Is Marks & Spencer Aqua a dupe of Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey?
L'Eau d'Issey EDP
| EDP | Concentration | EDT |
| F | Gender | F |
| 2006 | Year | 2020 |
| ££ | Price Tier | £ |
Aqua EDT
The main difference between L'Eau d'Issey and M&S Aqua comes down to depth, longevity, and complexity. L'Eau d'Issey is a well-crafted composition, using a complex blend of calone and freesia to build a signature, airy aquatic profile that feels both radiant and timeless. M&S Aqua takes the simplified, budget-friendly route, swapping those nuanced notes for a brighter, bergamot-led citrus opening. It gets close to the general fresh-aquatic feel for daily office wear, but it doesn't have the diffusive power or the evolving character of the original. If you want a long-lasting, iconic scent profile, stick with the Issey Miyake original. If you need an affordable, fleeting refresher for casual errands or gym bags, the M&S dupe is a competent, low-stakes alternative that's easy on your wallet.
ScentArt
Which Should You Buy?
- You want the original, iconic aquatic scent profile.
- You prioritise high-quality ingredients and longevity.
- You prefer the complex interplay of calone and freesia.
- You want a signature scent that projects confidence.
- You are shopping on a strict budget.
- You need a light, unobtrusive scent for the office.
- You prefer a brighter, bergamot-forward citrus opening.
- You want a casual fragrance for quick, daily refreshes.
A radiant, clean aquatic floral with a breezy green edge that feels like a modern classic. Effortlessly wearable and luminous, it brings a rejuvenating splash of energy and optimism to every day.
A budget-friendly aquatic fragrance with subtle freshness ideal for casual and office wear.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Core Notes
Core Notes
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Accords
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
The fresh aquatic and green floral character shines in spring and summer, evoking cool water and blooming florals, but lacks the depth and warmth for colder months.
Occasions
Its moderate projection and fresh, non-intrusive sillage make it perfect for office and casual use. The bright, watery feel also fits sporty situations but is less ideal for formal evening wear.
Seasons
The citrus and aquatic notes make it a great choice for warm weather, providing a refreshing and light experience suitable for spring and summer.
Occasions
With its moderate projection and versatile scent profile, it's suitable for office settings and casual outings without being overpowering.
Similarity Breakdown
How alike these two fragrances smell, scored from their full scent profiles.
Both lean aquatic, fresh
Subtle differences in overall composition
Where to buy
ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.