Counterfeit Cosmetics and the Irish Economy

I recently took to the radio to talk about the rise in counterfeit cosmetic sales. It's an area I have been working with for two years now and feel quite passionate about. I've been investigating the sale of counterfeit cosmetics and the effects of for some time now.

Counterfeit cosmetics are dangerous and are costing the Irish economy in terms of lost tax, lost jobs - which means those of us in the retail industry - and are also costing Irish people their health. There are serious problems and risks for those who choose to use counterfeit cosmetics.
You can listen to the interview with Mick from Near Fm here : Counterfeit cosmetic piece and feel free to leave us a comment!

- Have you used, seen or been affected by counterfeit cosmetics? Leave us a comment and I can include your experiences in my article!

How to spot fake cosmetics :

1 - If it's being sold at a low price then its more then likely a fake. Beauty brands do not do wholesale because they don't need to. If it's being sold for 50 - 70% off then it's more then likely a fake

2 - Check the consistency, texture and smell of the product. Often a counterfeit item can smell quite strongly, the pigment might be slightly off or there might be a difference in texture. Foundations and eyeshadows are the most easily detected. Do test the product on your hand (not your face) and see how it feels. I came across lipsticks that left a strong greasy texture and eyeshadows which smelt like plastic. I also monitored a foundation which changed color over the course of a month. Changing from a pale pink color to a dark brick shade. I would also suggest that you test brushes. Fake brushes have a synthetic feel to the hairs and the real brushes are always numbered.  MAC do not sell brushes in a roll, they come seperately or in sets at Christmas and there is no way you could pick up a roll of brushes for €30-€35!

3 -  Read the packaging. A lot of fake products are badly translated and you can hear the difference in the descriptions printed on the back of the item.

4 - Know your brand. If you know your brand then you can pick out the little details about the item that show it's a fake. Eyeshadows in MAC for example do not have a number but are named. If you have a product which has both then it could be fake.

5 - Look at the packing and how the item is made. MAC again do not have a small compartment underneath the eyeshadows. A lot of the fake items have a small underneath piece which clips out to reveal a small mirror and brush underneath. The real items do not have this. Also the real pigment pots are not as large as the fakes. Benefit also do not have this.

6 - Be extra careful when shopping online as a lot of fakes are sold online through sites such as facebook or ebay. If your in doubt then always check with the seller how they are able to sell such items for such a low price.

7 - There are a high number of fakes from MAC in particular which are part of the Hello Kitty or the Barbie range. These should not still be in circulation.

I hope this guide has been of some help to you guys! I'm going to post the article in a few weeks time so keep your eyes peeled!