Fake make-up seized from Lincolnshire home

A 26-year-old woman will be questioned after more than 275 suspected fake cosmetic products were seized from a private address in Humberston by Trading Standards officers.

The cosmetics were advertised and sold on online auction site Ebay at prices considerably lower than the recommended retail price.

The products seized included mascara, eyebrow and lip pencils, lipsticks and concealer, and are estimated to have a street value of around £2,258.

They would cost more than £6,000 if they were genuine goods.

Trading Standards officers from North East Lincolnshire Council searched the address in Humberston, a village south of Cleethorpes, with support from Humberside Police as part of an intelligence-led project.

There were also brand protection officers working on behalf of Benefit and Christian Dior.

The cosmetics have been sent for testing and are thought to be cheap copies of products by brands including Benefit, Dior, YSL, NARS, MAC, Kylie, Mariah Carey, Anastasia, Urban Decay, Chanel and Sun Mama.

Community protection and compliance team manager at North East Lincolnshire Council Neil Clark said: “We suspect the products are fake and they will be tested, not only to prove they are counterfeit, but also to assess their chemical make up as similar goods previously seized have been found to contain high levels of lead and other toxic chemicals and elements.

“A 26-year-old woman will be questioned regarding the matter at a later date.”

Anyone suspecting the authenticity of branded items being sold can report it to Trading Standards through Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06.

Click here to check the authenticity of a retailer and to report unauthorised sellers.