THE HSE AND the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have today issued a warning to watch out for counterfeit “high-end” beauty products in the run up to Christmas.

Tests carried out on some 728 counterfeit and imitation products detained by the HPRA identified harmful substances such as arsenic and lead in them.

Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner and Urban Decay were among some of the brands seized to contain the dangerous substances.

Kylie Holiday-Burgundy and Bronze eyeshadow palettes, Kylie Matte liquid lipstick and lip liner, and Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes were a few of the specific products detained.

Revenue said it had seized “significant quantities” of counterfeit and imitation cosmetics on the way into the country in recent months. The majority of them were eye shadows or lip products.

The products are being purchased online from websites from outside the EU, and are sold to Irish consumers online and through social media. They have also been seen at trade shows and at markets throughout the country.

Aoife Farrell, cosmetics compliance manager at the HPRA, said: “Prolonged exposure to both of these banned substances can severely damage your health causing potential harm to your brain and kidneys, among other organs. The suppliers of these products are unconcerned about the health of the consumers who purchase them.

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.

She added that genuine Kylie Cosmetics products are only sold via the official US website and other high-end cosmetics are usually only available through pharmacies and high street retailers.

Farrell said: “If a product is much cheaper than in a high street store or pharmacy, consumers should be immediately suspicious and think twice before buying the beauty product.”

Read: Contaminated face paints and heavy metals in make-up among safety problems found in cosmetics

Read: Many mislabelled moisturisers are causing problems for skin disorder sufferers