5 tips for buying make-up privately
Social networks have given the make-up sector a new boost: contouring tutorials on Instagram, Facebook or Youtube, Snapchat product placements... To put all these products into practice and test them out, the bill can quickly get high!
Turning to products sold by private individuals, whether new or used, can be a sensible alternative to add to your make-up bag, but it's not without risk... Don't forget that these products are in direct contact with your skin, and even your eyes and mouth! But don't panic, a few simple tricks will considerably reduce your chances of acquiring non-recommended products.
1 - Beware of overly tempting offers
As with everything, a price that is too low compared to the market price is not always a good deal. The latest cosmetics range at €1 a piece when you can't find it in the shops? Skip it, it's probably too good to be true (and when I say 'true', I mean it's probably counterfeit).
2- Know your product
A trip to a shop selling new goods is never too much fun. You can even take photos of the items, the packaging and anything else relating to the good to ensure that you can cross-check this information with the product sold by the individual and make sure that it really is an original. The recipes used to make official products are tested and approved by organisations, whereas counterfeit products are not and may contain dangerous substances. Wherever possible, a receipt or invoice is a plus.
3- Avoid opened products
Why should we do this? For obvious reasons of hygiene. These products have been in direct contact with other people's skin, eyes, mouths or nails. You don't change a mascara brush or a foundation pad, so if at all possible, choose items that are still packaged or at least have never been used.
4- Check the expiry date and condition of the product
Like food products, make-up also has an expiry date. Make-up that is too old can lose its properties, but it can also cause skin eruptions, redness, conjunctivitis and purulent pimples.
For example, once opened, the shelf life of these products is generally as follows:
- Up to 3 years: Alcohol-based products, varnishes, powders, blushes, eyeshadows...
- Up to 1 year: solid products, lipsticks...
- Up to 6 to 9 months: water-based products, liquid foundations...
Some products don't (some aren't legally required to), so you need to pay attention to details like smell, colour and texture. Your senses need to be alert!
5- Finalise the transaction in person
In order to check the various points raised above, it is essential to conclude the transaction at a meeting so that you can inspect the product from every angle. Remember to use Obvy to buy your product: you'll have all the information you need about the seller and proof of the transaction if you need it.