- To be broadcast nationally on Friday, May 11^th -

New York, NY – May 11^th – Designer makeup does not come cheap and it is usually only sold in big name department stores.

INSIDE EDITION producers were able to purchase makeup with designer labels at a fraction of the price from street vendors.  However, the counterfeit makeup illegal, it is also potentially dangerous.   

INSIDE EDITION had the makeup tested and found that some counterfeit versions were contaminated with filthy bacteria, high levels of lead, (which can cause vertigo, blurred vision and dizziness), and minerals like aluminum. Experts say all of these products can be very dangerous for the skin.

INSIDE EDITION’s Deborah Norville took the shocking results to one of the vendors who was selling counterfeit makeup.  He wasn’t happy to see her.

NORVILLE: “Did you know you were selling counterfeit makeup?”

VENDOR:  “Not at the moment.  I know now.”

NORVILLE: “A number of the makeup items you were selling were contaminated with lead.  Were you aware of that?”

VENDOR:  “I am now.”

In Los Angeles officials seized tens of thousands of dollars worth of counterfeit makeup at the LAX airport—all of it coming directly from China, in just one week. Experts say unlike other counterfeit goods—such as shoes and purses—knock off makeup is difficult to distinguish between what’s real and not real.

Dr. Robert Buka, a New York dermatologist, tells INSIDE EDITION fake makeup can cause burning and even disfigurement of the skin.

INSIDE EDITION is produced daily by Inside Edition Inc. and distributed by CBS Television Distribution.

Check local listings for stations and times.

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