Counterfeit make-up: recognise them and avoid nasty surprises

Human excrement, bacteria, viruses... Counterfeit make-up can bring your skin into contact with elements that are not only disgusting but can also have consequences for your health. However, it is possible to avoid these products, which are common on Facebook sales groups or classified ad sites.

A huge quantity of counterfeit make-up

A substantial quantity of these products was seized recently, to the tune of €700,000 worth of counterfeit make-up. The products can be found on the market, at unscrupulous wholesalers, and also on classified ad sites for private individuals. The most copied brands are, of course, those with the greatest commercial success or luxury products.

What are the consequences of use?

Redness, irritation, infection... The consequences of using fake cosmetics can be varied, but are never good for users. It can also lead to serious allergic reactions.

They contain a variety of bacteria, excrement and other chemicals that are totally unsuitable. These products are made a long way from the original product laboratories: in cellars, warehouses, homes... I might as well be direct: health standards are anything but respected.

Recognising counterfeit make-up

Here are 6 common tips to help you avoid buying counterfeit make-up. Make sure you take every step of the way to avoid any nasty surprises and get a genuine product that won't leave your skin in a mess.

Here they are:

1 - Prices too low

No need to dream: it's impossible to get your hands on luxury make-up, even between private individuals, at ridiculously low prices. Products at 50% off or more? Skip it: it's probably counterfeit make-up.

2 - Packaging

Take a look at the packaging. It's easy to see what original product packaging looks like from every angle on the internet. If this isn't the case, go into a shop and take a closer look. Counterfeit products don't use exactly the same packaging, whether it's the positioning of the elements, the fonts used or the quality of the printing or colours.

3 - Identification, serial number and barcode

Counterfeit products may not bear the mandatory information or the serial number. The same applies to the barcode. If it is present, however, take the time to observe it. If it looks strange or doesn't match the country where the product was manufactured, then it's an imitation. The composition of the make-up is always on the packaging, in several languages and in full. If it seems too short, or is only in one language, or if errors are visible (spacing between lines or characters, mistakes, etc.), it is not an original product.

4 - Texture, smell and colour

Because the composition is different from the original product, so are its texture and colour. A quality product will never, ever have an unpleasant, grainy texture, be too watery, have a strange smell or an off-putting colour.

5 - The nuances

If it's a palette, for example, take the time to analyse the colours on the original product. If they vary by even the slightest amount, walk away.

6 - Product testing

If you meet the sales assistant, don't hesitate to apply a very small amount of the make-up you're offered to a safe area, such as the hand. As you know, quality make-up doesn't smudge or pearl, it doesn't have to be brittle and it won't create a strange contrast on your skin.

Always opt for a secure, traceable transaction

Securing your transaction between private individuals, even for cosmetics, hand-delivered or delivered, is essential and must be taken seriously. Use Obvy to benefit from all the information on your transaction, to secure your transaction regardless of the method of delivery and to have real traceability of your transaction. On Obvy, you can even request verification of the identity of the seller and the buyer. Someone selling poor quality and/or dangerous products won't want to show their credentials... An extra safeguard against scammers!