Issey Miyake A Scent Eau de Parfum Review: A Green Citrus Gem
Daphné Bugey's 2009 creation for Issey Miyake: a fresh, green floral that redefines simplicity.
By James Whitmore, Fragrance News Reporter··Updated
James covers releases, brand news, and industry shifts in fine fragrance. Former beauty desk editor; trained nose since 2014.
Issey Miyake's A Scent by Issey Miyake Eau de Parfum, launched in 2009, is a fragrance that defies trends. Created by perfumer Daphné Bugey, it is a study in green minimalism—a crisp, vegetal floral that feels like a breath of fresh air. Unlike many feminine fragrances of its era that leaned heavily on sweet or gourmand notes, A Scent opts for a clean, almost austere profile built around lemon verbena, hyacinth, and galbanum.
The fragrance was conceived as a tribute to nature's purity, and it shows. The opening is a sharp, zesty burst of Amalfi lemon and lemon verbena, quickly tempered by the green, slightly resinous touch of galbanum. Jasmine adds a subtle floral sweetness, while Virginia cedar provides a woody backbone. The result is a scent that is both invigorating and grounding.
Despite its name, A Scent is not a single note but a carefully balanced composition. It is marketed as a feminine fragrance, but its unisex appeal is undeniable. With moderate longevity and close sillage, it is ideal for those who prefer a personal scent experience over a loud statement. This review will explore every facet of this underrated gem.
4.0Overall
Longevity
4.0
Projection
2.0
Sillage
2.0
$35-$85
🌸Spring☀️Summer🍂Fall❄️Winter
Accords
CitrusGreenFloralAromaticFresh SpicyWhite Floral
Notes Pyramid
Top
Lemon VerbenaHyacinthAmalfi LemonGalbanumJasmineVirginia Cedar
Scent Journey
1
Opening0-30 min
The first 0-30 minutes are a bright, sharp burst of citrus and green. Amalfi lemon and lemon verbena dominate, with hyacinth adding a watery, floral greenness. Galbanum introduces a slightly bitter, resinous edge that prevents the opening from being too sweet.
2
Heart1-2 hrs
After about 1-2 hours, the citrus fades, and the heart reveals a soft jasmine note. The green accord remains prominent, now supported by Virginia cedar. The fragrance becomes more linear, with a clean, soapy quality reminiscent of freshly cut stems.
3
Drydown4+ hrs
From 4+ hours onward, the scent settles into a subtle, woody-green skin scent. The jasmine and cedar linger, but the overall impression is of a faint, natural freshness. The drydown is intimate and comforting, with no synthetic or cloying elements.
Performance Dashboard
⏱️ Longevity4.0/5
5-7 hours estimated range. On skin, it lasts a solid workday; on clothes, it can linger longer.
📢 Projection2.0/5
Soft. The projection is modest, making it suitable for office or intimate settings. It does not project aggressively.
💨 Sillage2.0/5
Close to skin. This is a personal fragrance that stays within an arm's length. It won't fill a room but will be noticed in close encounters.
When to Wear
🌸SpringBest
☀️SummerBest
🍂FallOK
❄️WinterAvoid
📌 Daytime wear💼 Office👕 Casual outings📌 Spring garden parties
Community Verdict
⭐ Overall
4.0
👃 Scent
4.2
⏱️ Longevity
3.8
💨 Sillage
3.5
💰 Value
4.0
💌 Compliment Factor7.0/5
Gets occasional compliments, especially from those who appreciate natural, clean scents. Not a crowd-pleaser but admired by connoisseurs.
Pros & Cons
✅ Unique green profile that stands out
✅ High-quality natural-smelling ingredients
✅ Versatile for daytime and office wear
✅ Affordable price point for a designer fragrance
❌ Sillage is very close; may not satisfy those who want to be noticed
❌ Longevity is moderate; reapplication may be needed for all-day wear
❌ The green accord can be polarizing—some may find it too vegetal or bitter
❌ Limited complexity; the scent is linear after the opening
Price & Value
$35-$85
Excellent value for a designer fragrance with high-quality ingredients. Often found at discounters for under $50.
“A budget-friendly option for those seeking a refined, natural green floral.”
📜 Reformulation History
No significant batch variations reported. The fragrance has remained consistent since its launch.
Who It's For
✅ Ideal For
Women who love fresh, green scents
Fans of minimalist fragrances
Those who prefer subtle, personal sillage
People seeking a unique alternative to mainstream florals
⚠️ Not Recommended For
Those who prefer heavy gourmands or sweet orientals
Fragrance enthusiasts seeking strong projection or longevity
Individuals who dislike green or vegetal notes
The Family
A Scent by Issey Miyake Eau de Parfum FloraleIssey Miyake
Layer with a light vanilla or musk body lotion to soften the green edge.
Combine with a citrus cologne like Atelier Cologne Orange Sanguine for added brightness.
Use a unscented moisturizer to extend longevity without altering the scent profile.
🏆 Final Verdict
Issey Miyake A Scent by Issey Miyake Eau de Parfum is a masterclass in green minimalism. It offers a refreshing, natural alternative to the sweet florals that dominate the market. While its close sillage and moderate longevity may not suit everyone, those who appreciate a clean, vegetal scent will find it a hidden gem. At its price point, it is an excellent value for a unique and well-crafted fragrance.
