Nuit d’Issey by Issey Miyake

I had higher expectations as reviews place it on a podium. I bought it blindly; I am a mega fan of Issey and own seven fragrances from the brand. In my youth, I lived in Colombia, and my aunt sold perfumes by catalogue; in 2010, Avon launched a Black Suede Essential lotion that smells similar. La Nuit is more refined and complex, yet it shares the same DNA. ⚠️ It is not a bad perfume, it smells good, is masculine, nocturnal, and for special events. It is not versatile nor suitable for daily use. La Nuit = Night in French.

An elegant aroma with balanced leather, woods, and incense, featuring light citrus notes that add brightness without losing the mystery. Ideal for autumn or cool spring nights. Perhaps the performance leaves me wanting more, but solely for the scent, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Greetings to the community.

A fabulous fragrance. My only caveat is that I wish for better performance. The citrus opening is brief, quickly moving to the heart where all notes are noticeable: soft suede-like leather, spiced woods, gentle vetiver, and subtly sweetened patchouli by tonka bean, plus ebony wood and a low-level incense. It is not for people under 25, not because they cannot wear it, but because it escapes youthful trends and requires presence and more serious attire. Excellently balanced, elegant, and masculine. Although it says ‘the night of Issey’, in cool weather it is worn even in the office. I see it as more versatile than just for special occasions. I will use it in winter and fresh autumn-spring. I cannot understand its low rating.

If you are looking for a black, nocturnal, elegant, original, masculine fragrance that pleases, this is yours. It is mysterious, masculine, and interesting; in my opinion, exclusive for nights with cold climates. A citrus opening with a bitter part; imagine bitter grapefruit peel and fresh bergamot, with background incense accompanying all stages, especially in the base. Then, in the heart, the citrus lowers to give presence to the perfume’s soul: accorded, woody, and spiced notes with a touch of smoky, bitter incense. In the base, the most aromatic part where incense, patchouli, and ebony wood take the lead. Good longevity; on my skin, the first two-thirds of hours are good with projection, then it sits close to the skin, lasting on clothes for days. It is not beast mode; I would say longevity is the only ‘problem’, but the aroma compensates. It is complimentary; I have received compliments. I recommend it, but do not expect sweet aromas like Invictus or One Million; it is a 100% gentleman’s perfume, distinct from the current market. I give it 8/10.

Excellent blend of citrus and pepper. The incense in the base lowers the character, distancing it from Scandal or Invictus. I like it very much. Good projection and longevity. It has a curious evolution: first citrus, then peppery, and finally calmer citrus. For dinners and informal nights with a black shirt and leather jacket, it is a very good option.

I’m not an expert, just an enthusiast who enjoys this world. This Nuit d’Issey is the most unique in my collection and the one I use least, not because it’s bad, but for that sense of darkness and mystery. It smells like night; I have to be careful with the sprays so I don’t get overwhelmed. It lasts all day and projects well; its sweet spot is between two and four hours, after which the projection drops but people still notice it. What does it smell like? Since I use it sparingly, every time I apply it (max two sprays), it becomes addictive and I can’t stop sniffing myself. It opens with citrus that fade quickly, leaving a smoky leather with patchouli, my favourite part. It’s for mature people (30+). I would buy it again.

Excellent fragrance, just acquired and with a superb scent. Confident of receiving compliments. Projection: noticeable at 1.5 metres for the first two hours. I wore it at 7 am and could still detect it at 8 pm. It never gets boring; it’s among the best from Issey Miyake. 100% recommended.

Very rich for cooler climates. The grapefruit and bergamot opening evaporates quickly, giving way to leather and woods. After two hours, patchouli and sandalwood take over for the finish. I’d buy it again because it smells different; a good proposition.

