Overview

Porsche Design The Essence Aftershave Lotion 80ml is one of those quietly discontinued releases that fragrance enthusiasts tend to track down with clear intent. This is not a mass-market grooming item — it carries the brand's heritage approach to masculinity, expressed through a scent profile that evokes cold northern air: crisp, woody, and deeply resinous. The compact lotion format serves two purposes at once, soothing freshly shaved skin while depositing a light but distinctive fragrance layer. If you are finding it available now, you are almost certainly sourcing from a third-party seller, which is worth factoring into your expectations before purchase.

Features & Benefits

The opening of the Essence lotion lands with juniper and blueberry — not sweet, more like a compressed forest note with a faint tart edge. As it settles, Russian coriander and black pepper come through alongside Siberian pine, building a spiced green heart that keeps things interesting. The dry-down is where it commits: fir balsam, incense, and patchouli anchor everything in warm resinous earth. As an aftershave lotion rather than a splash or spray, the texture is light and absorbs quickly without leaving skin greasy. Expect moderate longevity — this sits closer to a personal skin scent than a bold statement fragrance.

Best For

This aftershave lotion suits men who gravitate toward woody and resinous scent profiles rather than the lighter citrus or aquatic styles that dominate most designer shelves. It particularly fits a cold-weather grooming routine — the base notes read heavier and more appropriate when the air outside matches their weight. Collectors within the Porsche Design fragrance line will find this a worthwhile addition, especially given its discontinued status. It also makes sense for anyone who prefers a single post-shave step that addresses skin comfort and fragrance at once, without needing to layer a separate cologne over the top.

User Feedback

Buyers who have tracked down this Porsche Design release tend to be enthusiastic about the distinctive outdoorsy character that sets it apart from more common designer scents. The opening gets consistent praise for its freshness, while the dry-down divides opinion — some find the patchouli and incense combination compelling, others feel it leans a little heavy. Longevity is a realistic concern: as an aftershave lotion, projection is modest and fades within a few hours, which some buyers accept and others find underwhelming. The most practical issue raised is around third-party sourcing — quality and authenticity can vary, so buying from reputable sellers matters here.

Pros

  • The scent profile is genuinely distinctive — woodsy, spiced, and earthy in a way most designer fragrances avoid.
  • Juniper and blueberry top notes open crisply without smelling synthetic or artificially sweet.
  • The lotion texture absorbs quickly and feels light on freshly shaved skin.
  • Doubles as both a post-shave skin soother and a light fragrance layer in one step.
  • The 80ml size is practical for travel without taking up excessive bathroom shelf space.
  • Cool-weather wearability is strong — the resinous base notes suit autumn and winter grooming well.
  • The Siberian pine and coriander heart gives the scent real depth that develops nicely over time.
  • Holds genuine collector value as a discontinued Porsche Design release with a loyal following.

Cons

  • Discontinued by the manufacturer, meaning supply is limited and pricing from third-party sellers can be unpredictable.
  • Longevity is modest at best — expect a few hours before the scent fades noticeably.
  • Sillage stays close to the skin, which will frustrate buyers expecting a more projecting fragrance.
  • The patchouli and incense base is polarizing — not everyone will enjoy how the dry-down develops.
  • Sourcing from secondary market sellers carries real authenticity and storage-condition risks.
  • Warm-weather wearability is limited; the heavy base notes can feel uncomfortable in summer heat.
  • No spray mechanism means application control is less precise than a typical cologne or aftershave splash.
  • Availability gaps make it unreliable as a daily-use staple you can replenish easily.

Ratings

The scores below for Porsche Design The Essence Aftershave Lotion 80ml were generated by our AI system after analyzing verified purchase reviews from buyers worldwide, with spam, incentivized, and bot-generated feedback actively filtered out. The result is an honest cross-section of real ownership experiences — not a highlight reel. Where this aftershave lotion earns strong marks, you will see why; where it falls short, we have not softened the picture.

