Following the news that increased counterfeit fragrances are being sold in the UK, we asked Tracy Moores, Founder of leading fragrance and beauty distributor, Glorious Brands, the top five questions we should be asking to make sure we’re buying the real deal when it comes to fragrance.
Here’s the questions we asked, and the answers we received. It’s an interesting debate with dupe fragrances flooding the market.
How can I tell if what I’m buying is a counterfeit fragrance?
“With the increase in online shopping this is becoming much harder, as online brings completely different, and far more risks to buying in store and in person. Online is much more difficult to establish if we are purchasing a counterfeit product. Logo, ingredients, registered (legal address) are all quick and easy checks. The best way to be sure is to only buy from reputable retailers who have an online platform or well-established e-tailers.”
What’s the difference between a counterfeit and a dupe?
“A counterfeit product mimics everything about the product, masquerading as the ‘real deal’ in every aspect. A dupe is a copy of a popular product which doesn’t pretend to be the real thing, but hints at it through its packaging, name and of course, scent. Good examples of dupes are Zara’s Gardenia (YSL Black Opium) and Next’s Summer Sun (Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess) at a fraction of the price with the essence of the real thing.”
Where should I go to shop fragrance and how can I check they are a trusted retailer?
“Where possible, try to purchase in store at a well-respected retailer, or if you can only buy online, check authorised retailers on the brands own websites or buy from a site that offers a try before you buy opportunity. Companies selling counterfeit products don’t offer samples which is an easy check. Also, if a price seems too good to be true – it normally is!”
If a fragrance smells the exact same as it’s expensive counterpart then it may seem like a ‘no brainer’ for a consumer to opt for the cheaper alternative, but why should people avoid doing this?
“The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ applies here. To sell a product cheaply, it has to be manufactured using cheap ingredients, most likely from suppliers using cheap synthetic imitations, using unsustainable methods and without integrity – all of which can cause skin irritation or worse. Remember, your skin is permeable – so be cautious. Fragrance also evaporates, so you may be able to smell a fragrance as soon as you spray it, but when using cheap imitations, dupe fragrances may be fleeting. Logo, ingredients, registered (legal address) are all quick and easy checks. Compare the logo alongside the logo of the .com site, the amends will be slight but obvious. Any difference at all is a red flag.”
What do you think has caused or contributed to the rise in counterfeit fragrances?
“The cost-of-living challenges for many customers must have an impact and in response we offer smaller sizes and discovery sets across our brands to allow consumers to purchase within their budgets. Having said this, fragrance is a growing category which always seems to maintain growth whatever is happening economically and therefore, an opportunity and lucrative. Counterfeits appeal to a consumer that aspires to possess a designer brand, but simply can’t afford it and manufacturers play on that.”
So, have you tried any dupe fragrances? Were you delighted or disappointed? The debate rolls on.
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