Drop Dead Gorgeous: Counterfeit makeup products contain rat droppings and cyanide

The downfalls of counterfeit makeup products have been something of an urban legend in beauty circles, but new tests show just how dangerous its content can be.

Rat droppings, urine and cyanide are just some of the ingredients found in the sprouts tested by police, who issued a fresh warning against using knock-off products.

China is the main distributor in the black market makeup scene, with the US coming in second, distributing cut-price versions of cult products such as makeup palettes,  makeup brushes and bronzers, with dangerous consequences.

The contamination is largely due to poor working conditions at factories. Police in the UK have urged consumers to only purchase from reputable outlets, rather than individuals who sell through Facebook pages or eBay.

In recent years, customers have showed the dramatic effects of cut price makeup, including eye swelling, rashes and severe allergic reactions.