Austria's Fragrance Fakes: What's Real And What's Not?

Austria has a long history of perfume-making, especially in Vienna, which was a perfume city during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Today, many of these historical scents are still available, either according to the original recipe or with a modern twist. There are many perfumeries in Vienna, including international chains and smaller boutiques, offering a range of mainstream and niche fragrances. However, as with any popular product, there is a risk of encountering counterfeit fragrances, and it is important to be vigilant when purchasing perfume to ensure its authenticity.

History of perfume in Vienna

Perfume-making has a long tradition in Vienna, dating back to the Habsburg monarchy. During the time of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, there were numerous perfume makers in the city, including well-known perfumeries such as Nägele & Strubell, and Kniže, which were named Imperial Court Suppliers. These perfumeries created their own unique scents, with rich histories, that are still available today, either as original recipes or with a modern twist.

One of the oldest perfumeries in Vienna is Parfumerie J.B. Filz, founded in 1809, which was also a supplier to the Imperial Court. They created a range of products, including creams, pomades, soaps, makeup, and scented waters. Two of their perfumes from this era, which still exist today, are the unisex "Eau de Lavender", a mix of three types of lavender with a touch of rose, and the "Viennese Favourite Fragrance", which was popular in the mid-19th century.

Another historic perfume house is Wiener Blut, which specialises in new interpretations of fragrances from the Imperial period. Their perfume "Palais Nizam", for example, is inspired by Franz Ferdinand in India. Each of their unisex fragrances tells a story, such as their latest, "Freudian Wood", which references the importance of wood in Sigmund Freud's interpretation of dreams.

Even today, young perfumers in Vienna are rediscovering the city's rich history of perfume-making, and new perfumeries are popping up, continuing the long tradition of scent creation in the city.

How to spot fake perfumes

Perfumes have been around for a long time in Austria, with the country's capital, Vienna, being known as a perfume city during the time of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Today, many of these traditional scents are still available, and young perfumers are rediscovering and reinterpretating old fragrances.

However, with the rise of online shopping, fake perfumes are everywhere, often sold under monikers like "Class A" or "SG authentic". These counterfeit products are usually manufactured anywhere in the world and purchased from the grey market by the source. They are made of lower-quality or less pure ingredients and are sold at significantly lower prices.

Price

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic perfumes are typically expensive due to the high-quality ingredients used and the years of research behind them. Therefore, if a designer fragrance is being sold at a very cheap price, it is likely a fake.

Seller

Most counterfeit perfumes can be avoided by purchasing from a reputable seller or a well-known establishment that buys its stock from authorised distributors. Avoid buying from flea markets, and be cautious of people reselling the perfume, especially on the internet. They may claim to have received the perfume as a gift and are now looking to sell it, but they could be targeting unsuspecting buyers.

Packaging

Authentic perfumes usually have seamless packaging with correct information about the product, including labels, barcodes, and colour codes. The packaging is made from high-quality paperboard, and the cellophane wrap is tightly and neatly wrapped around the box. On the other hand, fake perfumes often have loose or messy wrapping, with excess glue or adhesive tape inside or outside the box.

Grammar and Spelling

Inspect the box closely for any grammar or spelling errors. Poorly written or laid out information is a sign of a counterfeit product.

Bottle

Feel the perfume bottle. Authentic perfumes typically have smooth bottles, while imitation bottles may be rough or poorly made, sometimes even replacing glass with plastic.

Scent

Authentic perfumes are complex and intricately constructed, with three layers: the top, middle, and base notes. These layers are unveiled over time, ensuring that the scent is multidimensional and evolves from the initial application until complete skin absorption. Fake perfumes, on the other hand, usually have only one layer, making them flat and less long-lasting.

Allergic Reactions

Some fake perfumes may cause allergic reactions or unwanted rashes on the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to test the perfume on your skin and leave it for a couple of hours to ensure it is authentic. If the smell disappears within a short time, it is likely a counterfeit.

In conclusion, while fake perfumes may be tempting due to their low prices, they are not worth the risks. By following the above guidelines, you can make an informed choice and ensure that you are purchasing an authentic, high-quality perfume.

Online perfume shopping

Perfumes and fragrances have a long tradition in Austria, dating back to the time of the Habsburg monarchy. Even today, you can find many perfumes that carry this rich history, either by following the original recipes or through new interpretations by young perfumers.

When shopping for perfumes online, it's essential to consider the type of fragrance you're looking for. Are you seeking a traditional scent that embodies the elegance and luxury of Imperial Austria, or are you interested in something more modern and unisex?

For those who appreciate history, the Kniže firm offers a timeless classic with its leather scent, Kniže Ten, which was the first men's perfume line in the world. It symbolizes ultimate elegance and pays homage to the world of polo. Alternatively, the company Wiener Blut specializes in new interpretations of fragrances from the Imperial period. Their perfume "Palais Nizam," for instance, evokes the story of Franz Ferdinand in India.

If you're seeking something more modern and unisex, the Saint Charles Cosmothecary in Vienna offers a unique experience. They specialize in natural cosmetics and create their own brand of fragrances, the Saint Charles Eaux de Toilette. These modern scents are crafted in collaboration with perfumer Paul Divjak and are made using pure natural essential oils.

