Labubu V1 Exciting Macaron Real vs. Fake: 10 Signs to Spot a Fake One

 

The Labubu Macaron Series, particularly the highly sought-after V1 Edition, represents a pinnacle of contemporary designer toy collecting. Its playful aesthetic and limited availability have cemented its status as a must-have item for enthusiasts worldwide. However, where there is high demand and high value, the threat of counterfeit products inevitably follows. This guide dives deep into the crucial world of Labubu Macaron authentication, providing collectors with the essential knowledge and detailed visual cues needed to confidently distinguish an original, genuine piece from a sophisticated fake. Don't risk your investment—learn how to spot the critical differences and ensure your cherished Macaron figure is the real deal.

✨ Introduction to Labubu

Labubu is a signature designer toy character created by renowned Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung. As one of the most iconic IPs in the modern art toy and collectible designer toy scene, Labubu has built a huge global fanbase thanks to its creepy-cute aesthetic, diverse themed releases, and highly collectible nature driven by low production volumes.

1. Origins of Labubu

Labubu comes from Kasing Lung's imaginative world "The Monsters", a universe filled with quirky, dark-fairy-tale characters.
Within this universe, Labubu became the most popular and recognizable figure, known for its mix of:

• Monster-like elements

• Fairy-tale atmosphere

• Dark humor

• Healing/comforting undertones

Early Labubu figures were mostly handcrafted resin pieces produced in very small quantities, making them exclusive to high-end collectors. Later, its popularity exploded after mass-production blind boxes were released in collaboration with POP MART, bringing the character into mainstream culture.

2. Key Visual Features of Labubu

Labubu is highly recognizable due to:

• Long, pointy rabbit-like ears

• Large expressive eyes (sometimes mischievous, sometimes cute, sometimes eerie)

• Small and compact body proportions

• Monster-style textures such as fangs, fur patterns, or fantasy costumes

Labubu's design blends cute and creepy, forming a signature "creepy-cute" aesthetic that fans love.

3. Why Is Labubu So Popular?

① Scarcity

Many Labubu releases are limited, especially artist editions, resin sculptures, and event exclusives.

② Strong artistic identity

Kasing Lung's distinctive art style has been embraced at international designer toy exhibitions.

③ Character versatility

Labubu can transform into countless themes—princesses, monsters, pirates, winter editions, macaron desserts, etc.

④ Blind box culture

POP MART's blind box model increased the IP's visibility, making Labubu a mainstream collectible.

4. Popular Labubu Series (Examples)

• The Monsters Series

• Labubu Fairy Tales

• Labubu Macaron Series ← Extremely popular in recent years

• Labubu Christmas Edition

• Labubu Pirates Edition

• Labubu Artist Editions / Resin Originals

Each release features different colors, textures, and designs, making collecting both fun and challenging.

5. Collectible Value of Labubu

Labubu figures vary widely in secondary-market price, with popular pieces selling for many times their retail value.
Collectors often examine:

• Facial expression

• Accessories and sculpt details

• Paint quality

• Release rarity

• Box condition and signs of tampering

The Macaron V1 (Exciting Macaron) series is especially sought-after, leading to a surge in counterfeits.

💟 Introduction to Labubu V1 Exciting Macaron

Labubu V1 Exciting Macaron is part of The Monsters lineup and features soft macaron-inspired pastel colors, giving the character a sweet, dreamy appeal. It is one of the most talked-about and easily recognizable Labubu series on the market.

Key selling points:

• Pastel macaron-themed colors (pink, mint, peach, baby blue, etc.)

• Romantic "heart" and glossy accents

• Soft, soothing facial expressions

• Limited release + high resale value

• Extremely high counterfeit rate

For many collectors, Macaron V1 is a must-have centerpiece in their Labubu lineup.

Appearance Features

1. Color Palette — Macaron Pastels

• Baby pink, soft lavender, mint green, sky blue, butter yellow

• Smooth and natural color transitions

• No neon or overly bright tones

2. Facial Expression & Sculpt

• Large, clear glossy eyes

• "Pouty lips" or shy smile

• Ear tips often have a soft gradient or shading

3. Surface Finish

• Authentic pieces have stable paint quality

• Smooth color application

• Mostly semi-matte with selective glossy highlights

4. Material

• Made from PVC/ABS

• Feels sturdy with noticeable weight

• Should not feel hollow or overly light

Lineup Overview

The Labubu Exciting Macaron V1 series typically includes 6 regular figures + 1 secret edition.

