Unexpected Joy

First Impressions & Dry Down

Unexpected Joy aims squarely at replicating Giorgio Armani's My Way. The opening presents a fairly accurate burst of orange blossom and bergamot. However, the bergamot lacks the effervescence of the original; it's slightly muted, more candied than zesty. The heart attempts the tuberose and Indian jasmine combination, but here's where the separation begins. While present, the jasmine feels less photorealistic, possessing a noticeable synthetic edge absent in the original. The drydown is a vanilla-musk accord, the Madagascar vanilla is present, backed by a clean, almost powdery white musk, and a suggestion of cedar. It achieves approximately 86% similarity to My Way, the primary distinction being the dialed-down naturalism in the floral heart.

The Performance Stats

Longevity is moderate. I observed around 5-6 hours of noticeable presence on skin. Projection is initially decent, projecting about an arm's length for the first hour, then settling closer to the skin. It's definitely office-appropriate. A respray might be needed to push it through a full workday.

Bottom Line

Unexpected Joy is a respectable effort. it's an excellent alternative to My Way for those on a budget or who want a less precious everyday wear. If you prioritize the absolute highest quality florals and a smoother composition, the original is justified. However, if you're happy with a very good approximation, this is a solid purchase. A safe blind buy for fans of white florals and vanilla.