A guide to buying beauty products online

Be a savvy internet shopper and don't fall for fakes.

 I love online shopping for clothes and last summer I got completely carried away, I ended up with 23 bikinis for a 7 day holiday!!!! But, I am not great to buy my products online as I am not always confident they are the real deal and I am very particular about what I use on my skin. 

This is an article I found online and I think it is very helpful. Hopefully you will too!  

It is taken from BodyandSoul - written by Shonagh Walker

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inundated with complaints about product efficacy and bad reactions after consumers have unknowingly purchased fake, out-of-date or grey-market products from unauthorised online stockists.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."

Happy Online Shopping :)