L’Eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake
Day 8 of the Heapnose Perfume Diary. Today I’m wearing L’Eau D’Issey by Issey Miyake.
I’ll begin this diary entry by explaining that Issey Miyake’s signature fragrance has spawned a wealth of (badly written) reviews, ranging from the vaguely nob-like
” I love to wear [L’Eau D’Issey] in order to achieve a detached peace of mind, or as a releaf for mental thirst for water-derived tranquility”
to the completely bizarre
“If l’Eau d’Issey could have a sound, it will definitely have the sparkling, chilly & magnetizing synthesized studio sound of Donald Fagen and Steely Dan.”
Issey’s aim in creating this fragrance was (reportedly) to capture the smell of water. Or as one inspired blogger writes
“…most importantly, it is the only water that can be enjoyed when drunk through the nostrils.”
Whether you choose to read this comment as profound (as if) or bat-shit crazy (more likely) there is a hint of the aquatic about L’Eau D’Issey. Perhaps it’s the notes of Water-Lily, the rain-drop bottle or even the completely transparent colour; but there is a certain freshness to the scent, supported by a terrific sweet honey fragrance. This combination makes it a good-for-all seasons perfume and explains its continuing popularity, 18 years after its first release. Or perhaps the ever-resourceful British public has been using it as a “releaf for mental thirst for water-derived tranquility.” Yes, actually, that must be it.
Earlier, as I was drinking it through my nostrils I asked myself why I’ve never bought this perfume. I’ve always really liked it, it’s reasonably priced, and, on the whole I have nothing against the Japanese. Plus, it easily passes all three stages of the Heapnose perfume test – I can even pronounce its name without sounding like a knob-head. For a fragrance which has been around for nigh on 20 years it’s remained refreshingly contemporary without ever becoming a classic. It can be dressed up or down, and, you know, most importantly it might releaf my mental thirst for water derived tranquility.
Plus, according to my new favourite perfume blogger
“It can even be used as a substitute for a shower if necessary…”
Sold. I might nip into town and see if they’ve got any post-Christmas gift sets on sale.
Heapnose 
Hiya….try Lovely Perfume by Sarah Jessica Parker
xxxx
Dude, I will! Yay! A Request….Heapnose is truly on the rise. x
I love it! Men’s Issey Miyake was my fist cologne at University!
I’ve been waiting for you to review this one Jenny, thanks! L’eau D’Issey was my first designer perfume – my aunt bought me the perfume and body lotion, but neglected to tell me that slathering myself in the lotion AND wearing the perfume is a bit much. I learned quickly enough though, as people dropped like flies in my wake.
Missing me? I will be back. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon, and for the rest of your life.
I was once given Issy Miyake for men as a Christmas gift from a child in my class. I know Bethan’s mother wears L’Eau D’Issey. Not sure if its because she likes the smell, or because her name is Issy. (Isabella)
I’m delighted by the response to this review…Amiable Translator, it’s weird writing a review without your input (I reckon you would have really liked this one) and Sara, I keep meaning to review that Bvlgari one that you mentioned yonks ago when you and I chased Japanese lesbians from an office in Toronto. Bobby – I don’t know what you did but my readership has soared. Please keep doing it. Huw, welcome to the Heapnose fold. Guaranteed you will get a personal thank you in a forthcoming blog – and now you mention it, I’m sure I’ve smelled Issey on Beth. I will ask her. Thanks so much for your input guys, I really appreciate it. xxxxx
I am humbled by your writings. One kind word can warm three winter months.
三宅 一生
I’d completely forgotten about this perfume – I love it! It’s the only scent I’ve ever used up completely; now I’m wondering why I’m still plodding on with the uninspiring selection of half finished bottles that have been adorning my bedroom shelf for too many years to count. I may have to purchase a new bottle – thanks for the reminder Jen!