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 | - |
| ££ | 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.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- L'Eau d'Issey
- Aqua
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
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
Green Notes
100%
Top Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Green Notes
100%
Rose
33%
vs
29%
Lily
33%
vs
23%
Calone
33%
Aquatic
47%
Osmanthus
100%
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
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
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 2 of its 6 notes, including Rose, Lily
Adds calone and freesia, drops aquatic and bergamot
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Other (1)
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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