Make-up or fake-up?
Think you got a bargain with the cosmetics you just purchased online?
The New Zealand Customs Service has seen a significant increase in counterfeit MAC cosmetics entering our borders in the last six months.
Mark Day, Customs Manager Investigations says “this is a serious concern for the public as you have very little knowledge of what has actually gone into the production of the products. The counterfeits aren’t produced to the same standards as real products, and could contain potentially harmful chemicals.”
“Particularly concerning are the fake eye shadows and eye liners; using counterfeit products on an area as sensitive as the eyes poses a real health concern.”
Jodie Matthews, Brand General Manager from MAC, says that consumers purchasing fake products from Trade Me are often duped.
“We’ve noticed an increase in people who purchase what they believe to be real MAC products online. They realise that the quality just isn’t up to standard and the packaging often breaks.
“MAC brushes are all handmade using the best quality natural hair and synthetic fibres, so they are high quality items that last for years. Factory manufactured brushes tend to loose hairs easily and fall apart very quickly.
“When these people attempt to return items at retail stores that stock our products, they discover that indeed they’ve been deceived and the goods are counterfeit.”
Jodie suggests only purchasing MAC products from certified retailers to ensure you are buying the real thing. The following stores are MAC stockists:
- Smith & Caughey’s Newmarket
- Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street
- MAC St Luke’s
- MAC Chancery
- Kirkcaldie and Stains
- Ballantynes
- Arthur Barnett
Mark Day says that the wide variety of industries that have become the subject of counterfeit activity is concerning.
“Make-up, medicines, food products, and toys are now popular targets for counterfeiters. These products are directly related to public health and safety so it justifies an increased emphasis on enforcement of trademark and copyright infringements.”
click here for more news articles