Customers Demand Refunds for Alleged Scam at W Cosmetics Beauty Event

Customers are demanding refunds from W Cosmetics following a disappointing beauty event in Sydney. The event, called World of W, promised attendees $100 in freebies but left many unsatisfied and frustrated. Numerous complaints have been lodged with consumer watchdogs regarding the organization and execution of the event.

Event Details and Attendance

The World of W event took place from January 22 to 25, 2026, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney. Tickets were sold for $35 each, and attendees were informed they would receive a swag bag filled with beauty products.

Customer Experiences

• Attendees were allocated two-hour time slots to enter the event.
• Over 25 beauty brands showcased their products, but many ran out of stock quickly.
• Customers spent long hours queuing for limited products, often leaving empty-handed.

One attendee reported spending five hours at the event and expressed her frustration over the long wait times and lack of promised items. Many other participants took to social media platforms like Instagram and Reddit to voice their dissatisfaction.

Marketing and Promotions

As part of the event, some brands required participants to complete tasks on social media, such as following accounts and sharing posts, before receiving products. This led to further complaints as attendees felt they were subjected to unnecessary conditions for the items they expected.

Changes and Aftermath

Initially, the Humanitix event page stated that general admission included $100 worth of free beauty goodies. This wording was later amended to clarify that items were “up to” that value. Eventually, the event page was removed, sparking concern among customers about its validity.

Corporate Response

W Cosmetics has yet to issue refunds to unhappy customers. Narae Ko, the brand’s head of marketing, acknowledged the concerns of some attendees but highlighted the positive feedback received from others. Ko has encouraged customers to share their experiences directly with the company via email.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has noted that customer service issues may not always indicate a violation of the Australian Consumer Law, depending on specific circumstances.

Conclusion

The backlash from the World of W event has raised critical questions about consumer rights and the responsibilities of event organizers. As the situation unfolds, customers continue to seek acknowledgment and resolution from W Cosmetics.