Perfume testers: what they are and whether it’s worth buying them

A tester is a perfume bottle that the maison gives to perfumeries so that customers can try it in store. The perfume is the same, but it often comes without a box, sometimes without a cap, and is not intended for sale: this is why, when you find one for sale, it is worth knowing where it comes from and what guarantees it has.

How does it differ from a bottle for sale?

• The packaging: simple box or no box at all, sometimes with the word "tester" or "demonstration" on it.
• The cap: often missing.
• Usage: in store it is tried every day, and may have been open for a long time.

Is it genuine?

A genuine tester is: it is the same perfume from the maison. The problem is that, precisely because it does not have complete packaging, it is easier to pass off a fake as a tester. How to recognize a genuine one is explained in how to recognize a genuine perfume.

When is it worth it?

If you buy from a reliable seller and you only care about the perfume, not the packaging, a tester can make sense. If instead you want to try a perfume before buying it, a sample is safer and costs much less. We talk about it in samples.

With us

In the boutique you can try perfumes on your skin before choosing. Online, to try at home, there are samples: 10 free with orders over €100.

Frequently asked questions

Is a perfume tester genuine?

A genuine tester is, it is the same perfume. But without complete packaging it is harder to verify: only buy it from someone who gives you clear guarantees.

Why do testers cost less?

Because they do not have complete packaging and are not intended for sale. Sometimes they have already been used in store.

A tester or a sample?

To try a perfume, a sample: it costs little and tells you if the perfume is right for you. To buy it, a bottle for sale from an authorized retailer.