Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake is best known for combining the pinnacle of Eastern and Western modern-chic. The best Issey Miyake perfumes for women bring ultra-fresh florals and sweet fruits together for something modern yet somehow classic.
His forays into perfumery have been wildly successful, and the brand has since amassed over 100 fragrances to its name. From the classic floral-freshie L’eau d’Issey to the almond/floral of A Drop d’Issey, the perfect Issey Miyake perfume is patiently waiting for you.
- Best Issey Miyake Perfumes
- 1. A Drop d'Issey Eau de Parfum
- 2. L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Toilette
- 3. L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Parfum
- 4. L’Eau d’Issey Rose & Rose Eau de Parfum Intense
- 5. L’Eau d’Issey Shades of Kolam Eau de Toilette
- 6. L'Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar Eau de Parfum
- 7. Nectar d’Issey Premiere Fleur Eau de Toilette
- 8. L’Eau d’Issey Petale de Nectar Eau de Toilette
- Ingrid’s Top Pick
- Conclusion
- Further Reading
Best Issey Miyake Perfumes
Selecting the best Issey Miyake perfumes was quite a task. Several fragrances stand out from the crowd – these 8 are the most popular.
1. A Drop d’Issey Eau de Parfum
Review
Sweet, fragrant, and delicate, A Drop D’Issey Eau de Parfum is a gentle yet complex floral scent that exudes mysterious, feminine charm.
Notes of delicate rose sprinkled with sweet almonds provide an alluring opening. Fragrant lilac and bright solar notes dominate the heart of this fragrance and work well with the almond.
A musky vanilla base with a touch of wood gives the perfume a deep, rich, and slightly creamy temperament that is undeniably feminine and sophisticated.
Top Notes:
Almond Milk, Damask Rose
Mid Notes:
Lilac, Solar notes, Orange Blossom
Base Notes:
Vanilla, Musk, Cedar
Seasons & Longevity
Sadly, I found it does fade pretty quickly, so you will need to reapply after 3+ hours. Sillage and projection are moderate/intimate.
This clean floral feminine scent is best worn during spring and summer days when the warmer weather will allow it to bloom and endure, making it ideal for casual lunches.
2. L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Toilette
Review
L’Eau D’Issey Eau de Toilette is one of the earliest female fragrances from the brand (launched in 1992). It’s a clean, aquatic floral scent that is both refreshing and sweet.
A fresh opening of lotus, melon, and rose, ensure this scent is fruity-floral and juicy at first. The floral heart of lily and white flowers bloom with vibrant femininity.
Upon dry-down, a discreet layer of musk, tuberose, and precious woods lend richness to this fresh combination of pretty flowers and sweet melon that’s similar to Calvin Klein Escape.
Top Notes:
Lotus, Rose, Melon
Mid Notes:
Lily, White Florals
Base Notes:
Musk, Tuberose, Precious Woods
Seasons & Longevity
Powerful on the opening, L’Eau D’Issey Eau de Toilette soon settles and lasts 4+ hours with good sillage and projection before becoming a skin scent.
For best effect, wear it on spring and summer days when the more delicate notes will really bloom and show their best side. Youthful and sparkling, this perfume is perfect for weekends on the move.
3. L’Eau d’Issey Eau de Parfum
Review
Slightly stronger than its sister EDT version with more powerful flowers (and minus the melon note), L’Eau D’Issey Eau de Parfum is a classic smelling warm-weather fragrance.
The opening florals are intense; lotus, freesia, and rose come together to make an impact which is smoothed and deepened by middle notes of lily and osmanthus.
Upon dry-down, precious woods add a dry smoothness but never dominate. Settles to a more floral version of the EDT without the juicy sweet melon.
Top Notes:
Lotus, Freesia, Rose
Mid Notes:
Lily, Osmanthus
Base Notes:
Precious Woods
Seasons & Longevity
L’Eau D’Issey Eau de Parfum is not as initially sharp as that of the EDT, but it is powerful, meaning a little goes a long way. Lasts 6+ hours with good projection/sillage.
While this is an ideal daytime spring and summer scent, I personally prefer it as a light and fresh late afternoon to evening fragrance when I fancy something clean yet pretty.
4. L’Eau d’Issey Rose & Rose Eau de Parfum Intense
Review
Looking for a fresh, floral, and unashamedly feminine fragrance that will turn heads wherever you go? If so, L’Eau D’Issey Rose & Rose is a beautiful choice that will enchant you from the first spritz.
The opening is mainly sweet raspberry with hints of juicy pear and pink pepper. Bulgarian rose soon becomes the star of the show and works so well with the fruitiness.
Ultra-smooth cashmere wood provides a comforting base, with amber and patchouli adding a discreet yet robust edge. Settles to a fruity rose scent with a touch of wood.
Top Notes:
Raspberry, Pear, Pink Pepper
Mid Notes:
Bulgarian Rose, Rose, Osmanthus
Base Notes:
Cashmere Wood, Amber, Patchouli
Seasons & Longevity
I would wear this fragrance during spring, summer and early autumn, just not on the hottest days. Think beer garden lunches and sunny picnics, and you won’t go far wrong!
