L'eau d'Issey

Even back in the early 00’s, Issey Miyake was considered avant garde. The style was different from what was on offer, and graduating from cK, Cool Water or Eternity to Issey Miyake was a wow factor. Cool Water was the signature of a good friend, although I never liked it then; it was immensely heavy and I associated it with a cleaning product! cK One was my go-to for a good number of years, while Eternity was the signature of a dear friend. Then, stuff like Rush, Addict, D&G, Pure Poison and Narciso came out, but among the ‘male’ oriented Roberto Cavalli’s, Calvin’s Truth and Lauders Beyond Paradise, I enjoyed the Isseys. Both versions. Something about the gauzy freshness of the edt and the zingy spiciness of the Pour Homme caught my nose and wore them for a good part of the decade. L’eau d’Issey: floral, watery, melony. We didn’t know what Calone was, we knew what we liked. And Issey’s version was far away from the blockbusters of previous years. It was fresh, clean, tender. Among the soft flowers and the powdery feel, there was an aquatic feel that captured the salty sea air and the sand dunes, intertwined with a futuristic feel. It was beautiful. Lightweight on a hot summer day. Floral and comforting, with a clean powdery sensation. The stickiness of humidity was gone. And it didn’t leave your skin, leaving a gorgeous trail behind! L’eau d’Issey pour Homme: zingy, spicy and refreshingly citrusy but not like lemon Zoflora! I first smelled it on a friend, and instantly got smitten. Yuzu, which I now know, was the culprit. The smell of the peel and rind, sweetened by herbs, mignonette and gentle lilly of the valley. It was at once refreshing, spicy, herbal, floral and aquatic. It never went full Calone territory, but used the note as a balance point to make the fragrance completely different! Under it all, there was a slightly bitter touch and a modest use of what I recall as a ‘pissy’ note. Even then, I loved it! Both were of its time, seeing ahead. They took the familiar into a future tech environment. And they were innovative and beautiful. Today, gladly, they smell of themselves. They are still unmistakable. In a crowded perfumery shelf, they stand out among the ones that have gone and the ones that have faired less well. For nostalgia, like me, for a trip to the past and happy memories or simply for educational purposes, for something that bottles SUMMER, both are excellent choices. Modern then and modern today! Review based on current edt formula for both fragrances.

I do not care that this fragrance was super trendy in the 90s and everybody who's old enough to remember L'Eau d'Issey is soooo over it. I also do not care that many perfumistas--especially those who love big, heavy orientals or niche fragrances that smell like dirty underwear and cigarettes (and that none of their friends have heard of, much less own)--think that L'Eau d'Issey smells like melon-scented toilet bowl cleaner, or whatever. I effing love L'Eau d'Issey. It's hot and humid where I live, like a giant sauna, and if I could get away with wearing something big, loud and rich I would totally do it, but I don't want to asphyxiate people. I just want to smell nice. And when I wear L'Eau d'Issey, people go out of their way to tell me that I smell amazing. But that doesn't even matter, because I'm wearing it now and I think I smell pretty amazing. I don't find anything chemical or artificial about this fragrance. It's cool, fresh, and feminine, and it's not trying too hard. I think Issey Miyake and Jacques Cavallier achieved exactly what they were going for here. Bowls full of water and flower petals, enchanted springtime forests, magical waterfalls, etc. As a novice perfumista, I feel obligated to try obscure fragrances that smell like armpits and rotten tree fungus, and usually I can at least appreciate what the designer is trying to accomplish. But seriously, if you just want to smell pretty, don't let the negative reviews deter you. Give L'Eau d'Issey a try.

