Is your Madly Kenzo actually Badly Kenzo or your Thierry Mugler Angel a devil? It is estimated that up to 10% of all so-called ‘designer’ fragrances are actually fakes. So how can you tell if your perfume is the real thing, or if you’ve been swindled? BeautyHeaven tell us what to look out for…
Colour and consistency
The colour of the perfume liquid should be clear and consistent in colour. It should not appear oily or mottled. If this is the case, chances are it’s dodgy.
Packaging
Check the perfume box to make sure the label has the correct spelling (you’d be surprised how many fakes masquerading as the real thing actually give themselves away with spelling errors!), has good quality cardboard and consistent colouring.
Smell
If there is a hint of bitterness or sourness to the scent it is a sure sign that the product you are sniffing is an inferior.
Bottle
Designer fragrances come in designer bottles. Designer replicas often come in flawed bottles. Imperfections such as bubbles in the glass, loose or crooked crystals, uneven moulding marks and an overall poor look to the quality of the glass generally indicate a fake.
Label
Most fake perfumes include a label that is not perfectly aligned on the bottle. Check that the label on the bottle you are buying is straight, symmetrical and without imperfections.
Are there any other ways to avoid buying a fake?
Absolutely. To prevent ending up with a dodgy product, only buy from reputable retailers, preferably one that states the brand name at the counter. So, yes, stay away from street vendors and avoid online auctions from sellers with imperfect feedback ratings. (Ebay allows you to check a sellers feedback if you are unsure about their reputation). Be very suspicious about bargain buys and deals that appear too good to be true. If a fragrance is less than half its usual retail price then chances are it’s a fake.
This article originally appeared on BeautyHeaven.
Image: Shutterstock
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32 Responses
I am always tempted to bid and buy at ebay but this is what scares me. Rather buy at authorized retailer.
The smell doesnt last long and the alcohol is just too much, you can already detect it with a 1 – 2 sprays
Well to stay clear, buy your fragrances from well established department stores, like Red Square, Stuttafords etc, don’t think they will ever sell you fake fragrances.
Good tips, informative article.
Thanks so much for this article
Interesting article, thank you!
Thanks for the heads up, will definately check next time if I’m buying a real deal or not.
Thank you for the advice. Indeed buying from reputable retailers is often a sure way of ensuring that you don’t end up with a second rate product. There are just some things you don’t buy cheap.
Love this article. I will definitely check back on this next time.
Interesting article. I wouldnt risk a fake fragrance, what if it damages skin or clothes when sprayed.
Thank you for the informative article.