Fake eBay The Balm – Meet Matt(e) Trimony Palette Review & Swatches

So a long time ago I ordered a palette on ebay. Now makeup on ebay is usually something I avoid, unless it’s a brand I know of, since you never really know what’s in their makeup. For some reason I’m fonder of trying a no-brand makeup on ebay, than getting fake ones. Now I’m not sure of this claim, but I feel like no-brand makeup is more “safe” than fake makeup is. The reason behind why I decided to get this palette, is for entertainment purposes only, and I’m kind of a daredevil so I just had to try it.

For over 10 years now, the beauty industry has been fighting with all of this fake makeup wandering around. Fake makeup is basically makeup that copies an original brand from head to toe regarding packaging. What’s different about the real deal as posed to the fakes are the product on the inside. These people who are manufacturing this type of makeup are seriously pros, as they can create packaging that is identical to the original. All of these fake goods are very easy to get your hands on sites like Ebay, Aliexpress, Wish etc. and is incredibly cheap. The only real way to avoid getting scammed is to buy directly from the brand’s website or from a trusted retail seller. On one hand I feel bad for the brands, that their being copied in such manner and on the other hand I do understand why some are curious to try them out.

I feel like I’m obligated to add some sort of disclaimer, which I understand, so please keep in mind that I’m well aware about the conditions fake makeup can be produced under as well as the possibly harmful ingredients. I do not encourage anyone to buy fake cosmetics! At the same time, I’m not going to judge or tell anyone not to buy fake makeup – I just want people to be responsible by doing their research and here after deciding whether it’s something they want to purchase or not. Now let’s move on to the review:

The packaging

The packaging is actually very cute with the guy on it, and looks quite legit. The entire packaging is made of cardboard, and even has a protective cardboard sleeve. Inside the palette there’s a big mirror, which is always a plus in my book, and it has this magnetic closure. All the writing looks quite similar to the real deal, and even the ingredients are written on the back. However I’m incredibly skeptical that those are the real ingredients. On the back there’s a QR Code that you’re able to scan, which of course I did. Do you want to know what’s crazy? It actually worked, and took me to the official website where I was able to see a makeup tutorial. Kind of scary how they’re able to get all those details, but at the same I’m actually kind of impressed. One thing that is quite annoying is how the shadows stain the cardboard, which make it almost impossible to wipe off. The reason why my palette is looking kind of dirty. Down below you can compare the 2 palettes to each other. The genuine one to the left, and the ebay palette to the right.

         

The shadows

Now the most important part – the shadows. I don’t detect much of a scent to them, slightly cardboard like, but that could be from the packaging. The shadows are soft, and quite pigmented. The most pigmented shadows are the 3 in the middle (The orange, red & purple). The shadows definitely alter from the original, and you’re especially able to see the difference when you compare them side by side. All of the shades are matte, as they are supposed be, and blend nicely as regular shadows. Honestly I’m very impressed, and I feel kind of guilty to say that it’s actually quite good. On the swatches on the photo I have layered the shadows a few times, so you’re able to clearly see the colors. One thing I must mention is how the shadows are slightly chalky & patchy, but still quite manageable.

Conclusion

I’m extremely impressed with the quality of this fake palette, both the packaging as well as the shadows. I didn’t have any negative reaction from the shadows, however the red shade did slightly stain my lid. Again I want to emphasize, whether you decide to buy these fake products is 100% up to you, but doing some research is always a good idea.