Japanese designer Issey Miyake has created a versatile range of modern fragrances for men. Popular choices like L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme and Nuit d’Issey captivate with their mix of freshness and style.
If you are looking for a designer fragrance on a budget, the best Issey Miyake fragrances for men will have you smelling expensive without breaking the bank.
Whether you want zesty, bright and fresh, rich and woody, or even something with a splash of tropical coconut, there is an Issey Miyake scent for you.
Best Issey Miyake Fragrances For Guys
Here is my take on the best Issey Miyake fragrances that every guy on a budget should consider for his collection.
1. L’Eau d’Issey Vetiver Eau de Toilette Intense
Review
Launched in 2023, Vetiver Eau de Toilette Intense by Issey Miyake is an aromatic woody scent that smells similar to Dior Homme Sport.
It opens with a blast of ginger, creating a fresh and spicy entrance, with clary sage and wood in the heart, adding a mystical, earthy dimension.
Finally, it settles into a robust vetiver base, exuding depth and masculinity.
Top Notes:
Mid Notes:
Clary Sage, Dreamwood™
Base Notes:
Vetiver
Seasons & Longevity
This fragrance feels like a perfect companion for any season. I’d wear it to an evening event or a sophisticated gathering. Lasts 5+ hours.
2. L’Eau d’Issey Wood & Wood Eau de Parfum
Review
Wood & Wood Eau de Parfum is a celebration of… yes, you guessed it… masculine woody notes.
Cardamom-dusted grapefruit is enriched with cedarwood, sandalwood, and a generous splash of apricot in the heart. Haitian vetiver soon follows, with whispers of patchouli and tonka bean.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Cardamom, Elemi
Mid Notes:
Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Apricot
Base Notes:
Haitina Vetiver, Patchouli, Tonka Bean
Seasons & Longevity
I would wear this classy fragrance for any season; it suits both day and evening wear. You’ll get 6+ hours of performance.
3. L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Eau de Toilette
Review
A timeless classic, this aromatic and fresh Eau de Toilette is super easy to wear and reels in the compliments.
It begins with a burst of yuzu, lemon, and tangerine, offering a citrusy, energising opening, with mostly nutmeg in the gently spiced heart.
Upon dry-down, sandalwood, vetiver, and musk in the base ensure a sedate, comforting finish.
Top Notes:
Yuzu Accord, Lemon, Tangerine
Mid Notes:
Water Lily, Nutmeg
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber
Seasons & Longevity
This is my go-to for spring and summer days. It’s light and fresh, ideal for everyday wear, from the office to a weekend brunch. Lasts 5+ hours.
4. Fusion d’Issey Eau de Toilette
Review
Fusion d’Issey is an ode to the unexpected, blending traditional masculine notes with the tropical.
A tropical duo of lemon and coconut water is joined by sandalwood and a touch of sweet fig in the heart. Patchouli adds more woody earthiness as this scent settles.
Top Notes:
Lemon, Coconut Water
Mid Notes:
Mineral Note, Sandalwood
Base Notes:
Patchouli, Ambrox
Seasons & Longevity
This scent is a summer favourite, perfect for those long, sun-drenched days and casual evenings. Beware, I found it only lasts 3+ hours.
5. Nuit d’Issey Eau de Toilette
Review
Nuit d’Issey is a bold, enigmatic fragrance that embodies the essence of the night.
A circus opening is soon overpowered by smoky leather, vetiver, and black pepper for a spicy, masculine smelling core. The tonka bean and patchouli notes round it off nicely.
Top Notes:
Bergamot, Grapefruit
Mid Notes:
Leather, Vetiver, Black Pepper
Base Notes:
Tonka Bean, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
Perfect for winter nights, I’d wear this to a formal event or a romantic dinner, where its intensity can be appreciated. Lasts an impressive 6+ hours.
6. Fusion d’Issey Extrême Eau de Parfum
Review
Fusion d’Issey Extrême is not as intense as I had expected, but I find this coconut, wood, and mint blend rather intriguing.
The opening is a blend of cardamom and bergamot, spicy and fresh. Peppermint and mineral accord, giving it a cool, crisp middle, with plenty of wood as it settles.
Top Notes:
Cardamom, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Peppermint, Mineral Accord
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
For me, this is most suitable for spring, summer and fall, especially for outdoor events or adventurous escapades. Lasts 4+ hours.
7. L’Eau d’Issey Eau & Cèdre Eau de Toilette Intense
Review
Launched in 2022, Eau & Cèdre is a sophisticated fusion of aquatic and woody notes that’s discreet yet will get noticed.
It begins with a spicy/fresh opening of grapefruit and cardamom with a blast of smooth cedar in the heart. Vetiver and hints of patchouli add a gentle earthiness.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Cardamom, Cypress
Mid Notes:
Cedarwood
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
This scent feels right at home in spring and early autumn, ideal for office wear and casual outings. Sadly, it only lasted 3+ hours on my skin.
Andrew’s Top Pick
L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Vetiver
A no-brainer. L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Vetiver is my top pick as its seductive blend of vetiver, wood, sage, and ginger smells incredible and is similar to Dior Homme Sport (so no bad thing!).
Conclusion
What I like about Issey Miyake men’s fragrances is that they smell expensive and are well put together by high-end perfumers (including Dominique Ropion).
I would say the downside of the collection is performance; you will find a couple of these fragrances (Fusion d’Issey and L’Eau d’Issey Eau & Cèdre) will only last 3+ hours.
That being said, the average price of these fragrances is excellent, and they can be found at fragrance discounters for an absolute steal.
Also read: 8 Issey Miyake Perfumes With A Japanese Twist
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
