Yes, there are lots of great deals at Sephora, Ulta and other retailers. But that doesn't mean that a M.A.C. foundation would suddenly drop to a drugstore price. Since manufacturers regulate their pricing, it is highly unlikely that they would mark it down too low. If it seems suspiciously cheap, then it is most likely fake.
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Read the label
Most counterfeit beauty products imitate the original packaging, but they might not be so great with spelling. Check the product with the brand's official site and compare labels to make sure everything is spelled correctly and is in the correct order. These little details come in handy to help you know if you're about to buy a fake beauty product.
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Authenticate the product using apps
For K-beauty lovers, the influx of fake Korean beauty products has been a big problem. This is even more problematic since these products come from overseas and it's difficult to know if what you just bought is the real thing. Thankfully, Korean cosmetic brands have teamed up with developers like Hiddentag and Brandsafer to let consumers authenticate their products using an app. An authenticating sticker is placed on each product, which you can scan to verify.
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Shop only at trusted retailers
If you don't have the time to scrutinize every single detail of every product you buy, here's a fail-safe technique: buy the product in authorized retailers or at the company store. Trusted stores such as Sephora and Ulta partner with the brands themselves, so you are sure that what you're getting is 100% legit. Always be careful when buying on Amazon or eBay, as these accept third-party sellers who may not be carrying genuine products.