Some of the impressions of this fragrance expressed by reviewers are staggering. Faeces? Fish? Cat piss? What? L'eau d'Issey was launched in 1992 at the height of 'powerhouse perfume' (for reference, the same year as Angel by Thierry Mugler). Issey Miyake released it because he hated perfume and was tired of being constantly assaulted by other people's fragrances on aeroplanes and communal spaces. He wanted a perfume that did not smell overbearing and this was the end result. Some reviewers are calling it generic by today's standards, and perhaps now it is, but at the time of its release, you must remember it was completely unique and trend-setting by its gentle simplicity. I think it could even be classed as a forerunner to all the 'smells like your skin, only better' fragrances the market is now awash with. It is a barely there perfume full of muted sweetness and sunshine. I think when you understand the history of this fragrance it will suddenly make sense. It does not smell of cat piss, faeces or fish though by any stretch of the imagination, either on skin or on paper. It is a beautiful floral aquatic, and while it's not loud enough for my personality I can appreciate it for what it is and for being so ground-breaking. There is something about it that inspires happiness and tranquillity. I find it very uplifting to wear. It also performs really well for a gentle fragrance. I get around 6-8 hours of wear before it vanishes as discreetly as it arrived.

Although it feels like I have loved this perfume since forever, in the mid-90s my bff in high school wore it and it smelled saccharine, cloying. Around 2010 I finally tried it for myself and was struck by a totally different experience — this gorgeous, persistent floral of the most beguiling manner, nothing too loud or sugary. A few bottles of this later, it still makes for an easy reach. I read a scathing review about a different perfume in which the author slammed it as being boring like L’Eau d’Issey. How short-sighted! We are inundated with scents today but this was a show-stopping stunner when it came out that remains a beautifully composed fragrance. Some of us prefer even these newer classics to most of the juices on offer in recent years. I wear it mostly in winter and it’s a performer on me, both the EDT and EDP. This needs a proper test drive or two before purchase, but if it’s not for you, no judgement. And fwiw I like melon, but on me that’s not really present in this elegant floral bouquet. And yes, it’s watery, too, in a dreamy, almost wistful way.

I ́ve been curious about this one for such a long time. The first time I smelled this was among my korean girlfriends and initially I found it to be very overpowering, weird and strong smelling. But recently I had a friend gift me this for my b-day and I love it. It ́s very fresh in an aquatic way, like you got out of the shower and used a very expensive shower gel. The white flowers are very prominent and the hint of melon gives it a nice touch. I imagine myself on a warm morning in a balcony wearing a silk white robe, eating fruits and drinking a hot cup of coffee while the sun is bathing me in warm golden hues and smelling this aura around me. I just wish it lasted longer because I ́m confuse, like... I get anosmic to it and stop smelling it, but people say it still smells very strongly after a few hours, although I find that on clothes lasts longer than on skin. Anyways, definetly a staple freshy to my collection.

This perfume made me like floral perfumes. I'm still a novice in perfumes and I thought I liked floral scents before but it turns out I was thinking of sweet scents. After using this perfume I like my other floral perfumes a lot more! I got this as a gift and I am really happy with it. It reminds of me a flower garden where the flowers have just been watered. I live in a place where you can really strongly smell different flowers during different times of the year and this perfume feels just like that. Of course, it can't smell like actual real life flowers because at the end of the day it's just a perfume, but it definitely comes close enough. I'm super sensitive to smells and this perfume definitely comes to a point where at certain times it smells just natural and not like a perfume.

It changes a lot based on who is wearing it so do keep in mind, on my mother it's incredibly overpowering to the point found it nauseating on her, though to be fair she is more partial to citrusy scents. She said it smelt like jasmine? On me, the flowery smell is less strong and she found it more palatable, she even asked what I was wearing because she wanted to try it on. It's long lasting and easy to recognize, it stuck onto my clothes (jeans, shirt and sweater), and lasted even through my gym session. Another huge plus was that, as someone with a very limited amount of available perfumes due to allergies, it caused no rashes or irritation. It's still new in my collection so I can't say for sure it'll replace my current signature, but I've used it everyday since getting it.

