Counterfeit or Fake Mac

I have had so many people tell me that they know of someone or the other selling Mac products at ridiculously low prices and I have a difficult time pointing out to them that these products are most probably fake as Mac does not sell to individuals for resale.

Mac, being a high end makeup brand is very expensive and due to its high price tag has become a bit of a social symbol(to many). We have people preying on unsuspecting souls who cannot afford Mac by taking advantage of their weaknesses and sell them fake products at a fraction of the original price. I myself had fallen prey many years ago only to come home and realise that the pigment was powdery and chalky(what else did I expect for R50 lol). I have encountered such people at flea markets and fairs that sell these counterfeit makeup claiming to have purchased them from overseas blah, blah, bah....

Apart from this being a criminal offence, you put yourself at risk by purchasing such products as you never know what ingredients are being put in, how sanitary it is and, would in all probability, be made under poor hygienic conditions(logically, why would anyone manufacture fake items in a factory that is registered and stringent on quality???)

Many beauty bloggers have touched on how to spot fake Mac products and what to essentially look out for but in the process end up educating these unscrupulous manufacturers on how to get their products to resemble the authentic goods almost to perfection. So how do you protect yourself from falling prey to such predators? The answer is simple...buy from legitimate Mac counters and stores that are licensed to sell Mac.

This is what Mac has to say about the sale of Mac products via private individuals...

"M·A·C Cosmetics does not offer its products through individuals, street vendors, flea markets, internet auctions, independent boutiques or unauthorized online retailers. M·A·C does not sell its products at wholesale over the internet."

And what do they have to say on private sales....?

"While we appreciate your interest in M·A·C products, please be advised that our products are  for sale only at our authorized retail store accounts, the majority of which are located in major department stores or international perfumeries. While there are other points of sale, we are not seeking to expand our distribution network at this time. We do not offer franchises." Source: http://www.maccosmetics.com/cms/customer_service/counterfeit_education.tmpl Picture source: https://www.facebook.com/notes/a-team/easy-ways-to-spot-fake-mac-make-up/328499383906237 Have you ever been duped into buying fake Mac products? Tell us about it...