Too good to be true: counterfeit cosmetics!

So my boyfriend told me yesterday about something he had watched on T.V lately and I didn't actually start paying attention until he mentioned MAC.
What he was telling me was that the show was about investigations into people selling counterfeiter cosmetics.
I already knew that this was rife. Everywhere.
But what he said next really shocked me.
These counterfeit cosmetics contained chemicals such as mercury!
Now I'm no chemistry whizz but I know mercury is extremely harmful!

Where are these counterfeit good being sold?
EVERYWHERE!
From markets to ebay!
As a rule I only buy cosmetics from places where I can be sure they are 100% authentic.
However I do own a 'MAC' eyeliner that I know is counterfeit so it went straight in the bin as soon as I saw the program!

In future, please remember that if something like this seems to good to be true. It probably is!
I now actively avoid buying products on ebay being sold under 'buy it now' and exercise caution when bidding on items which appear to be genuine (i.e. someone bought the wrong shade and is selling it so it wasn't a complete waste of money).

To check this out for yourself just click here.

Have you had any experiences with fake cosmetics?