Google Answers Logo
View Question
 
Q: how to spot fake fragrances and colognes ( No Answer,   1 Comment )
Question  
Subject: how to spot fake fragrances and colognes
Category: Reference, Education and News > Consumer Information
Asked by: guy34venice-ga
List Price: $2.00
Posted: 22 Sep 2005 02:54 PDT
Expires: 22 Oct 2005 02:54 PDT
Question ID: 570828
how can i know if the "guerlain vetiver" cologne i bought at a
fragrance store at the santa monica place mall is real or not.  it
wasn't a cart or kiosk, it was a real store.  but i'm skeptical for
some reason.  i'm used to buying fragrances at department stores.  is
there an answer to this question?
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: how to spot fake fragrances and colognes
From: robclarke1983-ga on 27 Jul 2006 14:24 PDT
 
They have EXACTLY the same designers name, almost identical bottle,
label, box and very similar fragrance!  The bottles on the left of
each type above were confirmed as fakes. Apparently bought from street
vendors, and markets for under $20 each.

HOW CAN YOU TELL WHAT is FAKE?
It's not easy. Counterfeiters of perfume have become masters of their
crime with the aid of modern digital imaging and printing techniques.
They are capable of producing almost identical replicas of ALL the
major leading perfume brands on the market today. As a consumer you
may never really know, UNTIL you experience the actual fragrance which
may be close to but not exactly as it should. You'll discover that the
perfume does NOT last as long, perhaps as little as one hour instead
of half a day or longer as is the case with original designer perfume.

Counterfeiting is a huge problem globally, with millions of
counterfeit goods being produced and sold every year. It is estimated
that up to 10% of perfumes and toiletries in the market place are
fakes.

HEALTH RISKS
Counterfeit perfume does not undergo the usual safety standards that
are applied to all cosmetics and toiletries around the world. When
cheaper, inferior ingredients are used, these may cause allergic
reactions in people with sensitive skin and could also stain garments.

BEWARE OF OLD STOCK and STALE PERFUME 
Perfume does deteriorate. The time period depends on temperature,
light and length of storage. Sometimes when stores close down, they
SELL OUT their old perfume stock. These typically end up in auctions,
and discount shops/web sites at very cheap prices. Don't get caught
out. Always make sure your supplier sells FRESH, not old stock.

20 Point Perfume Authenticity Checklist:
1) Confirm Reputable Source of Supply. Verify the delivery has come
from a repuatable seller.

2) Cellophane Wrapping. Check for overall quality - look and feel -
thickness and clarity.

3) Cellophane Sealing. Check for signs of excessive glue and
especially use of any sticky tape.

4) Outer Box. Check for overall quality of material used - thickness ?
colour- fold marks and edges.

5) Printing. Check for correct information printed on box. Size,
Country of Origin, misspellings, logo, and trademarks. Check the style
of printing ? embossing if applicable.

6) Batch Number ? Check for a number.

7) Inner Box. Check overall quality of material used - colour and size.

8) Bottle Shape. Check overall quality - height ? width ? basic shape and design. 

9) Bottle Glass. Check overall quality ? thickness - clarity ?
moulding marks ? air bubbles within the glass.

10) Cap. Check size ? colour ? shape ? moulding marks

11) Sprayer Head. Check overall quality ? colour - smoothness and ease
of operation.

12) Sprayer Inner Tube. Check quality - thickness, length and colour. 

13) Main Bottle Label. Check quality of printing ? size - positioning
and look for embossing if applicable.

14) Bottom Label. Check quality of printing ? size ? correct information. 

15) Bar Code. Check number, size and scanability

16) Fragrance Colour. Check for murkiness, floaties and consistency of colour.

17) Fragrance Oiliness. Check for excessive oily feel.

18) Fragrance Smell. Check for pungent or unusual fragrance notes.

19) Fragrance Lasting time. Test number of hours. Should last at least
2 to 3 hours+

20) Skin Reactions. Watch for itchiness, blemishes and rashes.

Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service.

If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-support@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you.
Search Google Answers for
Google Answers  


Google Home - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy