Authentic MAC eyeshadows, via Archangeli
The existence of fake MAC products being sold through online auction websites was initially bought to my attention though Pretty Pretty Pretty. It struck a chord with me as I have considered purchasing discounted MAC eyeshadows off of Trade Me (NZ online auction website) in the past. However, this problem is not restricted to New Zealand and I wanted to raise awareness of how to spot a fake MAC product to prevent more buyers being duped.
Not everyone things this is a problem, and report that the fakes are not always of band quality. The risk is that you have no idea about what is in this cosmetic, how it was made, and where it’s from. Ingredients found in fake cosmetics have ranged from coal tar to phthalate, and those are dangerous additives. You do not know what black market activities profit from producing fakes is being funneled into, and of course it is illegal.
For your benefit, I am going to explain how to spot fake MAC eyeshadow and pigment products.
How to Spot Fake MAC Eyeshadow
1. Look at the sticker on the base of the eyeshadow. The sticker should be labeled with the name of the eyeshadow, MAC always names their eyeshadows. Fake eyeshadows will often only label the stickers with number/letter codes.
2. MAC eyeshadows should not have a screw top. I have heard of older eyeshadows have screw tops, but none of the recent products. MAC eyeshadows should have a flip top, and the hinging should look like this.
3. The glass window should not have a thick rim around the outside, it should be evenly clear across the entire panel.
4. The logo should be printed in a clear font, and the lines detailing the word ‘MAC’ should be relatively thin. Fake MAC products often print logos with thicker lines.
5. Authentic MAC eyeshadow do not come with a sponge applicator and mirror. The compartment should not lift up to expose either of these features and if your product does this then it is definitely fake.
How to Spot Fake MAC Pigment
1. Authentic MAC pigment packaging looks like this:
Edit: MAC has updated their pigment containers, newer pigments look like this (thanks Mermaid for the tip.)
2. Watch out for pigment colors listed as “rare,” as these are often fakes.
3. On the bottom of the box there should be a bar code label printed on a sticker. If the bar code is printed directly onto the bottom of the box then the product is a fake.
4. There should be a black round sticker on the top right hand corner of the box with the name of the color on it. Fake pigments often place the sticker closer to the front.
5. The pigment jar should have a small circle sticker on the bottom, and that sticker should have the colors name printed on it. Above the name of the pigment there should be a name and number code, fake MAC pigments are known to only have the numbers and not the color name.
6. The pigment itself should be sealed by a protective lid. There should not be a hole in the middle to pour the pigment from.
7. Fake MAC pigment is not the same high quality of authentic MAC pigment. While the authentic product will leave a rich and vibrant color on your skin with just a little, the fakes are often dull and rubs off easily. MAC pigment should not rub off easily.
When buying cosmetics online, buyer beware! Look out for luxury goods at cheap prices. Be smart and Google how to spot a fake of the particular product you are purchasing before you make a decision.
Comments:
Excellent post. It’s so easy to get tricked nowadays, especially on eBay sometimes! Also love the new layout!
LOL @ “pigment.” Like MAC reaaaaaally needs to clarify that ha. So fake.
@ Luana: Thank you! I like it too.
MAC did just change the pigment packaging. They look like this now: http://i49.tinypic.com/2u3w39d.jpg
@ Mermaid: Thanks! I will include a link to that image in the post.
Thank you for this post! I’m not sure if its naivete or what, but it never crossed my mind that someone would create counterfeit make-up products. MAC is such a popular brand though, I’m not surprised. I loved this post, shared it on my reader, and it’ll just affirm to me that I need to be cautious where I buy my make-up…
Very informative post, darling!xoxox,CC
i have never bought MAC anywhere but MAC. the local flea markets sell “MAC” and i knew the second i saw them that they weren’t MAC. i won’t lie though…i was tempted to buy but i didn’t. lol.
@ Ashe Mischief: I must admit, I had never thought of it myself before either. That is exactly why I wanted to write about it, to help others make more informed choiced.
@ bananas.: Some fakes are terrible!
Very useful article! There is SO MUCH fake stuff on eBay. I have bought MAC pigment online before, and thankfully, it passes the test! They’re not exactly cheap, so I’d hate to be ripped off with an inferior product. And it’s so true, you never know what kinda gross stuff could be in the fakes!
Asylum Dolly´s last blog ..If you’re on ‘Blogger’ and I haven’t commented on your blog…
This is such a fantastic post!! Do you mind if I included in Lola’s Picnic for this week? I think my readers would adore it
i’ve always wondered how to spot fake MAC products as i’ve heard of many fakes out there. it’s funny how cosmetic products can be turned into ‘fake’ products as well innit? tsk tsk! buy quality stuff people!thanks for such an informative post. it’ll be really useful if i ever consider buying any MAC products online (:ps. your blog is becoming better and better girl!
This is an amazing post, Joanne! I had no clue that people were selling fake MAC products - what a strange trend!!
Cafe Fashionista´s last blog ..Style Secrets: Symbol of Style
This is extremely helpful info! I feel like lots of people get ripped off for this exact reason! thanks for the post!
@ Lola: I would love that!
Wow, this is helpful! I still have Mac eyeshadows but haven’t been using them or wearing any eyeshadow for awhile now! I never even knew that there is fake makeup out there! I always buy from Sephora and stay away from those random sites! Hope you’re having a fabulous week!! xo, mel
I was often wondering about the extent of fake cosmetics, and you are absolutely right - who knows what nasty ingredients they contain?
Oh wow I had no idea fake MAC make-up was sold.. Ha… I actually didn’t even think of buying make-up online. Well, now when I do, I’ll know what to look for
X
i didnt even realised they existed… hahathanks for the tip!
I had no idea MAC was so widely faked! I consider them to have a pretty decent price point (compared to other studio or department store brands), so I never looked into the ebay option, but I would definitely agree that fakes probably use ingredients that may irritate the skin or be out of date. I think the best option is to either get the real deal or if money is tight, buy a drug store brand instead. At least they have quality controls!