This study aims to gain insights into consumers’ motivations when purchasing imitation of luxury cosmetics goods by applying the functional theory of attitude. Consumers’ desire for imitation luxury cosmetics hinges on their motivations underlying their consumption of luxury cosmetics. In addition, consumers’ perceived risk of purchasing imitation cosmetics and their brand loyalty towards the original luxury products will restrain their purchase intention of imitation cosmetics. Finally, the study examines the effect of products conspicuousness (private/public visible goods) and the effect of imitation types (feature/theme) on consumers’ preferences on concerning imitation consumption. The findings will provide insights for policy makers, brand managers and academics, and better understand imitation in the luxury cosmetics industry.

• Weiwei Zhang(Curtin University, Australia)
• Min Teah(Curtin University, Australia)