Oreal, and while the scent has been toned down, it still retains its distinctive character. The current formulation is brighter and pinier, with a slightly more synthetic smell.

Whether you're seeking the vintage scent of Warner/Cosmair Polo or the modern iteration, Ralph Lauren's Polo remains a legendary fragrance that continues to captivate and charm fragrance enthusiasts.

Ralph Lauren's Polo: a review

Ralph Lauren's Polo is a cologne. It was first introduced in 1978 and has since become a classic, lasting over four decades. It is a chypre, a family of fragrances that is widely acknowledged as the most sophisticated and beautiful. The scent is unapologetically masculine with rich base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss. It is a bold, experimental scent that has stood the test of time.

The cologne has a strong opening of basil, artemisia, vetiver, and thyme, with a refreshing spice of clove, coriander, and cumin. The middle notes are pine tree needles, leather, chamomile, pepper, carnation, geranium, jasmine, and rose. The base notes are tobacco, oakmoss, patchouli, cedar, vetiver, musk, and amber.

The cologne has had many reformulations over the years, but it remains a powerful, masculine scent. The current formulation is a bit more synthetic-smelling, but it is still a bold, refreshing, and unique fragrance.

The scent is best suited for mature men and is recommended for cold weather. It is versatile and can be worn casually or formally. It is a statement fragrance and not for everyone, but it is a classic that every man should try.

Ralph Lauren's Polo: a review (2)

Ralph Lauren's Polo is a cologne. It was first released in 1978 and has since become a classic. The scent is described as "unapologetically masculine" with "rich base notes of leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss". It is a chypre, a family of fragrances that is "warm, dry, and mossy with notes of citrus, labdanum, and bergamot".

The cologne has been passed down through generations of men's cologne connoisseurs and continues to charm young men and women. It has even been called the "quintessential American male" scent.

The cologne was created by Carlos Benaïm, who is now regarded as America's greatest living perfumer. Benaïm was born and raised in Tangiers, Morocco, and his North African roots have inspired his work. He is currently the Master Perfumer at the prestigious International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) and has won awards from the American Society of Perfumers and the Fragrance Foundation.

The Ralph Lauren Polo cologne is an enduring fragrance that has withstood the test of time.

Ralph Lauren's Polo: a review (3)

Ralph Lauren's Polo is a cologne. It was first introduced in 1978 and has become a classic, lasting over four decades.

The cologne has woody, chypre, and masculine notes. It has top notes of basil, artemisia, and thyme, with middle notes of pine tree needles, leather, and chamomile, and base notes of tobacco, oakmoss, and patchouli.

The cologne has had several reformulations over the years, with some people claiming that the original scent was stronger and more masculine. However, it is still a popular fragrance today and is considered a timeless classic.

The current formulation is described as having a bright and piney scent, while the older formulations are characterized by a "wet moss" scent. The cologne is best suited for fall and winter and has excellent longevity and projection.

Overall, Ralph Lauren's Polo is a well-loved and iconic cologne that has stood the test of time.

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