Oud, Attar & Bakhoor: A Beginner's Guide to Arabian Perfumery
What is oud? How is attar different from perfume? How do you use bakhoor? An introduction to the traditions of Arabian fragrance from Dubai.
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To spot fake perfume, check that the batch code on the box matches the one on the bottle, the cellophane is tight and neatly folded, printing is sharp and correctly spelled, the bottle and cap feel weighty with clean seams, the sprayer produces a fine even mist, and the price is realistic. Most importantly, buy from an established, verifiable seller who will tell you where the stock comes from.
Counterfeit fragrances are a global problem. At best they smell “almost right” and fade quickly; at worst they contain ingredients that irritate skin. The good news: most fakes fail several simple checks. Use this list whenever you buy.
Packaging checks
- Cellophane. Original wrapping is tight, clear and folded neatly, often with narrow seams. Loose, cloudy or thickly glued wrap is a red flag.
- Box quality. Genuine boxes use thick card, crisp printing and precise embossing. Look for spelling mistakes, blurry logos or uneven colours.
- Batch code. Almost every original perfume has a batch code printed or stamped on the box and on the bottle. They should match. Missing or mismatched codes are a serious warning.
- Barcode and legal text. Check that the barcode, ingredient list, volume and manufacturer address are present and professionally printed.
Bottle checks
- Glass. Original bottles are clear, smooth and evenly thick, with no bubbles or rough seams.
- Cap. Brand caps are usually heavy and fit snugly — many use magnetic or weighted closures. Light, plasticky caps that wobble are suspicious.
- Sprayer and tube. The dip tube should be thin and nearly invisible in the liquid, cut to the right length. The sprayer should give a fine, even mist rather than a squirt.
- Logo and engraving. Compare fonts, spacing and position with the brand's official images.
Liquid and scent checks
- Colour. Compare with official images. Colour can vary slightly by batch, but a very different shade is a concern.
- Opening. Fakes often smell harsh, overly alcoholic or flat in the first minutes.
- Development. A genuine fragrance evolves over hours from top to heart to base notes. Many fakes smell the same throughout and disappear quickly.
The most important check: the seller
- Buy from a verifiable business. A registered company, physical address, transparent pricing and willingness to answer sourcing questions are the best protection you have. A price that is far below every other seller is almost always too good to be true.
The safest perfume is the one bought from someone who is still there tomorrow to answer your questions.
What about testers?
Testers are genuine products supplied to shops for demonstration. They usually come in plain boxes, sometimes without caps, and are labelled “tester” or “not for sale”. They can be good value, but should still come from a trusted source.
Our approach
At Cannes Perfumes Co LLC, our focus is on sourcing and distributing only the highest-quality perfumes and cosmetics from globally recognized brands. We are happy to discuss product details and batch information with every customer. Contact us with any question before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check a perfume batch code?
Find the code printed or stamped on the bottom of the box and on the bottle (usually on the base or label). They should match. Several online batch-code checkers can estimate the production date for many major brands.
Are perfume testers original?
Genuine testers are original products made for in-store demonstration. They often come in plain packaging and may lack a cap, but the fragrance itself is the same.
Why does my perfume smell different from the one I tried in a store?
Batch variation, storage conditions, skin chemistry and reformulation can all change how a fragrance smells. A dramatically different, harsh or short-lived scent may indicate a counterfeit.
Published by CANNES PERFUMES CO LLC, Deira, Dubai. Last reviewed .