Category Archives: Fragrances

English Pear and Sweet Pea

Notes according to Fragrantica: “Top note is Williams Pear; middle note is Sweet Pea; base note is White Musk.”

Year: 2024

Of course they always say that Jo Malone fragrances can and should be combined. But some Jo Malone fragrances really don’t have to be and this is one do them.

It reminds me of Estée Lauder Pleasures. But that’s mostly at first sniff. The more you smell it and analyze it the more you notice the English Pear similar to English Pear and Feesia.

It’s light. But it’s very nice.

L’Eau D’Issey

Nose: Jacques Cavallier

Notes according to Fragrantica: “Top notes are Lotus, Melon, Freesia, Rose Water, Rose, Calone and Cyclamen; middle notes are Lily-of-the-Valley, Lily, Water Peony and Carnation; base notes are Musk, Tuberose, Exotic Woods, Osmanthus, Cedar, Sandalwood and Amber.”

Year: 1992

Initially L’Eau D’Issey is ozonic, floral, and very aquatic. I love that genre still. I recall when it was new and fresh and exciting, like…what would happen next aesthetically? You know? When a new, fun trend happens and you have ideas that that will make the world far better? …The 1990’s CK One, L’Eau D’ Issey, Acqua di Gio, Cool Water vibe…combined with the 1990’s Clean, metallic, sleek design…was…refreshing. It was dark when it came to the Hellish, despair ridden, albeit cool, grunge scene. But it was very optimistic and very aware. The 1990’s were all about genuine awareness. And L’Eau D’Issey is that aesthetic. …And wearing it now in 2024 I realize it’s not only very 1990’s but also one fragrance from that era that’s timeless.

I actually don’t easily recall smelling it. Isn’t that something!? I can quickly recall smelling CK One. Cool Water. But this one is a much more remote memory if it’s a real memory at all.

Melon is quite strong on my skin. But really I can detect all if not most of the notes listed on Fragrantica. Perhaps freesia, water peony and lotus in particular. And golly…wasn’t freesia popular in the 1990’s? If my memory serves me I think it was. Weren’t they adding freesia to almost everything?

This is a very elder Millennial, Gen. X scent. And I’m glad to finally be enjoying it. I can’t believe I never tried it in full bottle sooner. Drydown is excellent, if more discreet.