Scent Distinctiveness
91%
Buyers consistently describe the scent as genuinely unlike anything else on the mainstream designer shelf — the juniper-led opening paired with a resinous, incense-heavy dry-down strikes most users as memorable and purposeful. Men who have worn it to outdoor events or cooler-weather occasions report getting unsolicited compliments specifically because the profile is so different from typical fresh or aquatic colognes.
Scent perception is inherently subjective, and a vocal minority of reviewers found the patchouli and incense base too heavy or old-fashioned for everyday settings. A few users noted the fragrance felt better suited to evenings than daytime wear, which limits its versatility.
Longevity on Skin
54%
46%
For users with naturally oily or moisturized skin, the Essence lotion tends to cling a little longer than a typical aftershave splash would, offering a couple of hours of noticeable presence during a morning commute or work meeting. Some buyers found this acceptable given they were primarily after a post-shave skin treatment with fragrance as a secondary benefit.
The majority of buyers reported that the scent fades to near-imperceptible levels within two to three hours, which is a real disappointment for the price point involved. Several reviewers specifically flagged they expected more from an Eau de Toilette concentration and would have preferred a companion spray format for better projection throughout the day.
Scent Progression
78%
22%
The journey from the crisp juniper and blueberry top notes through the spiced pine heart is one of the aspects buyers praise most — there is a clear and interesting arc that rewards patience rather than delivering a static smell from start to finish. Users who understand fragrance development genuinely appreciate the shift toward fir balsam and incense as the lotion settles.
The dry-down is the most polarizing phase, with some buyers finding the patchouli and incense combination in the base too sharp or medicinal on their specific skin chemistry. Since fragrance interacts differently with each person's pH, the base notes can read quite differently from one buyer to the next, making this a harder blind-buy than most.
Texture & Absorption
83%
Buyers with dry or sensitive post-shave skin appreciated that the lotion format does not sting the way a high-alcohol splash would, and several noted it absorbs within about thirty seconds without leaving a greasy residue. The consistency was consistently described as light enough for daily morning use without interfering with subsequent skincare or sunscreen layering.
A small number of users found the lotion slightly slow to absorb on combination or oilier skin types, which left a faint tacky feeling if they rushed through their grooming routine. The absence of a pump or spray dispenser also made precise dosing trickier than buyers accustomed to spray-format aftershaves would expect.
Sillage & Projection
47%
53%
Buyers who specifically wanted a close-wearing, intimate fragrance rather than a room-filling scent found the low projection of this Porsche Design release to be a deliberate and welcome quality — it works well in professional environments where strong fragrances are unwelcome. For that narrow use case, the sillage feels appropriate rather than lacking.
For the majority of buyers, the projection is the single biggest point of frustration — at arm's length the scent is barely detectable even freshly applied, which many felt did not justify the premium positioning. Users hoping to make a fragrance impression during a night out or social event were routinely let down.
Value for Money
61%
39%
Collectors and dedicated Porsche Design fragrance enthusiasts view the price as reasonable for a discontinued release with genuine brand heritage and a unique scent profile that cannot be replicated by anything currently in production. For that audience, the rarity justifies the cost.
For the average buyer evaluating this on pure performance grounds — longevity, projection, and day-to-day usability — the price-to-experience ratio is harder to defend. The limited sillage and short wear time mean you are paying a premium partly for the brand and partly for scarcity, which sits poorly with more pragmatic shoppers.
Post-Shave Skin Comfort
79%
21%
Users with normal to dry skin found the lotion format genuinely soothing after a close wet shave, noting reduced redness and no tightness compared to alcohol-heavy splash alternatives. The absence of an aggressive alcohol bite was specifically mentioned by buyers with reactive or sensitive facial skin as a reason they kept coming back to this format.
