Orthodox Jewish Woman Sues Cosmetics Maker for Falsely Advertising 24-Hour Makeup That Doesn’t Last the Sabbath
by Zach Pontz
An Orthodox Jewish woman in New York is suing makeup giant Lancome, claiming that its “24-hour” foundation doesn’t last the Sabbath — and so doesn’t stay on the 24 hours it’s supposed to.
Rorie Weisberg of upstate Monsey says the French luxury-cosmetics maker falsely advertised its new Teint Idole Ultra 24H and she can prove it: the make up “faded significantly” overnight.
“The 24-hour claim was central to plaintiff’s purchase decision, as a long-lasting makeup assists with her dual objectives of compliance with religious law and enhancement to her natural appearance,” her suit says.
Court papers say Weisberg “is an Orthodox Jew and abides by Jewish law by not applying makeup from sundown on Friday until nighttime on Saturday.” This means the makeup would have been crucial to helping her keep Jewish law, especially at major family occasions.
“Specifically, plaintiff’s eldest son is having his bar mitzvah celebration in June and plaintiff was looking for a long-lasting foundation that would achieve the foregoing dual objectives over the bar mitzvah Sabbath,” the suit says.
The Manhattan federal-court filing accuses Lancome of violating New York business law through “deceptive acts and practices.”
The suit seeks unspecified damages from Lancome and parent company L’Oréal on behalf of Weisberg and everyone else who bought the flesh-colored goop, as well as a “corrective advertising campaign.”
“Lancôme strongly believes that this lawsuit has no merit and stands proudly behind our products. We will strenuously contest these allegations in court. Consistent with our practice and policy, however, as this matter is currently in litigation, we cannot comment further,” a spokeswoman for L’Oreal said in a statement.