When buying perfumes online, it's also important to consider the notes of the fragrance. Top notes are typically citrus fruits, while the heart notes, which unfold and linger, are often herbal scents like lavender or rosemary. Base notes provide the foundation of the scent and can vary depending on the perfume.

Lastly, don't forget to explore the various online shops and compare prices to find the best deals. Some websites, like nykaa.com, offer discounts on popular perfume brands, allowing you to save money while finding your signature scent.

Happy shopping, and may your online perfume expedition lead you to some delightful Austrian fragrances!

Natural fragrances in Austrian candles and soaps

Austria has a long tradition of making perfumes, which dates back to the time of the Habsburg monarchy in Vienna. Today, Austrian candles and soaps carry on this tradition, offering a range of natural fragrances that capture the essence of the country's diverse regions.

Katharina Müllner Soaps

Katharina Müllner, a young lady from Salzburg, produces pure natural soaps. Her professional journey began with a focus on essential oils and plant extracts, specifically exploring ways to protect plants without harming the environment. This led her to the world of soap-making, and she has since been creating soaps with pine oils at their core. Müllner's connection to nature, having grown up on an organic farm, is evident in her work. She acknowledges that while essential oils can evoke powerful sensations, they will never surpass the richness of nature's scents.

Looops Candles

Looops Candles, a Salzburg-based company, crafts scented candles that capture the essence of Austrian nature. Fragrances like mountain air, flower meadows, mountain streams, and hay flowers are created using a blend of essential oils and natural ingredients. The candles are made with vegetable wax, cotton wicks, reusable glass, and essential oils sourced locally. Each candle tells a story, inviting users to embark on a sensory journey through Austria's landscapes.

Wiener Seife Soaps

Wiener Seife, owned by Sonja Baldauf, is Vienna's last remaining soap factory. Baldauf is passionate about preserving the traditional craft of cold-process soap-making. Her soaps feature fragrances that evoke the essence of Austrian nature, including alpine rose, pine gold, chamomile blossom, and lilies of the valley. Baldauf understands the connection between smells and memories, carefully curating the stories behind her fragrances. One of her most popular creations, Wiener Duft, captures the scent of spring blossoms and grass, paying homage to the hardworking Viennese Laundry Girls of the 19th century.

Saint Charles Cosmothecary

Saint Charles Cosmothecary, located in Vienna, specialises in natural cosmetics and fragrances. Their Saint Charles Eaux de Toilette line combines the art of pharmacy and perfumery, using pure natural essential oils to create modern, unisex fragrances.

Austrian candles and soaps showcase a commitment to natural ingredients and a deep connection to the country's diverse regions. These fragrances not only offer a sensory experience but also evoke memories and emotions, transporting users to the heart of Austria's natural wonders.

Popular perfume stores in Vienna

Vienna has a long tradition of perfume-making, which dates back to the time of the Habsburg monarchy. Today, there are still many perfumeries in the city, ranging from large fragrance chains to smaller, independent boutiques.

Douglas "House of Beauty"

The Douglas store on Kaerntner Strasse is the largest cosmetics and fragrance chain in Vienna. While most of their outlets focus on mainstream brands, the flagship store offers a wider selection, including niche fragrances.

Marionnaud

Marionnaud is another large fragrance chain, with its Steffl store offering the biggest variety of brands.

Le Parfum

Located on Petersplatz, Le Parfum is the place to go for exclusive fragrances. It offers a wide range of niche and high-end designer perfumes, including boutique fragrances from Guerlain.

Nägele & Strubell

With several stores across Vienna, Nägele & Strubell is a high-end cosmetics chain with a long history. It offers a varied selection of fragrances, including both mainstream and niche options.

Kussmund

Kussmund focuses mainly on newer niche brands, with some more well-known options also available.

Filz

A traditional, old-school perfumery, Filz offers a mix of fragrances from classic perfume houses and niche brands.

Duft & Kultur

This boutique specialises in fragrant products for the home, including soaps, candles, and home fragrances. It also offers a small but well-curated selection of classic niche perfumes.

Maison de Parfum

Specialising in luxury fragrances, Maison de Parfum is a hidden gem located in the heart of the city. It carries a selection of young niche brands and middle-eastern houses.

Le Dix-Neuf

A tiny perfumery with a focus on high-end niche fragrances, Le Dix-Neuf offers a range of unique and exclusive scents.

Esbjerg

Esbjerg offers a range of grooming and skincare products, primarily aimed at men. They carry a selection of traditional "barbershop" fragrances.

Topsi

Topsi is a high-end cosmetics chain with several stores across Vienna. They offer a mix of mainstream and niche fragrances, including options from well-known brands such as Chanel and Guerlain.

Stattgarten

A charming boutique located on Kettenbrückengasse, Stattgarten offers a unique selection of cosmetics, home fragrances, and niche scents. In addition to well-known brands, they also carry smaller labels that are hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Knize

One of the world's oldest haberdasheries, Knize is famous for its men's perfume line, Knize Ten, which was launched in the 1920s and remains a timeless classic.

Saint Charles Cosmothecary

Specialising in natural cosmetics, Saint Charles Cosmothecary creates its own brand of fragrances in collaboration with perfumer Paul Divjak. Their unisex perfumes combine the art of pharmacy and perfumery, using pure natural essential oils.

Frequently asked questions