Our take
What does L'Eau Kenzo pour Homme smell like?
This scent came out at the end of the 1990s as L’Eau par Kenzo pour Homme, a partner to the 1996 women’s version. Olivier Cresp composed it. Sources disagree on whether it launched in 1999 or 2000. The current bottle, redesigned in 2003, ripples like running water. The opening is green and tart. Yuzu and lime fizz while a light pepper gives them some shape. The heart supplies the freshness that made it a hit. Watery lotus leaf and an almost frozen mint feel like fine rain falling on plants. The base comes down to pale cedar and white musks. L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme, released five years earlier, is still the big aquatic reference. Kenzo answered with something greener and more minty, with less of the woody yuzu found in the Issey Miyake. Staying power is its weak spot.
When to wear it
Wear it in full heat, at the office or on holiday. Spray freely and top up after lunch.
It belongs to the Aquatic, Aromatic family. L'Eau Kenzo pour Homme is one of 17 creations by Kenzo in our encyclopedia.
