This Korean Lipstick Is Makeup Magic

A few weeks ago, a South Korean beauty retailer was nice enough to gift me some makeup products to try. Cotton face masks were included in the package, as were face mists (in super-cute animal packaging, naturally), BB cushions, and lipsticks from popular Korean brands. Intrigued, I tried a few of the skin-care goodies one night but left the color cosmetics out on my dresser because, well, who applies lipstick right before bed?

But, in an attempt the next morning to get to work on time, I grabbed some mascara and the Etude House Sweet Recipe Dear My Jelly Lips Talk from my new stash and dashed out the door. I swiped on the sheer, Creamsicle-hued lippie, poked out my eyes wiggled a fringe-lengthening formula onto my lashes on the train, and called it a day. During a meeting two hours later, my coworker complimented the pop of color on my lip. Confused, I thanked her and then beelined to the restroom after the meeting was finished. My pout was bright, bright pink — definitely not the sheer, orange JOR202 shade I had put on that morning.

According to the product description, the "Jelly textured lipstick supplies moist shine and sweet colors for longwear comfort." Sweet in the tube, maybe, but definitely not after you slick it on. One coat gave my lips a healthy, translucent flush of color, while three became a bold hue I normally get from matte lipsticks. Basically, this Etude House lipstick is like a mood ring — but for my lips.

While I was definitely taken aback by the difference between the shade in the tube and what I saw on my lips, I actually consider this product a blessing in disguise. I've always liked a bright pout because I try to keep my makeup minimal. Yet, I was always afraid that too-bold lips would make me look like a clown. This lipstick is actually a perfect middle ground: electrifying enough to bring some color to my face sans the Bozo resemblance.

Overall, the product's smooth texture and "moist shine" were pretty great. The only problem? I want to try every shade now. And, seeing as how this soft, orange shade became a shocking pink, it looks like I'll be playing lipstick roulette. That's a gamble I'm willing to take.