Frequently asked questions

The questions we are asked most often, answered plainly. If yours is not here, write to us and a person will answer.

Inspired by, explained

What does "inspired by" actually mean?

Every Ivana Sofia fragrance is an original composition created in response to a well-known designer scent. We name that scent so you know what character to expect. Ours is a different formulation with its own name, and it is not the designer product.

How close is it to the fragrance that inspired it?

Close in character, not the same thing. The family, the mood and the main notes line up, which is why people recognise it. The detail differs, because the formulas differ and because fragrance behaves differently on every skin. Think of it as the same song played by a different band.

Is it genuine perfume?

Yes. It is genuine Ivana Sofia eau de parfum, blended from A-grade French fragrance oils at our own factory. It is not, and is never sold as, a designer brand's product. Nothing carries anyone else's branding.

Are you connected to the designer houses you name?

No. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any of them. Those names are their owners' trademarks and we reference them only to describe how a fragrance smells.

Why is it so much more affordable?

Because we spend nothing on advertising, use plain lightweight glass, and sell from our factory straight to you with no importer or retailer in between. The oils are the one place we do not economise. You can read the full reasoning in our story.

Choosing a fragrance

Which size should I buy?

30ml at R70 is the sensible way to try something new. 50ml at R120 is the everyday bottle that lives in a handbag. 100ml at R200 is the best value by a distance and is for the one you already know you love.

How do I choose without smelling it first?

Start from something you already wear. Look it up in the inspired-by directory and you will find our pairing for it. If you are starting fresh, the scent finder takes about a minute, and the fragrance wheel shows which families sit next to each other.

Do you sell samples or testers?

We do not. The 30ml bottle at R70 does that job, and it lasts long enough to know whether a fragrance suits you rather than giving you one wear to decide on.

Wearing and keeping fragrance

How long will it last on my skin?

Most of our fragrances sit in the four to eight hour range, depending on the composition, the weather and your skin. Drier skin holds fragrance for less time than oily skin. Applying to moisturised skin makes a noticeable difference, and there is more on this in the journal.

Where should I spray it?

Pulse points: the sides of the neck, the inner wrists, the inner elbows, and the chest under a shirt. Two or three sprays is usually plenty. Do not rub your wrists together, as it crushes the top notes.

How should I store my bottles?

Upright, in a cupboard or drawer, away from sunlight, heat and damp. A bathroom windowsill is the worst place in the house for fragrance, and a bedroom cupboard is one of the best. Kept properly, an unopened bottle is good for years and an opened one for a good two to three.

Do you test on animals?

No. We do not test our fragrances on animals.

Ordering and delivery

How long does delivery take?

Two to four working days by door-to-door courier for most addresses, with Gauteng usually quicker and outlying areas a day or two longer. Full detail is on the delivery page.

What does delivery cost?

It is calculated at checkout from the parcel weight and your postal code, so you see the amount before paying. Orders of R750 or more are delivered free.

Can I collect my order from the factory?

No. Our Eikenhof premises are a working factory rather than a shop and are not open to the public, so every order is delivered by courier.

Do you deliver outside South Africa?

Not at present. We deliver nationwide within South Africa only.

Payment, returns and vouchers

How do I pay, and is it secure?

By card or EFT through PayFast, a South African payment provider. Payment happens on PayFast's own secure pages, and your card details are never entered on our site and never reach us or get stored by us.

Can I return a fragrance if I do not like it?

Yes, within 30 days, provided it is unopened and unused in its original box. Faulty or damaged items are a separate matter and we cover the cost of those. See the returns page.

How do gift vouchers work?

Choose any amount from R100, add a message, and we email the voucher to your recipient on the day you pick. It is valid for three years, can be spent on anything in the range, and can be used across more than one order until the balance runs out. Buy one on the gift vouchers page or check a balance here.

Are gift vouchers refundable for cash?

No. Vouchers can be spent on anything we sell for three years from the date of issue, but they cannot be exchanged for cash.

Do you have a shop I can visit?

No. We sell online only, through this website. Everything in the range is in the shop.