Be a savvy internet shopper and don't fall for fakes.
Check out Boutique Skin Store for all your skin care needs. Brands such as Decleor, Priori, St Tropez and so many more!
Shopping online makes life a breeze. It's fast, efficient and
delivered to your door. It's the perfect way to shop, until something
goes wrong. Reputable cosmetics houses have recently been inundated with
complaints about product efficacy and bad reactions after consumers
have unknowingly purchased fake, out-of-date or grey-market products
from unauthorised online stockists.
"We recently consoled one
consumer who had purchased a fake product from a random website," says
Mandy Gray, CEO of cosmetics distribution company True Solutions.
"Idebenone, the active ingredient that gives the product its yellow
tinge, had been replaced with saffron. The client was devastated, but
could not contact the supplier for a refund."
Many companies say
complaints of bad reactions, due to formulas with the incorrect balance
of active ingredients, have escalated.
"We receive calls from
clients who have had reactions from products purchased online and have
received little or no support when asking for assistance," says Liane
Scior, distributor and director of education and marketing at Pevonia
Botanica.
"Many also complain that the products are off, with
some expiry dates exceeding one year. I have also had several complaints
that these companies boast free shipping, but then you are charged high
shipping fees."
But before you go cold turkey on your online
shopping addiction, read these helpful hints. Armed with a few smarts,
you'll be able to confidently fill your online cart.
Skincare
When purchasing skincare products, in particular cosmeceuticals or
anything with highly active ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids
(AHAs) or vitamins A or C, only purchase from the brand's official site.
If the brand doesn't sell online, look for its authorised stockist
list, which should be on the site. Some brands have initiated their own
programs to stamp out the grey and fake markets, by creating an
"Authorised Stockist" stamp.
Be wary, too, of purchasing highly
active ingredients, even from a legitimate site, without first having
your skin diagnosed. You run the risk of reaction if it is the wrong
formula for your needs. For instance, slapping on high-percentage
vitamin A products without professional advice may lead to burning and
other sensitivities.
Anything active should be used with care,
so buying it for the first time over the internet is not recommended.
Once your skin is used to it, purchasing it online should be fine.
Fragrance
Many luxury brands such as Chanel will never be found online. If
you do find them, they are most likely counterfeit, grey-market,
secondhand or used. The scent could be spoiled or a poor imitation of
the real thing.
Some fragrance houses do supply to legitimate online retailers such as
Adore Beauty,
but it's still important to do your research. Ask for the batch number
and date of manufacture. If it is more than six to 12 months old, don't
buy it. Make sure it is still in its box and wrapped in cellophane. If
possible, find out how it is stored. A cool, dark warehouse is best for
scent longevity.
Remember, too, it is illegal to post fragrance by air. Make sure your online retailer has quality land or sea shipping.
Make-up
Buying make-up online can be a minefield because of the risk of
product contamination and infection. Only purchase from the brand's
website or authorised stockist. Check the product has never been opened
and, where relevant, ensure it is still in its box and cellophane
wrapping.
- What if I have bought a fake or bad product? "If you've purchased it
from an official stockist, you will be entitled to a refund or credit,
as well as assistance in choosing the correct products for your needs,"
Scior says. "However, if you purchase from an online trader that does
not acquire products from the manufacturer, in my experience you will
receive little help. In most cases they won't even respond to your
complaint. As most of these traders are based overseas, local protection
laws will not apply."
- How can I be sure a website is legitimate? "Generally, it's a
well-known, reputable brand," says Alice Hampton, communications manager
at Estée Lauder and Tom Ford Beauty. "The site will have a large
selection of products and its prices will be on a par with what you
would pay in store.
"Unfortunately, if the price seems too good to be true, it often is.
Most beauty brands list their authorised retailers on their own
websites. If in doubt, do a search for a list of retail outlets or
purchase direct from the e-commerce agent, so you can ensure you are
receiving the genuine product."
Story from
BodyandSoul - by Shonagh Walker
