Target Australia selling MAC products? Too good to be true!

When I heard that Target were selling MAC cosmetics for heavily discounted prices, I couldn't wait to head in a check it out. The first thing I noticed when I got there was there were only three products left. Naturally, I bought all three and left the stands bare. The second thing I noticed was Target's over-use of the words "genuine" and "authentic". To be honest, I wouldn't have questioned it if it wasn't bought to my attention by Target themselves. Also, if they were actually selling "genuine" and "authentic" products.

L-R: All That Glitters; Ricepaper; Nylon.

I bought three eyeshadows: Nylon, Ricepaper and All That Glitters. Three shades I have never owned before (making this post a little boring) and all shades that I've been drawn to in the past. I was hoping to pick up some of my favourite products to do a comparison, but beggars can't be choosers.

Labelling on all shades is pretty precise - all the same information is on these as is on my authentic MAC shadows that I have purchased from David Jones. The packaging is identical, all of the aesthetic jazz is pretty well in line.

The shadows themselves are of a really decent quality - of a MAC quality. I can't speak for the shades, as I have never owned them previously. However the finishes are spot-on (frost, veluxe pearl), the texture and application are near identical... If these are fakes, they're damn good.

My best guess is that Target is selling factory seconds, or expired stock. I do think that these products originally came from a MAC factory, but perhaps weren't fit for sale at a MAC counter. MAC has come out saying that Target is not a supplier of their cosmetics, and they are unsure as to how they are in possession of stock. While I did buy these products and will continue to use them, I doubt I'll be shopping at Target any more.

***This video explains the entire situation a lot better than I ever could, with many product comparisons. I highly recommend it!