Yo girl hella late to the 3CE party (3CE mood recipe lip color mini kit review + swatches)

I know I know, I’m so late to the party.  3CE has been one of those well loved and well known brands everyone has loved for years, but I for some reason never got around to trying their stuff.  I got this gifted to me a while back from Beautytap along with something else I picked up from 3CE that I will have to swatch for you (it will take a while to do the swatches haha).  Nude lippies have been all the rave thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner, whether we want to admit it or not.  I for one am not into that poopy grey undertone brown matte lip thing going on, so I thought this would be a great nude alternative.  I also know this is totally not a spring/summer type of lip look you’d want to rock, but better late then never? Alrighty, let’s dive right in.

Full name of product:
3CE mood recipe lip color mini kit

Limited edition/ Permanent?:
Permanent

Description of product:
“A matte type lipstick with a creamy application; this primer-like consistency will let your lips maintain a distinct color all day.

Primer matte texture: The primer-like matte texture lets it glide on without any tugging while creating a clear, defined lip look.
Pigment infusion system: A single stroke or two is all you need to create a rich and sensual color.
Creamy application: Mood recipe lipstick has a creamy application and blends effortlessly to create naturally gradient lips suitable for any make up look.”

Price:
50,000 won

Amount of product:
1.3 g each x 5

Duration before expiration:
2 years if unopened or used. 
1.5 years when opened and used

Country of Manufacture:
Made in Korea
Manufactured by Cosmax Co.

Where to buy:
Beautytap
Amazon

Shades available:
There are actually a lot more shades in their matte range, but these are the shades offered in this kit.

Ingredients:
Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Microcrystalline Wax, Ceresin, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Triethylhexanoin, Ozokerite, Diglyceryl Sebacate Isopalmitate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Alumina, Dicalcium Phosphate, Oxtyldodecanol, Euphorbia Cerifere (Candelilla) Wax, Sorbitan Isostearate, VP/ Hexadecene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Iron Oxides (CI77491), Yellow 6 Lake (CI15985), Polyethylene, Iron Oxides (CI77492), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter), Mangifera Indica (Mango) seed butter, Diamond powder, Amethyst powder, Pearl powder, Tourmaline, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Water, Butylene Gllycol, Methylparaben, Mica (CI77019), Iron Oxides (CI77499)

How to use:
Simply swipe the lipstick onto your lips either directly or with a lip brush.

Packaging:
Packaging for these lipsticks are simple but gorgeous.  Each lipstick tube corresponds to the actual shade and is very accurate which is super helpful since a lot of time, the color on the tube is always off by an undertone or couple of shades.  When I first got these lipsticks, I was so surprised to see the size of them.  I mean yes I know they are mini, but I didn’t expect them to be 2″ in height kind of tiny.  You also get very little product, it is almost laughable how little product you get (1.3 g each to be exact).  I almost feel like a giant holding up these tiny tiny lipsticks.

Image from Style Nanda

Color+ Pigmentation/ Texture:
Although this is my first time trying anything form 3CE, I’m not surprised that the pigmentation is amazing and definitely comparable to Western matte lipstick pigmentation.  With just one swipe, you get a true to color shade transfer onto the skin.  They said in the description that these lipsticks have a “primer matte texture” and it definitely has a matte texture.  It is almost so matte that it doesn’t glide smoothly onto the lips.  The lipstick is borderline too dry but you can definitely tell that it will stay on your lips for a long period of time.  Out of the five shades, 909 smoked rose has a slightly creamier texture then the rest and glides on a lot more smooth.  Luckily, even though it kind of tugs onto the lips when you apply it, at least the formula doesn’t skip or look choppy which I can appreciate.

Also because this is a matte finish, definitely prepare your lips with some hydration because your fine lines and dry patches will show.  You will be able to tell in the swatches down below.114 Rows: Warm beige nude shade with a slight orange undertone
“A nude beige tone befitting of runway models. Color inspired by classy and sophisticated high fashion; the sleek, effortless chic vibe from the runways recreated as a lip color”

As chic as i want to feel, this shade does not work with my yellow undertone skin color.  The orange pulls too Oompa Loompa and definitely does not flatter my overall appearance. The formula is decent for this shade but it does show my fine lines and dead skin like no tomorrow.

116 inked heart: Cool orangey shade with a slight brick red undertone
“A captivating peach-brown lipstick tone that creates the perfect shade when blended with your natural lip color.  This shade is all the rage among the hottest social media stars.”

Well but of course… this lipstick is the reason why I am not a social media star yet!  I’m just kidding LOL.  Again, this lipstick has a bit too much of a orange undertone to be able to work with my yellow undertone.  It think someone with a tan would look very nice in this shade, just not Casper the ghost here.

115 Muss: Cool dusty rose pink shade
“If you’re wondering what color “pretty” is, we’ve found it right here.  This rose beige color is the ultimate statement of femininity, with a softness that will make your face radiate.”

Out of the five shades here, this is actually one shade I do like.  It is one of those classic dusty rose shades that goes well with my yellow undertone and doesn’t pull too yellow or too bright pink.  My favourite type of shades but unfortunately, the formula works against my dry butthole lips.

And also, I don’t know why the camera is picking up this shade so much darker.

909 smoked rose: Cool smokey red rose shade
“A department from your typical brick rose shade; this unique lip color is on the borderline between red and rose.  A stylish shade that will instantly leave you feeling like a fashionista.”

Although I still haven’t built up the courage to go out the house with bright red lips, I definitely would be able to do it with this shade.  It has the perfect balance of red without being too in your face.  Out of the five shade, this is definitely the creamiest one and application is hell of a breeze.

117 chicful: Cool deep dark berry shade with a red undertone
“A unique deep reddish brown lip color never seen before, with a bold fierceness that simply demands attention.  This lipstick tone is sure to leave you in the spotlight.”

And last but not least, the darkest shade of them all.  I truly wish this shade would apply better then it does because it is one of the most unique shade I have found in K-beauty.  But application is a bitch and in the end, it still somehow looks patchy.  I can not for the life of my get a perfectly even and straight line and this is pretty much how it turned out.  Dry patches will show, so I don’t know who’s amazingly perfect lips this will cater to.Lasting power:
Lasting power is definitely not a problem with this product since the formula is on the drier side.  Lip hydration however is something you’ll need to think about since this dries out the lips within 1 hour of wear.

Fragrance?:
No fragrance detected.

Pro:
-super pigmented
-long lasting
-tons of shades to choose from

Con:
-drying on the lips
-formula can be a bit smoother for application

Repurchase?:
Not for their matte formulas but I’m curious about their other finishes.

Stars given out of 5:
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall thoughts:
If you have been itching to try the 3CE lipsticks and you really like nudes, I’d definitely say give this kit a shot.  I mean one full size lipstick that has 3.5 g of product retailing for $20 while this kit gives you 5 shades for $50.  I think it really depends on if you like matte finish lipsticks and how many of the five shades do you really like.  I personally only found two shades out of the five in this kit to be wearable on my skin tone, but the formula does nothing for my dry patches of skin.  Overall I am quite impressed with 3CE lippies and would say it definitely rivals Clio’s lippies, but I’d still choose Clio’s lipsticks since it glides a bit better then these ones.  This kit isn’t bad, it just isn’t for me unfortunately.

Product gifted by Beautytap.  Not a sponsored post.

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