Frequently asked questions.

Start with the smells you enjoy, then decide whether you want a fresh, floral, woody, spicy or sweet fragrance. Think about when you will wear it and whether you prefer a discreet scent or a more noticeable presence. Our feminine, masculine and unisex collections offer starting points, not rules about who should wear them. Compare the descriptions, then try a 3 ml perfume sample on skin over several hours. Choose the scent you enjoy after the opening has settled.

Niche perfume usually refers to fragrances from a house focused on perfumery, often with a distinct creative direction and more selective distribution. The term is not a guarantee of quality, natural ingredients or longevity. CORE is an independent Swiss perfume house creating collection fragrances and personalised compositions in small batches. Meet the house and its founder, or explore the CORE collection.

Extrait de Parfum is a concentrated fragrance format. It generally wears with greater depth and persistence than lighter formats, although longevity varies with the formula, your skin, the weather and how much you apply.

Use fragrance notes to shortlist scents, then test your favourite on skin over several hours. The first spray is only the opening: choose a fragrance whose later character you also enjoy. Compare CORE samples.

These names describe fragrance formats and generally indicate increasing concentration from Eau de Toilette to Eau de Parfum to Extrait de Parfum. Exact concentrations vary between brands. More concentration does not automatically mean a better perfume, greater projection or a fixed number of hours on skin: the ingredients and composition matter too. CORE collection fragrances are Extrait de Parfum. If you are choosing between scents, compare their 3 ml samples during your normal day rather than choosing by concentration alone.

Fragrance has no fixed gender. Our feminine, masculine and universal collections are helpful directions, not rules. Choose the scent profile that feels most natural to you.

Yes. Build a discovery set with two different 3 ml CORE signature fragrances for CHF 9.90. Swiss shipping is included for discovery-only orders. After successful payment, you receive one CHF 9.90 credit towards an eligible 30 ml or 50 ml signature bottle. One use, with the purchasing email; other coupons, samples, sets and shipping are excluded. Check your coupon email for its expiry date. Build your discovery set or read the credit terms.

No. Trying a CORE sample carries no obligation to buy a full bottle afterwards. Using any eligible discovery credit is optional. See the sample offer and its conditions.

No. You can begin with a place, person, season, colour, feeling or memory. The guided conversation translates your words into a clear scent direction and explains the suggested notes as you go.

Yes. The suggestions are a starting point. Add the oils that speak to you, continue the conversation and refine the balance before creating your perfume.

Yes. Choose the 3 ml format to discover the creation on skin before committing to a larger bottle. Eligible personalised samples include a CHF 15.95 discovery credit toward a later customised bottle purchase of CHF 69.95 or more.

CORE fragrances are made and hand-filled in small batches in Switzerland.

Wear time differs for every formula and person. Skin type, temperature, humidity and application all matter. Apply lightly to pulse points and allow the fragrance to unfold without rubbing the skin.

Apply lightly to wrists or neck and let it dry. Start with one or two sprays, then adjust to the fragrance and setting. There is no universal spray count; a small amount may be enough with a concentrated scent.

Apply to clean, moisturised skin and let the fragrance settle. Unscented moisturiser avoids competing scents. Do not judge wear time only by what you can smell yourself: your nose can become accustomed to a fragrance.

Skin lets you experience the scent as it develops with body warmth. Fabric can retain fragrance differently, but perfume may mark delicate materials. Check fabric care instructions and test an inconspicuous area first.

Perfume can change with age, heat and light. A noticeably altered smell can indicate deterioration. Keep it tightly closed and follow the product’s storage and period-after-opening guidance; shelf life varies between fragrances.

Keep the bottle upright in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid direct sunlight, heaters, bathrooms and large temperature changes, which can alter the fragrance over time.

We deliver within Switzerland and Liechtenstein using Swiss Post. No customs duties apply to these domestic orders.

Standard shipping starts at CHF 6. Orders over CHF 80 receive free standard delivery within Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Available methods and exact costs appear at checkout.

Orders are normally prepared within 1–3 working days. After dispatch, Swiss Post A-Mail usually takes one working day and B-Mail usually takes 2–3 working days. Peak periods may take longer.

Yes. When tracking is available, the dispatch email includes your tracking number. Signed-in customers can also open the order in My Account and follow the Swiss Post link.

Eligible unopened, unused and sealed products may be requested for return within 30 days. Open perfumes, samples, discovery sizes and personalised fragrances cannot be returned for hygiene, safety and customisation reasons. Please contact us before sending anything back. Read the full return policy.

Contact info@corefragrance.ch within three calendar days and include your order number plus clear photographs or a short video. Once confirmed, we will arrange a replacement or refund without additional shipping cost.