The Health Products Regulatory Authority says it has seized a number of imitation make-up kits that could be harmful to people's health.
Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner and Urban Decay were among the forged cosmetic brands which were found to contain illegal substances. The majority of counterfeit cosmetic products seized have been eye-shadows and lip products.
The counterfeit products detained by the HPRA include, Kylie Holiday-Burgundy and Bronze eyeshadow palettes, Kylie Matte liquid lipstick and lip liner, and Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes.
Tests showed the counterfeit beauty products on sale through certain outlets, markets and websites, contained harmful substances, such as arsenic and lead.
Some of these products can be purchased online from websites based outside of the EU and are being sold to Irish consumers online and through social media. They have also been found in some trade shows and at markets throughout the country.
Aoife Farrell, Cosmetics Compliance Manager, HPRA, warned that "prolonged exposure to both of these banned substances can severely damage your health causing potential harm to your brain and kidneys, among other organs."
"We can't emphasise enough the need for consumers to be vigilant when purchasing cosmetics this Christmas; while they may be sold at a cheaper cost than legitimate beauty products, it is never worth gambling with your health when buying these products."
Shoppers trying to spot counterfeit cosmetics are being told that they are normally sold at a significantly cheaper price and that the packaging may look faded with words spelled wrong.
Anyone who suspects they may have bought or been given immitation makeup is being asked to not use it and report it to Gardai, Revenue and the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
