Have you ever had that moment when you think you’ve found the ideal fragrance online, only for it to arrive and feel totally off? With all the niche perfume recommendations flooding your social media, picking a scent that doesn’t match your vibe is common. What do you do now that you’ve unboxed it and realised it’s not the right fit? Can you return it, or are you left with a perfume that’s just not ‘you’?
Returning an opened perfume can be tricky, and the rules aren’t the same everywhere. This guide explains what you need to know about the return policies at big name stores and smaller niche shops. Plus, we have some practical alternatives and smart shopping tips to help you avoid the hassle next time.
Whether it’s a self-purchase or a gift, always save the receipt for your new perfume. Consider it your fallback option. If the scent doesn’t suit you or the bottle has a defect, that slip of paper ensures smooth returns or exchanges. Stores typically require it, particularly if the product has been opened or is slightly damaged. So, tuck that receipt away somewhere safe, just in case.
If someone special gifted you the perfume, it’s worth checking if they included a gift receipt in the package. Without it, you may only be offered store credit rather than a full refund if the scent isn’t what you expected. If you didn’t get a gift receipt, it’s worth politely asking the giver, to make things easier later on.
Uh-oh, broken bottle or missing cap? Even the best of us face this. You excitedly open your package only to find the perfume bottle cracked or the cap nowhere in sight. Don’t worry! First, you should reach out to the retailer as soon as possible.
Most stores have a process for situations like this and usually handle them smoothly. Whether offering a replacement or arranging a return, they help make things right. Just act quickly and keep all the packaging intact to show exactly what went wrong. A quick phone call or email can often sort things out and have a new bottle on its way to you in no time.
We all love that extra special touch, an engraved bottle or a custom label can make your perfume feel uniquely yours. But here’s the catch: once you’ve personalised it, most stores and brands, like Frederic Malle and Le Labo, won’t take it back. That’s because personalised items are made just for you, which makes them non-returnable.
So, before you go ahead and add that custom flair, double-check the store’s policy. Always pause and reflect, ‘Is this the right fit for me?’ Personalisation is permanent, so be sure of your decision before you make the final purchase.
Big retailers like Sephora tend to be more flexible when returning opened perfumes, often offering replacements or store credits. However, niche perfumeries and luxury brands are usually more strict. With their exclusive selections, reselling opened items is difficult, so returns are less likely to be accepted.
Below, you'll find information about various retailers' return policies to help you make smarter shopping choices.
Not satisfied with your Sephora perfume? A full refund is usually available within 30 days, even if the perfume has been opened. Within the 30 to 60-day window, you qualify for store credit in-store or online credit by mail. Don’t forget to keep your receipt handy as proof of purchase.
Ulta allows returns for beauty products or perfumes that didn’t work out, even if they’re opened, for a full refund or exchange. Just take everything that came with it, plus your order confirmation or payment card, while you head to return it. No receipt? Store credit is still an option with your ID. Be aware that Ulta might limit returns if they detect frequent or suspicious returns.
Macy’s allows returns for purchases made on their website within 30 days. Be sure to include your invoice, but if you misplace your receipt, don’t worry, the store can track your order without it.
Nordstrom is flexible with returns on opened perfumes and cosmetics—there’s no time limit. Having a receipt or order number is great. But if you don’t have it, they can also track your purchase like Macy’s.
Barney’s Beauty is fine with returns of opened fragrances within 30 days. Just remember to pack your invoice and share a quick reason for the return.
If your perfume shows minimal wear, FragranceX will refund your purchase. You have 30 days to send it back in its original packaging. Upon receiving the perfume, they’ll complete your refund but deduct the shipping and gift wrap charges. Make sure everything is in good condition to ensure an easy return process.
At Luckyscent, returns are pretty strict: opened perfumes aren’t accepted. You’re allowed to return a product within 30 days after it ships. To get a refund, it has to be in great shape, unused and undamaged.
Aedes also has pretty firm rules on returns. They don’t accept opened fragrances. You can return the perfume within 10 days of purchasing it. When sending it back, ensure the fragrance is in perfect condition and returned on time.
