Discounted Cosmetics & Skincare? Buyer Beware

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a customer say, “I found it cheaper on Amazon.” Many of you have also told me that you bought something and it had the exact packaging, the exact color, a seal, everything…but the last bottle just didn’t seem to work. That’s likely because it’s counterfeit. The luxury cosmetics industry is no different than the high-end designer industry when it comes to counterfeit products, but unlike a fake Louis Vuitton, that moisturizer or eye shadow can make you sick.Last week, Los Angeles Police Department officers seized more than $700,000 in counterfeit cosmetics. Officials said Monday that the investigation began after customers complained of rashes and other skin irritations from using the knockoff mascaras, lipsticks, and eye shadows. The really gross part…the items tested positive for lead, bacteria, and animal feces. Just, no.Unfortunately, I am not surprised. I had a mascara vendor call me once to tell me that after four weeks on a palette in the blazing 100 degree Florida sun, a palette of defective mascara waiting for a trash truck was stolen. The packaging was all original, the seals were intact, but the product was a breeding ground of bacteria. Other lines have told me that they frequently buy their own product from Amazon and eBay vendors to check for diversion (stores selling the product in quantities to unauthorized sellers). Once they receive the products they test the contents. More times than not the main component is alcohol and fillers. They cut the product with just enough of the real product to mimic the scent and color.There is a reason -- besides the chance to chat with us, of course -- to buy these types of products from authorized resellers. The great part about buying from a small boutique is that in addition to being an authorized reseller, we buy in small batches and turn our product quickly. That means when you buy it from us, it is fresh from the manufacturer. It hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for years.So, protect yourself. The moral of the story here is an old one: if it seems to good to be true…it probably is.