It isn’t hard to find discounted makeup online or in street kiosks. Often, the pricing on these items seems too good to be true, and it usually is.
During a recent Los Angeles raid, police seized $700,000 worth of counterfeit makeup from LA’s Fashion District. They were responding to a tip that bogus makeup was for sale on Santee Alley. The sized products included fake versions of high-end brands Anastasia, NARS, MAC, Urban Decay, and Kylie Cosmetics.
After many companies received complaints that they had developed bumps and rashes after using the makeup, store owners contacted the police. The LAPD tested the seized products, and the results were pretty disturbing—the products contained high levels of animal feces.
After the raid, LAPD arrested 6 business owners who were selling the products, while 15 other owners were given cease-and-desist orders. The arrested parties are likely to be charged with trademark violations.
Be Careful Purchasing Deeply Discounted Beauty Products
While the police managed to put a stop to this particular case, counterfeit cosmetics are all too common. And, as gross as it may be, feces aren’t the only thing you need to worry about. Fake products often contain carcinogens like arsenic, beryllium, and cadmium. They are often riddled with bacteria that can cause serious infection, or result in burning, scarring, or disfigurement.
While we understand that bargains can be tempting, make sure you only purchase cosmetic products from retailers you trust. If you do end up buying a product and believe it to be fake after you’ve already used it, discontinue use right away. Avoid scratching any rashes, and try soothing the area with petroleum jelly, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream. If the rash persists, consult your doctor.
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