This one is pretty popular with the YouTube reviewers and as it has been described, I thought it would be something I would like! Well, I finally picked up a bottle and I am not disappointed! This is a bright, fresh, somewhat green or aquatic, white floral that has amazing sillage and great longevity. Definitely could be a signature scent. I agree this needs to be used in moderation! Less is more with this one, since it’s such a powerhouse. I can see why people would dislike this if they’ve been suffocated by someone’s application of it. I’ve had great fragrances ruined for me due to association with a serious oversprayer! So, this is one to be mindful of! I’d say two sprays max and it’s gorgeous!

This is what beautiful women smelled like when I was a little girl. I finally identified the scent in college walking through a Macy’s, it stopped me in my tracks and bought it full price on the spot (an arm and a leg at the time). I just love this, it’s my fresh and clean scent in place of a soapy perfume because I don’t care for those. It’s like sweet melony water supported by rosy florals. I could see this going funky on some people though, so try before you buy. I’ve had this and the edp, the edp just smells like rosewater on me. The aquatic melon notes last to the dry down in this one, which is my favorite part, so I prefer this one. This is timeless, gorgeous, and unique.

woah ???? my auntie who i love lots has had this as her signature scent for ages (like over a decade) and even before i got into perfume this scent was just her scent to me. when she showed me what perfume it was i flipped because ??? i know about this house and i had never heard of this banger? this smells like a muted down field of flowers with honey and bees and its just spring all around to me. it has a non offensive scent imo even tho it lasts forever and the projection is crazy, i feel like if you wore this to the office no one would complain yk? oh my god obsessed. this is a definite repurchase when mine finishes

Easily one of my most favorite perfumes ever. And I repurchased it couple of times. For me this is ideal summer scent that is not a citrus smell (sometimes I just want something else). It is strong, but absolutely not overwhelming, it is just fresh, clean (not soapy or powdery clean, but non-intrusive clean). Funny thing is, I cannot break it into any of its components - I cannot tell the fruits, or the different flowers in it, or the woodsy smell. It is just its own unique perfect blend. Great for the office, or to go out. Love it, I'm on my 3rd bottle, and I will repurchase it again in the future.

EDIT: SUCCESS! She loves it and its great on her! The male version of this is my favourite fragrance ever. This is a softer and mellower and more floral version of that, but the opening (the best part) is nearly identical for me. I'm glad that its not nauseating or cloying or powdery like most female fragrances tend to be for my nose. Its actually quite calming and pleasing. Makes me want to smell it in bed. After having tried a few sprays of it on myself and strips I think I just found the perfect fragrance for my wife. Will buy a bottle for her and see how she reacts, then update here accordingly.

This fragrance would be worn by a punk mermaid. It makes me think of lily pads and swirls of light. It’s both retro and modern, yin and yang. The fact it came out the year I was born makes me feel connected to it. If this fragrance was a color it would be a pale shimmering blue with glints of golden yellow like a cool summer sunrise. I also am always blown away at how long this fragrance lingers. I put it on about 9 hours ago and can still smell it lingering on my shirt and hair. On my wrist it has worn down to a skin scent consisting of the woodier base notes. I’ll always love L’eau D’Issey <3

At first when I tested this I thought the lily of the valley was too screechy. I couldn’t understand the watery or sweet melon accords. A year later I saw a review and got curious again, so I sniffed again and... intoxicating sweet white floral, watery heaven! Maybe my nose matured or MAYBE this is hormones, but sometimes I crave this super pretty, white smelling perfume. It’s a flowery vibe for sure! I couldn’t wear this every day but it’s just so stunning when my fickle nose is in the mood. I’d follow someone wearing this perfume just to be in the wake of the sillage.

I was pleasantly surprised by this fragrance because I expected it to be more aquatic floral on my skin with little else that stands out. Instead, my skin's chemistry brought out the cedar so at first it smelled like the soft florals and watery notes, almost like a luxurious garden pond, and then there was that pleasant spicy smell that you get from smelling spruce needles in the winter (like a spruce tree covered in snow) that came in as a welcomed intruder to this ensemble of notes. That made me like L'Eau d'Issey so much more.

