Aussie beauty addicts often feel like they're paying more than their American counterparts. But how much are they actually being ripped off?
BuzzFeed Oz set out to discover if Aussie beauty addicts are really getting the raw end of the deal.
Here's how we did it.
Using the current prices on both the Australian and American retailers' websites, we then added the the nationwide average sales tax of 5.45% to the American price. Using Google's currency converter on July 3rd at an exchange rate of 76 Australian cents to every US dollar, we then translated the American price + tax to Australian currency to see how the Australian price compared.
We began with Sephora.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Style Eye-Con Palette
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick
Tarte Cheek Stain
Make Up For Ever HD Foundation
So how does Mecca Cosmetica compare?
Mecca has a price promise on its website that states that they stay as close to America's prices as possible.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette
NARS Blush
Too Faced Natural Matte Eyeshadow Collection
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner
Smashbox Bronze Lights Compact
So what about the department stores?
From our conversions, Mecca showed that they don't put a huge mark-up on most of their items. Would the department stores prove themselves, also?
Benefit They're Real Mascara
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat
Illamasqua Sculpting Duo
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow
Christian Dior 5 Couleurs Designer Palette
And what about David Jones?
Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Foundation
M.A.C. Lipstick
Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick
Lancôme Hypnose Star Mascara
Laura Mercier Moisture Suprème Foundation
Guerlain Meteorite Pearls Illuminating Powder
But what about the brands at Priceline?
Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Eyeshadow Quads
Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal 24hr Cream Gel Shadow
Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips
Essie Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish
When contacted, Priceline told BuzzFeed News that the fault lies with suppliers.
"There is no doubt that suppliers with an international presence sell products to retailers in different countries at different prices. As a result, consumers will see different on-shelf prices from one country to another. For our part, we endeavour to give our customers the widest range, strongest value and expert service of any cosmetics retailer in Australia. To this end, we work with our suppliers to provide the best outcomes for our customers."
And last but not least, what about Target?
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream
CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
