Perfumes & cosmetics
The surest way to avoid buying a fake perfume is to shop at official retailers and on websites listed and approved by the brands. A perfume sold at a market and/or on the black market is always a counterfeit.
A discount of 20 to 30 per cent may be normal at certain times, such as during the sales. Unless it’s an official offer, steer clear of unusually low prices, as the products on offer are likely to be dodgy.
- The cellophane/blister pack must be taut, free from creases or air bubbles, with fine, invisible seals. Crumpled or creased cellophane is an immediate cause for concern.
- Spelling mistakes or transposed letters are tell-tale signs of a counterfeit product.
The shape is always symmetrical: the bottle is made from a single piece, smooth and seamless. The cap must fit snugly and be a perfect fit. For perfume, the spout must be level with the top of the bottle and must not be bent.
The product identification number must be the same on the bottle and its packaging. Any discrepancy is clear evidence of a counterfeit product.
- Upon opening, a strong smell of raw alcohol before any floral notes emerge is a cause for concern that should be taken into account. Counterfeit cosmetics have a chalky texture that does not deliver the promised results.
- A genuine perfume is designed to last for 6 to 12 hours. The scent of a counterfeit product fades or turns off in less than 2 hours.
Counterfeit perfumes and cosmetics often contain toxic ingredients or banned preservatives, which can cause severe allergies and irritation, or even blindness
