Beauty Buyers BEWARE…

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BEAUTY BUYERS BEWARE

Hey Beauty Buddies…

I’ve quite a serious post for you to feast your eyes upon today, but firstly a quick question for you all:

Have you ever bought or would consider buying a product online?

If the answer is ‘yes’, then let me take a teeny moment of your time…

Having worked in the Wedding Industry for quite a few years I’m certainly no stranger to comforting heartbroken brides left sobbing over shoddy ill-quality garments they’d spent their hard earned cash on– especially after expecting a top quality product to be delivered right to their door but instead ending up with a vacuum packed bag of rags. Take a peak at these terrifying threads….

fake Bridal gowns

However you don’t need to be a budget conscious bride to get stung online. There’s a whole inter-web packed full of dodgy sellers, flogging all sorts of goods that are about as useless as a chocolate fireguard.

In fact only a few days ago I spotted a post from one thoroughly disappointed beauty blogger who had parted with cash for what she assumed was a legitimate high-end product. Unfortunately when the package arrived the contents were nothing like the original she had previously tried and tested, and was immediately able to suspect a well disguised fake. Thankfully she chose to discard the product however unfortunately other buyers aren’t always so well trained on spotting a dud! *Click here* to check out this terrifying article I recently uncovered in the Mail Online highlighting the cocktail of potentially life threatening chemicals discovered in some fake & counterfeit finds both on the high street and more increasingly on the internet.

Fake Makeup

As a nation of bargain lovers (especially when it comes to luxurious lippies and magnificent mascara’s etc) many of us will spend our time combing the internet for hot deals on the latest must have cosmetics… but at what ultimate price?

Before you splurge on your next beauty treat I urge you to take a quick look at this incredibly informative link from the team over at Get Safe Online… it’ll take only a moment of your time but will most certainly arm you with oodles of knowledge of what to look out for before spending your hard earned cash on products that could potentially be funding a range of serious crimes or simply leave you out of pocket with a product that’s only worthy for the confines of your trash can.

Remember ladies, if the price is too good to be true it (often) generally is!

 …

Have you had any disappointing experiences with buying online? Or do you prefer to shop safe from a reputable seller directly on the high street? Whatever your thoughts do feel free to share them in the comments below, I’d love to read your feedback on this folks…

Thanks for reading,

 Karen signature

76 thoughts on “Beauty Buyers BEWARE…”

  1. Wow that is pretty scary. I’ve had disappointing buys for clothes but not so much for beauty products. I’ve bought make-up products online countless times but usually if I see that a product is heavily discounted and there aren’t any other websites that offer nearly the same prices then I start to get wary. I once saw a website selling a Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette for ~$24 and the retail price is usually $50-60 where I’m at! Was quite tempted but then again I rather pay $60 for the original than $24 for a fake. And I almost never buy foundation products online unless it’s a reputable website. It’s great that you’re sharing this because it’s really something important to bear in mind – the condition of your skin is much more important than the $10 or $20 savings. Thanks Karen! x

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    • You’re so right to get wary Soph as usually those deals are often too good to be true – I dread to think what awful things are in those counterfeit products!!! I doubt very much that Too Faced palette was legit, scary thing is so many will think they’ve found a bargain not realising the dangers of what they could be putting on their face & of course where the money is going!! Thank you so much for such wonderful feedback huni, it’s a pleasure to share – especially if it helps educate on the dangers.
      Thanks for stopping by huni & commenting!! Hugely appreciated ❤ XXX

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  2. Awesome post hun! We have the same problem in the beauty industry where people tend to go with unqualified beauticians that buy products off Ebay, just because they are cheap! Its beyond frustrating especially when you see pictures of disappointed clients xx

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    • Honestly appalled at the thought of someone charging for a service and using these awful product – surely not knowingly how bad they are?!?! Drastic 😦 It really should be monitored so much more – it’s chaotic!!! X

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    • Please do huni, the scary thing for me was the mail online article highlighting the extremely high levels of lead in these counterfeit products amongst other horrendous chemicals that seep into the skin and could potentially be life threatening. It’s frightening 😦 Thanks for stopping by XXX

