by Issey Miyake
L'Eau d'Issey Shade of Sunrise is a soft, creamy tropical floral that captures the serene essence of a sunny beach at golden hour. It opens with a gentle swell of citrus and white florals—bergamot, frangipani, jasmine, and lemon—though these top notes are fleeting and largely invisible on some skin types. The core of the scent reveals a rich, aromatic blend of heliotrope, ylang-ylang, osmanthus, and white rose, wrapped in a luscious, milk-like coconut cream and tallow-like sandalwood base. The effect is smooth, slightly powdery, and evocative of sun-kissed skin and tropical body oils. While it lacks a strong sillage or lasting power, it projects with moderate strength in the initial hours and settles into a delicate, skin-scent intimacy. The fragrance is most universally appreciated in warm weather, especially summer, where its beachy, sunlit vibe feels authentic and unobtrusive. It is not a fresh or green citrus scent—instead, it leans into lush, gauzy florals and a soft, creamy lactonic texture that mimics sunscreen or tropical lotion.