Some more, some less, we all have a terrible habit: making comparisons. Since childhood, we have struggled with when we are compared with others, emphasizing their successes over our failures. And daily, you have to deal with people you compare to others, in good or bad faith. These people emphasize what others do or have more, in their opinion, than us. Dare to be different seems to be little more than a challenge in a society that leans towards the normative. But no one is the same as the others. It is neither better nor worse: it is something else, and comparisons are hateful. Yet, the human being has a weakness: comparing himself and comparing others with each other. And the same happens in the world of fragrances. And so it also happens to this perfume, of which I read a lot of negative criticisms because it is not like the OG. After all, Issey Miyake can do more because it is generic, boring, poor, or who knows why. It is a perfume that divides, of course, but if it did not have
L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme Eau de Toilette as its progenitor, it would be a bomb. This is criminally underrated. W&W is something you cannot judge in a few minutes and complain about. And it shares little with the original
L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme Eau de Toilette or
L'Eau d'Issey pour Homme Intense fragrances. My first perfume labelled as masculine includes the apricot note in its pyramid. Besides, the "Wood & Wood" is fooling; just one wood was enough, and the description would have been perfect, but let's get to the perfume.
The opening has a divine, sweet, but well-rounded scent. I immediately felt good about the first sniff—a brilliant and captivating introduction. Rather than a burst of woody accords, there's a certain sharpness from the tart grapefruit. That citrus is prominent; I can feel it. While it doesn't mention the Chinese Yuzu fruit, I still have a kind of fiery, sharp note. Perhaps it is the resin of the elemi. The aromatic and balsamic cardamom occurs late and appears closer to the heart notes. I don't get any aquatic deal, which was a trademark of the OG.
Do I get juicy and velvety apricot? Yes, but not in the early stage and not as sweet and fresh gourmand fruit. It is a more subdued base odour similar to dried seedless apricots, which smoothes the woody edges and blends with them. The heart focuses on a mix of two kinds of wood, particularly the essence of Virginia cedar and sandalwood. These two rich and complex woody accords come together to create a smooth and velvety fragrance. A mild dry cedar adds warmth and creamy sandalwood brings life to the heart. Don't expect the smell of freshly cut woods, dominant notes of dry pencil shavings of cedarwood or creamy sandalwood like in
Santal 33 Eau de Parfum. In Wood & Wood, they blend so well that it's nearly impossible to tell each other apart. 'other. Those who have a trained nose will recognize an intense and salty accord typical of synthetic ambroxan. The more it settles and heats up, the more cardamom grows on my skin. A hint of apricot, plenty of ambroxan, and a whiff of sandalwood steal the show during the role play.
What remains in the base is a sweetish veil of apricot, an accomplice of the particular creaminess of the sandalwood, which blends with a warm but always sweet note of herbaceous vetiver and a hint of modern calm patchouli. It is a nice finish, not musky or too virile, more generous and more comfortable.
I can see it working in the dead of winter, although spring and autumn are the most appropriate seasons. It's an Office attire for dating, casual get-togethers, family dinners, and so on. This fragrance is perfect for all of the above. Longevity and sillage are moderate, nothing to despise. You will not offend anyone, and you may even get compliments. I'd say this is a safe buy blindly, and it doesn't manifest any dominant notes or chords, as long as you know what to expect - this isn't a heavy wood scent. It's very fruity while always remaining confined to the masculine sphere.
I base the review on a 50ml bottle I have owned since January 2021.
-Elysium