Well, buying a fake perfume, especially if you
shelled out good money of it, can be annoying. Even if its not
expensive, it helps to know. Sometimes, however, the problem is not
about the money, but the ingredients used to concoct those perfume
mixtures. This can lead to some serious health issues like irritations
and more! So, I present to you some tips on how to identify a fake
perfume. The list is not conclusive, but should help you get by. Here
we go:
First
Before you Buy-Be vigilant:
1. Perfume Origin : Where is the perfume made? where is the perfume
house based? If you are buying perfume, you should be familiar with
the perfume house. If not, it is always advisable to test out first.
Ideally, at the airport.
2. Place of Purchase: It is generally the case that perfumes are sold
everywhere in the world. But do you know some places are known for
supplying fake perfumes? For example, a large proportion of fake
perfumes emanate from china, Russia, Turkey, Romania. If your
supplier tells you he is a distributor, ask him where he gets his
supplies. There are known reputable suppliers in US and Europe. Also
bear in mind that buying from a reputable store or big online retailer
is no guarantee that you are getting the real deal either.
Second
After you buy: Onboxing- This is where you need to pay absolute
attention:
3. Cellophane Wrapping: The first tale tale sign of a questionable
perfume is usually in the packaging. First pay attention to the
transparent cellophane wrap before you open. Is the cellophane clean
and clear? Is it broken? and most importantly, is the cellophane well
wrapped evenly around the edges and heat sealed? Be vigilant.
Without cellophane, it is probably a returned bottle. If it is not a
returned bottle, it is probably the last bottle used for display in the
shop.
4. Box design/packaging : Similar to the cellophane wrapping, the
carton housing the perfume bottle, should be made of quality
material. It should feel firm and sturdy to the touch. Edges should be
well cut, fitting perfectly. If the carton was damaged in transit, it is
not a problem. Most fake packages have a over glossy look to them
that screams "fake"
5. The Bottle : The cap on the bottle should fit snugly, should not
easily come off. Also, the bottle should be well cut, and of highest
quality. It should be smooth to the touch with no rough edges. If the
bottle is transparent, you should able to look right from beneath and
see the contents inside the bottle.
6. The writing on the bottle: The name of the perfume, and sometimes
the perfume house must be well written on the bottle. Check that the
writing is not shabbily done, check that every (i) is dotted and with
apostrophes where applicable. Check for misspellings. For example,
Terre d'hermes has an engraving round the cap. Most fakes come
without the little apostrophe. Check also that lines align properly.
Chanel should not be spelled 'Chanell" for example. Try to see if you
can peel off the writing using your nails. If it comes off easily, well!
7. Marks/Codes/Engravings : Every perfume comes with
manufacturer's marks or codes. Some of these codes represent dates
of manufacture. You should the place of origin, The most important,
however is that the code on the perfume housing, i.e. the pack or
carton must correspond with the one engraved on the bottle. It is
usually, 4 letter code. Also check to ensure that
8. The perfume proper : Have you ever used this perfume in particular?
if not, you may find it difficult differentiating. Now to verify the
perfume quality. 1. When you press the nozzle, the perfume should
not just puff out. You should press at least 3-4 times. Some times
even more. (Your perfume should first spray air) 2. How does it smell.
Believe it or not some fakes smell horrible and bad. Some smell close
to the real thing, but come short. 3. Spray the perfume on a
transparent material, preferably on a glass window. There should be
no residues on the glass surface. The colour should be consistent.
You could also try to shake the perfume. The bubbles should take just
a little while to settle and not settle immediately.k
shelled out good money of it, can be annoying. Even if its not
expensive, it helps to know. Sometimes, however, the problem is not
about the money, but the ingredients used to concoct those perfume
mixtures. This can lead to some serious health issues like irritations
and more! So, I present to you some tips on how to identify a fake
perfume. The list is not conclusive, but should help you get by. Here
we go:
First
Before you Buy-Be vigilant:
1. Perfume Origin : Where is the perfume made? where is the perfume
house based? If you are buying perfume, you should be familiar with
the perfume house. If not, it is always advisable to test out first.
Ideally, at the airport.
2. Place of Purchase: It is generally the case that perfumes are sold
everywhere in the world. But do you know some places are known for
supplying fake perfumes? For example, a large proportion of fake
perfumes emanate from china, Russia, Turkey, Romania. If your
supplier tells you he is a distributor, ask him where he gets his
supplies. There are known reputable suppliers in US and Europe. Also
bear in mind that buying from a reputable store or big online retailer
is no guarantee that you are getting the real deal either.
Second
After you buy: Onboxing- This is where you need to pay absolute
attention:
3. Cellophane Wrapping: The first tale tale sign of a questionable
perfume is usually in the packaging. First pay attention to the
transparent cellophane wrap before you open. Is the cellophane clean
and clear? Is it broken? and most importantly, is the cellophane well
wrapped evenly around the edges and heat sealed? Be vigilant.
Without cellophane, it is probably a returned bottle. If it is not a
returned bottle, it is probably the last bottle used for display in the
shop.
4. Box design/packaging : Similar to the cellophane wrapping, the
carton housing the perfume bottle, should be made of quality
material. It should feel firm and sturdy to the touch. Edges should be
well cut, fitting perfectly. If the carton was damaged in transit, it is
not a problem. Most fake packages have a over glossy look to them
that screams "fake"
5. The Bottle : The cap on the bottle should fit snugly, should not
easily come off. Also, the bottle should be well cut, and of highest
quality. It should be smooth to the touch with no rough edges. If the
bottle is transparent, you should able to look right from beneath and
see the contents inside the bottle.
6. The writing on the bottle: The name of the perfume, and sometimes
the perfume house must be well written on the bottle. Check that the
writing is not shabbily done, check that every (i) is dotted and with
apostrophes where applicable. Check for misspellings. For example,
Terre d'hermes has an engraving round the cap. Most fakes come
without the little apostrophe. Check also that lines align properly.
Chanel should not be spelled 'Chanell" for example. Try to see if you
can peel off the writing using your nails. If it comes off easily, well!
7. Marks/Codes/Engravings : Every perfume comes with
manufacturer's marks or codes. Some of these codes represent dates
of manufacture. You should the place of origin, The most important,
however is that the code on the perfume housing, i.e. the pack or
carton must correspond with the one engraved on the bottle. It is
usually, 4 letter code. Also check to ensure that
8. The perfume proper : Have you ever used this perfume in particular?
if not, you may find it difficult differentiating. Now to verify the
perfume quality. 1. When you press the nozzle, the perfume should
not just puff out. You should press at least 3-4 times. Some times
even more. (Your perfume should first spray air) 2. How does it smell.
Believe it or not some fakes smell horrible and bad. Some smell close
to the real thing, but come short. 3. Spray the perfume on a
transparent material, preferably on a glass window. There should be
no residues on the glass surface. The colour should be consistent.
You could also try to shake the perfume. The bubbles should take just
a little while to settle and not settle immediately.k