MAC samples on Ebay? A little worried =(

[Daligani]

I'm always buying sample sizes of Bare Escentuals glimmers/glimpses on Ebay and just recently decided to try out MAC for the first time (like I really need another addiction). So, I ordered ten 1/4 tsp samples from a lady on Ebay who, as far as MAC goes, only sells them in sample sizes. It seemed to be a good price.. $19.99 for 10 samples + shipping.. but now I'm thinking that it's likely too good to be true.

Since I've bought BE for soooo long from a few sellers and have bought a couple of full size jars to compare the products to, I've (so far) never had a reason to doubt any of them. But, now.. after finding out on here about all of the counterfeit MAC going on on Ebay, how on earth can I tell what's real and what's not as far as samples go? Since I've never used a MAC product in my life, I wouldn't know fake MAC from the off brands of mineral makeup. I have no clue how it applies or anything

I would really like to try MAC out, but, I don't have a bunch of money to spend.. which is why I like sample sizes. I'm just a stay at home mom with no social life, so I don't use THAT much makeup to be buying a bunch of full size jars lol

I would really appreciate any advice you can give me.. I mean, it's too late to do anything about what I've already ordered, but, for future reference.. Unfortunately, I don't have an easily accessible counter near me so that's out of the question (found out our new Macy's doesn't like as I was hoping it would).
Are samples just simply too risky with MAC on Ebay??


Pardon my long-windedness

Thanks, Dee

 

[Shawna]

I think it just depends on who and where you buy them from. If the samples are coming from Hong Kong, they are most likely fake. Some US sellers sell fake pigments without knowing it. Some just screw you. If you check out the favorite ebay sellers thread, you can find some decent people, and actual products. Make sure you post pictures when you get your samples and we can try to help out better. Good luck.

 

[DaizyDeath]

Thats the problem with buying samples on ebay the only real way to confirm if they are genuine or not is to compare the sample to an actuall jar of the same pigment.

I would never buy samples off ebay for sanitary reasons.

 

[amoona]

If you want samples you should try going to a MAC f/s and ask for some samples when you buy some stuff. I used to buy samples when I first got into MAC and I have gotten screwed. I perfer buying a full jar from a MAC store and I stay away from ebay now.

 

[darkbeauty27]

I've bought plently of MAC samples off of ebay and they have been fine. Just read the descriptions and feedback carefully. I agree that you are taking a chance but there are some honest sellers on there. If you need a list of sellers that sell genuine samples, feel free to PM me.

 

[MiCHiE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaizyDeath Thats the problem with buying samples on ebay the only real way to confirm if they are genuine or not is to compare the sample to an actuall jar of the same pigment. I would never buy samples off ebay for sanitary reasons.

The same people who sell on ebay sell elsewhere. But, that's if you even buy/swap online at all.....I have bought MU items from various ebay sellers and have never had a prob. I make sure I check the feedback and read the comments because a lot of people have awful experiences and reward the seller with a positive or neutral.

This: http://www.toolhaus.org/ is a great site to weed thru the FB to get what you want---the negatives and neutrals.

 

[Daligani]

Thanks so much, ladies.. I do alot of buying on Ebay and know all about the feedback and whatnot. Toolhaus has always been soooo handy, especially when someone has thousands of feedback to try and weed through!!!

I had never bought MAC on Ebay or anywhere else before and had read many of the threads in here about spotting fake products, but, it seemed that most of them were geared toward full size jars of pigments and brushes and all that. I didn't have a clue how to spot a fake sample since I had no clue about the textures and whatnot.. heck, anyone could have thrown anything in a jar and I wouldn't have known the difference lol

The only reason that I did the Ebay thing for the first time is because the nearest MAC counter is a pain in the butt to get to (although, I was finally able to get there yesterday) and I really wanted to try them out to see what I'd been missing. I've strictly bought samples of BE for years now.. always from 2 or 3 specific sellers that I've trusted.

I did end up buying from someone with excellent feedback and then posted pictures in here of what I'd received. The thread is still near the top here. Everyone said they looked legit. Soooo, I'm assuming they are.. but, still, we don't know that they are. You can all take a look if you'd like

 

[panda0410]

Sample selling on ebay is no longer permitted, you may be better to approach some of the sellers here, and honestly, you have a better chance of getting real pigment here than off ebay anyway unless its a whole jar - most of the ebay sellers offering whole jars are authentic - just dont touch the ones from Hong Kong or Thailand. I bought some samples off ebay - a few of them were fake and I was careful to make sure that I only bought my samples then from two reputable sellers, but you DO have to be careful and if you dont have the real thing to compare to it can be hard. If you do have any queries about any samples you have bought you can always post pics here - most specktrettes will be able to tell the difference and help you out

 

[poojz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkbeauty27 I've bought plently of MAC samples off of ebay and they have been fine. Just read the descriptions and feedback carefully. I agree that you are taking a chance but there are some honest sellers on there. If you need a list of sellers that sell genuine samples, feel free to PM me.

hi there,
can u tell me few sellers on ebay who sells decent mac stuff as i m also interested in buying pigment samples from ebay...
poojz

 

[panda0410]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poojz i m interested in buying about 15 mac pigment samples frm u...can u plz help n lemme know how i have to pay n the colours if they r available to u

Once you have about 20 valid posts you can access the clearance bin where 1165Cheryl has her samples listed - all colours are listed as well so you can see what to choose from. 1165Cheryl is a totally honest seller and I can personally vouch for her and the authenticity of her samples - she's a GREAT seller

 

[adela88]

in the clearence bin can you ask people if they can get hold of certain items?like LE,pro..ect

 

[wolfsong]

Im sure people wouldnt mind you asking - and some may be happy to oblige (as long as you pay first perhaps).
You can also post a wishlist in the correct forum.

