When you think of K-beauty brands that blend style, performance, and cult status, 3CE (3 Concept Eyes) always tops the list. Created by Korean fashion label STYLENANDA, 3CE has become a global sensation, not only for its aesthetic packaging but also for its highly pigmented, fashion-forward makeup products that appeal to everyone from beginners to seasoned beauty junkies.
From velvety lip tints to editor-approved foundations, this brand has a wide range of hero products that consistently sell out across Korea and beyond. But with so many choices, where should you start?
Here’s your editor-curated guide to the best 3CE products to buy and try—with honest reviews, why they’re iconic, and how to use them for maximum glow-up.
What Makes 3CE So Special?
Before we dive into the best-sellers, let’s talk about why 3CE has such a cult following:
- Trendy yet wearable colours that suit a wide range of skin tones
- High-quality pigmentation without the luxury price tag
- Instagram-worthy packaging that feels like a designer beauty buy
- Runway-ready formulations developed with K-beauty skin sensitivity in mind
Whether you’re shopping for your first 3CE lipstick or ready to build a full-face collection, here are the best 3CE products worth every won (or dollar).
1. 3CE Velvet Lip Tint
The 3CE Velvet Lip Tint is the brand’s most famous product—and for good reason. With its soft-blur finish, high colour payoff, and lightweight feel, this lip tint creates the ultimate Korean gradient lip or bold, full-on colour.
Best shades to try:
- Going Right – A peachy coral that flatters most skin tones
- Daffodil – A muted red-rose that’s ideal for everyday wear
- Private – A deep, sultry red perfect for night outs
Pro tip: Apply one layer for a natural flush or layer for a richer pop of colour. For the classic gradient look, focus colour at the center of the lips and blur outward.
2. 3CE Multi Eye Color Palette
These 9-pan eyeshadow palettes are packed with matte, shimmer, and glitter finishes that are ultra-blendable. Each palette is colour-coordinated for foolproof eye looks, from soft neutrals to sultry smoky vibes.
Top palettes to try:
- #Overtake – A cult-favourite with rosy neutrals and rich browns
- #Smoother – Soft beige tones perfect for daily wear
- #Beach Muse – Peach and pink shades that scream springtime
Why people love it: Unlike many drugstore palettes, the formula is smooth, non-chalky, and holds up well throughout the day, even on oily lids.
3. 3CE Mood Recipe Lip Color Matte
These bullet lipsticks from the Mood Recipe collection offer full pigmentation with a chic matte finish that never feels drying. The shades are beautifully curated with earthy, muted tones that define K-beauty minimalism.
Best shades to own:
- #909 Smoked Rose – A warm red with a vintage twist
- #114 Rows – A dusty pink-nude that’s ideal for clean-girl makeup
- #117 Chicful – A deep burgundy that instantly elevates your look
Insider tip: Pair with the 3CE Lip Liner for extra staying power.
4. 3CE Back to Baby Glow Beam
This liquid highlighter-primer hybrid gives skin a lit-from-within glow without glitter. Think glass skin in a bottle. Ideal for mixing into foundation or applying to high points of the face.
Variants:
- White – Best for a dewy, translucent glow
- Pink – Adds a soft rosiness to dull skin
Best for: Dry or combination skin types that want radiance without oiliness.
5. 3CE Soft Matte Fit Foundation Cushion
While 3CE is mostly known for colour cosmetics, their Soft Matte Fit Foundation Cushion is a hidden gem. It offers medium to full coverage with a lightweight texture that feels breathable—even in humid weather.
Why users love it:
- Natural matte finish
- Doesn’t cling to dry patches
- Long-wearing, even without setting spray
Shade range tip: While 3CE is improving its inclusivity, the foundation shades still skew light to medium. Be sure to swatch or compare against known matches before purchasing.
6. 3CE Blush Cushion
This cushion-style cream blush gives cheeks a watercolour-like flush. It’s buildable, dewy, and blends seamlessly over base makeup without disrupting foundation.
Best-selling shades:
- #City Mauve – A muted purple-pink for cooler skin tones
- #Peach – A bright, juicy coral for a healthy glow
Use it with: Clean fingers or a stippling brush for best results.
7. 3CE Nail Lacquer
Yes, 3CE makes nail polish—and yes, it’s that good. The Nail Lacquers come in chic, trendy colors and deliver opaque, salon-quality colour in 2 coats.
Must-try shades:
- Muted Mood – A soft greige that looks luxe
- Rosy Brown – Elegant and timeless
- Bitter Sweet – A warm orange-nude that suits all skin tones
Why it’s worth it: These polishes dry fast, last long, and have that signature 3CE aesthetic—clean square bottles you’ll want to display.
8. 3CE Super Slim Waterproof Eyeliner
This ultra-fine pencil eyeliner glides on smoothly, doesn’t tug the eyelid, and lasts all day without smudging. It’s ideal for tight lining or soft smoky effects.
Available shades:
Black, brown, and a few shimmering neutrals—perfect for everyday wear or enhancing natural eye shape.
Where to Buy 3CE Products
You can find authentic 3CE products at:
- Olive Young Global – Ships worldwide with frequent K-beauty sales
- YesStyle – Great for international shoppers
- StyleNanda Official Website – Best for Korea-exclusive launches
- Shopee / Lazada (SEA) – Ensure it’s from verified sellers
- Korean cosmetic stores in-person if you’re visiting Seoul (try Myeongdong!)
Always double-check authenticity when buying from third-party platforms. Counterfeit 3CE products unfortunately exist due to the brand’s popularity.
Final Thoughts: Which 3CE Products Are Worth It?
If you’re new to 3CE, start with the Velvet Lip Tints and the Mood Recipe Lip Colors—they’re iconic for a reason. Add in a Multi Eye Palette for soft, blendable looks, and top off with the Glow Beam for radiant, runway-ready skin.
For beauty lovers ready to explore more, don’t sleep on the Soft Matte Foundation, Cushion Blush, or Nail Lacquers. Each item is thoughtfully designed with both performance and aesthetic in mind.
In short? 3CE doesn’t just look good—it performs. And if you’re building your dream K-beauty vanity, you’ll want at least a few of these cult-favourite products in your collection.
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