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  5. I have definitely experienced awful clothes purchases online – both from the same site (fool me once…). I ordered a dress online, and it arrived incorrectly sized, with holes in it and with large dirt marks. Then they expected me to pay to return it! I gave the site one more chance thinking maybe I had just had a bad experience. This time I catered to expecting the site to be wrong and it was STILL completely off – it would have been a tight fit on a child. I’m not kidding.. The quality was absolutely horrific and thankfully I had gotten it on sale for €5 (it had originally been €20) because I would have been livid. As for makeup online, I saw in a video that eos lipbalms are a hotspot of fakes online. Apparently they look 100% real, but within days the packaging starts to shed and God only knows what’s in the actual product. I do love getting a good deal in shops, but I am obsessed with reading the ingredients. Such an interesting/terrifying (!!) post – thank you for sharing! xx

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    • Oh my gosh I’m so sorry to hear about your awful experience with the garments you ordered, they sound horrific!!! And to expect to pay to return is just disgraceful 😦 I do understand you wanting to give them another go but you must have been so so so disappointed on how bad the second experience was. Absolutely awful 😦
      I dread to think what’s in those balms – that mail online article pretty much highlights the awful chemicals that are deadly – and we could be putting them on our bodies!!!! 😮
      I’m with you, stick to the high street – there are good deals and you can see/try before buying, knowing it’s an original 🙂
      Thank you for the kind comment & wonderful feedback – hugely appreciated!! XXXX

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  6. I have to say that there’s been some occasions that I have been disappointed when I’ve received stuff that I’ve ordered online, but usually I’m pretty happy. Just with make-up I’ve noticed somehow they are sometimes quite dry?? I mean it’s almost like that I feel that I should send them back, but then not sure what’s the case as there is no tester..but anyway mostly I’ve been happy 🙂

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  7. I only ever buy directly from the company, or a trusted retailer like Sephora, etc.! Getting a bit of a bargain is not worth it for poor quality and dangerous ingredients. Good article!!

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    • I’m the same Maeghan – I just couldn’t trust any company I’ve stumbled across for fear that it’s not what it says it is! Paying a little extra for the genuine article will in fact save in the long run – and of course avoid the risk of the awful multitude of harmful chemical ingredients that some counterfeits are bunged full off!!!
      Thank you so much for stopping by lovely – much appreciated 🙂 X

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  8. Reblogged this on lovemakeuplovelife and commented:
    Make sure you know who you’re buying from when you make a purchase online.. a few dollars in savings is not worth receiving a poor-quality product with scary ingredients! Always buy directly from well-known companies and retailers, never bargain sites when it comes to cosmetics (and clothing too)!

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    • Aren’t they shocking?!!? Honestly though huni they’re decent compared to a few really horrendous garments I’ve seen in the past – I’ll never forget one girl who’s dress had one side a DD cup and the other a B. The back lace up was off centred & completely quint, there was holes over it and more beads in the bag than on the dress. Worst still they made it with lining material. Absolutely shocking. There are thousands of these websites – some owned by the same huge manufacturing companies that open and close under new names all the time. It’s soooo not worth the risk!!! XXX

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  10. I can so relate to this post Karen! You’re absolutely right, if the price is and seems too good to be true,
    It’s usually a sham or it is too good. Not clothing wise, but I saw a dining table that looked Parisian and I saw it was $60. 00! I did a double take and thought, “hmm.” That can’t be right and I checked again and it was over $1,000!! Quite a steep difference. As for clothing and makeup, you definitely need to be careful with color differences and the makeup ingredients – fake products. Even if they say they’re 100% authentic, doesn’t mean they are! It might be best to go to the actual website where you won’t be fooled and know you’re getting the real deal item. Also same thing for those fake designer handbags too! Several years ago, I was on the Christian Louboutin website and saw these basic black heels that I liked for such a cheap price. And as you probably know, those shoes are so damn pricey! They said they were authentic and they actually came from China and I had to send them back! Fab post Karen! It’s great to put some awareness in everyone! 😀 xoxo

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    • Absolutely agree 100 % with everything you mentioned Leah, it’s shocking the vast array of products out there that are all on the counterfeit market – it’s crazy!!! Makeup is one thing I would never take a chance on for fear of the ingredients – that mail online article said it all really with the dangers!!!
      Best spending a little extra and getting the original – quality wins every time 🙂
      Glad you enjoyed it chum, hope it at least helps one person to avoid an internet disaster XXXXXX