 

[candynipples]

they still on ebay the little pigment flask thingies...with the mac logo on them..they are somewhat sampleish? lol

 

[DirrtyBee]

i wish they didn't stop the selling of samples.

I'd never use a full container of pigment

 

[Pixygirl]

Some times ebay is so frustrating

the things they will let people sell on there and the things they wont. should you be able to sell fakes and state that they are real? of course not. But is that really fair to the people who sell real ones the right way. I mean $20 per pigment color is a huge investment in a color you might not even like, and you have to really love the color and use it all the time for ever to use a whole jar. I would much rather spend $20 on a dozen shades and test them out and see how they look on and how they wear and if I end up using the whole sample then I know its a color I might as well invest in.

and sorry to all the MAC MA's out there but come on how many of you have asked for a sample let alone samples of multiple colors and gotten a huge heeping of attitude instead.

I spend ALOT on MAC in a year and sure you can get a sample or two after you drop a few hundred but some times I want to know if I like the color before I buy it as I hate to return stuff.

I have a Huge amount of pigments they have to be my fav MAC product by far. one way I got so many of them is I would go in on a color with my best freind who is also in to MAC and we would split the cost of a jar and then split the jar up they even sell empty pigment containers at the pro stores.

 

[Divinity]

Quote:

Originally Posted by panda0410 Sample selling on ebay is no longer permitted, you may be better to approach some of the sellers here, and honestly, you have a better chance of getting real pigment here than off ebay anyway unless its a whole jar - most of the ebay sellers offering whole jars are authentic - just dont touch the ones from Hong Kong or Thailand. I bought some samples off ebay - a few of them were fake and I was careful to make sure that I only bought my samples then from two reputable sellers, but you DO have to be careful and if you dont have the real thing to compare to it can be hard. If you do have any queries about any samples you have bought you can always post pics here - most specktrettes will be able to tell the difference and help you out

I second that! Sellers from Thailand and Hong Kong are usually bogus too. What a downer!

 

[juwlz]

my mom told me she bought me mac pigment samples online from a place called the body needs and I am a bit nervous as to if its a good place or not.

 

[giggles1972]

i wish we could buy samples from ebay.
i am really looking to try some out and dont want to have to buy a whole bottle.

 

[lsperry]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giggles1972 i wish we could buy samples from ebay. i am really looking to try some out and dont want to have to buy a whole bottle.

You can buy pigment samples from fellow members in the “For Sale and Swap” forum. Read below for the rules regarding accessing this forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janice Holstrom4 is the Clearance Bin Specialist!​ Please review the Specktra.Net Swaps/Sell TOS! Your use of this forum expresses that you have read it. ​ Currently you cannot edit your thread title after 24 hours have passed from posting. Because we only allow one thread per person, we ask that you contact us when you need assistance with your title. Please PM Holstrom4 with your title edit requests Please remember to include a link to your post within your PM Forum Guidelines: Users with under 20 posts and who have been registered for less than 5 days will not have access to view or use the clearance bin. Every member is allowed one (1) FOR SALE ad and one (1) WANT AD No links out to offsite sales/swap lists [this includes eBay & MUA links]. Lists must be posted on Specktra. [It is okay to reference feedback from other websites] Posts containing such will be edited and a violation will be given. Specktra Staff do not get involved in transactions between users. This is at your own risk swap/sell/purchase. No promoting sales/swap threads outside of the CB and signature areas. This applies to all areas of the forum, especially the forum index and shoutbox areas. Duplicate threads will be deleted, and you will be given a violation. We do keep track of violations and your Clearance Bin access will be removed for 30 days upon your 3rd violation. Upon your 4th violation, your Clearance Bin access will be removed for 60 days. Upon your 5th violation, your access will be permanently removed from the Clearance Bin. You may ONLY bump your thread once every 24 hours. If you violate these terms, your thread will be removed for a period of 3 days/72 hours and you will not be allowed to start a new thread. (Bump refers to when you reply to your own thread, moving it back to the top of the forum) If you sell your item/s, or would like to make a new thread, please PM the Clearance Bin Moderator or an Administrator with your removal or TITLE edit request. Please remember to include a link to your thread with the request. If you need to edit your thread, click on 'EDIT' on the lower right part of your thread. From there, you can add/remove what you wish. When you are finished, you can click 'Preview Changes' to preview what your post will look, or click 'Save Changes' and that will save the changes you have made. Items that can be offered for sale are limited to: Fashion, Clothing & Cosmetic/Beauty items only - ABSOLUTELY NO LIVE ANIMALS, NO PRESCRIPTION DRUGS/LENSES ALLOWED. Since staff DOES NOT get involved in swapping/selling disputes, PLEASE get to know your swapper/buyer BEFORE you finalize a transaction with them. Ask for feedback, check them out! The use of this forum expresses that you have read and agree to the Specktra.Net Sales/Swaps TOS terms General note of interest for our Clearance Bin users: If you do experience a swap/sell that goes bad, or if you would just like to be kept up to date with problem sellers/swappers please visit: Swaptawk Swaptawk is a wonderful resource for advice and mediation between parties.

HTH

 

[giggles1972]

thanks