How to Spot a Fake

Buying high end beauty products online can be tricky. With more and more convincing fakes showing up on eBay and similar sites, how can you tell if the product you're purchasing is really genuine?

(Of course, your best option is to buy in-store, direct from the company or from an authorized online store, but if you must buy from eBay, follow these guidelines to make sure your 'bargain' isn't a rip-off!)

• Before you buy, check the seller's feedback. If they're selling fakes, chances are someone else has caught on.
• Be wary of eBayers selling 100s of the same product (this is not a guarantee they are fake, but it is a warning sign) and of prices that are drastically below the RRP - it's often too good to be true.
• You are more likely to find genuine products sold individually, usually in auction formats, by a non-business seller selling an unwanted gift, or having a clear out.
• If they're using a stock image, don't buy! You have no idea what your product will look like.
• Be cautious buying from an international seller - they are more often than not fake.

And for those of you who have already bought the item but suspect it's a fake -

• Go to your nearest Boots, department store or any other store selling the real thing (you should be able to find a list of retailers on the brand website). Take your suspected fake with you and compare with the in-store products - examine the packaging and use testers to compare the colour, texture and scent. If you have a friend with the product, compare it with hers (although ensure hers is genuine first!)
• Some larger stores may also have make up counters with representatives who really know the brand. Show your product to the representative and ask for their opinion - they should be able to give you a definitive answer. If you're too embarrassed to say you bought it online, say you got it as a gift. I've also heard that some stores carrying the item will scan and check the bar code for you - although I've never tried this myself!
• If you can't compare it with the real thing, compare with photos on the brand website. If you can, zoom right in to check the little details. Also, examine the packaging for spelling errors and evidence of cheap or rushed assembly.

Finally, if you've accidentally purchased a fake product, don't take it lying down! Let the seller know ASAP that it's fake and that you want a full refund. Few will admit it straight off, but hold your ground - they are the ones in the wrong.

Have you ever been conned into buying a fake? Was it resolved, or did you end up out of pocket? Let me know in the comments!

Kisses,
Your Local Beauty Addict