Joy by Dior by Dior

Total disappointment. The bottle and name don’t match; I wanted something youthful and cheerful, and this is nothing of the sort. At first, a slap of citrus that quickly blends with musk and smells like detergent. It’s not that detergent smells bad, but it’s not what I’m looking for in Dior. After 40 minutes, it settles into something clean, correct, with a hint of wood, but nothing more. It didn’t excite me. Perhaps it improves once the bottle has rested, but as they say, you can have your colours (or scents), and this isn’t mine.

To begin with, Joy by Dior is one of my favourites. I tried it straight out of the bottle and loved it, although I only bought it in 2023. For me, it evokes more than just ‘joy’; it leaves a trail of elegance, sophistication, and femininity. The blend of citrus and flowers with sandalwood and patchouli reminds me of Chanel Allure, but lighter. It is very long-lasting, with good fixation and projection, accompanying you all day. They say it’s discontinued or replaced by the Intense version (which I haven’t tried), but it can still be found. My bottle is six years old; it has oxidised and now smells more intense and complex. The 50ml presentation is sufficient given its longevity, and I notice it feels more concentrated. Without a doubt, one of the most delicious from Dior, and I hope to get another when mine runs out.

I’m reviewing this perfume again after using it once more. I have mixed feelings, which is rare for me, especially with citrus florals, which are my favourites. The good thing is that over time it oxidises and changes its composition and longevity. At first, only the citrus stood out, especially the bergamot. Today it is more complex. I noted an initially alcoholic, very citrusy, almost shrill opening. After a few minutes, with the heat of the body, it becomes warmer: the citrus fades and the floral notes blend with the musk, highlighting the cassis or blackcurrant in my case. ‘Acceptable’ is the word that defines it; something vintage, very much a 90s perfume, with a touch of makeup that I didn’t dislike, but it doesn’t justify its price. If I love its atomiser, it’s more of a mist; you can spray it several times without overloading. 7.5 out of 10 for me, suitable for everyday wear in spring.

Smells like an old person.

I bought it last year, tried it in a perfumery, and it didn’t go crazy for me, but I loved it. I bought it and, sadly, used it and I think it didn’t last more than an hour, so I left it. A few weeks ago, on a mild day, I used it and it was impressive: the fixation and trail were incredible; I was wrapped in the scent all day with very few sprays. I see many people disparaging it, but I think it depends on one’s skin; it’s an art to choose the right perfume. My rating is good; it was one of the few that surprised me recently.

I feel torn about this scent. At first, it smells generic, almost like those anti-mosquito sprays from my childhood, but once it dries down, it becomes incredibly clean, reminiscent of the body cream I used after a shower. Given the price, I don’t think it’s suitable for all-day wear, but it’s perfect for the office. Edit: I just remembered that face cream ladies used to put on their cheeks before giving a kiss, and with that in mind, I don’t like it as much anymore 😂

I absolutely love Joy; it’s happiness and joy in a bottle. It lasts for ages and is very feminine. The only drawback is that because it lasts so long, after a while it can become a bit overwhelming.

I’m not sure if my bottle was faulty, as it smells like talcum powder and I didn’t like it. It’s totally different from the Joy I tried in the perfumery a few months ago; I had been dying to try it, so I was let down. The first spray wasn’t what I expected, so perhaps I’ll give it another chance 💔

I was gifted this a couple of years ago and used it a few times, but it didn’t grab my attention; I didn’t feel a connection with it. A few days ago, something prompted me to spray it again, and *bam!* My perception changed completely. Once it dries down, the jasmine stops being sharp and transforms into something powdery and clean without losing its floral essence. It’s a sexy, clean, and elegant perfume, ideal for everyday wear. It lasts 4-5 hours, with a trail that starts moderate before softly enveloping you.

To me, Joy is to Dior what Gabrielle is to Chanel: an indefinable floral scent with a distinct citrus touch. It’s low-risk, discreet, and simple, designed not to attract anyone’s attention, not even your own. Personally, I prefer Joy, although it lacks the opening I adore in Gabrielle and I feel it has less personality; however, it lacks that bitter, strident aspect that Chanel scents have on my skin. It has a moderate-to-low trail and lasts 5-6 hours. Scent 5/10, Longevity 5.5/10, Sillage 5/10, Value for money 4/10, Versatility 6/10, Packaging 7.5/10. Would I buy it again? I haven’t purchased it.

Am I the only one, or does it smell like Guerlain’s Shalimar Soufflé at first before fading away?

Ugh… I have several samples and don’t know how to get rid of them. It sounds like an older lady; it reminds me of Eau de Rochas at launch with its citrus notes and I find it utterly disgusting. It doesn’t evolve on my skin, it just turns stale and doesn’t satisfy me even as a room scent.

Modern and formal; being a Dior, I expected more fireworks, but it is discreet, pleasant, feminine and delicate, one of those that doesn’t bother. Ideal for spring and summer. I like it, but the price doesn’t justify what it offers.

To be honest, I like it; it’s soft and wearable, more for everyday use than going out. It’s nothing extraordinary, it’s a scent that makes you feel happy and pleasant, and sometimes that’s enough.

I love this perfume; it makes me happy to wear it. Fresh and divine. Every time I fall in love with a perfume, I see how they tear it apart here. Next time I buy blindly, I’ll go by those who hate it most; surely they’re the ones I’ll like the most, haha.