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  11. Such a wonderful article, Karen! I would never have known about this if it wasn’t for your article. I am not a fan of online shopping but I have been tempted once or twice so I am really glad you shared this. It’s so scary, actually. I feel especially heart-broken for those brides! Thank you for sharing this! ❤ xxxx

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    • Thank you so very much Nadine, I’m so glad you enjoyed it chum!!! I don’t like online shopping either – plus isn’t it better to see, touch, feel what you want to buy than guess?! I love browsing the high street – online just terrifies me as I’ve seen far too many broken hearts from bad purchases!!! You’re so welcome & thank YOU for stopping by lovely *huge hugs* XXXX

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      • It terrifies me too! 😀 I love finding things that I don’t expect to find in the shops. It makes it so much more entertaining. 🙂
        It’s always a pleasure to visit your little corner of the internet, Karen! 😀 Sending you tons of love and blog buddy hugs. ❤ xxx

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  12. A great post Karen! This is very informative! I only buy makeup online directly from the company such as Urban Decay, I will buy from Urban Decay’s website or sometimes Ulta which I know is a good site too. I would never fall for these fake bargains. It’s scary to think that some people do. :/

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    • Thank you so very much chum, glad you enjoyed it ❤ I am very much the same as you – directly from manufacturer or else a website such as Debenhams/John Lews etc. Although most of the time I like to go to the shops and pick it, I like to see these things lol Having said that online is so handy 🙂 I wouldn't fall for them either – usually if it's too good to be true it is 😦 Thanks for your brill feedback huni, very much appreciated XXXXX

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      • You’re so welcome Karen 🙂 I always enjoy your posts! ❤ I should go to the stores and actually look. When I went shopping yesterday I realized Ulta was next door to the store I was going into but I didn't stop in. I couldn't lol. I would spend too much money haha. Though I did place a couple of orders online for some new things today but straight from the manufacturer of course. 🙂 It's always a pleasure to stop by! XXXXX

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      • Oh I’m sooo with you on that – it takes a whole lotta will power to go easy around a store when you’re on a spending ban lol Good for you ordering right from the manufacturer – better safe than sorry ❤ XXXX

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      • Yeah I I don’t want anything “fake.” I want the real deal 🙂 I did buy my plane ticket yesterday and paid bills of course so I am on a tight budget this month lol. It will be nice when things get back to normal again. ❤ XXXX

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      • You bought your plane ticket yesterday???!! YAAAAY! Oh you must be so excited to see everyone 🙂 Brill news!! I’m sure you can put up with the pocket tightness for such an exciting trip home ahead hehe 😀 XXXX

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      • Yes I did get my plane ticket. It’s booked! I am super excited!! 😀 Yes I can put up with it! Anything to see my family again ❤ Besides Ron usually treats me every now and then 😉 So no big deal! haha! He is too good to me! lol. I will be looking forward to some goodies this month clothing wise as birthday presents from my Mom and Ron is going to take me shopping at a favorite store for my birthday along with visiting the Grand Canyon. 😀 XXXX

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      • Wooo hoo!!!! That’s awesome huni 😀 Awww what a lovely guy, he really is so very thoughtful 🙂 Oh that sounds fantastic, I’m sure you’ll pick up a few lovely items and WOW to visiting the Grand Canyon, no doubt you’ll be taking your camera along to capture a few special snap shots!!!! XXX

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      • Thank you Karen! 😀 I am very excited about travel plans. I will definitely be taking lots of pictures! I hope that you’re having a great Easter!! I am awake here at 4 am. I will probably stay up for a little bit then go back to sleep lol.<3 XXX

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      • yaaaay can’t wait to see them Katie 😀 I sure am, it’s been very relaxed!! 4am?!?! You should be out like a light missy!! Such a wee night owl lol Enjoy your very early morning nap 😀 XXXX

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      • Well I was sleeping the whole night but just happened to wake up that early lol. Then I went back to sleep again and my kitty woke me up wanting attention. She does that sometimes. I think I just might try to go back to sleep again lol. 😀 XXXX

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      • Oh I did catch up on my sleep. In fact I took a nap this evening too. Hopefully I will still be able to fall asleep tonight. I hope that you had a nice Easter with your family as well. 🙂 XXXX

