Colognes At Cvs: Are They The Real Deal?

CVS Pharmacy sells a wide range of fragrances, including colognes for men and perfumes for women. They offer well-known brands such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Gucci, and Versace, as well as other designer fragrances. While there have been concerns about the authenticity of some fragrances sold at CVS, it is highly unlikely that they would sell fake products intentionally. CVS provides a convenient option for purchasing fragrances, either in-store or online, with the assurance of authenticity from a trusted retailer.

Does CVS sell fake fragrances?

It is unlikely that CVS sells fake fragrances. While there are reports of people buying counterfeit perfumes online, the consensus is that it is safe to buy fragrances from CVS and similar stores like Walgreens, both in-store and online.

One user on the Basenotes forum questioned whether a bottle of Bentley Intense purchased from CVS was a fake, as there was no batch code on the bottle. However, other users reassured the original poster that it was highly unlikely that CVS would sell fake fragrances intentionally. The same thread also mentions that Kohl's and Target sell Creed fragrances, which are also sold by CVS.

A forum on Fragrantica also features multiple users who have purchased fragrances from CVS and Walgreens, both in-store and online, without encountering any issues. One user even mentions that they had a very positive experience ordering online from Walgreens, with the product being authentic and the company offering a liberal return policy.

CVS offers a wide range of fragrances for both men and women, including well-known brands such as Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, and Gucci. The availability of these established brands further suggests that CVS is a legitimate retailer of authentic fragrances.

However, it is always important to be cautious when purchasing designer fragrances, especially if the price seems too good to be true. According to Harper's Bazaar, some signs of a fake perfume include loose cellophane wrap, excess glue or adhesive tape on the packaging, and a price that seems too cheap for a designer fragrance.

Where to buy cologne

If you are looking to buy cologne, there are a few options to consider. Buying cologne online can be a convenient option, and you can often find a wide variety of brands and scents to choose from. CVS, for example, offers a range of men's colognes that can be shipped directly to your home or office. Alternatively, you may prefer to shop in-store, where you can see and smell the colognes in person. Many CVS stores offer men's cologne, so you can check availability online or call your local store to find out what they have in stock.

Another option for buying cologne is to visit a dedicated fragrance store or department store. These stores often carry a wide range of brands and can offer a more personalized shopping experience. You can usually test out different colognes and receive advice from knowledgeable staff. However, the prices at these stores may be higher compared to online retailers or drugstores like CVS.

When buying cologne, it is important to consider factors such as price, brand, scent, and your personal preference. You may want to try out different colognes to find the one that best suits your taste and budget. Additionally, you can look out for discounts and coupons to get a better deal on your purchase.

In summary, buying cologne can be done online through retailers like CVS, or in-store at pharmacies, fragrance stores, or department stores. By exploring the options available and considering your preferences, you can find the perfect cologne that suits your needs and enhances your scent.

How to make cologne last longer

CVS does sell real colognes and perfumes, including brands such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Gucci, and Burberry.

Moisturize Before Applying Cologne

Applying cologne to dry skin can cause it to evaporate more quickly. By moisturizing your skin before spraying cologne, you can help the fragrance last longer. It is recommended to use an unscented moisturizer to avoid competing scents.

Apply Cologne After Showering

Applying cologne right after showering is ideal because your pores are more open, allowing the cologne to seep into your skin and resulting in a longer-lasting aroma.

Store Cologne in a Cool, Dark, and Dry Place

Heat, humidity, and light can speed up the breakdown of fragrances. Therefore, it is best to store cologne in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a nightstand or dresser drawer, instead of the bathroom.

Layer Your Fragrance

Using complementary products such as soaps, aftershaves, or body balms from the same fragrance line can help to enhance the scent of your cologne and make it last longer.

Apply Cologne to Pulse Points

Pulse points, such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, are areas where veins and arteries are closer to the surface of the skin, making them warmer than the rest of the body. Applying cologne to these areas can help the scent develop fully and linger longer.

Avoid Over-Applying

While it may seem logical that using more cologne will make it last longer, over-applying can lead to front-loading the scent, resulting in a strong initial fragrance that still fades quickly. It is better to stick to a spritz or two and reapply later if needed.

Avoid Rubbing Wrists Together

Contrary to popular belief, rubbing cologne between the wrists can "bruise the scent," causing it to break down faster. Instead, simply spray it on and let it dry naturally.

