Polo

This is one I have mixed feelings about - the initial blast and opening 30 minutes are intense! almost too much for me, but then it starts to settle into something rather amazing and comforting. I also note that when I spray this and immediately go out I will get the odd comment on its strength and how 'unique' it is (usually code for 'I'm not sure about this') - but if i leave it 30-40 min before going out the comments are much more positive, in fact id say its a compliment monster once its dried down. Def one for Winter, its a Christmas/cold weather scent. I understand if you have a small collection this might be a little off beat, but if you have a mid or larger collection then what the heck are you waiting for - this is something different and thats rare in todays fragrance world where everything is effectively a variation of 2-3 themes. This stands out - and for that it earns its spot in my wardrobe!

Finally added a 2023 batch to my collection. Don't care that it's new Luxury Products Polo. I've smelled vintage Cosmair and recall smelling Polo as a pre-teen many moons ago, which was so sinus-awakeningly loaded with oakmoss that it was likely Warner, and although the new stuff has virtually zero oakmoss (perhaps a helping of Evernyl), it measures up to at least late vintage Cosmair. It's a bit lighter now, especially in the midsection, but with a few sprays I get all day and then some in terms of longevity, and sillage is very good, too. So no complaints, they haven't watered it down, just made it a bit fresher and arguably more like its discontinued sibling, Polo Crest. Polo is a fantastic fragrance, and I think it holds up quite well in the '20s.

My dad wore this basically everywhere when I was a kid, so I have an awesome n cozy nostalgic connection to this fragrance. People describe this as a "Mature" smelling fragrance (as in for older people), but I think this is mostly due to the actual age of it and its association with the people who wear it. In a vacuum, based purely off the merits of the scent, this is something that I would absolutely consider wearing as a 23 year old. Very smooth, slightly warm woods contrasted by ever-so-slightly punchy pine coolness. Definitely more cozy / respectful than sensual. Its how holding the hand of the love of your life feels, rather than a passionate kiss. A warm, extended hug after a long day at work or out and about. I feel content when I wear this.

This has to be my favourite winter fragrance of all time. Pure masculinity in a bottle. Nothing beats it. If you're young it's hard to pull off just because of how mature it is. I'm 16 and I got mixed comments about this from classmates, have had girls and friends say I smell like a rich grandpa. Nonetheless I still wear this because I personally love the scent, but I know it will definitely suit me better once I'm older. Not blind buy safe unless you know you like tobacco/woody notes. If you are 30+ this is a must have in your collection. Unapologetically manly and sexy.

One of my Father’s old favourites (others being CD Fahrenheit and Givenchy’s OG Gentleman) lucky for him he had the opportunity to wear its first iteration, when he compares it to modern formulations while it does evoke good memories he’s disappointed in how most old school scents become shadows of their former selves but I am glad how he emphasized that the DNA remained the same, a typical 80s purely masculine powerhouse.. An olfactory experience that simply makes me imagine my Ol’ Man in his prime years just like most Gen X men of the time.