There are perfume shops in Bur Dubai/Karama which sell real, (but often in tester packaging), products. And shops in Bur Dubai/Karama which sell fake (but well packaged) perfumes.
how to tell one from the other? Steer clear of the perfume shops in the more touristy areas (the shops in the bag section of Karama for example) but head to the very busy perfume shops opposite the Post Office area of Karama.
There's a perfume shop in Mezaya Centre, near the electronic games in the centre, opposite the pizza restaurant, and you can negotiate [rices. Cheaper than Areej/Paris Gallery, and originals.
Ajmal do some good copies (I buy from the one in the Dubai Mall Souk). Haven't bought anything from Bur Dubai, and doubt they're legitimately "branded" products.
Thanks Sarah, thought as much. How about online sites that sell perfumes - does anyone have any experience?
GE I believe everyone who's selling their wares would package them properly, its what's in the bottle that could be fake - were you able to tell that the perfumes you bought on Souq were originals after you opened the packaging, as I saw even on Souq they seem quite cheap.
The one I am wearing today must be ok as a number of girls in the office have recognised it for what it is. The other one smells exactly as I remember it although I haven't tried asking anyone else yet.
Thanks Sarah, thought as much. How about online sites that sell perfumes - does anyone have any experience?
GE I believe everyone who's selling their wares would package them properly, its what's in the bottle that could be fake - were you able to tell that the perfumes you bought on Souq were originals after you opened the packaging, as I saw even on Souq they seem quite cheap.
I generally buy my perfumes from the Duty Free and sometimes (for gifting) at Paris Gallery/Sephora, etc. We have visitors over who have heard that you get really cheap branded perfumes at shops in Bur Dubai. Am not sure if these are for real or fakes like the bags they sell in Bur Dubai/Karama. Any experience anybody. TIA
A lot of the perfumes are fake and you will be able to tell
I went to a popular shop in Bur Dubai a few years ago and bought Dior Addict. it smelt okay, took it home and compared it to the real one and believe me you could smell the difference and the smell wore off very quickly. There is a reason they are all very cheap. I would stick with DDF
Sorry I can't help with the Bu Dubai/Karama shops, but I have just bought myself a couple of bottles on Souq.com and as long as you make sure they're new, they seem to be the real deal. Packets all sealed etc.
I generally buy my perfumes from the Duty Free and sometimes (for gifting) at Paris Gallery/Sephora, etc. We have visitors over who have heard that you get really cheap branded perfumes at shops in Bur Dubai. Am not sure if these are for real or fakes like the bags they sell in Bur Dubai/Karama. Any experience anybody. TIA