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If you're a makeup aficionado, you know MAC lipsticks are amazing, but they're also kind of expensive. But if you find MAC lipstick at a bargain, how do you know whether it's authentic? It’s worth knowing how to spot the difference so you know you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on the real deal. Our guide will walk you through slight differences in the packaging and the quality of the lipstick itself, so you'll be able to spot the real thing!

2

See if the barcode is a sticker.

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  1. Turn the lipstick box on its side and look carefully at the barcode. It will be a sticker on authentic MAC lipsticks. If the barcode is printed directly on the box, it's a fake. [2]
    • The imitation lipstick may have a supplementary sticker near the barcode that reads the name of the product, a serial number, or false factory information.

Information about the sticker isn't true: MAC has changed & revamped their packaging. So the stickers may/ may not be there on the outer boxes of the products.

3

Read the serial number on the tube's base.

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  1. Look at the base of the tube to find the serial number located just below the sheen and name of the lipstick. Genuine MAC lipsticks have serial numbers starting with A, B, or C, usually followed by two numbers (e.g. "A44" or “B32”). A counterfeit may start with another letter that’s not A, B, or C or only list a random set of numbers. [3]
    • The bottom sticker of a dupe will also appear more shiny, silvery, and reflective while the authentic one is a grayish-white matte color. [4]
    • The genuine sticker lists the finish at the top, the name of the lipstick in the center, and the serial number toward the bottom (e.g., "Satin", "Myth", "A78"). [5]
    • Actual MAC lipsticks are manufactured in Toronto, Canada. If the bottom sticker doesn't have that information around the edges of the sticker, it's a knockoff.
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4

Examine the MAC logo on the cap of the lipstick.

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  1. A fake tube will have similar font but it will be a slightly taller and more spread out from the “M” to the “C”. [6]
    • If you only have 1 tube, look up photos of authentic or imitation tubes online for comparison.
    • The actual MAC logo looks like it's almost carved into the cap of the tube. A fake may look more like it's printed or stuck onto it and the logo may fade over time.
    • The dots on either side of the "A" should also be perfectly round. Sham versions may have oblong or smudged dots. [7]
    • The logo of a fake MAC lipstick may also be positioned a few millimeters higher than the logo on an authentic MAC lipstick. [8]
6

Switch the cap with a product you know is real.

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  1. If you have two MAC lipsticks and suspect one of them is counterfeit, try to switch the caps. The fake one’s cap will loosely fit over the actual MAC lipstick’s applicator, but the authentic one’s cap will be too small to fit over the counterfeit’s applicator. With close inspection, you may be able to see that the authentic tube of MAC lipstick has a thinner metallic section. [10]
    • The MAC logo printed on the silver part of a mock-up will also be much taller and spread out.
9

Retract the lipstick and look inside the tube.

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  1. Turn the bottom of the tube so the lipstick retracts as much as possible and look at the inside of the tube. The imitation will have several hooks and cutouts lining the inside of the tube. The inner plastic part on a genuine MAC lipstick is much less busy, only having a crevice in the shape of a line with a small hook towards the top. [13]
    • The inner plastic lining of the knockoff lipstick may also be stark white and opaque as opposed to the more translucent gray-white plastic on the inside of the original MAC lipstick.
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13

Determine whether or not it feels greasy on your lips.

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15

Buy directly from a MAC store or website.

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  1. That way you can be sure the product is legit. Avoid buying MAC lipsticks from individual sellers, flea markets, street vendors, internet auctions, or independent boutiques because MAC doesn’t sell any of its products via these methods. [18] [19]
    • Beauty-supply stores like ULTA or Sephora or department stores like Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy's, and Neiman Marcus all carry authentic MAC lipsticks.
    • Report any counterfeit lipsticks to MAC by calling 1-800-387-6707 (option 8) or by emailing consumercare-us@gcc.maccosmetics.com.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it safe to buy beauty products on eBay?
    Hannah Metz
    Professional Makeup & Hair Artist
    Hannah Metz is a Professional Makeup & Hair Artist and the Founder and CEO of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty. With ten years of experience, she specializes in providing luxury makeup artistry and hair styling on location for others. Hannah and her team have completed beauty work for brand campaigns, celebrity red carpet events, and social media influencers.
    Professional Makeup & Hair Artist
    Expert Answer
    Buy makeup from third-party sellers at your own risk. Unfortunately, there's no way to guarantee that your product will be authentic when you buy from a third party.
  • Question
    What happens if you wear expired lipstick?
    Hannah Metz
    Professional Makeup & Hair Artist
    Hannah Metz is a Professional Makeup & Hair Artist and the Founder and CEO of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty. With ten years of experience, she specializes in providing luxury makeup artistry and hair styling on location for others. Hannah and her team have completed beauty work for brand campaigns, celebrity red carpet events, and social media influencers.
    Professional Makeup & Hair Artist
    Expert Answer
    Expired lipstick can cause a serious reaction on your skin, which is why it's not a good idea to wear it.
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      Tips

      • Familiarize yourself with special edition colors so you know what hues are legitimate for seasonal releases. [20]
      • Always buy MAC products from an authorized online or brick-and-mortar retailer to ensure you’re getting the high-quality product you expect.
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      Warnings

      • Do not try to sell or resell a counterfeit MAC product. This is illegal and MAC can take legal action against you, resulting in heavy fines or, in some cases, jail time. [21]
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