Black Market Beauty Products the “Knockoff” That Isn’t Worth it…
Once I settle on a cosmetic product, they discontinue it, this had been happening most of my life and, if I can find the item on eBay- I stock up!
A few months ago, I found Estée Lauder Stay Put foundation in my skin tone at a remarkable price that cost me thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Are you surprised? I was too.
The Beauty Black Market has hit the internet and right now someone is buying a luxury lipstick spiked with paint thinner, arsenic or worse online.
My “great buy” on foundation caused eye swelling and what I thought was measles. That’s right, several visits to my opthamology doctor as well as a dermatologist and my primary care physician later, the culprit was my discontinued foundation purchase.
Everyone is trying to save a dollar these days and, I’m no exception. In fact, Cindy Daniel often tells folks in her classic #cindyism “you are so tight that you could squeeze coal and turn it into a diamond!”
While I find this exaggeration to be somewhat offensive, if I can get a good deal I will.
Cosmetic counterfeiting is a global epidemic and, it’s not a victimless crime “in some cases, the proceeds support organized crime and funding for terrorist groups.”
After doing some research online, I realized that my “thrifty” purchase lacked all of the elements of previous purchases at Neiman Marcus starting with the container. Point of sale sites like EBay can be tricky. You are largely placing your trust in the seller, however, eBay works extensively with brands and law enforcement to root out counterfeiters. Even if you are heading to a brand website, check that is an official website since fake sites are often created to truck shoppers using similar URL addresses and the brands copyrighted photos. Recently, the MAC team successfully shut down more than 110 phony MAC websites run by a counterfeiting ring and were awarded a 90 million dollar judgment.
Offline, be extra cautious at street fairs , mall kiosks, a and outdoor vendors as these are “hot” destinations for counterfeit MAC. Discount chains like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s pose no threat to legitimate brand names.
When checking the packaging for “red flags” you will be looking for misspelled names and haphazard packaging.
Counterfeit cosmetics sometimes contain harmful or even carcinogenic ingredients because the counterfeiters feel no obligation to protect consumers. In unsanitary working conditions, the products can be contaminated with bacteria and waste even E. coli and urine have been found in some formulas.
Like me, others have suffered dermatitis, eye infections, acne and eczema and, prolonged exposure to some of the chemicals found in these “fake” products can have a toxic effect on your organs.
We aren’t talking about a knockoff designer bag here- rather, you are using products that you put on your eyes and lips, which can easily be digested!
90 percent of counterfeit cosmetics are from China, a “copycat” culture.
Staying healthy can be achieved by following the three P’s of Price, Packaging and Point of Sale. If it seems to good to be true- it usually is!
I’ve yet to meet any Bride who wanted any make up other than MAC and, because of this and my own experience, decided to share with you the danger of my “bad luck while trying to save a buck” experience and hopefully, protect others from experiencing the same issues from my “lesson learned.”
Stay beautiful and stay safe by making smart choices and remaining loyal to the brands you trust.
Wendy M Wortham
