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This article is a transcription for the (now defunct) Makeup Utopia Forum. I kept it on the site, as I believe it to be an interesting discussion about the Grey Market.
SaraMay
Here’s the statement from Target about the MAC products that went on sale today:
Good Morning Sara-May,
Thank you for your email.
We wish to advise that our MAC cosmetic range is certainly genuine.
They were purchased from a supplier overseas, rather than directly from MAC in Australia.We can confirm that Target have sourced these products lawfully.
We hope this information clarifies your query.
I’ve taken the original statement from MAC down pending the official press statement to be issued in the coming days. Stay tuned…
Tue, 2012-08-07 16:22
TheBeautifoolBlog
That’s SO weird! :/
I’m not a MAC-user (simply because their products are ou of my price range) but if Target has them for less, I think I might. The only thing I’m worried about is the authencity of the products!
Is it possible to contact Target about this? Because I’ve read another blogger’s post and they said that the staffs themselves were not sure if the products are genuine!
Tue, 2012-08-07 16:43
SaraMay
I’m trying to get in touch with the contact person at Target to clarify this for you – I’ll let you know if I hear anything 
Editor – Makeup Utopia Magazine | Community Manager – Makeup Utopia Forum | Freelance Makeup Artist
Lizzi
Surely, Target can’t sell fake MAC, I mean it has to be ‘genuine’ of sorts? My concern isn’t that they are fake, but that they are genuine products that have been chilling for years in god only knows what storage situation, that the product quality will have deteriorated. My other issue is the lack of testers and sealing on the packaging, it’s my pet hate, if there are no testers people will open the packaging and put much paws all over it. I’m too OCD about makeup and germs for that.
Lizzi | Makeup Utopia Contributor | makeupandsmellthecoffee.blogspot.com.au
Fri, 2012-08-17 19:35
SaraMay
I agree. My personal feeling is that these probably are legitimate MAC products, however I know that some of the products are from the limited edition holiday collection from 2010.
Editor – Makeup Utopia Magazine | Community Manager – Makeup Utopia Forum | Freelance Makeup Artist
SaraMay
It looks like Estee Lauder (MAC’s parent company) has taken some action to protect their brand – I can’t say I’m surprised, but I was surprised that it took this long!
Editor – Makeup Utopia Magazine | Community Manager – Makeup Utopia Forum | Freelance Makeup Artist
Lizzi
I’m only surprised that they turned out to be fake…. I mean I know if something seems too good to be true…..BUT I just assumed Target would be smarter than to buy fake stuff in the 1st place, they are not a tiny company, they should have done their own tests.
‘The supplier said they were real…’ Really Target? I mean REALLY? Have you never been to an street market, country Sunday market or dodgy DVD shop in Thailand? Do you not shop on Ebay? Just because the person selling it says its real…does not mean it is….
Lizzi | Makeup Utopia Contributor | makeupandsmellthecoffee.blogspot.com.au
Wed, 2012-09-12 23:14
CottonCandyDiva
they were exactly my thoughts when I read ‘the supply assured us they were genuine’ pfft! what a cop out!! Blame shifting…
SaraMay
Having spoken to the buyer — she sounded very young. I think she may be naive, and has just learned a very valuable and possibly expensive lesson. I only hope it doesn’t end her career, and she learns to check her facts in future.
Editor – Makeup Utopia Magazine | Community Manager – Makeup Utopia Forum | Freelance Makeup Artist
Starling_Bright
I am glad that the stock was taken off the shelves… I did come across some fake items and also some legit but old stock and was furious as a loyal Mac user and blogger.
I agree with you Sarah, I think she learnt a very valueable lesson hopefully not the hard way
Makeup & Metal… A Chicks Opinion
http://starlingbright.blogspot.com
What’s your opinion on Target selling M.A.C products? Let me know in the comments below.