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  13. Your post was so interesting! I’ve never bought something online because I’m pretty much scary about what you said!! I would love to know this two weeks ago, because my mom buy a dress in internet and the fabrics were just terrible! It’s very good you post things like this to inform people!! Thank you very much!! 🙂 :*

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    • Thank you so much lovely, it really is a mine field if you vere off from the verified stores. Oh no, I’m so sorry for your mum – it really is so disappointing when that happens 😦
      Thanks so much for reading huni, I just hope this helps avoid any online shopping mishaps in the future 🙂 XXX

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  15. Wow those wedding gown pictures are unbelievable. That’s fraud! I’m honestly too scared to buy things from websites other than the big names (e.g. Sephora, Nordstrom,…). I always laugh when I see posts on Instagram where people are selling make-up. It baffles me that individuals fall for it. Kinda sad too.

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    • It really is Romy and it’s shocking how often it happens!!! I think it’s much safer sticking to verified retailers than cheap bargain sites …. baffling indeed!!! Why would you do it??? Not worth the risk!! XXX

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  16. A reminder to be careful on the internet.
    I’ve had one or two bad clothes experiences when buying things like tops for cheap from sellers in China on ebay that had way off sizing. It’s always a gamble with those.
    I’d never buy beauty products online though unless it was from a reputable site. I have enough problems finding legit products I don’t react to, let alone dealing with possible fakes with god knows what in them that could set me off.

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    • It really is a gamble Emma, and one that so many take so lightly unfortunately – especially with so many rogue traders online 😦 So glad you wouldn’t, nor would I, it’s just far too risky, especially with the potent cocktail of chemicals that could be lurking!! That mail online article really shocked me!! Thanks for stopping by, great to read your feedback 🙂 xxxx

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    • Absolutely spot on Georgia – unfortunately though I’ve worked with brides who have shown me correspondence from companies who will only agree to partially refund money on the basis that they provide a top review. It really is utterly corrupt. Not sure if that goes for cosmetics but it is rife in the online fashion counterfeit circles. I tend now to just stick to buying from reputable sources I know have the originals!!
      Thanks so much for stopping by & leaving such great feedback – very much appreciated huni, have a super Easter weekend 🙂 x

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  19. Wow, I never would have guessed this. I guess it is so easy to think if a product is sellable it is safe! Online shopping is so convenient, but it can go terribly wrong quickly!

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    • I completely agree Cyndel, there are so many consumers who don’t realise that this happens, simply because they think what they’re paying for is legit 😦 I guess it’s all about weeding out the baddies by research! Thanks for stopping by huni & I hope you’re keeping as well as can be *hugs* xxxx

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  20. Thankfully, I haven’t had any issues buying makeup or clothes online. However, I will only buy from reputable sources (e.g. Bloomingdales, Sephora, etc.). It’s a good thing you put this out there for people to have more knowledge about.

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    • I’m so glad you haven’t had any probelms Lourdes, most likely because you have stuck to reputable companies that have great policies if something does go wrong etc. Thank you so much for stopping by with your feedback, greatly appreciated 🙂 XXX

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      • You’re welcome, Karen! Yeah, if I see an item on a website I’m not familiar with, I will poke around the interwebz for reviews on the site. LOL. I have just heard of one too many horror stories with people losing $$ and getting bad service.

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      • Sounds like a safe plan huni – just can’t be too careful these days 😀 I know, some of the horror stories are disasterous – would almost put you off buying online altogether 😮 XXX

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  21. Great post Karen! I love buying makeup and skincare online, but always make sure I buy from proper stores with a good reputation. You are absolutely right: if the price sounds to good to be true, it probably is a fake!
    xxx Anne

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  22. Great post! I prefer to shop on the high street. The only thing I get online is cloths and that’s either from a high street store or an online brand with a good reputation. For a long time I thought I’d get my wedding dress online but after seeing these horror stories and others like them I’ve decided to visit Chester’s bridal boutiques instead. Nicole x

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    • Thanks so much Nicole 🙂 Sticking to the big stores really is the safest bet… as for the wedding dress I cannot stress how risky it is online, even if others are recommending an online site – yours could be the one that could end up a bag of rags. I urge even girls on very small budgets to visit local boutiques as they always have sample sales and you can pick up a gorgeous gown for a fraction of the price that you can try before buying. Glad you’ll be sticking to the boutiques huni, you won’t regret it 🙂 X

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