Lancome cosmetics is being sued by an Orthodox Jewish woman who claimed that their “24-hour” make-up failed to cover her over Shabbat.
New York-based Rorie Weisberg is accusing the company of falsely advertising its face foundation.
The product, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H, costs £27.50 for 30ml. It is marketed as “our first 24-hour liquid foundation – no need for touch-ups.”
Mrs Weisberg claims that make-up did not last over Shabbat, fading overnight.
The lawsuit, which is demanding unspecified damages and a corrective advertising campaign, reads: “The 24-hour claim was central to plaintiff’s purchase decision, as a long-lasting make-up assists with her dual objectives of compliance with religious law and enhancement to her natural appearance.
“Specifically, plaintiff’s eldest son is having his barmitzvah celebration in June and plaintiff was looking for a long-lasting foundation that would achieve the forgoing dual objectives of lasting during her son’s barmitzvah and over the Sabbath.”
Orthodox women are not permitted to apply make-up during Shabbat as it amounts to work.
A spokesperson for the French company, owned by beauty brand L’Oreal, said they were contesting the claim which “has no merits”.