You have probably seen the adverts on social media and probably caught yourself having a peek at the many buzzing reviews online, but are you aware of what’s really up for grabs here?
I wasn’t until I was recommended by a friend and let me tell you, I’m never hacking off a limb for a designer fragrance brand again. I know what you’re thinking: everyone loves an original and a face like Chris Hemsworth’s on the cover.
But I’m here to tell you that you can get the same iconic scent for just a portion of the price. So, if smelling good for less is your sort of thing, then look no further than Black Point Perfumes.
Black Point began in Portadown in 2010 as the first store in the UK and Ireland to offer products such as these. Now, more than a decade on, the family-owned business has shifted its success to Lisburn in the form of a swanky, new store, and (hallelujah) has a website.
With over 200 designer-inspired perfumes, aftershaves, room fresheners, car fresheners, reed diffusers and more in its vault, you’re spoilt for choice. But what really makes it so special?
Scent:
All the products are Eau De Parfum, not Eau De Toilette: they each hold a more concentrated amount of the fragranced oils that define their scent. These scents tend to last longer, feel more intimate and, in my experience, make an ideal pairing for a romantic evening or special moment.
I bought Inspired by Black Opium For Her - Y104 - Dark Opio and Inspired by Olympea For Her - P112 - Venus and my boyfriend got Inspired by Stronger With You For Him - A110.
As you can probably tell, we like our fragrances strong; like getting socked in the face with a box of tangerines dipped in vanilla, and these inspired bottles did not disappoint. These products are identical to the real thing, and, to quote my boyfriend, a little goes a heck of a long way!
Value:
It’s already clear you’re getting a bargain, but what about those little extras? Black Point offers a 15% discount on your first order, free shipping on all UK buys over £40 and free gift wrapping at Christmas and other special holidays.
But I’m not done. If you’re like me and you need to try before you buy (because how exactly can a smell be radical?), then you’re in luck because Black Point also offers 2ml booklet samples for 49p and 2ml spray bottle samples for £1.49 with £1.89 postage. This way, you won’t ever be left feeling disappointed.
Still not done! Have I mentioned that its website also has a spin-the-wheel challenge with instant prizes? Just enter your name for the chance to win free shipping or up to 20% off.
Okay, now I’m done.
Black Point offers deals all year round, but its bottles range from around £3-£4 for 5ml to around £25-£30 for 100ml, with postage starting at £3.49 (2-5 days).
Environmental friendliness:
Black Point guarantees on its website that its fragrances are cruelty-free (not tested on animals) and that its orders are packaged using recyclable and biodegradable products: packing peanuts that melt in water, newspaper, and cardboard shreds.
Tip: did you know that you can reuse these shreds in your garden? Studies have shown that adding shredded cardboard to your soil improves its drainage and nutrient levels. Give it a try.
Packaging:
Now, let’s talk about looks. The products we bought came in simple, strong bottles inside logo printed boxes.
They’re easy to use, don’t leak and fit snugly in your bag. What more could you want?
There we go! My thoughts on Black Point Perfumes: easily obtainable, affordable, and just as good as the real thing.
Not quite Chris Hemsworth, I know. But who can really say they’re ready to pass up the same smells they love for a fraction of the price, as well as the chance to support a local business?
I can’t.