Buyers dealing with active razor burn or broken skin noted that the fragrance components still caused mild stinging on compromised areas, so it is not entirely gentle in all circumstances. It also lacks any clearly marketed active ingredients — such as aloe or chamomile — that would make a stronger case for its skin-care credentials.
Packaging & Presentation
72%
28%
The packaging reflects Porsche Design's clean, engineered aesthetic and feels appropriately premium on a grooming shelf — buyers who display their fragrance collections noted it sits well alongside other premium grooming items without looking out of place. The bottle itself is compact and sturdy enough that it travels without anxiety.
Several buyers received bottles from third-party sellers with minor cosmetic packaging damage — dented boxes, faded labeling — which, while not affecting the product itself, undercut the premium unboxing experience. The lotion bottle neck also lacks a precision applicator, making controlled pouring slightly fiddly first thing in the morning.
Seasonal Versatility
51%
49%
Within its ideal season — autumn and winter — the Essence lotion performs well and feels contextually appropriate, with the resinous and balsamic base notes complementing cold air rather than clashing with it. Buyers in cooler climates or northern regions found it a natural fit for a significant portion of the year.
Outside of cool weather the fragrance struggles considerably — multiple buyers described wearing it in spring or summer as a mistake, noting the base notes became cloying and almost medicinal in warmer temperatures. This effectively cuts the usable window to perhaps five or six months of the year for buyers in temperate climates.
Authenticity & Sourcing Trust
58%
42%
Buyers who purchased from reputable, established third-party sellers reported receiving genuine product that matched their expectations in scent and presentation, suggesting authentic stock is still circulating in the secondary market. Positive sourcing experiences were common among buyers who researched sellers carefully before purchasing.
Because this is discontinued stock sold exclusively through third parties, authenticity concerns are a real and recurring theme in buyer feedback. A small but notable portion of reviews mentioned receiving product that smelled off or appeared tampered with, which makes due diligence on seller reputation essential before committing to a purchase.
Collector & Rarity Appeal
88%
Among fragrance collectors and Porsche Design loyalists, the discontinued status of this aftershave lotion is a genuine draw — owning a piece of the brand's catalog history carries real appeal for those who curate their grooming shelf with intention. Multiple buyers explicitly mentioned purchasing primarily for collection purposes rather than daily wear.
Rarity appeal is entirely subjective and irrelevant to buyers who just want a reliable, replenishable grooming product. The lack of any restock possibility means that once your bottle is finished, finding another at a comparable price becomes increasingly difficult and uncertain.
Scent Complexity
86%
Fragrance-literate buyers rated the compositional depth of this release highly, pointing out that the interplay between the pine-and-pepper heart and the balsamic base is more sophisticated than the average designer aftershave. The multiple distinct phases give it a character that holds up to repeated wearing without becoming boring.
For buyers less familiar with structured fragrance compositions, the complexity can actually be a barrier — some found the evolving scent unpredictable or inconsistent, particularly when the dry-down shifted noticeably from the opening they had sampled or remembered. A simpler, more linear scent might be easier to commit to daily.
Ease of Application
67%
33%
The lotion format is intuitive for anyone familiar with traditional aftershave routines, and the lightweight consistency means it integrates smoothly into an existing morning grooming sequence without adding meaningful time or complexity. Most buyers adapted to the palm-application method quickly.
The lack of a spray or pump mechanism remains a practical inconvenience flagged by multiple reviewers — controlling the exact amount dispensed takes some trial and error, and overpouring on early uses was a common frustration. Buyers accustomed to spray-format fragrances may find the adjustment period mildly annoying.

