Purchasing a new fragrance can feel like a luxury treat but it also comes with significant risks, especially when shopping online. Counterfeit perfumes are increasingly common and can be hard to distinguish from the real thing. However, with a few simple steps, you can safeguard your purchase and ensure you’re getting the authentic fragrance you expected.

Examine the outer packaging thoroughly. Authentic perfumes come in high quality boxes with crisp printing, consistent fonts, and no spelling errors. The barcode should be clear and properly aligned. If the box looks cheap, blurry, or has mismatched colors, it’s a red flag. The bottle itself should feel solid and heavy, not flimsy or thin. Look for any imperfections in the glass or pump assembly. A fraudulent versions often have uneven nozzles or misprinted text.

Next, examine the bottle’s cap and the spray. Authentic bottles feature tightly sealed lids and often have fine embossed branding.