Shier Strength FBB - September 2018

WAIT, WHAT’S IN MY CONCEALER?

No Return Policy If there isn’t a return policy, that concealer might be a counterfeit. These sellers aren’t worried about customer satisfaction; they’re concerned with selling the fraudulent product as quickly as possible to make money. Check the Brand’s Authorized Retailer List Take a couple minutes before you submit your order to check the official website of the product’s brand. Oh, and as you’re site-hopping, practice some basic web security to help avoid sites selling counterfeit products — look for the “https” at the beginning of a site address, and pay attention to spelling and grammar mistakes on the website and in the URL. Buy From Sites That Verify Their Retailers Two of the biggest online retailers, Amazon and eBay, both allow unauthorized retailers to sell on their sites, though they do encourage consumers to do their own investigation and look at reviews and ratings before purchasing from a seller. Jet, a more recent addition to the online retail sites, operates in a closed marketplace where sellers must be verified. Whichever sites you buy your products from, look out for red flags that may signal a counterfeit item. A good deal isn’t worth putting your money or health at risk.

This spring, the Los Angeles police department seized $700,000 worth of fake cosmetics during a raid in downtown LA. Last year, the London Police issued a warning to consumers: Avoid buying counterfeit beauty products at all costs. So why is law enforcement so worried about where you get your blush? Not only are retailers who engage in selling fake items breaking the law, but they’re also often using the proceeds to fund organized crime. The even scarier aspect is that these products put consumers’ health at risk. The London Police guidelines note, “Fake cosmetics and fragrances have been found to contain toxic levels of chemicals and unpleasant substances, such as arsenic, mercury, and even urine, that could seriously harm your health.” The LAPD reported similar findings. We like to think we can trust online retailers, but unfortunately, it’s all too easy to sell counterfeit items on the internet. Counterfeit goods, as defined by the London Police, are “fake items deliberately made to look genuine.” They can be hard to spot, but there are a few key clues that can indicate whether you’re buying a real-deal product. Significantly Lower Prices If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. A significantly lowered price could signal a counterfeit item. Sellers often get counterfeit items in bulk from foreign factories, which allows them to sell at a vastly lowered price and yield a large profit.

AB BUSTER

ROASTED TURMERIC CAULIFLOWER

When it comes to eating paleo, side dishes are almost always a bigger challenge than mains. If you’re in need of a flavorful vegetable dish, check out this recipe for spicy, savory cauliflower.

INGREDIENTS

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon turmeric

2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Chopped fresh basil, to garnish

DIRECTIONS

1.

Heat oven to 400 F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coconut oil, spices, garlic, and water. 3. Lay cauliflower across a large baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and top with mixture. 4. Roast for 30 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

Inspired by PaleoHacks

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