Suitable for:

Porsche Design The Essence Aftershave Lotion 80ml is the right pick for men who have already decided they want something out of the ordinary — specifically a scent that leans woody, spiced, and resinous rather than fresh or sweet. It works particularly well as part of a cold-weather grooming routine, where the fir balsam and patchouli base notes feel at home rather than out of place. If you are a collector within the Porsche Design fragrance universe, this discontinued release carries enough character to justify the hunt. It also suits the practical minimalist who prefers one post-shave step that handles both skin comfort and light fragrance, skipping a separate cologne entirely. Anyone drawn to niche, brand-heritage masculinity with a northern, almost wilderness-like quality will find this aftershave lotion genuinely rewarding.

Not suitable for:

Buyers who prioritize strong projection and all-day longevity should know upfront that Porsche Design The Essence Aftershave Lotion 80ml is not built for that — the lotion format keeps sillage close to the skin and fade time is measured in hours, not a full day. If your usual preference runs toward clean aquatics, fresh citrus, or light modern florals, the resinous and earthy dry-down here will likely feel heavy or mismatched to your taste. This is also a poor fit for anyone who is price-sensitive about discontinued stock, since sourcing from third-party sellers carries inherent risks around authenticity and condition that a standard retail purchase would not. Men who want a straightforward, uncomplicated scent for year-round daily wear would be better served by something still in active production with consistent availability.

Specifications

  • Brand: Manufactured by Porsche Design, a German luxury lifestyle brand with a heritage in precision engineering and premium accessories.
  • Product Type: After shave lotion formulated for post-shave application on men's facial skin.
  • Volume: Each bottle contains 80ml (2.7 fl oz) of lotion.
  • Concentration: Fragrance is built at Eau de Toilette concentration, delivering a light-to-moderate scent intensity suited to daytime wear.
  • Top Notes: Opening scent layer features juniper and blueberry, providing a crisp, slightly tart initial impression.
  • Middle Notes: The heart of the fragrance is composed of Russian coriander, black pepper, and Siberian pine for a spiced, green depth.
  • Base Notes: The dry-down is anchored by fir balsam, incense, and patchouli, giving the scent a warm, resinous, and earthy finish.
  • Scent Family: Classified as woody, resinous, and spiced — suited to cool-weather wear and men who prefer forest-inspired fragrance profiles.
  • Item Form: Delivered as a lotion rather than a spray or splash, applying directly to skin via pour or palm application.
  • Target Gender: Formulated and positioned specifically for men's grooming use.
  • Availability: This product has been officially discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer in active production.
  • Item Model: Official item model number is 3351500800100 as listed by the manufacturer.
  • UPC: Product UPCs include 987502377390 and 700999606411 as registered identifiers.
  • ASIN: The Amazon Standard Identification Number for this listing is B002ZH762G.
  • BSR Ranking: Holds a Best Sellers Rank of approximately #503 in the After Shave Lotions category on Amazon.
  • Skin Benefit: The lotion base is designed to soothe and condition freshly shaved skin while simultaneously depositing fragrance.
  • Wear Season: Best suited for autumn and winter wear, where the heavier resinous base notes complement cooler ambient temperatures.

