Tips on How to Identify Fake Perfumes

Well, buying a fake perfume, especially if you spent a tidy sum on it, can be annoying. Even if it is not expensive, it helps to know the possible signs of a fake perfume. This not only saves you time and money, but also the potential of spraying hazardous contents on your body. Now, while there are no quick and fast rules of how to identify a fake perfume, there are a combination of factors that should set alarm bells ringing.

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 brand. If not, it is always advisable to test out first.

2. Place of Purchase
It is generally the case that perfumes are sold everywhere in the world. Branded fake perfumes however, are traceable to certain localities or regions. If you are buying online, the best bet to trust the online retailer and hope for the best.

If you must buy online, order from credible locations. For example, a large proportion of fake perfumes are said to emanate from china, Russia, Turkey or Romania. But the list is not exhaustive. If you are a retailer or about to go into perfume retail business, inquire as to the origin of the perfume. Even so, it helps to call the manufacturer straight away to ask for licensed distributors. Also bear in mind that buying from a reputable store or big online retailer is no guarantee that you would get the real deal either.

After you buy: Unboxing - Pay attention

3. Cellophane Wrapping
The first tell-tale sign of a fake 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? 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. Take note that sometimes a cellophane can be damaged in transit. This is not indicative of a fake perfume.

4. Box design/packaging
Similar to 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. From my experience, most fake packages have an over glossy look to them. Some are so badly designed that they scream "fake perfume"

5. Bottle design
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 be able to look right from beneath and see the contents inside the bottle. A fake perfume bottle is often made hurriedly, with misspelled words and much more.

6. Special Markings
The name of the perfume, and sometimes the perfume house should be well written or carved 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'Hermès has an engraving round the cap. Most fakes come without the little apostrophe on the e. 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 and even expiry dates. You should check for perfume origin. Your bottle of Allure Sport should not be made in Singapore for example. The most important, however is that the code on the perfume packaging, must correspond with the one engraved on the bottle itself. Your pack should not have 0445 and the bottle 445.

8. Bottle Contents Proper 
What is that in your bottle? Does it smell like fish? No, just kidding. But it is not far-fetched I tell you. Well, if you have ever used this particular perfume, you should have no problem identifying it. If not, you may find it difficult differentiating whether it is real or fake perfume.

Generally, When you buy a fresh bottle, you would want to immediately spray it on your wrist. This is where it gets quite Interesting. You should notice that the contents do not spray out immediately after the first push of the nozzle. Sometimes, you will have to press about 4 0r 5 times. This is the 'spraying air test'. You should press at least 3-4 times. Sometimes even more before the scented nectar starts flowing. Most fake perfumes do not spray air. This could be attributed to perhaps, lack of good pressure compression during the manufacturing process.

Next, how does it smell after the first spray? Believe it or not some fake perfumes smell horrible and bad. Some smell close to the real thing, but come short. It is advisable, to spray 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

This list is not exhaustive, but at least should help in making informed decision