I popped into a perfumerie to try it out, recognising the brand from its classic (exquisite, quite a marvel…). I kept sniffing it intermittently; it wasn’t bad, but my partner was absolutely delighted. I found it at a good price and bought the 125ml + 40ml set. Certainly, it’s good, especially the opening, but in my opinion, it fades very quickly. That heavy, dark citrus burst disappears to give way to a very skin-close woody accord. Would I recommend it? Yes, the scent is worth it. Its weak point is longevity, but if it’s at a good price, go for it; the delicious first hour and a half pays for the investment.

I’ve known this scent since its launch. The day I tried it, I remember its potency and great aroma. In 2014 I didn’t understand perfumery as I do today, so although I liked it, it wasn’t what I wanted to project. Now, as an owner, I really enjoy wearing it; it smells extremely well. A 100% masculine combination, no half-measures, sparkling and penetrating. A magnificent creation, perfectly capable of sitting in the top 5 of the best designer scents. But… unfortunately, its performance has dropped significantly. It was never outstanding in terms of performance, but since its release it has received reformulations. For me, a favourite must offer quality across the board. If it were based on scent alone, I’d recommend it to any man, perhaps not someone young, but once you’re past your mid-twenties, approaching thirty, don’t even think about it.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a hidden gem in perfumery. I’m surprised by how little is said about this Nuit d’Issey. It’s a masculine scent, sexy, mysterious, dark, sensual, gothic… ufff. It’s my number one for going out at night: it draws attention, it’s different, original and unique. It has everything I’m looking for. It easily lasts 7-8 hours on skin, and if you put it on clothes, it will last days. 100% recommended.

Sensual, potent, it generates confidence and women love it. Ideal for cold climates and evening wear. The opening is explosive with citrus, spicy and energetic, with a broad trail that impresses in the first 15 minutes. Then it becomes sober and elegant with a strong note of pepper and wood. Its longevity is noble and harmonious; an incredible blend of resin, leather and a hint of almond. It projects beyond a metre for the first two hours and lasts up to 6 hours on skin. Ideal for formal outdoor gatherings or intimate dates. It’s not advisable with folkloric or cheerful clothing, nor in the office, because it’s designed to complement a conquering aura. Buy blind for romantic but overwhelming gentlemen; very worthwhile for the results. I’ve had a 200ml bottle for over 5 years and it still performs.

Nuit d’Issey by Issey Miyake: without a doubt one of my favourites. It has masculinity printed throughout its composition, it’s elegant, dark and has outstanding personality. Ideal for a date; it will make you stand out and make a total difference. It’s a singular style, very sensual. One of the few scents that don’t emulate anyone, they have their own soul and leave a mark as one of the best I’ve tried. Scent: 11. Projection: 7.0. Longevity: 8.0. Recommended.

I like risky fragrances, not conservative or easy ones, and this is one. The opening is beautiful: herbal, bright and dark at the same time. It plays with contradiction and paradox. It’s an excessively deep, sober, cold, even phlegmatic perfume. What I like most is the incense note it leaves in the distance. The dry-down base is too potent (with too much leather for my taste) and is barely coloured by the other notes (patchouli…), although it’s beautiful. It suggests a cold, distant, phlegmatic and calculating person, elegant but somewhat boring, not passionate at all, who doesn’t let themselves be carried away by emotion. Could be a modern James Bond. As for the presentation, a 10.

You will always need in your collection a fragrance that smells like a man; not necessarily an 80s fougère, but a dark, somewhat fresh and spicy one. This is Nuit D’Issey: opens with a spicy citrus, with a base of incense and woods; very far in the background a sweet touch of tonka bean that gives it balance. The leather doesn’t stand out, but the ebony wood gives it that necessary bitter touch. If you like fragrances that break away from the routine of sweet and fruity scents, or those full of vanilla, and want something more acidic and dark (although they don’t resemble Encre Noire, but they carry that intention). A citrus-spicy burst, with woody and smoky touches; that is your fragrance. Lasts on skin just enough and projects better at night; not recommended for heat. Scent: 9. Longevity: 7. Trail: 7. Price: 10.