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 comments
Dorothy
Are perfumes from African Fragrances sales genuine
Anien
Hi Dorothy, African Sales is a legitimate import and distribution company that imports genuine fragrances :) So to answer your question, yes they are!
Pseudo_kate
I wonder how the counterfeit places stay in business. I tried a few and they’re nice to sniff upon contact but after an hour, it changes completely and smells horrid. My friend still buys them yet she doesn’t want to admit that they give her the odd rash or two.
Cass1231
All these places that make these fake fragrances should be closed..they only last an hour or so.
mahomed
I hope the author Megan doesn’t mind me forwarding to a few people. Her name is included in the forwarded message.
mahomed
Great tip, I’m shocked many people go out and buy perfume even though its less than half the price.
Livvy
As easy as staying away from ebay and street vendors, stick to the reputable stores.
Firefly
Now I’m going to run and check all my perfumes!!!! :P
Tanya
Interesting article,thanks so much
Charne
This is a great article. I came across a lot of fakies lately! So not worth it cos the fragrance is supposed to last the whole day.
Botes
Thanx for the great tips!!