Issey Miyake Fragrance review

Issey Miyake Lune d'Issey Review: Moonlit Floral

A delicate 2001 summer edition where mimosa, osmanthus, and star anise meet powdery musk.

By Vivir ·
In 2001, Issey Miyake released Lune d'Issey, an alcohol-free summer edition that joined Soleil d'Issey in a poetic diptych of sun and moon. While Soleil d'Issey evoked solar warmth, Lune d'Issey turned toward cooler light: a soft, powdery floral touched by star anise, mimosa, and osmanthus. It is a fragrance that whispers rather than declares, and that is precisely its charm. The perfumer behind Lune d'Issey is not specified on Fragrantica or Nottier. This anonymity is common for limited summer editions, yet the composition bears the unmistakable signature of the Issey Miyake atelier: clarity, restraint, and a focus on skin-like wearability. This review examines Lune d'Issey in detail: its notes, accords, scent evolution, performance, seasonality, and value.
Longevity
3.0
Projection
3.0
Sillage
2.0
$60-$130
SpringSummerFallWinter

Accords

Floral Powdery Rose Yellow Floral Fruity Musky Soft Spicy Fresh

Notes Pyramid

Top
MimosaRoseStar Anise
Heart
OsmanthusPeony
Base
MuskHeliotrope

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The first spray reveals star anise immediately—cool, spicy, and faintly metallic. Rose and mimosa arrive quickly, their powdery petals softening the spice. The opening feels bright but not citric, fresh but not aquatic. It is a cool floral breeze with a licorice accent.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

As the top notes settle, osmanthus and peony take over. The osmanthus brings a fruity, apricot-like floralcy that is both yellow and slightly suede-like. Peony adds a clean, rosy freshness. The rose from the top remains as a subtle undercurrent. The powdery character grows stronger, anticipating the base.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The base is a soft, powdery musk with heliotrope. Heliotrope gives the drydown an almond-vanilla, almost marzipan-like sweetness, but it is restrained. The musk is clean and slightly warm, creating a second-skin effect. The final impression is of a powdery floral with a lingering aniseed whisper.

Performance Dashboard

Longevity 3.0/5

Moderate; 4–6 hours on skin, longer on fabric.

Projection 3.0/5

Moderate; close, skin-scent aura.

Sillage 2.0/5

Soft; intimate to arm's length.

When to Wear

SpringBest
SummerBest
FallOK
WinterAvoid
daytimeofficecasualwarm weather outings

Pros & Cons

  • Delicate, well-blended floral
  • Distinctive star anise accent
  • Powdery musk base is comforting
  • Alcohol-free summer edition is gentle on skin
  • Good for office and warm weather
  • Soft sillage and moderate longevity
  • Limited availability as a 2001 edition
  • May be too powdery or quiet for some
  • Perfumer uncredited

Price & Value

$60-$130
Mid-tier for a limited summer edition; sealed bottles may exceed this range.

“Fair if found at retail, but collector pricing can be steep.”

Reformulation History

No significant batch variations reported. As a 2001 limited summer edition, storage and condition are more important than batch codes.

Who It's For

Ideal For

  • Women who prefer soft, powdery florals
  • Office workers seeking a discreet, non-offensive scent
  • Lovers of mimosa, osmanthus, and heliotrope
  • Those who appreciate star anise as a spice accent
  • Wearers looking for an alcohol-free summer fragrance

Not Recommended For

  • Those who want bold projection or heavy sillage
  • Fans of sweet gourmands or fruity-floral bombs
  • Wearers who dislike powdery musk or heliotrope
  • Anyone seeking a cold-weather evening statement

The Family

Soleil d'Issey Soleil d'Issey Issey Miyake
Lumière d'Issey Issey Miyake

Explore More

Similar Fragrances

Soleil d'Issey Soleil d'Issey Issey Miyake
Lumière d'Issey Issey Miyake

You May Also Enjoy

Layering Ideas

Final Verdict

Issey Miyake Lune d'Issey is a quiet, poetic floral that captures the cool luminosity of its name. Its star anise and mimosa opening is distinctive, while the powdery musk and heliotrope drydown feels like a second skin. It is best suited to those who appreciate subtle, transparent compositions—and who can forgive its moderate performance.

More fragrances we love

Sponsored picks

Also worth your attention: watches

Sponsored picks
Issey MiyakeLune d'Isseyfloralpowderymimosaosmanthusstar anisesummer edition2001women's fragrance