Having been to Korea a few times, Missha is easily described as the Korean version of CoverGirl or whatever US drugstore cosmetics brand you like. The brand is cheap, affordable and pretty much everywhere. Word of mouth has it that Missha M Lumous Color Lip Rouge in PK107, a blue-based pink, is pretty much the coveted MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam VII dopelganger. As a self-professed Lady Gaga fan and because I’m always interested in the cheaper version of mid-range and high-end cosmetics, I decided to give into what beauty mavens were saying about Missha’s M Lumous Color Lip Rouge in PK107. The results were quite satisfactory!

The packaging of the lipstick however, was more than satisfactory. I love that cheapo Korean cosmetics brands give their items luxe packaging. Just because it’s cheap, doesn’t mean it has to look cheap. Behold the details:

The lipstick out of it’s beautiful packaging and straight to my wrist for a swatch on my tan, warm-toned olive-y yellow skin:

And now, my bare, naked lips in all their chapped-glory:

Drink it in. These won’t stay like this for long.

Just kidding, here’s what Missha M Lumous Color Lip Rouge in PK107 looks on me:

And here if you want to check out what MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam VII looks like on me. Go ahead, look. I won’t tell.

Now that you’ve formed your own observations, I’m sure you’ll agree that they’re both the same color only Missha’s is glossier, while MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam VII has a matte finish. For someone with chapped lips, the glossy finish is more forgiving and less prone to feathering. Another notable difference is that the Missha lipstick did not dry out as quickly as the MAC lipstick. In terms of application life, one application will last you at least 4 hours before you have to reapply. The gloss of the lipstick however, will only last you until your mouth comes into contact with something that could rub the lipstick off. Luckily, it’s just the gloss that fades — the shade remains intact. This is more than I could ask for out of a lipstick that doesn’t boast longwear effects.

As for as price, there isn’t much of a difference between the two. The Missha lipstick is currently $14.99 at Missha’s online shop, and that’s without S&H. Considering that the MAC Lady Gaga lipstick is currently sold out, the Missha lipstick may be your best bet. As a tip, I’d wait for a Missha sale — I’ve seen it sell for 50% off.

Overall, I’d recommend it to anyone in the market for a blue-based pink (light pink) or if you’ve been jonesin’ for a MAC Lady Gaga Viva Glam VII dupe and don’t mind the gloss.

For more information or to purchase, head here.

Score: 5/5

Disclaimer: This product was provided to me for review purposes only. The opinions in this review are my own.