Rip-Off Ireland: RTE Investigation Reveals Irish Women Are Charged More For Their Make-up

When it comes to make-up are we being ripped off? Well yes, according to The Consumer Show. In fact, an investigation by RTE has found that Irish shoppers pay a whopping 30 per cent more for cosmetics than our UK counterparts.

The Irish Sun reports that investigators from RTE’s The Consumer Show compared products for sale in the Oxford Street area of London with products for sale in the Grafton Street area of Dublin.

“I was totally shocked. We looked at over 70 items on the high street and they were all more expensive here except one or two. It was so consistent. We are being charged considerably more in many cases after you convert the prices into the same currency,” said Kathriona Devereux, one of the hosts from the programme.

For example, a popular brand of foundation was priced at €23.98 in the UK however, over here the same product cost €31.50. Likewise an eau de toilette from the Bodyshop was priced at €18.72 in the UK but in Ireland the price was hiked up to €27.95.

The Consumer Show compared cosmetics for sale in London and Dublin

“We spoke to some representatives of the industry who said the cost of doing business in Ireland is higher,” said Kathriona.

However, according to Retail Ireland, the consumer has the right to “shop around” and find the best bang for their buck.

“The consumer is king and has the right to shop around for the best value and spend their hard-earned euro wherever they want to,” said Stephen Lynam, the director of Retail Ireland.

Want to find out more about the price difference between Ireland and the UK when it comes to make-up? Check out The Consumer Show on RTE One tonight at 8.30pm.