How to Tell If a MAC Pigment is Fake

Most of the time, spotting a fake is easy but sometimes it is hard to tell, even for some professionals. Replica manufacturers keep coming out with better product packaging that can make it difficult to distinguish from the real thing. The actual product will not be as high quality as authentic MAC though.

One of the most obvious factors to look at if you are shopping online for a MAC pigment is the price. MAC pigment is a little on the expensive side, but for good reason. Authentic MAC pigment will last months at a time, even if you use it every day. It is highly pigmented, so a little goes a long way. That little jar is worth the money that you will pay for it. So if you see a full jar of pigment being sold for under ten dollars, then it would be advisable to stay away. It might seem like a good deal, but the quality of the product that you will get with a fake is not worth over five dollars. Fakes will also not last as long and will fade easily.

If you do pay full price for a jar or even if you get a deal, look at the packaging before opening the product. If it is fake, then you will definitely want a refund. First look at the box. Most fake pigments will have the bar code printed on the box instead of having a sticker. Of course there are some fakes that are more advanced and actually have the sticker on the box, but if it is printed then send it back immediately for a refund. Also, on top of the box there should be a round black sticker with the name of the color on it. There may also be a sticker on the bottom with the name of the shade on it. The sticker on the bottom can be clear or silver, but the one on top will be black. If there is a sticker, but it only has a number instead of the name then this is a clear indication that the product is not authentic. If it has no sticker, then I would assume that it is fake because some sellers take the sticker off if they know it is fake.

If everything on the box looks good, then open it. Open the jar and look at what type of seal is on it. Authentic MAC pigments will have a protective lid covering it. Some fake pigments have this too, but there should not be a hole in the lid. If there is a hole in the lid for pouring, then it is a replica.

After doing all of this, if you haven't found any indications that the product is fake, then take a bit of it on your hand and observe the quality. Real MAC pigment will leave a richly pigmented color and be very difficult to remove. Hopefully yours is authentic, but if not make sure to get your refund. Be very careful if buying from ebay. This is where most of the fakes are sold.