From packaging to bottle cap, every detail of an original perfume is well thought out, without any room for imperfections. Here are some tips for customers.
The scent you wear defines your personality…they say. And it is true many a times, except when a fragrance is gifted to you. More often than not, people tend to go after deals at flea markets or online stores for discounted perfumes. Then what happens? In the race to grab ones’ favourite perfume, they fall into the trap of counterfeit products.
So, how do we know if we are wearing an original perfume or not? Of course, there are scientific ways to test the authenticity. But as a customer, we must be aware of some basic things. Various study materials released by anti-counterfeit agents of leading brands have highlighted certain common traits of fake products.
Here are some of them:
- Take a close look at the packaging. Authentic perfume boxes are covered in cellophane- a thin, transparent sheet made of regenerated cellulose. If the perfume is original, the cellophane will be folded flawlessly so that it can tightly adhere to the box.
- Also watch out for other imperfections in packaging like unattractive sealing of the outer box and the quality of the paperboard.
- Look closer. If the label is poorly printed, smudged or misspelled, the product can be fake. Also have a look at the bar code and see if it is sketchy.
- Original perfume liquid is not too pale or too dark.
- Check the manufacturer’s website. The information published there should match with that provided on the packaging.
- Real perfumes have smooth bottle containers and the cap will be perfectly symmetrical.
- The serial number on the bottle should match the number on the bottom of the box.
- Once you are satisfied with the appearance, go ahead with testing. Counterfeit ones can cause allergic reactions and leave rashes on skin. For original perfumes, the fragrance lasts for around 24 hours.
Where can I get the original?
It should be noted that real fragrances are not sold on tables in tourist hot spots or at flea markets, supermarkets or discount stores. They are sold in premium/exclusive outlets who secure the products directly from the manufacturers.
If you are flying to Kochi in Kerala and looking for 100% authentic fragrances, Cochin Duty Free is the perfect place to be. Since the perfumes here are directly procured from brands through authorised suppliers, one can purchase their favourite scents without any fear of being duped. Cochin Duty Free’s exclusive range of perfumes includes the likes of Gucci, 1 Million, Versace, Armani, BOSS, CK, ROBERTO CAVALLI, MONTBLANC, BVLGARI, MJ, DG. Don’t forget! There are some mind-blowing offers too.
For more details, visit cochindutyfree.com. The website has a very active chat option, where customers can place their queries.