Choose Higher Concentrations

When purchasing cologne, look for products labelled as Eau De Parfum or Extrait De Parfum, which have higher concentrations of fragrance oils and will last longer on the skin than Eau De Toilette, which has a lower concentration.

Spray on Clothes or Hair

Spraying cologne on your clothes or hair can help the fragrance last longer, but be cautious as alcohol-based colognes can damage certain fabrics and dry out your hair.

Carry a Travel-Sized Bottle

If your cologne tends to fade quickly, consider carrying a small bottle with you for reapplication throughout the day.

By following these tips, you can make your cologne last longer and enjoy your favorite fragrance all day.

Applying cologne

• Apply cologne immediately after showering directly onto dry skin. The shower cleanses your body of any other scents and opens your pores, which helps the scent absorb.
• Hold the spray bottle 3-6 inches from your body. Holding the bottle any closer than 3 inches risks over-applying, while spraying further than 6 inches away may result in under-application.
• Apply cologne to heated areas of your body, such as the neck, chest, pulse points, forearms, or inner elbows. The heat helps diffuse the scent throughout the day and allows it to meld with your body chemistry to create a signature scent.
• Start with a light application. Choose one area, such as the neck or forearms, and apply one spray. If the scent fades quickly, choose another area and reapply. You can also ask a friend or family member for their opinion to ensure the application is appropriate, as you can become nose-blind to scents you wear often.
• Reapply cologne if needed, especially if you are going out in the evening. When reapplying, dab a small amount onto your pulse points.
• Spraying the fragrance on your clothing. This prevents the cologne from mixing with your natural oils, which gives it its unique quality. It can also harm certain fabrics.
• Splashing the cologne on your skin. If the fragrance does not have a spray nozzle, place one finger over the opening of the bottle and gently tip it upside down before dabbing the scent on your body.
• Spraying a mist cloud and walking through it. While this may seem like a way to prevent over-application, it renders the cologne almost useless as most of it ends up on the floor.
• Rubbing the cologne into the skin. Rubbing can cause the scent to fade faster as it breaks the molecular bond in the fragrance. If you are not spraying, simply dab the cologne on your skin.
• Applying too much cologne. A subtle hint of fragrance is best, allowing others to discover it rather than being overwhelmed by it.

Different types of cologne

While the term "cologne" is often used as a catch-all for men's fragrances, there are several different types of cologne, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here are the six primary types of cologne:

• Parfum: Parfum has the highest concentration of fragrance oils, typically ranging from 25% to 30%. It is the most expensive type of cologne due to its high concentration of oils, and it tends to be heavier and oilier. Parfum is long-lasting and can last up to 10-12+ hours on the skin, making it ideal for those who want a scent that will last from morning to night.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP): This type of cologne has a fragrance oil concentration of 15% to 20%, making it the second most concentrated option. Eau de Parfum is less expensive than Parfum and offers a good balance between potency and longevity. It will typically last for 8-10 hours, making it suitable for daily use or special occasions.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT): EDT is one of the most popular choices due to its affordability and versatility. It contains 5% to 15% perfume extract, resulting in a lighter and more budget-friendly option. EDT typically lasts for 3-4+ hours, making it ideal for daytime wear or situations where a subtle scent is preferred.
• Eau de Cologne (EDC): With a fragrance concentration of only 2% to 4%, Eau de Cologne is a light and invigorating option. It is designed for those who want to smell clean and natural, mimicking the scent of freshly showered skin. While it may only last for a couple of hours, it is perfect for daytime dates or casual occasions.
• Eau Fraiche: This type of cologne is quite rare and is often aromatic, green, and citrusy. It has a low fragrance concentration of 2% to 3%, resulting in a subtle and delicate scent. Eau Fraiche is ideal for those who want a very light fragrance, such as for the gym or other casual settings.
• Perfume Oils: Perfume oils are a unique category that offers a pure oil base without any alcohol or water. They are diluted with carrier oils such as olive, coconut, or jojoba oil, making them less intense and more wearable. Perfume oils typically have a fragrance concentration of around 20% and are suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Each type of cologne has its own strengths and concentrations, and the right choice depends on personal preferences, budget, and the desired longevity of the scent.

Frequently asked questions