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The Ultimate Guide to Authentic 3CE Lipstick: Spotting the Real Deal

For years, 3CE has been a phenomenon, becoming the go-to lipsticks for Vietnamese youth. However, many are unsure how to spot a counterfeit 3CE lipstick. Let's explore this together and uncover the secrets to authenticating your favorite cosmetic brand.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

3CE lipsticks are one of the most popular Korean lipstick brands due to their superior quality and affordable price. To protect your health and your wallet, let’s explore some ways to spot a fake 3CE lipstick.

1. How to Spot a Fake 3CE Lipstick

Examine the Design and Packaging

Examine the design and packaging

The outer packaging is the easiest to counterfeit as the materials are cheap and easily accessible. However, we can still spot a fake 3CE lipstick by paying attention to small details such as:

The fake 3CE lipstick’s printing ink color is usually faint and less defined, whereas the authentic lipstick has a thinner but bolder print.

Differentiate by ink color and lipstick color

The color of the authentic 3CE lipstick’s packaging perfectly matches the color of the lipstick inside, while the fake lipstick’s packaging and product color do not match.

The opening and closing of the cap on a fake 3CE lipstick is not as smooth as the real one.

Sticker at the bottom of the lipstick

The sticker at the bottom of an authentic 3CE lipstick has clear and bold colors, and the color of the sticker matches the color of the lipstick. On the other hand, the information on a fake lipstick is printed less clearly, the sticker color does not match the lipstick color, and the font is usually of poorer quality.

For reference: 3CE Lipstick Color Chart – the most up-to-date and comprehensive guide for 2022

Examine the Lipstick Tip

For 3CE Matte Lipsticks: The tip of the authentic lipstick is rounded, while the fake lipstick has a sharper, angled tip.

Examine the lipstick tip

For 3CE Creamy Lipsticks: The brush tip of the authentic 3CE lipstick is longer and slightly angled, and the lipstick tube is thinner and black. The fake lipstick has a shorter, straight brush tip that is not as soft as the real one, and the tube is white and looks cheaper.

Differentiate between real and fake creamy lipsticks

Additionally, the authentic lipstick has a serrated edge on the cap, which is missing on the fake lipstick.

Evaluate the Lipstick Formula and Color Payoff

Evaluate the lipstick formula and color payoff

The formula of an authentic 3CE lipstick looks shinier, feels softer on the lips, and delivers true-to-color payoff.

A fake 3CE lipstick tends to have a drier, matte formula that applies unevenly and may require multiple layers to achieve the desired color intensity.

However, it is important to note that some counterfeit lipsticks may contain high levels of lead, resulting in better color retention. Therefore, this criterion should not be solely relied upon for authenticity assessment.

Check the Reflective Sticker

Check the reflective sticker

The reflective sticker is a type of security label printed on the outside of the packaging and consists of three distinct layers created with advanced technology. Each sticker features a unique ID number, ensuring that each lipstick is one of a kind.

To verify the reflective sticker, download the HiddenTag app from the App Store or CH Play on your mobile device. Once installed, open the app and select the “Scan for Authenticity” option. Then, simply scan the sticker on the product with your phone’s camera to check the results.

Consider the Price

Consider the price

You can visit the website of Stylenanda, the parent company of 3CE, to compare prices. A genuine 3CE lipstick typically costs around 15,000 won, which is approximately 300,000 VND.

When sold in the Vietnamese market, the price ranges from 350,000 to 400,000 VND, with the difference being attributed to shipping costs. If you come across a 3CE lipstick being sold for around 200,000 VND or less, be cautious and question the authenticity before making a purchase.

2. Where to Buy Authentic 3CE Lipsticks?

Purchase from Showrooms

Purchase from showrooms

These are trusted locations to buy authentic 3CE lipsticks that you should consider. If you cannot visit the showrooms yourself, you can ask a friend to purchase on your behalf during their travels or use a proxy shopping service.

Buy from the Official Website

Buy from the official website

If you don’t have the opportunity to visit a showroom, don’t worry! You can purchase directly from the 3CE brand’s official website. It usually takes around 5 to 7 days for the product to arrive. The website is now available in English, making the ordering process more convenient.

Buy from Online Marketplaces

Buy from online marketplaces

3CE lipsticks are now available on several Vietnamese online marketplaces. The advantage of this option is that you can find comprehensive information about the products in Vietnamese. However, the downside is that they may not always have the latest or most popular shades in stock, which can be inconvenient.

3CE, short for 3 Concept Eyes, is a brand under the Stylenanda label from South Korea. It has gained worldwide recognition for its trendy and captivating lipstick shades, including the 3ce mood recipe matte lip color, 3ce x lily maymac, 3ce red recipe matte lip color, and 3ce matte lip color. These shades offer a unique touch while staying on-trend.

The information provided above, along with the recommended purchase locations, should help you make an informed decision. We hope you found this guide useful, and we wish you a wonderful day ahead!

Frequently asked questions

There are several key indicators to look out for when trying to spot a fake 3CE lipstick. First, check the packaging. The authentic product will have a sleek, matte black box with a foil logo and product information. The counterfeit product may have a glossy box with a lower-quality print. Next, examine the lipstick itself. The real 3CE lipstick will have a smooth, creamy texture with an even color payoff. The fake product might have a drier texture and an uneven color payoff. Additionally, the authentic lipstick will have a subtle, pleasant scent, while the counterfeit product may have a strong, chemical smell.

The real 3CE lipstick will have a higher-quality packaging and product overall. The box will be matte black with a foil logo, while the counterfeit box may be glossy and have a lower-quality print. The authentic lipstick will have a smooth, creamy texture and an even color payoff. In contrast, the fake lipstick might have a drier texture and an uneven color distribution. Additionally, the real 3CE lipstick will have a subtle, pleasant fragrance, unlike the strong, chemical smell of the counterfeit product.

To ensure you’re purchasing an authentic 3CE lipstick, it’s recommended to buy from authorized retailers or directly from the brand’s official website. Look for trusted beauty supply stores or online retailers that are known for selling genuine products. Before purchasing, carefully examine the packaging and product details, as mentioned above. If you’re buying online, pay attention to customer reviews and the seller’s reputation.

Using a fake 3CE lipstick can pose several risks. First and foremost, counterfeit cosmetics may contain harmful ingredients or contaminants that can irritate your skin or cause more serious health issues. The product is unlikely to have undergone proper safety testing. Additionally, fake lipsticks may not perform as expected, leading to a disappointing experience. They may also have a shorter shelf life or become rancid more quickly due to the use of inferior ingredients.

Yes, in addition to the packaging and product quality, you can also look for subtle details such as the font and spacing of the text on the packaging, as well as the overall finish and feel of the product. Counterfeit products may have uneven printing, typos, or slightly different font styles. The weight and feel of the authentic product will also be more premium. It’s always a good idea to compare multiple images of the real product to ensure the one you’re purchasing aligns with all the key indicators.