Avoid Purchasing Fake MAC Makeup Products Off eBay

While not everything on eBay is fake, it is important to know that there IS a lot of counterfeit items up for sale! People are aware about fake bags, but are often surprised to discover that there is fake make-up as well! Personally, after all I know now, I refuse to purchase ANY makeup off eBay. I ESTIMATE THAT OVER 50% OF MAC ITEMS FOR SALE ON EBAY ARE F-A-K-E. I would rather pay a little more to know that I am getting the real deal.

Brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Nars have a lot of wannabes. There are manufacturers in China who create BULK FAKE MAC makeup products.
I'm going to focus on tips for identifying fake MAC makeup in particular.

1. Every other MAC BRUSH on eBay is fake. I can't even begin to explain this one in detail - but if it comes in a "set" or with a "bag", it is probably a fake. These are extremely popular fake items.

2. If your MAC eyeshadow comes with any sort of applicator - IT IS A FAKE. Mac does not sell their eyeshadows with compartments for a sponge applicator (it's only in their foundation and powder).

(fake eyshadow palette with fake sponge applicator)

3. You can tell if a lot of MAC eyeshadows are fake is if they are too big. However, it is really difficult to tell unless you have a side by side comparison with the actual eyeshadow. This is one reason I do not buy makeup on eBay.

(without the side-by-side comparison, it would be near impossible to tell the difference by a picture)

4. Pay attention to packaging. This one is a little difficult to tell, but the box style gives it away. The box is slightly cheap looking. Really tough call on this one.

(fake eyeshadow)

5. Similar to brushes, 88+ palettes are also really popular on eBay and the majority of these are fake. The "MAC" wording on this palette gives it away.

(fake palette)

6. One of the easiest ways to tell if an item is fake is to look at the seller's other listings. If he/she is selling tons of MAC products, there is a strong chance that ALL of those are fake. As a consumer, you need to question where they are getting their supplies. MAC does not sell their products wholesale to re-sellers - they have their own stores to do that. So where exactly are these people getting all these products from? The answer, unfortunately, is from China, where they mass produce these fakes.

7. Even with positive ratings, do not trust just any seller. Lots of times, people do not know the difference between products and will give that seller a good rating. Some people do not mind purchasing fakes and will give the seller a good rating as well. Some people do not want to give a seller a bad rating because they fear getting a bad rating in return. There are many reasons why a seller's rating could be high, but he/she could still be selling fakes.
*** I also want to update you all about the fact that pigments are gaining popularity on eBay but a majority of these are also fake. ***

Have you ever purchased a fake item on eBay besides make-up? If not eBay, do any of you have suggestions where we can find AUTHENTIC make-up products for a cheaper price?