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3CE is the makeup brand of the Korean company Stylenanda, and it is best known for lip products. Start with the Blur Water Tint if you want a light, blurred tint, the Velvet Lip Tint Plush for a softer velvet finish, or the Soft Matte Lipstick if you prefer a bullet. The Bouncy Blur Balm is the easy first step beyond lips.
3CE sells a lot of lip shades and a smaller range of eye, cheek and base products, so the useful question is which format you want, not which brand line. This guide sorts the products in our shop by what they are for. For other Korean makeup brands, see CLIO and peripera Makeup Guide and Most Popular Korean Makeup Products Right Now.
At Daebak, a Seoul-based Korean culture and product company, product details below come from each 3CE product page and the brand's own descriptions; the company history comes from the sources at the end. Shade availability can change, so check the product page for the colors in stock.
Where 3CE comes from
3CE belongs to Stylenanda, which Kim So-hee started in 2004 as an online shop reselling clothes from Seoul's Dongdaemun wholesale market, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. WWD reports that 3CE began in 2011 with only a few lipstick shades and has since expanded from lip products into other color cosmetics, skin care and bath care. The name stands for 3 Concept Eyes, the JoongAng Daily says.
In May 2018, L'Oréal announced it would acquire 100 percent of Nanda Co., the company behind Stylenanda. In its press release, L'Oréal described 3CE as accounting for more than 70 percent of the business and gave the company's 2017 turnover as 127 million euros. The JoongAng Daily reported at the time that this was L'Oréal's first acquisition of a Korean brand and that the founder would stay on as chief creative officer. WWD notes that 3CE's customers are mostly under 30.
Which 3CE product for what
| You want | Start with | The brand describes it as |
|---|---|---|
| A light, watery lip tint | Blur Water Tint | A watery gel tint with a soft, blurred matte finish |
| A soft, buildable tint | Velvet Lip Tint Plush | Lightweight with a soft velvet finish and buildable color |
| A strong, matte liquid lip | Hazy Lip Clay | An ultra-matte clay texture with soft-focus color |
| A classic lipstick | Soft Matte Lipstick or Blur Matte Lipstick | A soft-matte finish; a lightweight, softly blurred matte |
| Color for cheeks and eyes in one pot | Bouncy Blur Balm | A jelly-like color balm for cheeks and eyes |
| An everyday eye palette | New Take Eyeshadow Palette | Matte, shimmer and glitter textures in neutral shades |
| Makeup that stays put | Makeup Fixer Mist | A setting spray to use before and after makeup |
3CE Velvet Lip Tint Plush. See details.
Lip tints
Lip tints are the center of the range, and the three formats feel different:
- Blur Water Tint: 4.6 g. The brand describes a watery, lightweight gel texture that glides on and adheres lightly, with a soft, blurred matte finish, and says the non-sticky formula aims for minimal transfer. The directions are to apply a small amount and blend from the inside of the lips outward, layering for stronger color. It is also sold in individual shades such as Pink Guava and Sepia.
- Velvet Lip Tint Plush: 4 g, 11 shades. The brand describes buildable color with a soft velvet finish and a precision applicator. Apply a small amount to the center of the lips and blend outward.
- Hazy Lip Clay: 4 g, 12 shades. A liquid lip color with an ultra-matte clay texture and a triangular applicator, per the brand. Apply an even layer and blend; it can be layered for stronger color.
If you are choosing between a tint and a balm for dry lips, read Lip Tint vs Lip Balm, and for the wider category see Korean Lip Tints Guide.
Lipsticks
The Soft Matte Lipstick (3.5 g, 10 shades) is described by the brand as rich, buildable color with a smooth soft-matte finish for everyday wear. The Blur Matte Lipstick (4 g, 12 shades) is described as a lightweight matte with a softly blurred finish and color that can be layered. Both are applied directly to the lips and blended from the center outward. Pick the soft matte for a more classic lipstick finish and the blur matte if you like the diffused look of the tints but want a bullet.
3CE Soft Matte Lipstick. See details.
Cheeks and eyes
The Bouncy Blur Balm (4.8 g, 7 shades) is a multi-use color balm for cheeks and eyes. The brand describes a jelly-like cream texture that melts into the skin and builds from a sheer flush to a more vibrant look. Apply with a finger or puff and pat to blend. It is the lowest-effort way to get cheek color from 3CE.
The New Take Eyeshadow Palette (9.5 g, five palettes) combines matte, shimmer and glitter textures. The brand says the shades suit both warm and cool tones and call it an easy daily palette, with a slim frame for carrying.
Finishing: the fixer mist
The Makeup Fixer Mist (100 ml) is a setting spray. The brand's directions are to shake well and spray from 8 to 10 inches away before and after makeup. It can also be sprayed onto a cushion puff before foundation. The brand says it forms a breathable film that helps minimize transfer and smudging; check the full ingredient list on the product page if you have sensitive skin, since it lists alcohol among its ingredients.
3CE Bouncy Blur Balm. See details.
How to choose
- First 3CE product: a lip tint. That is where the brand started and what its range is built around.
- Wearing a mask or eating often: tints and the clay formula are the formats made for light, low-transfer wear; confirm with each product's directions.
- Shade matching: the multi-shade products list their colors on the product page; compare there before ordering.
- Gift: a lip tint plus a Bouncy Blur Balm is a small, easy pairing; for a wider gift, see Korean Gifts: What to Give a Friend Who Loves Korea.
3CE products in our shop are brand-shipped. For a seasonal mix of Korean beauty and snacks chosen for you, the Daebak Box is a separate, curated option. Browse the full range in the 3CE collection.
FAQ
What is 3CE?
3CE is the makeup brand of the Korean company Stylenanda, which L'Oréal agreed to acquire in 2018. It started in 2011 with a few lipstick shades and is best known for lip products.
What does 3CE stand for?
3 Concept Eyes, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily.
Which 3CE product should I buy first?
A lip tint: Blur Water Tint for a light watery finish, or Velvet Lip Tint Plush for a softer velvet finish. For a lipstick, the Soft Matte Lipstick.
Is 3CE a Korean brand?
Yes. Stylenanda was founded in Seoul in 2004 by Kim So-hee, and L'Oréal bought it in 2018.
Can I use the Bouncy Blur Balm on my eyes?
The brand describes it as a multi-use balm for cheeks and eyes. Apply it with a finger or puff and pat to blend.
