L'Eau de L'Eau (2008)
by Diptyque

This is intended to be a fresher, lighter version of L'Eau; and it succeeds. It is a pleasant combination of citrus and spice. In comparison to L'Eau, the citrus notes are brighter and more prominent. The spices are more a compliment rather than a dominant feature. The combination of citrus and spice works well together -- the scent is still somewhat old-school (reminiscent of a pot-pourri) but it is not as heavy and certainly not as clove-y as L'Eau. The ginger adds a nice note, not so noticeable in L'Eau.

30th November, 2011.

I'm going to go against the grain of previous reviewers and give L'Eau de L'Eau its first positive rating here. I'm aware that the name alludes to Diptyque's foundational scent, L'Eau, but honestly, when something is called "the water of the water," why does anyone expect it to behave in any other manner than that of a cologne? Colognes are known for their short duration and low sillage.

That being said, I find much to appreciate in L'Eau de L'Eau. I can best describe it in the terms Jane Austen used to describe her own writing: "Bright, light, and sparkling." As others have observed, it opens delightfully: a lovely burst of citrus with just enough tonka and patchouli to ground it and just enough sweet spice (i.e., ginger and cinnamon) to make it interesting, yet it feels clean and refreshing overall. It is also true that the "big blast" of fragrance upon application quickly decreases, but it doesn't actually disappear. Rather, it becomes a close personal scent that I could still detect whenever I moved for well over twelve hours. I could even smell it on my wrist the morning after. I can't recall ever encountering a cologne with such endurance.

Perhaps I'm not disappointed--in fact, I'm rather pleased--with L'Eau de L'Eau because I approach Diptyque fragrances for what they basically are: colognes. As such, I find L'Eau de L'Eau superior, both in fragrance and longevity to any of its venerable Guerlain counterparts. Colognes have their purposes, especially on the hot, moist summer days that are so common here in New York, days when anything heavier would be overbearing. As a scent for such a day, I found it a pleasure to wear.

Notes (per LuckyScent): green mandarine, grapefruit, lemon, petitgrain, clove, cinnamon, ginger, pink peppercorns, geranium, lavender, orange blossom, benzoin, tonka, patchouli.

24th August, 2010.

I concur with scentsitivity's review, the spice is too overt in this one.

Settled down to a clove-cinnamon-Sprite kinda smell. Gave me a headache at the end of the day, that kinda happens when I don't like something. Thank gawd for samples!

25th July, 2010.

Transcendent citrus and spice. A brighter version of L'eau, it's conjures Christmas morning, after you've opened the present you really, really wanted from a lover who wants to go back to bed.

26th June, 2010.

This mix of citrus, cloves and spice is a bit too clove intensive for my liking. It is also short lived on my skin. Nothing I would recommend.

10th February, 2010.

I don't too much of the cloves from the former L'eau but I find this to be an outstanding citrusy cologne water with floral herbs. A huge thumbs up from me. That is, if it lasted longer. The opening is big and bold and screams and is really good at it but gets hoarse after a few sentences. The scent is refreshing and good. I'm torn on this.

8th October, 2009.