Related Reviews

Design.Me GLOSS.ME Hair Oil 80mL
Design.Me GLOSS.ME Hair Oil 80mL
87%
88%
Effectiveness at Frizz Control
90%
Hydration & Nourishment
91%
Non-Greasy Formula
85%
Suitability for Sensitive Scalp
94%
Ingredient Quality (Argan Oil)
More
Royall Spyce Aftershave Lotion Cologne 8oz
Royall Spyce Aftershave Lotion Cologne 8oz
85%
88%
Scent Freshness
91%
Dual Functionality (Aftershave + Cologne)
85%
Skin Sensitivity Suitability
74%
Fragrance Longevity
92%
Value for Money
More
Essence Eyebrow Designer Pencil Dark Chocolate Brown
Essence Eyebrow Designer Pencil Dark Chocolate Brown
85%
92%
Ease of Use
90%
Natural Finish
87%
Value for Money
85%
Blendability
78%
Creamy Texture
More
Designer Skin Command 13.5oz Tanning Lotion
Designer Skin Command 13.5oz Tanning Lotion
77%
88%
Skin Hydration
76%
Color Enhancement
72%
Texture & Absorption
58%
Scent Profile
64%
Value for Money
More
Royall Lyme Aftershave Lotion Cologne for Men, 8 Oz.
Royall Lyme Aftershave Lotion Cologne for Men, 8 Oz.
85%
88%
Scent Longevity
91%
Skin Compatibility (Sensitive Skin)
84%
Fragrance Appeal
89%
Value for Money
85%
Ease of Use
More
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion 3.4oz
Estée Lauder Micro Essence Treatment Lotion 3.4oz
82%
91%
Skin Barrier Repair
88%
Hydration Performance
93%
Texture & Absorption
82%
Radiance & Glow
87%
Sensitivity & Soothing
More
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Aftershave
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Aftershave
80%
93%
Scent Authenticity
89%
Skin Feel & Absorption
61%
Scent Longevity
58%
Value for Money
78%
Post-Shave Soothing
More
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Aftershave Lotion
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male Aftershave Lotion
81%
88%
Skin Soothing Efficacy
91%
Texture & Absorption
83%
Fragrance Quality
61%
Scent Longevity
66%
Value for Money
More
Designer Skin Heartless 15X Bronzer Tanning Lotion
Designer Skin Heartless 15X Bronzer Tanning Lotion
75%
88%
Color Development Speed
91%
Bronzer Intensity
84%
Skin Hydration
47%
Bronzer Transfer
69%
Scent Profile
More
St Johns West Indian Lime Aftershave Lotion 8 Oz
St Johns West Indian Lime Aftershave Lotion 8 Oz
84%
87%
Fragrance Longevity
92%
Scent Quality
90%
Cooling Effect
80%
Packaging Design
75%
Skin Compatibility (Sensitive Skin)
More

FAQ

It is officially discontinued by the manufacturer, so what you see from third-party sellers is remaining stock. Once it is gone, there is no indication it will return. If you find it in good condition at a fair price, it is worth acting on rather than waiting.

Pour a small amount into your palm, rub your hands together lightly, and press gently into freshly shaved skin rather than rubbing aggressively. The lotion format is a bit more forgiving on sensitive post-shave skin than a high-alcohol splash, though it does mean you have less application precision than a spray would give you.

Realistically, expect two to four hours of noticeable presence before it fades to a very close skin scent. Aftershave lotions are generally not built for all-day projection — if longevity is a priority, layering with a matching or complementary cologne would help, though no matching flanker is readily available for this specific release.

Think cold pine forest with a spiced edge and an earthy finish — it opens with something crisp and slightly tart from the juniper, then dries down into a warmer, almost smoky wood-and-resin scent. It is not sweet, not aquatic, and not particularly office-friendly in a conventional sense. It suits someone who wants to smell outdoors-adjacent rather than clean or fresh.

You can absolutely use the Essence lotion as a light standalone fragrance if you like the scent profile, though the sillage will stay closer to your skin than a proper cologne would. Many buyers who pick this up use it primarily for the fragrance rather than the grooming function.

It is noticeable but not dominant in the way a heavy patchouli-forward scent would be. It blends with fir balsam and incense, so the overall effect is more resinous-earthy than pure patchouli. That said, if you are sensitive to patchouli in any form, the dry-down may not suit your taste — it does become the most prominent element once the top and heart fade.

It is a legitimate concern. Because this is discontinued stock, you are relying on the seller having stored it properly and selling an authentic product. Check seller ratings carefully, look for sealed packaging, and be cautious of prices that seem unusually low. Fragrance can degrade with poor storage, so condition matters as much as authenticity.

Honestly, not ideal. The base notes — particularly the fir balsam and incense — tend to read heavy in warm weather and can feel out of place against summer heat. This aftershave lotion is much better suited to the cooler months, roughly autumn through early spring.

Yes, there is no reason it has to be used strictly after shaving. The lotion can be applied to the neck, jaw, or chest like any fragrance product. The skin-conditioning aspect of the formula is a bonus, not a requirement for enjoyment.

At roughly 80ml and using a standard pour-into-palm application, most users will get anywhere from two to four months of daily use out of a single bottle, depending on how generously they apply. For a discontinued product you may not be able to restock easily, it is worth being mindful of how much you use per application.

Where to Buy