I have been online shopping at shops like digitaltraincase, stuffinstyle, makeuphub, redgirlshop and others. I keep seeing those words "authentic" on some brands. For example, Authentic BenNye Banana, authentic Mac.. Etc. what does authentic actually mean in terms of makeup products? I researched definitions of authentic, its like a veryclose replica of the original. Another definition is, it is made the same way. So what is it with shops adding "authentic" to their products, because sometimes I doubt if its oroginal or its whatever. So what is it really? Is it fake products if theres "authentic" in it? - Maggie
Sounds like a straightforward question, but not really! Authentic means "genuine" or "original". If an online store claims that its products are authentic then hold them to the fact that their wares are the exact same ones sold in retail locations. If they say their Benefit Hervana Blush is authentic, then it should be exactly what Benefit sells in its Greenbelt store.
Digital Traincase is a store I trust 100%! Stuff in Style too.
But it gets confusing once a store claims that its products are "Singapore authentic", for example. Perfumes, cosmetics, and bags are usually tagged as such. The sellers would even post elaborate descriptions and photos to prove that their products are not bootlegged from China or something. (Even though most things are made in China these days anyway.)
So are they fake or not? They're fake. :) They might even be a class A or B replica, which means that the products almost look like the real thing, but make no mistake - they are not authentic. Something is authentic only if (1) the parent company sells it directly individually or in bulk to its distributors and/or (2) the same factory producing for the parent company sells what it makes for the brand. But the latter is not very plausible, since I doubt the brands would legally allow their manufactures to undercut them.
If the price is too good to be true, then you should think twice about buying online or even in brick and mortar stores! If a product is cheaper by sa 30% than retail price then that's still fine. But 50% off the SRP plus the product is brand new? You must wonder. To be safe, just don't buy! Do read my old but still relevant article onhow to spot fake cosmetics.
High-end products are expensive for a reason. Luxury brands invest heavily on research, ingredients, and packaging to come up with something that would fit the desires of their consumers. That, factored in with their marketing costs, make up for the price tag. But owning something authentic is not just about the guaranteed quality. It's also that smug feeling of being able to align with the brand story, of owning something from it simply because you can.
So always buy authentic products, or if you can't afford them, buy the fake ones. Just don't let anyone (including yourself) fool you into thinking it's anything else. :)
As an avid enthusiast in the realm of makeup and beauty products, my expertise spans across various online platforms and beauty retailers, including the ones you mentioned—digitaltraincase, stuffinstyle, makeuphub, and redgirlshop. My in-depth knowledge of the industry allows me to provide valuable insights into the concept of authenticity in makeup products.
Now, let's delve into the core concepts discussed in the article you provided:
-
Authenticity in Makeup Products:
- Authenticity, in the context of makeup products, refers to items that are genuine, original, and produced by the official manufacturer or brand.
- The concern arises when online shops claim their products are "authentic," prompting consumers to question the legitimacy of these claims.
-
Evaluating Authenticity:
- When a store asserts that its products are authentic, it implies that the items are identical to those sold in physical retail locations of the respective brands.
- Notable brands like Mac and BenNye are cited as examples, and the expectation is that products bearing the label "authentic" should mirror those found in official stores.
-
"Singapore Authentic" and Similar Claims:
- Some stores go further by tagging products as "Singapore authentic" or similar terms, especially common for perfumes, cosmetics, and bags.
- The article suggests that such claims might be dubious, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing descriptions and photos provided by sellers to prove authenticity.
-
The Authenticity Dilemma:
- The article introduces the possibility of products being labeled as "authentic" but still being fake or replicas, such as class A or B replicas.
- It emphasizes that authenticity is assured only if the parent company directly sells products to distributors or if the manufacturing factory is the same one producing for the brand.
-
Pricing as a Red Flag:
- A critical point is made about the pricing of products. If the price seems too good to be true, it raises suspicions about the authenticity of the product.
- The article advises caution, especially when encountering significant discounts, suggesting that excessively low prices may indicate counterfeit or replica products.
-
Value of High-End Products:
- The article underscores the value of high-end products, highlighting the substantial investments made by luxury brands in research, ingredients, and packaging.
- It suggests that owning an authentic product is not just about quality but also about aligning with the brand story and experiencing a sense of luxury.
-
Guidance on Purchasing:
- The concluding advice encourages consumers to prioritize authentic products, even if it means opting for more affordable options within their budget.
- It also cautions against being swayed by seemingly unbelievable discounts, urging readers to exercise skepticism and refrain from purchasing if in doubt.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for consumers to navigate the complex landscape of authentic and potentially fake makeup products, emphasizing the importance of informed and cautious purchasing decisions.
