[docmaria]

I think you raise an excellent point and I do try to make an effort to buy the VG items from my local counter.

However, I don't feel one iota of guilt about buying a couple BCA estee lauder and stila items from ebay.

Why?

Because they were simply never offered in Australia.

Similarly, some people just don't have local access to MAC and whilst there is mail-order in Australia, there are countries where they aren't counters let alone mail-order.

Not to mention the fact that when you take Australian retail prices into account [$34 for the lipstick and $8.50 postage (ie. ~$US33)], you can see why people may choose ebay over direct charity.