Identifying fake MAC eyeshadows - ***detailed guide with photos***

[caffn8me]

The profits from manufacturing counterfeit cosmetics are absolutely huge. It's a serious criminal activity that generates tens of millions of dollars each year.

 

[Beachgrl07]

Now you got me worried about that 15 pan palette I bought off ebay...

 

[shadowaddict]

I just bought some MAC and Bobbi Brown and Nars brushes off ebay. How can I tell if they are fake when they arrive? I guess I am just too damn trusting of people.

 

[IcesUltraGlam7]

I would like to add a note.The "fake" containers not being MAC Match up exactly to L'Oreal's HIP shadows.I'm looking at my MAC beautyburst and L'Oreal now and the L'Oreal container is exact to the fake container you posted.Hinges are exact,there is a mirror and eyeshadow ap.I'm adding this so everyone can get an Idea or if it helps update your post.
I was proud of myself however when I looked at the fakes I was able without reading the notes that the left shadow and middle shadow were fake in the 3 shadow post.Some girls who are New to MAC may have a hard time knowing this.
I will tell anyone new and just getting into MAC you can definatly notice the quality of a MAC shadow after purchasing one.In fact if your first purchasing try to order from the Pro Store or visit your MAC counter.The shadow's are intense and Plush in pigment.There should be no wierd hetchmarks in the shadow unless its the bunny or barbie.Otherwise MAC eyeshadows are really smooth at a glance and again have deep pigment intensity.One dab of color on the brush should be enough to do the entire section you want to do on your eye.Alot go's along way.
Hopefully this note was helpful.

 

[caffn8me]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadowaddict I just bought some MAC and Bobbi Brown and Nars brushes off ebay. How can I tell if they are fake when they arrive? I guess I am just too damn trusting of people.

Post pics here or post a link to the eBay auctions and I'm sure someone will be able to help. There are a LOT of fake Bobbi Brown and M·A·C brushes on eBay

 

[bec]

found an Aus seller with the mirror/applicator eyeshadows..

http://search.ebay.com.au/_W0QQfgtpZ...arrenQ5farmour

will it ever stop??

 

[caffn8me]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bec found an Aus seller with the mirror/applicator eyeshadows.. will it ever stop??

Probably not, the fakers will just get better as has been seen with brushes and is now being seen with pigments.

Compare an early fake 187 with a current fake 187;

Early fake;

Current fake (thanks to Risser);

It's bad news for consumers

 

[heatherbear03]

What a great post! Thanks so much! This will come in very handy!

 

[missy29]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bec found an Aus seller with the mirror/applicator eyeshadows.. p://search.ebay.com.au/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZdarrenQ5farmour will it ever stop??

Oh dear. I think I was looking at the pigments from this seller. So glad I didnt buy from them!

Thanks for the info!

 

[kiannack]

I just brought a NARS face contour brush off of ebay. I knew it was counterfeit because it shed too much, not like my other ones and the text of the name n brush # was not aligned right. The font of the brush # was also different and not engraved into the brush like the others. I contacted ebay hopefully I can get my refund.

 

[darkh3av3n]

Thanks for letting us know about how to spot fakes... I ordered pigments before from an ebay seller and I was fortunate enough to get "real" pigments... but I am never sure about ordering anything else. Thanks!

 

[BunnyBunnyBunny]

This is a VERY helpful post! Thank you very much.

I was wondering what MSF stands for? Thank you.

 

[bec]

mineralize skin finish?

 

[jenn2]

Thanks for this, it's really informative and helpful. I still don't know if I'd want to order something from Ebay though, it seems too risky. Thanks

 

[glamscientist]

i found this extremely useful, thanks for taking the time to do this!

 

[dizzygal]

Hi all found this on my travels a wonderful example dont you think

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAC-EYESHADOW-...QQcmdZViewItem

 

[User49]

Thanks for this! Very helpfull! How can you tell what pigment samples are real and fake? Any ideas? xx

 

[whiteflorals]

With all these fakes going around, do you still purchase from Ebay nowadays?

 

[BinkysBaby]

Wow, thanks a lot.

 

[Bybs]

Thank you for taking the time to make this guide.