How to Spot Counterfeit Makeup: 7 Foolproof Tips to Avoid the Knockoffs

As we all know, makeup can be pricey. Whether you're buying foundation, oils for stretch marks, or any other type of makeup, it can cost you quite a bit, especially if you're looking for the high-end stuff. That’s why buying makeup at a discount is so alluring.

However, the makeup you may find on websites, at flea markets, or at other odd shops may be counterfeit.

This isn’t the case all the time; you may end up finding good products for cheap if you're lucky. However, if you aren’t doing your due diligence, you may end up buying something that’s bad for your skin.

Avoiding Counterfeits

There are many bootleg makeup products that look like the real deal, but they are counterfeit. Makeup isn’t like the Great Value version of a food product, where it’s arguably just s good as the name brand. Bootleg makeup products can contain a lot of toxins, which we will discuss in a bit.

One way to spot a counterfeit is if the price is too good to be true. It’s not just a little cheaper, but instead 90% cheaper. Sometimes, you may be able to find the real thing at a thrift or flea market, but it’s expired or the packaging has been tampered with. In this case, you should avoid it.

Also, be mindful when shopping online. If you're buying from an authorized retailer, that’s one thing. However, if you're buying from an eBay seller who has negative reviews, or no reviews at all, be cautious.

Here are some other ways to spot a fake.

1. It looks slightly different from the authentic box. The cover may look more JPEGy, or have a slightly different color.
2. As mentioned before, the price is too good to be true.
3. Read the label.Most fake beauty products imitate the original brand's packaging. So, it's best to compare labels on the brand's website to make sure everything is spelled correctly and is in the correct order.
4. The box may allure you with untrue claims, such as saying the product has a brand new formula or is limited.
5. You're buying it from a thrift shop, from a third party seller, flea market, or at a kiosk in the mall. While some sellers may be selling the real deal and you can get a discount, be skeptical.
6. Something just seems off about the product. The look, feel, smell, or anything else. If it seems off, trust your gut.
7. When buying online, the reviews are all negative. On the other hand, if the positive reviews all seem same-y and like they were written by people paid to give a positive review, there’s a good chance that they’re shilling.

It Can’t Be All That Bad, Right?

Purchasing fake makeup products is not good for you. These products tend to not be regulated, and as a result, may contain ingredients that could be toxic for your skin. The makeup you find in a second-hand shop could contain carcinogens.

You may find that the product contains ingredients like cadmium, arsenic, beryllium, and other ingredients. It could contain aluminum as well in high amounts. Plus, opened products can be a haven for bacteria. Gross! You may develop skin rashes, or feel irritated after you apply that makeup.

Plus, you don’t know what that seller’s intentions are. Some bootleg sellers may be using the money to fund illegal activity. Not all the time, of course, but you never know. Some bootleggers could be funding drug rings or something else nefarious.

Brush Up Your Mental Health

Besides taking care of your appearance, it’s also important for you to take care of your mental health as well. If you're depressed, anxious, or just not feeling the same, online therapy can help you get better.