I am probably as guilty as the next person for decorating my bathroom shelf with the “oh so pretty and priceless” bottles of fake perfumes. You only have to be in Bali for five minutes to figure out that these classy counterfeits are freely available, and it’s all just a bit of fun really isn’t it? To buy a Chanel for less than the price of a bag of chips! A bit of harmless bargain hunting? Or is it? How safe are these flowery fake fragrances? While most of them smell nothing like the logo on the bottles would suggest, and some are even quite offensive, some are actually quite a close, albeit watered down, match to the real thing.
So what’s all the fuss about? Scientists in Brazil have been studying these fake fragrances and even found urine in some samples, which is used to stabilize the other ingredients.
Counterfeit perfumes do 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.
How to spot fake fragrances and colognes: They have EXACTLY the same designers name, almost identical bottle, label, box and very similar fragrance! It’s not easy to tell what is a fake. 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.
Perfume Authenticity Checklist:
1. Confirm Reputable Source of Supply. Verify the delivery has come from a reputable seller.
2. Cellophane Wrapping. Check for overall quality-look and feel -thickness and clarity.
3. Outer Box. Check for overall quality of material used - thickness – color- fold marks and edges.
4. Printing. Check for correct information printed on box. Size, Country of Origin, misspellings, logo, and trademarks. Check the style of printing–embossing if applicable.
5. Main Bottle Label. Check quality of printing – size - positioning and look for embossing if applicable.
6. Fragrance Color. Check for murkiness, floaties and consistency of color.
7. Fragrance Oiliness. Check for excessive oily feel.
8. Fragrance Smell. Check for pungent or unusual fragrance notes.
9. Fragrance lasting time. Test number of hours. Should last at least 2 to 3 hours+
10. Skin Reactions. Watch for itchiness, blemishes and rashes.
Kim Patra is a qualified registered nurse and midwife who has been living and working in Bali for almost 20 years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com or Hp. 081 2366 0000.
