L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme — A brief fragrance review
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Intense has been around for quite a while.
The House of Issey Miyake Parfums launched its first fragrance in 1992 and named it L’Eau d’Issey. In French “ L’Eau” means “water”. However, the “intense” version was launched in 2007.
This fragrance is inspired by the very material which is water. Make no mistake of it; this fragrance is neither aquatic / marine with any ‘blue’ notes nor does it carry any oceanic vibes.
This fragrance is for a man and defines his masculinity. He is uncompromising, sure of himself and has a no-nonsense attitude. He likes to be dressed up typically in formals. He is more of a ‘provider’ than a flirt.
The nose behind the composition of L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Intense is Jacques Cavallier. He is the same master perfumer who worked on famous gems such as Midnight Poison (Dior), Bvlagi Aqva, Opium Pour Homme (YSL), and the list goes on.
The opening
This fragrance starts with a bright citrusy opening where luscious oranges parade stripping off their peel while being flanked by none other than yuzu with its matured zesty vibes clamoring for attention.
Bergamot leads the pack with its green and sharp (not tart) vibes. In fact, it is rather pleasantly juicy and leads the citrus bandwagon giving the perfume a hugely fresh start.
The interplay of middle-notes
Then arrives the trusty camphor with it’s medicinal and terpinoid-like vibes shaking up the whole composition. Marching along side are the spicy notes of cardamom and saffron which not only compliments camphor but hugely brightens up the entire olfactoryscape.
While the pleasant and addictive blue lotus tries to peak itself up, it appears understated in this composition; you will, time and again, get the whiff of this sanely floral which smoothens up the show.
By the way, Blue Lotus embeds within itself a psychoactive alkaloid called “aporphine” with it’s mildly sedative property is believed to relax the nerves.
The dry-down
The army of spices doesn’t end up there and the march continues with nutmeg blowing it’s trumpet pretty loud and clear flanked by delectable cinnamon with it’s spicy sweetness. At this point amber shows up with it’s cajoling role of weaving animalic ambergris and benzoin to create a base for a perfect drydown.
The all encompassing, mysterious and omnipresent incense, which was hiding all along decides to show up and make itself evident joining along the aging dry papyrus. Together, the duo gives the resins a feathery-soft landing in the dark, thus completing the dry-down.
Versatility
Is this office friendly? Hell, yes! You should be able to collect many compliments.
This frag can be worn any time of the year. This is truly a 4 seasons fragrance.
I wouldn’t advise this for non-formal occasions such as beach parties and gyms. This is for board meetings, conferences, weddings and other formal gatherings.
Despite all that you’ve read above, I would still recommend checking this out for yourself first before doing a blind buy. Although it is very rare but some people might be put off with accords such as cardamom, saffron and papyrus. Get a sniff or two before investing in a full bottle.
Unique composition
This is a very unique composition and there are not many fragrances out there that resemble this. So, you might as well see yourself standing out in the crowd.
My Rating:
1. Scent — 4/5
2. Sillage & Projection — 4. 5/5
3. Longevity — 4.5/5
4. Presentation — 4/5
Overall — 4.12/5