Twisted Lily usually doesn’t allow returns on opened fragrances, so be sure before unboxing. For perfumes that are still sealed and untouched, you have 14 days to start a return. If the perfume isn’t in ideal condition, you might receive store credit. Though the final call rests with their quality control team.
Arielle Shoshana accepts returns if the product is sealed and in mint condition. As long as the perfume is not opened, refund will be an option. Refunds are usually given for eligible returns after deducting the shipping cost. Ensure you’re content with your pick before tearing into the box.
To avoid any tampering, Indigo Perfumery doesn’t allow returns or exchanges on perfumes or samples. If you need to return or exchange something else, get email authorisation first. Keep this in mind: opened or damaged perfume bottles and boxes won’t get you a refund, so it’s smart to be sure before you open them.
Frederic Malle allows to return online purchases within 60 days if they’re in new or lightly used condition. After 60 days, they might accept the return at their discretion, with the refund as a gift card or check.
If your Byredo fragrance hasn’t been opened, you can return it for free up to 30 days after delivery. However, opened fragrances don’t qualify for a refund.
Since Le Labo perfumes have custom labels, they usually don’t accept returns or exchanges. That said, if an item is defective, they’ll replace it and cover the return shipping.
Opened Diptyque products don't qualify for returns. You can only send back unopened and unused items. Including the original receipt and returning the perfume within 30 days of purchase is essential.
For in-store Chanel purchases, opened perfumes can’t be returned. Online orders, however, allow you 14 days from shipment to return gently used items. Include the return form in your package or print it from their website, and return everything in its original packaging.
Selecting a new fragrance is something to savor. Take a trip to Sephora or a niche perfumery and experiment with different perfumes. Apply them and then step away. Let the scent evolve over a few hours on your skin. This way, you can see how it truly wears throughout the day and make a more informed, confident choice when you’re ready to buy.
For perfumes you can’t smell in-store, always begin with samples or travel-size versions. These smaller formats let you fully experience the fragrance across various days and settings. This way, you get the confidence to invest in a full bottle only when you’re sure it’s a scent you love.
When you blindly buy a fragrance, you’re rolling the dice on whether you’ll like it. You’re also using up resources for packaging and shipping. Note that it might be discarded rather than resold if you return it, which isn’t great for the environment.
That lightly used perfume could make a difference for someone at a women’s shelter. Donating is a lovely way to show care and brighten someone’s day.
If a new fragrance doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t give up on it yet. Try layering it with other perfumes you love. Sometimes, a soft vanilla pairs beautifully with a richer, more complex scent like patchouli or something smoky. TikTok is full of fragrance enthusiasts sharing their favourite layering combos. For more ideas, you can always explore the platform.
If a perfume feels too overpowering when you wear it, you can repurpose it. A citrus scent that’s too bold on your skin might be perfect as a car freshener or a laundry spray. Sometimes, all a scent needs is a different setting to be appreciated!
When you have more perfume than you need, a decanting kit can help you manage it better. Use it to transfer the fragrance into smaller bottles, perfect for gifting or selling as decants. It’s an effective way to share your perfume while cutting down on waste. You can easily find decanting kits at The Perfumed Court or Scent Split to get started.
Convert your spray perfume into a roll-on by using a perfume roller. This allows for precise application, perfect for those who prefer to apply fragrance to specific pulse points. Rollers are also easy to carry and ideal for people who want a more controlled and subtle application.
So, what do you do when a perfume is finished? Instead of discarding the bottle, use it for decoration or as a diffuser. Add reeds and a touch of essential oil or leftover perfume to keep the fragrance alive.
Handling returns for opened perfumes can be complicated, with policies differing from retailer to retailer. While Sephora and Ulta Beauty usually offer more lenient returns, niche or luxury brands can be stricter. It’s smart to verify the return policy before making a purchase.
To prevent any disappointment, try sampling the perfume first. If a return isn’t possible, get creative, think about decanting or re-purposing the perfume so it doesn’t go to waste.
Now, over to you.
Whether you’ve handled a return successfully or found a new way to use a scent that didn’t work for you, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your tips, experiences, or even layering favourites in the comments below. Your ideas could be the key to someone else finding their perfect fragrance!