GlobalSpa
24-Feb-2020
Don’t let the beast kill the beauty. Be careful while buying to avoid getting a fake cosmetics product.
Popular cosmetic brands are haunted by the threat of counterfeit or fake products. There is a chance that while shopping (online or from a shop), one might end up with a knockoff of your favorite cosmetics. It is not only about being cheated into buying a wrong product but also, this could cause severe damage to your skin or health. Counterfeiters ape the packaging of popular branded products to dupe customers into buying their fake, substandard, or bad quality products by selling them at cheaper than originals. But there are simple ways to distinguish original from counterfeit cosmetic products: Choose authorized sellers - Try to shop for your favorite cosmetics from authorized sellers (retail or online) or the ones who assure authenticity. They would give you a proper bill for your purchase. If anything is wrong with the item you bought, you can always go back and complain. Look closely at the packaging - Always pay close attention to the packaging. Counterfeiters can produce a very close copy, but they mostly can’t perfect it. Usually, there are visible differences in the size, logo, and colors used in packaging. This difference might be as small as the text that is being used or a slight change in the logo. A regular user with a keen eye might spot it in an instance. If one is not sure, then go to the brand’s official website and compare the images with the products you have.
Look for authentication signs - Brands carefully design their product packaging and include authentication signs so that it is evident that the product is original and untampered. Look for features like security hologram, hot stamping stickers, barcoded stickers, sealed packing - plastic cover, serial numbers, etc. Never accept a product that might seems previously been opened. These features are generally missing from fake make-up products. Smudged labels also indicate that the product is counterfeit. Consistency in texture and colors - Beware of inconsistency in texture, smell, and color of the product. These are indicators if the product is fake or original. A responsible-reputed brand would never compromise on quality.
Sellers of counterfeit cosmetics try to dupe by giving attractive discounts and deals. Don’t fall for deals & false marketing gimmicks such as imported hai, offering huge discounts; market mai bilkul naya hai, etc. etc. The moment you hear that you know what you have to do. If the shopkeeper offers to swatch the product on your hand, don’t buy anything from that shop ever. One needs to pay close attention to details and make sure that the product you are buying is original from the brand that you trust for quality. As serious brands are adopting ways and engaging consumers in the authentication process, ensuring they get quality products. As getting quality products is consumer rights, he also has a responsibility to support brands in fight against fakes. Quality is everyone's responsibility and engagement of consumers in authentication can lead to a society that makes sure everyone gets authentic & right quality products and goods. About Author: Chander S Jeena is the Secretary of Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), a non-profit organization working towards building up authentication eco-systems in-country to support the economy, industry, and consumer protection.
Disclaimer: This article is authored by Chander S Jeena, Secretary of Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA). The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not represent those of GlobalSpa. Picture Credits: freepik.com
