Tell Cheap and Expensive Perfume Apart (2024)

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive perfume? The short answer is yes. Some affordable perfumes feel expensive on your skin, while other expensive ones seem too overpriced.

Here are some tips for telling the difference between the two to help you sort through the potential difference in price for different perfumes.

Expensive Perfumes Have Complex Smells

The most apparent difference between cheap and expensive perfumes is that they smell differently. Higher-end perfumes are more costly because they have a more complex smell.

Cheap perfumes have a similar smell to affordable cologne. They smell good, but nothing about their scent really stands out as special.

When you’re wearing higher-end perfumes, you can recognize them right away. It’s not an aroma you can describe—you can’t pinpoint exactly what the scent is. But it is more “you” than cheaper perfumes make you out to be.

Expensive Perfumes Include Different Scent Notes

Expensive perfumes use a variety of scent notes. These will change depending on the perfume, but they will all work together to create a single aroma.

Expensive perfumes are designed to have multiple layers of smells. Some of these layers will include notes of fruits, flowers, and spices or herbs.

All of the other smells layered into the perfume combine to make a complex and interesting scent, making it feel expensive on your skin. Meanwhile, cheap perfumes tend to have one main smell with a couple of supporting notes.

You Can't Always Smell the Difference

Of course, sometimes, the difference between cheap and expensive perfume is subtle.

It’s easier to recognize the difference between the two when wearing one. You can identify the complexity of a more expensive perfume when you smell it on someone else.

The biggest reason the difference between cheap and high-end perfumes can be subtle is that plenty of affordable perfumes smell expensive.

If you want to know that you’re comparing cheap and expensive perfume, you need to smell them side by side to tell them apart.

It's also worth mentioning that a few factors can influence a perfume’s smell. One of these is your body chemistry.

Your body chemistry influences how you smell. Even wearing the same perfume could cause the scent to change.

That’s why it’s so important to try a scent before you fully invest in it.

Expensive Scents Linger

Expensive perfumes last longer, allowing you to smell good even when they’re dry. It is especially true when wearing a fragrance you’ll be out in the rain or sweating in. On the other hand, some perfumes will wash off after a little bit of moisture.

Cheap perfumes tend to dry down quickly if they have a strong base note. It’s not uncommon for them to disappear within a couple of hours. This is especially true if you’re not wearing perfume with a lot of different scents.

Conclusion

When it comes to telling the difference between cheap and expensive perfume, it’s best to try the perfumes on your skin first. A scent will always smell different on someone else than it does on you.

Find a scent that is truly and uniquely you with Alexandria Fragrances. Alexandria perfume is made only from quality materials, which will make you look and feel expensive. Take a look at our catalog today!

Tell Cheap and Expensive Perfume Apart (2024)

FAQs

Tell Cheap and Expensive Perfume Apart? ›

“Cheap perfumes will use synthetic oils, rose, patchouli, jasmin, etc.,” says perfumer Darryl Do. “Expensive ones use natural oils where the quality of these oils differentiates them from the low priced oils and sets them apart.

How can you tell the difference between cheap and expensive perfume? ›

Levels of Scent

An expensive perfume won't have just one level of scent. It'll likely have three layers: the top notes, middle notes (or 'heart notes'), and base notes. You might recognize this layering system from things like coffee and wine tasting.

How would you describe cheap perfume? ›

Higher-end perfumes are more costly because they have a more complex smell. Cheap perfumes have a similar smell to affordable cologne. They smell good, but nothing about their scent really stands out as special.

How to identify expensive perfume? ›

However, more expensive fragrances typically do not smell very synthetic. Usually it's because they use a much higher percentage of natural ingredients and higher quality synthetics. There will not be a harshness to them. They will smell rather well blended and very smooth.

How can you tell if a perfume is high quality? ›

Fragrance Complexity and Versatility

High-quality perfumes tend to be more complex, blending many different notes. Knockoffs tend to only be able to copy the top notes of a scent, so these products lack depth and fade faster.

What are three words to describe a perfume? ›

Some common synonyms of perfume are fragrance, redolence, and scent. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor. #aroma #smellgood #perfumery #wsperfumes.

What makes a fragrance expensive? ›

Expensive perfumes are specifically formulated to contain numerous layers of scents. Some include notes of fruits, flowers, and spices or herbs. All of the other scents blended into a particular composition combine to unveil an intricate, unique and arresting scent, which feels “expensive” on one's skin.

What makes a scent smell cheap? ›

Low-quality ingredients: Fragrance oils made with low-quality synthetic compounds will not have the same depth and complexity of scent as those made with higher quality ingredients. Poor blending: Even high-quality ingredients can create a cheap-smelling fragrance if they are not blended correctly.

How do you know if a perfume matches you? ›

Tips For Testing Perfume On Your Skin

When testing perfumes, apply them to your pulse points and allow them to develop on your skin for a few hours. Observe how the scent evolves during this time before making a final decision.

What makes perfume last longer? ›

Well-moisturized skin prevents the fragrance from evaporating too quickly. We recommend using a body lotion in your custom scent or applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to lock in your scent.

Is it OK to use cheap perfume? ›

Research has shown that fragrance is one of the most common skin irritants, often causing sensitization or other negative reactions. And this can be true for all skin types - not just sensitive or acne-prone skin. That said, you're more likely to run into problems with cheap, synthetic colognes or fragrances.

Is it OK to buy cheap perfume? ›

That's totally fine. So in the beginning it's better to stick to affordable fragrances that you love plus buying samples. Once you feel, your taste is stabilizing, it's perhaps time to invest in those expensive bottles on your shopping list!

How do you know if you have bought fake perfume? ›

Authentic perfumes will have a control, batch and serial number on the packaging. These numbers are used to independently verify the authenticity of the perfume. If you have any doubts, consult the manufacturer to see if the numbers match with their production numbering.

How do you know if the perfume is original or fake? ›

Real perfume shouldn't have any messy glue residue or extra tape inside or outside the container. Barcode: Batch, control and serial number is a must when to confirm authentic perfumes. Compare the manufacturer to see whether the numbers match with their production number.

Does original and fake perfume smell the same? ›

Counterfeit fragrances excel in mimicking an authetic perfume's smell, but that's about it. The scent could seem similar at first, but quality and longevity on a fake would be weaker than of an authentic perfume.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 6014

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.