Some secrets when it comes to purchasing Mary Kay on eBay:

1) If it is too good to be true--it probably is! Huge lots selling for super cheap probably means that the seller was once a consultant (or someone they know was) and they are selling out their inventory. Too good because most of the makeup is probably EXPIRED--Always ask for day codes or expiration dates from sellers. All Mary Kay products have a day code that gives the manufacture date. Some products only have a shelf life of 2 years, so be careful!

2) No picture(s) is not  a good sign! Ask the seller why they have not posted a photo and if they can add one. Mary Kay often changes formulas. New packaging is popular among the company. If you don't see a photo--you could be purchasing an old product or discontinued formula. The Timewise Day and Night Solution are a prime example. In the past couple of years they have changed bottles three times. The gold tops are the oldest of the three, then the white tops that match the gold top bottles, and the latest Solutions that have a taller and more slender bottle with white tops.

3) Look for real photos! If the picture is of an advertisment or copied off the Mary Kay website, you have no idea what you are buying--it could be an older or expired version. Plus, using photos off of Mary Kay's website is actually illegal.

4) Full Size? Always check listings to guarantee that you are purchasing a full size product and not a travel/trial size. If you are looking for a smaller version--great, but sometimes you may pay a high price and receive less than you expected! Mary Kay offers trial sizes and samples in almost all of their products!

5) Always check the Seller's Feedback! By checking to see what other buyer's experiences have been, you can get a better idea of the product's safety. There is no reason you can't contact the buyer and find out what they really thought and what the product was like either!

6) Read the fine print! Many sellers put in fine print the product's expiration/manufacture date or details about the product you may want to know. Things such as the size, quantity, expiration, damage, packaging, etc. could all be hidden behind the flashy layouts!

7) Ability to return is good! Sellers who offer fresh products are almost always willing to allow returns because they know their products are new and in great condition. When a seller refuses to take returns, they may not trust their own products!

8) eBay Stores are a great place to visit! Even though an auction may land you a lower price, the seller may not be serious about the product's integrity. If a seller is willing to spend the money on an eBay store, the product is probably pretty good (if you follow the other criteria listed above). Plus, many sellers offer discounts on shipping when you purchase more than one item or allow you to sign up for special promotional e-mails.

9) Check Shipping and Handling before bidding and buying! Many sellers charge different shipping rates than what is listed. Check the product's description to see if there are different prices listed. Never be afraid to ask a seller for a firm quote. Also--don't be afraid to pay a little more in shipping and handling if the buy it now price or bid is low. Often, sellers put their handling (packaging, delivery time, etc.) price on with shipping. This is not bad--it is actually part of eBay's policy to do so. Sellers are not trying to rip you off, they are doing business. This is not to say that you should pay $20.00 shipping for one eyeliner--this you can report to eBay. You're smart--you know what is reasonable!

10) Never be afraid to ask! Sellers who are serious about their products and business will answer your questions quickly and honestly. Don't be afraid to purchase cosmetics and skin care online, just be careful when it comes to the few out there just trying to make a few bucks.

Happy bidding...and buy safe!

Naturalessence1 (Former eBay Seller)