MakeUp Counterfeiting – How to spot fake makeup?

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that makeup is a rather difficult affair. From picking the most suitable product to mastering the skill of applying them in the right way, all of it requires a ton of effort. This becomes all the more strenuous when you have a whole lot of counterfeit cosmetics doing rounds in the market.

Just few months back, a major cosmetics counterfeiting racket was busted at a tiny manufacturing unit in Crawford Market. If you visit places like Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway frequently, you must have been bothered by those Maybelline Baby Lips or Lakme Eyeconic Kajal sellers on the streets, who are ready to sell these to you for peanuts. Fake makeup is turning into a big business these days. The knockoff beauty products are not only a big threat to the makeup industry but also are greatly harmful to your skin and health if you use them.

But fret not, you makeup lovers! Here is a simple guide to spot fake makeup products.

1. Don’t buy from an unauthorized dealer

It’s wise to opt only for authorized stores such as Sephora, Lifestyle or other licensed dealers while buying your cosmetics. Don’t fall into the street vendors’ trap or small shops selling fake products. You must also remember that brands don’t sell in bulk either.

2. Pay attention to the price

Fake products are often sold at dirt cheap prices. Brands such as MAC, Maybelline always go for discounts but keep a check on the low prices at which the lookalikes of these are sold at. You can verify the price of the products from their respective official websites or catalogues too.

3. Check the label thoroughly

The manufacturers of counterfeit cosmetics often play with the labels of the products, most importantly the logo of the brand they are imitating. Watch out for the smallest of details, such as misspelled words or incorrect shade names. It’s also easy to spot minor differences in the logo of the brands as symbols and spellings are the ones most-forged part of the product.

4. Note the packaging

If you notice some low quality or loose packaging, chances of the product being a copy are higher. Fake products are often packed in similar looking lower-quality plastic or metal casings, often paired with ill-fitting mirrors and sponge-tipped applicators.

5. Keep an eye on the physical features

The knockoffs don’t really strike the real deal. Check the consistency, color, smell, appearance of the products and compare it with their original counterparts. The fraudulent manufacturers will not be able to match the quality of these features.