Welcome to the weekly Perfume Chat Room, perfumistas! I envision this chat room as a weekly drop-in spot online, where readers may ask questions, suggest fragrances, tell others their SOTD, comment on new releases or old favorites, and respond to each other. The perennial theme is fragrance, but we can interpret that broadly. This is meant to be a kind space, so please try not to give or take offense, and let’s all agree to disagree when opinions differ. In fragrance as in life, your mileage may vary! YMMV.

Today is Friday, March 6, and I have good news and bad news, based on my recent visit to the many perfume offerings in the city-free store at the Barcelona airport. The bad news first. I tried several new offerings, and for most, the consensus is “meh.” Not worth your money. First, Le Labo’s Eucalyptus 20. It’s fine, but for that kind of money, you could buy several equally (or more) appealing aromatic fragrances. First, it really smells much more masculine than unisex to my nose. Second, one commenter on Fragrantica really captured my reaction: “uninspired woody green men’s cologne.” Seriously, save your money and buy gallons of Brut or Skin Bracer. Or maybe quarts of Bleu de Chanel.

I love Hermés’ Jardin fragrances and I have them all. I tried the newest, Un Jardin Sous La Mer, and I’m sad to say that to me, it’s also a “meh.” Again, it’s fine, but it’s nothing like the quality of my cherished Un Jardin Après La Mousson, which I’ve read has been discontinued (?). I would be perfectly happy to wear this, but I’m not about to pay the full retail price it currently sports.

Okay, some good news. Lumière d’Issey, which just came out, is terrific. From Fragrantica:

“Lumière d’Issey by Issey Miyake is a new pillar fragrance for women introduced in 2026 and conceived around the idea of “wearing light.” The composition opens with bright, sparkling green mandarin and neroli, leading into a white-floral heart where orange blossom and freesia are softened by a touch of white musk. In the base, a pistachio wood accord and sandalwood create a creamy, woody foundation that underpins the luminous, sunlit character of the fragrance.”

I think they’ve left some notes off the list, because I definitely smelled star anise in the opening, which I liked very much. Launched in 2026, it was created by Fabrice Pellegrin and Marie Salamagne. Per Fragrantica, top notes are Neroli and Green Mandarin; middle notes are Orange Blossom, Freesia and White Musk; base notes are Pistachio, Woody Notes and Sandalwood. It lasted several hours on my skin, and dried down to a very appealing warm, nutty base.

Have you been able to try any of these? Thoughts? Or have you tried any other newish fragrances you liked or disliked?