I was really hoping to post the video for this at the same time as this post but, with this sudden cough that’s struck me – and the lung that is no doubt threatening to be coughed up – I’m not sure if I’m particularly up for that one right now. However, it is definitely coming up and I will be updating this post once it is!

Launching right into the review, these are three of the new lipsticks from the 3CE Red Recipe collection. I was super excited when this new range come out because I’m a lover and a believer of the classic red lip. Their last Mood Recipe collection was also really popular but, truth be told, I’ve been getting quite tired of seeing browns everywhere and I was so glad for a change.

The 3CE Red Recipe collection comes with five lipsticks (in both matte and original finishes), two red blushes (which I am itching to get my hands on) and three nail polishes. For this review, I’ll be talking about three shades of the lipsticks: Moon, Fig and Ruby Tuesday. These are all bright but also very wearable shades with subtle differences, and all three of them can easily transition from work, date to evening make up.

I received these products to review from BB Cosmetic, so feel free to check out their website if you’re interested in these products. They stock all five shades of the lipsticks and both of the blushes. You can also get 8% off with my code (QAL3F6ZA8YZ), get 10% credit back by posting an SNS review and enjoy free shipping on all orders!

So the packaging of the Red Recipe lipsticks are really similar to the Mood Recipe in that they come in a square, monochromatic design. The shade of red changes to reflect the colour of the lipstick, naturally. Personally, I really love the designs from 3CE – they’re all extremely on brand and have a very clean, trendy look that I love. There is some text on the back of the box, as well as a genuinity sticker – since there are quite a few fakes out there now. Here, you can also check on the finish of the lipstick.

For the three I am testing, Moon is an original lipstick with a satin finish, while the Ruby Tuesday and Fig are matte finishes.

The original is described as “a lush lipstick with rich colours that adhere seamlessly to lips” while the matte is “a matte type lipstick with creamy application.” When it comes down to it, I actually like both of the finishes – I also find the original to be more hydrating and better to wear when your lips are a bit dry. I think that, in the end, it’s just preference.

So pictured above are the tubes that they come in. The plastic has a matte finish and it feels a little bit soft to the touch – like satin. It is definitely plastic though and the square shape means that it’s really sturdy – it won’t twist open accidentally (unless you’re a fool like me who managed to smush Fig while on the bus… sigh).

As you can see, the colour differences between all three are very subtle and, if you don’t look closely, I think that it would be difficult to tell them apart (except for the satin finish of Moon, of course). Here are my personal descriptions of the colours – as I find the official ones to be a bit vague:

• 212 Moon [Original] : A rich, almost vintage-style traditional red.
• 215 Ruby Tuesday [Matte] : A bright red with a hint of burgundy tones. Not as deep as I thought it would be, though.
• 213 Fig [Matte] : It is meant to be a soft, romantic pink-red in the lip swatches, but I find that it looks more like a woody, modern red.

I’ve put my own swatches of them below (along with the official lip swatches) but, before that, I actually wanted to share with you a few of the promotional images. Aside from their usual models, 3CE has also called in one of my favourites – Heize! Check out these photos and see below for my final thoughts on this product.

Swatches Time!

As you can see in the comparative swatches above, most of these were fairly accurate except for Fig – this turned out a lot deeper and woodier than I thought it would and is actually closer to Ruby Tuesday than the swatches show. However, I did notice that this lipstick can be sheered out to have a similar soft tony by applying with a brush. In fact, I would recommend to apply all of these lipsticks with a brush – with such bold colours, you want to get a very precise application.

The matte colours were quite creamy and hydrating, they didn’t dry out the lips. However, as is the nature with these sorts of formulas, they do drag when applied straight from the bullet and can be a bit messy. I think that this line felt a lot more hydrating than the Mood Recipe which I had swatched in store. These lipsticks, although matte, are not as long wearing as a liquid lipstick and eating or coffee will take a lot of it off. These definitely transfer, but not as much as the original.

The original applies super creamy and is easy used straight from the bullet – so it’s easy to keep on hand for quick touch ups. It gives a glossy finish that is very hydrating on the lips and light. However, this one transfers a lot so you do have to be careful about smearing it. It is possible to mattify it slightly by blotting it on tissue, which will get rid of that glossy, satin finish. This doesn’t stop transferring, but minimises it.

Although Fig was different to the colour I thought it would be, the resulting colours were all really pretty and, in my opinion, very easy to wear. These lipsticks can easily be worn as a full lip (for a bold look) or sheered/gradient style for those who prefer something more subtle. The packaging is beautiful, stacks well and look great as a set too! I’m really happy that 3CE is coming out with some new stuff.

Overall, I really love these lipsticks and I reach for them when ever I want a good, strong look. Nothing can make someone feel more empowered than a classic, red lip. Look forward to my upcoming YouTube tutorial too where I will be showing you how to wear these lipsticks for work/casual, date time and evening looks!

Until then, here’s the verdict!

THE GOOD

• Trendy, stylist monochromatic packaging
• Looks great as a set
• Sturdy and good quality packaging
• Good range of finishes (matte to original)
• Hydrating – even the mattes are not drying
• Original formula applies flawlessly smooth
• Decent wear time
• Flexible (can be worn in many ways)
• Good range of red tones (there’s something for everyone)

THE BAD

• Matte formula is difficult to apply from the bullet
• Transfers (especially the original)
• Fig is inaccurate to the lip swatch
• Not as long wearing as their liquid lipsticks

WOULD I RECOMMEND?

If only because they’re red and I love red, I would absolutely recommend. I have also been in love with 3CE’s matte red eye shadow and I intend on getting my hands on the red blush soon as well. Since there’s a good range of colours, there is definitely going to be something to suit everyone so I recommend that everyone check it out.

For those who are uninitiated to the world of the bold, bright red lip, start it off slow by sheering out the formula with a lip brush or gradating the lipstick first. Slowly build yourself up to a full, possibly overlined red lip, and you will never look back!

WHERE TO GET IT FROM

You can get this from BB Cosmetic for USD$21.53 with free shipping, 10% credit back for SNS reviewers and a 8% discount using my code! They are a regular sponsor for Oh My Stellar is a trusted website that I always recommend and purchase from myself.

You can use my code for 8% off your purchase: QAL3F6ZA8YZ.