How-to: tell if your perfume is genuine

It is estimated that up to 10 per cent 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? Here’s 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 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.