I see that many people find this scent annoying and overly harsh. I also got that impression when I overdid it (more than 2 sprays). I imagine that younger users, or those who are not used to high concentrations of fragrances, overdo it. With such a strong concentration, walking through the cloud that a single spray of the fragrance gives us is quite enough. If you still have the fragrance or tester, try it this way. And it is better if the mist gets caught a little lower (on your clothes or body) than in your hair. Try!

One of my favourite freshies for the summer. Its years old this one but I was never into it back then. Now I appreciate its beauty and when I spray this on I imagine a stunning deep green lagoon or glorious waterfalls. I’ve never experience the melon note beyond a few seconds after first application, my skin just pulls heavy lotus, water lily and aquatic notes with this, even the woody notes are mild and it feels like just smelling it could quench your thirst on a hot summers day. Watery, lotus, woody freshness.

(Tried this one from a friend of my mother’s, since it’s her signture scent.) It opens softly as a white floral, then we hit the fruity note of the melon for a moment. This fruity note gorgeously blossoms into a powerful and genuine floral that truly makes the delicate scent of the Lily-of-the-Valley shine through. It smells fresh and dewy, and it makes you feel like you’re a small fairy (wearing a Lily-of-the-Valley as a skirt) waking up on a big dew-dropped leaf on a sunny spring morning. Love it!

It smells amazing on my skin. It's so fresh, floral, and with a touch of sweetness that I simply love this perfume. It's so distinctive that I haven't found anything like it; it has a perfect balance. I recommend it for those who enjoy fresh and floral scents, but not too intense, and for those who prefer sweet perfumes without them being cloying or heavy. While it's not a gourmand perfume, it's a good option with a sweet touch; perhaps it also depends on each person's skin, but it's perfect.

Heavenly. I’m in my early 30s. By far my favourite perfume. Just wish there was a wintery version with a touch more warmth for the cold UK weather. But I’m wearing this year round, night and day regardless. LOVE. My fiancé compliments me every time I wear it. It’s a decadent bouquet of fresh florals on a cosy sunny day and the air is dancing around you. It’s confident but not shouting. A very happy scent for me. It’s what I picture the mother from Parent Trap wearing or Monica from friends.

Freshly sweet, slightly green, you can definitely notice the lotus and melon notes but in a cool watery way rather than overtly floral or fruity. Became a skin scent on me pretty fast but still smells gorgeous. Fairly mature so would make an easy office fragrance, but also fresh and airy enough to wear anywhere. Vibes of a clear pond in the morning with sunlight starting to stream down through leaves above, a little bit of mist starting to dissipate as the air warms. Wish I got this one :(

Absolutely beautiful. Every note IS bright, clean, and “transparent.” Green-fresh, wet, melon-sweet (not sugary), vaguely creamy (white flowers and sandalwood not soap), and a subtle but stunning use of cedarwood. THIS is what I didn’t know I was looking for whenever I smelled Jessica McClintock or Happy in the ‘90s. I wanted something similar but greener, more complex, and more smoothed out. I wanted L'eau d'Issey Issey Miyake. Thank goddess they’re still making it and as per original

My review may not be the most accurate as my bottle of this is vintage, passed to me from my aunt who bought it in the 90s/early 2000s. Sadly, the top notes have gone bad and it now smells old and musty, although the scent does develop after a while, becoming a super beautiful floral fragrance. Has pretty good sillage and longevity for an EDT (for the old formulation at least, can’t speak for the new formulation). Would love to smell the new formulation of this to see how it compares 😊

This is a spring essential for me. Dewy, light, and fresh. It makes me feel like I'm walking through a garden that was just misted with a gentle rain. Typically I feel like rose can easily be too overpowering and while it does stand out here, it doesn't dominate the other notes. The melon and slight fruitiness work beautifully to prevent it from becoming a heady flowerbomb. Despite the fact that it's and EDT and sits quite light on the skin, the longevity is amazing.

