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Basics of Perfumery

5 reasons why a dupe will never be your favourite perfume

Loyalty to a single fragrance is a thing of the past. Today, we switch perfumes depending on the day, the occasion, or even the season. In every collection, luxury scents coexist with more affordable ones we wear daily.

Loyalty to a single fragrance is a thing of the past. Today, we switch perfumes depending on the day, the occasion, or even the season. In every collection, luxury scents coexist with more affordable ones we wear daily.

In this landscape, a new phenomenon has emerged: the so-called "equivalent perfumes"–better known as dupes, clones, or "inspired perfumes." Unlike creative reinterpretations, these simply copy successful fragrances, deliberately imitating them at a lower price while feeding off the reputation of the original brand and perfumer. Their goal is to make you believe the olfactory experience is identical. But that's simply impossible.

What is a perfume dupe?

The word dupe comes from the French duper, meaning "to deceive". In English, it's used both as a verb (to dupe) and as a noun (a dupe). Today, it refers to a product that clones another.

Many people think paying less means buying smarter, and dupes are indeed sold at lower prices than the originals. But when it comes to perfume, price isn't everything. Before deciding, ask yourself:

- Do you value authenticity?
- Are you drawn to a brand's olfactory DNA?
- Do you prefer creativity or mere imitation?

A clone doesn't carry the values or identity of a brand–and may even cross into unfair competition, profiting from someone else's reputation.

A dupe clones an original perfume, but it can't convey the values or identity of the brand. It tries to make you believe the copy offers the same olfactory experience. It doesn't–and it's far from fair.

Say no to counterfeits

There's an even more serious issue: counterfeits.

According to SICPA's Illicit Trade and Fraud Situation Report, the beauty industry loses €839 million a year to illicit trade. The EU estimates this illegal activity costs more than 53,000 jobs across this sector.

Fake perfumes pose a serious health risk, since they bypass safety controls and come into direct contact with skin. A worrying fact: 50% of all counterfeits are sold on social media, especially Instagram.

5 reasons not to buy a dupe

5 reasons not to buy a dupe

1. Superficial similarities

Your favourite perfume doesn't just smell good at first, it evolves beautifully over time. A dupe may resemble it at the beginning, but it soon becomes flat and generic. Within an hour, it loses nuance and the resemblance fades away.

2. The ingredients

A quality perfume blends raw materials, natural or synthetic, in precise proportions. Dupes, however, prioritise cost and rely on cheaper substitutes: acidic sandalwood, harsh jasmine, or overpowering musk. Without balance, the pleasure of wearing perfume disappears.

3. Longevity and evolution

More than duration, what truly matters is evolution: a pleasant projection and a harmonious trail. Dupes often start strong, only to fade quickly or morph into something completely different from the original.

4. Lack of connection

What made you fall in love with your favourite perfume? Its story, its creator, its values. A dupe lacks that emotional and brand ecosystem that sparks attachment. It's impossible to connect with a copy devoid of meaning.

5. Built to last?

Your favourite perfume accompanies special memories and moments. Dupes, on the other hand, aren't reliable: they disappear, change formula without warning, or are sold through unverified retailers.

In the short term, they might seem like a smart purchase, but in the long run, they impoverish perfumery itself. If we stop supporting original creations, only imitations will remain. It's up to you to decide what kind of perfumery you want… and what you expect from your next fragrance.

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