by Issey Miyake
Fusion d'Issey Extrême is a distinctive, tropical-tinged fragrance that strikes a balance between aquatic freshness and spicy depth. The opening features a bold blend of cardamom, mint, and coconut, creating a cool, refreshing burst that feels both energetic and slightly medicinal due to its sharp, mineral-rich undertone. The heart reveals a creamy, smooth sandalwood base with a pronounced lavender and solar note, giving it an airy, slightly synthetic quality. The dry down leans warm and spicy, with cardamom and sandalwood lingering for several hours, though some find the projection modest and the longevity inconsistent across skin types. It is uncommonly non-binary in character—offering a unique fusion of coconut sweetness, minty clarity, and woody spice—and has received praise for its depth and sophistication, particularly during warmer months. The fragrance is widely regarded as a refined evolution of the original Fusion d'Issey, with more complexity and better performance, though some note it lacks a strong standout moment beyond the opening. Its most divisive trait is the strong mint and cardamom, which some find overwhelming, while others describe as essential to its appeal. The scent holds great potential as a summer or evening signature, particularly for those who appreciate bold, structured scents with a modern, artistic edge.