The market is full of imitations and fake products and it's quite probable that you too might have been duped at some point of time or the other by a product that appeared convincingly authentic. Fake products can be harmful for your skin as they are often made using relatively harsh chemicals, ingredients of a cheaper quality and haven't passed any quality control measures. Here's a quick guide on how to check if a makeup product is original! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently differentiate between original makeup products and their fake counterparts, making sure that you are investing in quality and safety.
01Fake Vs. Original Makeup Products: Why It Matters
In addition to the disappointment of a fake makeup product, it can be downright dangerous. Subpar cosmetics often consist of harmful ingredients such as lead, arsenic, and bacteria, resulting in skin irritations, allergic reactions, and even long-term health problems. Protecting yourself from these risks is very important. Therefore, it's advisable to be extremely cautious while purchasing beauty products. Do not compromise your health for a supposedly good deal.
02How to Identify the Difference Between Fake and Original Products
Here are some easy tell-tale signs to help you differentiate between and fake and original make up product:
1. Lookout For The Packaging
No matter how good the imitation is, the fake product's packaging can never really match that of the original one. There will always be a slight difference, if not a big one, between the two. Lookout for differences such as:
- The finishing of the outer packaging being either matte or glossy
- The font style and the text size
- The finish of the printed text being holographic or not
- The size difference of the overall packaging
2. Compare The Prices
One of the most obvious differences between the fake and the real makeup products is in their prices. The makers of fake products often tend to lure buyers by offering products at extremely low prices. While the low priced product might seem pretty tempting, you'll only end up damaging your skin in a manner that is not at all worth the pennies saved. You can always check for and verify the price range of the product on authentic websites and in authorized retail shops.
3. Feel The Texture Of The Products
Compare the texture and the feel of the product by running your fingers over it or by rubbing it between your fingers. Original products never come across as chalky and rough to touch. If it's a shimmery product, it is highly probable that the imitation has chunks of glitter in it and a tacky sheen. Some original products have their logo engraved onto the product itself, a process that fake products find really difficult and expensive to duplicate.
4. Keep Yourself Updated On Social Media
Follow the brands on their official social media pages so that you get to know about the launch or the release of their latest products. It's quite amusing that some of these fake beauty product companies release certain products that don't even exist in the catalogues of the original product companies. It always helps to stay updated regarding all the authentic new beauty products being released in the market.
5. The Formulations And Pigmentations Might Differ
We've noticed that no matter how similar a fake product appears to be to the original one, it can never have the exact same formulation and pigmentation as the latter. There will always be a slight difference between the two. Read the reviews and take a look at the swatches to find out what the original product really looks like.
6. Retailer Reputation is Crucial
Buy your cosmetics from authorised sellers, reputable department stores, or the brand's official website. It's not a good idea to purchase beauty products from street vendors, flea markets, unverified online marketplaces, or social media sellers selling products at extremely low prices. Thus, it's best to play it safe and buy your beauty products directly from the brand or authorised retailers only.
7. A Trail of Authenticity
Most original makeup products have batch codes or serial numbers printed on the packaging or the product itself. These codes can be used to verify the product's authenticity with the brand. Fake products will most likely lack these codes altogether, have counterfeit codes, or have codes that don't match the product. Checking for batch codes or serial numbers is a great way to differentiate between a fake and original makeup product.
8. Security Features
Several leading beauty brands use sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures, such as holograms, security seals, distinctive codes, or microprinting. Familiarise yourself with these features for the brands you shop from and check for them every time you purchase a makeup product.
9. Product Performance and Application
Lastly, once you have bought a makeup product, pay attention to how it performs. Does the colour match the genuine product? Does it blend easily? Does it last as long as expected? Counterfeit makeup often lacks when it comes to performance and application. If you get an adverse reaction to a fake makeup product, discontinue it immediately and consult a dermatologist for a personalised treatment plan. The battle against fake makeup products is an ongoing challenge. Beauty brands are constantly boosting their security measures, and counterfeiters are always finding new ways to evade them. Staying informed about the newest trends in fake makeup and being careful when making your purchases is important. Listen to the advice of beauty bloggers, industry experts, and brand announcements for updates on counterfeiting trends. Investing in original makeup is an investment in your health and well-being. By understanding the risks associated with fake products and taking the necessary precautions, you can shield yourself from harm and make sure that you are getting the genuine quality you deserve. If we are all cautious and do not buy fake makeup products, we can beat the counterfeit market and help make it safer for everyone.
