11 Top Fragrance Companies

How to choose where to buy fragrance

Fragrance is sold by brand websites, department stores, discount retailers and subscription services that send small vials each month. Prices vary a lot between them, and so does the risk of buying a fake.

• Authenticity. Discount sites may buy stock through gray-market channels. Check what the seller says about where its products come from and whether it guarantees authenticity.
• Concentration and size. Eau de parfum and eau de toilette versions of the same scent differ. Compare like with like.
• Testers and unboxed items. These can be cheaper but may come without a box or cap. Listings should say so clearly.
• Shipping limits. Perfume contains alcohol and is restricted on some shipping routes, so international delivery may be limited or slower.

Where things go wrong

Buyers report scents that smell different from the original, leaking bottles and subscriptions that renew without a clear reminder. Try a sample before a full bottle. Keep the box and batch code until you are sure the product is right. Check the return policy, since many sellers will not take back opened perfume. On CandorRated you can see who appears to run a retailer's website, how long its domain has existed, its contact details and reviews from other buyers. The list can be filtered by country and city.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the same perfume cost less on some sites?

Different sourcing, older stock, testers or fakes. Read the seller's sourcing statement and reviews.

Can perfume go off?

Heat and light can change a fragrance over time. Store it somewhere cool and dark.