Almost every note in this fragrance incredibly suits my taste but the only thing im afraid to is it was released in 1992 and anything released before 1995 smells dated to my nose Unfortunately i know I wouldn’t find any tester here anywhere in saudi but i can easily purchase it online so that means I wouldn’t know if this fragrance is good on not until i blind buy it please guys is it fresh as j’adore and cool water ? Or more like escape ck and those outdated scents

I cannot describe enough how much this scent is absolutely magical. So true to it's proposal, lightweight, feminine, whimsy, delicate, and so much more. It's one of those nosegasmic scents that change lifetimes. It doesn't last much with projection, but you always catch a faint whiff and the experience repeats itself so magically it's worth every penny. I highly recommend this perfume. It reminds me of dreams, fog over a river, water and a droplet over a petal.

Amazing fragrance for the cheap price. During my pregnancy in 2023, this was one of the few fragrance I was able to wear without getting nauseous . Easy , light watery florals ,shampoo-ey from the lily, and something comes off almost rice like to my nose. This thing would last me all day with just a few sprays , and survived humid Florida weather all year. It’s also very unique , I don’t think I’ve ever smelled anything like this before . A true gem !

i feel like you have to be a very interesting or out of the ordinary person to wear this, otherwise something like j’adore or one of the daisies makes more sense to you . this is real office siren tease though, quiet yet bold . very realistic lotus+lilies+rose+peony is the center of the wear, melon adds some fruitiness, the drydown becomes woody floral but its still pretty bright and fresh, not much warmth here as if the woods were wet from rain

Çiçeksi ve fresh koku sevenler kesinlikle şans vermeli. Her bitirdiğimde hemen sipariş verilen nadir kokulardan biri. Çiçeksi sucul bahar havası veren ve sizi çiçek buketi gibi hissettiren koku. Yayılımı yüksek, kalıcılığı az-orta denilebilecek seviyede. şakayık frezya ve gül notasını net alıyorsunuz arkadan gelen kavun tatlılığı sululuğu o netliği kırıyor ve mükemmelleşiyor. Her yaş grubuna hitap eden kesinlikle yaşı olmayan bir parfüm.

This is a STRONG perfume but smells so good. A little goes a long way, I remember walking into the airport with this on at 5AM, 🤣 and the counter guy was so enchanted by the perfume that he asked me what I was wearing and that he loved it. He asked for my number and I swear the perfume did that. 😍🤌✨ This bottle was a gift, because of the notes, I would never really bought it, but I would definitely look for similar notes in the future.

I smelled this in a magazine a long time ago. And loved the smell of it but took me 20 yrs to get it. At Ross one day and for a roller ball for $20. I grabbed it so quickly off the shelf. I used the whole thing with in a week. It just smells clean fresh and happy. It's like fresh cut melon. I just love this scent!!! I got the big bottle for $30 a few days ago at Ross. I just don't trust amazon when it come to perfume

Imagine buying an eau de toilette and then complain about the longevity. 🙄 Honestly, who are these so called "fragrance lovers"? Also, Issey Miyake is rooted in Japanese culture, which is known for its refinement and modesty. This perfume is light, aquatic, evaporative, airy, ethereal and was in 1992 a benchmark for a new style of perfumery that is influential to this day. Respect.

Smells like wearing linen on a breezy and sunny summer day. I have fond memories with this fragrance. It is not on trend with today’s fragrances (think sickly sweet gourmands), so for that some may not “get” this fragrance, but honestly there is no other like it, especially with the yummy rice opening. If you’re tired of today’s redundant fresh florals, definitely give this a try!

just found a 2018 batch in perfect condition and it is absolutely fantastic more aquatic with vividly fresh flowers. in the opening there you have bitter yuzu and in the drydown you are in heaven with clean melony powdery woody base. big love. there is a reason this is still around after 30 years. it was a revolutionary scent in its time and I think it still is...