Lasts 5+ hours with noticeable sillage and projection, the rose lasted better than I expected.
5. L’Eau d’Issey Shades of Kolam Eau de Toilette
Review
Released in 2020, Shades of Kolam Eau de Toilette is a lighter-than-air citrus/floral freshie that will lift your mood ready for summer.
Freesia, grapefruit and a sprinkle of cardamom make L’Eau D’Issey Shades of Kolam rich fresh from the start. A heart of jasmine, rose, and rice introduces a slightly dry and powdery sweetness.
I could not get much ambergris or cedar in the base, and this fragrance remains a citrus and rose/white floral freshie with the merest hint of cardamom.
As an alternative, I recommend you check out my article on Armani My Way vs Intense instead.
Top Notes:
Grapefruit, Freesia, Cardamom
Mid Notes:
Jasmine Sambac, May Rose, Rice Basmati
Base Notes:
Ambergris, Cedar
Seasons & Longevity
Unfortunately, I found the performance of this fragrance to be abysmal. You can only expect 2+ hours of longevity with moderate sillage and projection.
Ideal for spring/summer daytime wear when the citrus notes will really shine through the pretty flowers in the most delicious ways… while it lasts.
6. L’Eau d’Issey Pure Nectar Eau de Parfum
Review
Representing a single drop of nectar from a blossoming flower, L’Eau D’Issey Pure Nectar is unashamedly feminine. There’s no perfume quite like this one – created by perfumers Dominique Ropion and Fanny Bal.
The opening of the sweetness of honey and pear is balanced by zesty bergamot. Rose soon dominates, followed by peony and watery notes, which retain freshness.
Dry-down brings smooth cashmeran, ambergris, sandalwood, violet, and white musk. Settles to an uplifting honey-coated mix of flowers and aquatic notes.
Top Notes:
Honey, Pear, Bergamot
Mid Notes:
Rose, Water Notes, Peony
Base Notes:
Cashmeran, Ambergris, Sandalwood, White Musk, Violet
Seasons & Longevity
This is a more robust fragrance than some others on this list, making it perfect for autumnal wear (as well as spring & summer).
The performance is strong and enduring – you can expect around 4 hours of wear from this perfume on a good day! This is my go-to date night perfume for special occasions.
7. Nectar d’Issey Premiere Fleur Eau de Toilette
Review
While Nectar D’Issey Premiere Fleur is a fruity floral fragrance, there is a deliciously sweet gourmand edge that you can almost sink your teeth into. Released in 2020.
The top notes of pear and fruits make the opening juicy, sweet, and a little sharp but quite delicate. A heart of peony and jasmine bloom nicely into a light musky base.
Settles to a fruity/floral combination of pear and peony with a sensual musky base. Similar to Lancome Idôle Eau de Parfum
Top Notes:
Nashi Pear, Fruits
Mid Notes:
Peony, Jasmine
Base Notes:
White Musk, Sandalwood
Seasons & Longevity
This fragrance should last you 5+ hours. I found that the sweet pear and peony projected well for the first 2 hours.
The fresh and fruity feminine scent is ideal for spring and summer daytime wear. It would also provide a breath of fresh air during the cooler seasons as others shift to heavily spiced blends.
8. L’Eau d’Issey Petale de Nectar Eau de Toilette
Review
Another addition to the ‘nectar’ line of fragrances, L’Eau D’Issey Petale de Nectar is reminiscent of honeyed pear tart coated in refreshing rose water.
The sweetness of honey and pear share the same DNA as its sister scents but are a little more demure and traditionally sweet. Rose blooms very quickly to take centre stage.
Upon dry-down, cashmeran and ambergris provide a musky-salty freshness. The overall effect is sweet and juicy (and a touch of aquatic) rather than powdery and overly mature.
Top Notes:
Honey, Pear
Mid Notes:
Rose
Base Notes:
Cashmeran, Ambergris
Seasons & Longevity
Thanks to the honey, L’Eau D’Issey Petale de Nectar would make a versatile any-season daytime scent. Unlikely to endure full-on winter nights thought.
Longevity is 3+ hours with good sillage and projection.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
L’Eau D’Issey Pure Nectar
My top pick is L’Eau D’Issey Pure Nectar. Honeyed pear and fragrant rose work in harmony with fresh watery notes and a touch of peony. Wonderfully feminine and fresh!
Conclusion
Modern yet somehow retro, fresh but with a touch of depth, the best Issey Miyake Perfumes for women stand out on their own. If you are looking for a floral spring/simmer fragrance that is fresh, feminine, and a bit different, then look no further.
The bottles are strikingly elegant and feminine. Tall bottles are available in 25, 50 & 100ml (0.8, 1.7, 3.4 oz) and circular bottles are available in 30, 50, and 90ml (1.0, 1.7, 3.0 oz).
Issey Miyake fragrances do remind me of the Rituals fragrances I reviewed, another up-and-coming brand well worth checking out.
Also read: 7 Expensive-Smelling Issey Miyake Fragrances For Men
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.
