Mainstream Monday – Sniffing a Popular (limited edition) Perfume

Every summer Issey Miyake launches a summer edition of L’Eau d’Issey. It’s slightly tweaked with “summery” notes and comes in a different bottle. This year is all about the tropical fruits; they’re even on the bottle 😉  It’s not the cutest Issey Miyake summer bottle (I always liked the coral one), but it’s cute.

Issey Miyake Lea Eaux d’ete opens with aquatic melons and familiar elements of the original L’Eau d’Issey such as lily of the valley and dewy florals (I get jasmine). The difference is that there is an addition “iced” summer fruits. What I like about the fruits is that it adds a freshness, a juiciness, and not “sweetness”. The grapefruit is sulfuric and the other fruits are watery. The dry-down is much like the original Issey Miyake. It’s clean, warm “driftwood” with lots of white musk.

I actually prefer the summer editions over the original Issey Miyake L’eau d’Issey. From a person that doesn’t like the original, I know it doesn’t seem like I’m saying much. But, I am. I wouldn’t dare wear the original but I wear this (I’ve actually worn a lot of this). I like the “lightness” of the summer version and the fruits really add something to those watery florals. In my opinion, it’s an improvement.

Notes listed include pink grapefruit, lychee, passion fruit, guava, aquatic floral notes, woods and vanilla. Launch date 2013. PERFUMER – Alberto Morillas

Give Lea Eaux d’Été a try if you like watery floral perfumes. Or if you like perfumes like the original Issey Miyake, NEST Passiflora, Escada Island Kiss, Elizabeth Arden Green Tea (including summer editions) and/or Davidoff Cool Water for Women. It’s a “fresh” scent that really does work well in warmer climates.

Projection and longevity are average. I think this wear more like an EDP than an EDT. The fruits fade rather quickly but I’m with florals and musk for 6+ hours.

The 3.3 oz bottle retails for $72 at Nordstrom and Harrods (UK).

Victoria’s Final EauPINION – Updated L’Eau d’Issey. Fresh, fruity, aquatic floral. Writing about perfume, I know I’m supposed to hate anything “aquatic” (and especially designer) but I don’t. I risk losing some “street cred” but whatever.I think this one is well-done for this genre. It works in the heat. It’s fresh, fruity and casual. I like it in the way that I like Elizabeth Arden Green Tea. It’s something I don’t mind wearing when it’s warm and I’m lazy and I want to come across as I’m trying. 

Want more reviews? Try…

Fragrantica – Member reviews

The Sunday Girl

*Product provided by PR. I am not financially compensated for this review. My opinions are my own. Product pic from Fragrantica. Marilyn Monroe pic from www.fanpix.net. Post contains  affiliate links. Thanks!