One of my most worn and favourite fragrances. Been wearing it on and off since the early 90s. One major point - it has to be the EDT; beautiful, soft, fresh, breezy, cool, light, linen, green, waterfall, juicy, happy. The EDP is harsh in comparison - pungent, sharp, astringent, chemical, cloying, bitter. Definitely go for the EDT, it's like a different scent.

Can't beat this one. Was a regular during the 90s and 00s, probably the nearest thing I have had to a signature scent. I feel like ME when I wear it. Back in the day, I haunted the Duty Free shops in every airport and took the opportunity to stock up, both of the original fragrance and assorted summer flankers. I still have a bottle on the go, and a backup.

This performs remarkably well for an EDT. Better than many of my EDPs. Great lasting power and sillage, you're getting a lot for your money with this one. It's a great everyday perfume, very sophisticated, no controversial notes, but also unique. To me, it's definitely a spring/summer perfume. I love it on rainy spring days. Floral and a little bit watery.

On my girlfriend it lasts for over 20 hours lol, she uses it at 6 am and I feel it at 11 am next day when we wake up. exceptional performance. funny thing is at first I didn't like it but liked pour homme version at first smell, but now they smell 90 percent the same for me haha. Smells giving similar vibes to cool water with honey and lemon juice to me

Easily top 5 best women perfumes of all time. Intense enough to be smelled by everyone that you pass by, but moderate enough to not be disgusting. The best citrus of probably all time, with some notes that are JUST with each other. A 10/10 in every aspect. People nowadays use things like JPG. C'mon. Nothing too serious against good ol' Issey.

My mother's signature scent, she has mascerated this bad boy for the better part of a decade so it's a solid amber color in the bottle. It will always remind me of her. Smells like a drugstore Garnier face mask in the best way, but as a serial cucumber snacker I may be biased. In a more colorful package it would give frutiger aero vibes.

l'odeur de l'eau sur la peau d'une femme... my signature scent; the instant i smelled it i know i would want to wear this every day. l'eau d'issey transports you to a celestial pond, surrounded by blooming lotuses, on the cusp between spring and summer... i feel like a 仙女 wearing this also the name is a pun on the french word "l'odyssée"

One of my all time favorites. stays on me the whole day and projects to miles away. its a musky, rosey, ocean like smell that is very uniqe to this perfume, never smelled anything close to it. can be overpowereing at times but is a compliment getter, a perfect perfume to wear if you like smelling your own scent throughout the day.

This truly is a masterpiece. Inspired by water and nature. Perfect signature scent. It's aquatic, a little floral and musky. Medium lasting power. If you are looking for a every day, every occasion, clean and musky perfume, this is the one. I would also recommend getting the body lotion is amazing.

Very distinct and lovely "watery" feel to this fragrance. I tried this not knowing it was a woman's perfume and that made me a bit sad cause I wanted to buy it for myself as a man :( Very good choice if you wanna smell lovely as a young girl or woman in her 30 to 40s

this is a beautiful green floral scent with emphasis on green notes :) its a classic beauty............it is a bit strong so i agree with some not an every day wear but beautiful & perfect for certain ocassions :) its one of my favorite lily of the valley scents :)

I love this one so much, Smells clean and reminds me of the 90s when I was a kid and I'd go through my mom's wardrobe to smell her perfumes. Long lasting, smells clean, perfect for hot weather to get that 'out of the shower' feeling.

this one smells incredible! it is a sweet and youthful scent, and a very prominent melon note in my opinion. it smells like honey and flowers, and i people always compliment it. it feels like a happy winter, and it's quite comforting

This is the perfect everyday scent for me, I love how floral and aquatic this smells within the first hour. The dry down is lovely on my skin. I like to layer this over Chloes EDP Lumineuse for a fresh, vanilla scent.

This perfume smells really pure to me, I find it gorgeous, and in my opinion is a must-have, a little bit overpriced because it-s not that strong but could work out perfect in the spring time, I love it.

L'eau d'Issey reminds me of walking past a hedge of fresh honeysuckle just after it rained in the late spring. I don't even care much for floral-dominant scents, but this one is very soft and pleasant.