Flavor Name	Color Description	Rarity
Soymilk	White / cream tones	Regular
Lychee Berry	Pinkish-red / berry tones	Regular
Green Grape	Soft green	Regular
Sea Salt Coconut	Pastel blue	Regular
Toffee	Yellowish / caramel brown	Regular
Sesame Bean	Black / deep gray	Regular
Chestnut Cocoa	Brown tones	Secret (1/72)

Collecting & Care Tips

• Avoid direct sunlight — pastel colors can yellow over time

• Keep away from heat sources — PVC may warp

• Avoid heavy friction — protects the paint

• Keep original box and card — enhances value

• Authenticate before buying second-hand — V1 counterfeits are extremely common

The Labubu V1 Exciting Macaron is one of the most counterfeited Kasing Lung / The Monsters releases. Because of the pastel colors, soft gradients, and small production details, bootlegs often look very convincing in photos—especially under filters or low lighting. This guide summarizes all essential authentication points, plus insights gathered from collectors' discussions around the world.

🧭 Labubu V1 Exciting Macaron Real vs. Fake Guide

Quick Authentication Checklist 

1. Face, Gradient & Expression

This is the most important part because Gen 1 Macaron relies heavily on pastel coloring.

Real

• Gradient transitions are smooth and cloud-like.

• No sharp edges between colors (especially on cheeks and forehead).

• Face shape is round, symmetrical, soft.

• Mouth and nose details are cleanly sculpted, not overly deep.

Fake

• Gradient is often patchy, showing sudden jumps in color.

• Over-exaggerated saturation (too pink, too purple, too sweet).

• Head shape may appear slightly inflated or narrow.

• Sculpt details look soft or melted.

2. Eyes

Collectors worldwide frequently mention that fakes fail to copy the eyes correctly.

Real

• Eyes have a clear glossy finish and look reflective.

• Edges are sharp and perfectly oval.

• Both eyes sit at the same depth and height.

• No uneven paint pooling.

Fake

• Eyes often appear dull, foggy, or matte.

• Shapes may be irregular or asymmetrical.

• The gloss coat is inconsistent—sometimes too thick.

• Some replicas show eye misalignment.

3. Ears & Head Shape

The signature long ears are heavily referenced in authentication discussions.

Real

• Ears have consistent thickness from base to tip.

• Smooth curvature without sudden angles.

• Head-to-ear connection looks natural and seamless.

Fake

• Ears may be:

  • Too thick

  • Too thin

  • Uneven in left-right shape

• Sudden or awkward curves.

• Connection area may show visible seam lines.

4. Fur Sculpt Details (Front & Back)

Many collectors rely on fur sculpt accuracy as a key indicator.

Real

• Fur is layered, sharp, and directional.

• Individual lines look deeply etched.

• Back fur shows a clean "V" directional flow.

Fake

• Fur looks shallow, blurred, or rounded.

• Details are less dense.

• Some fakes copy the lines but in incorrect orientation.

5. Body Gradient & Color Accuracy

Gen 1 Macaron has a specific soft pastel palette.

Real

• Colors feel "airy" with gentle transitions.

• Even color distribution around body and limbs.

• Feet gradient is soft and blends naturally.

Fake

• Colors look too bright, neon-like, or unbalanced.

• Abrupt color changes.

• Overused pink/blue resulting in a fake "candy" appearance.

6. Arms, Legs & Sitting Posture

This is a subtle indicator often mentioned by experienced collectors.

Real

• Arms are symmetrical and evenly spaced.

• Legs allow the figure to sit evenly without wobbling.

• Limb sculpts are smooth and proportionate.

Fake

• One leg may appear longer/shorter.

• Sitting posture leans forward or backward.

• Hands/arms may look overly thick or under-defined.

7. Feet Pads (Sole Details)

A common failure point for replicas.

Real

• Sculpt lines are crisp.

• Color filling is even, soft, and stays inside the lines.

Fake

• Uneven fill, color bleed, or dull tone.

• Sculpt looks rounder or shallower.

8. Weight, Vinyl Quality & Smell

Collectors mention material feel as a reliable indicator.

Real

• Feels balanced, neither too heavy nor hollow.

• Vinyl texture is smooth and refined.

• Very mild or almost no plastic smell.

Fake

• Often too light or noticeably hollow.

• Textures feel cheap or rubbery.

• Strong chemical smell (common in bootlegs).

9. Bottom Stamp / Markings

Check the text at the bottom—this is a high-accuracy check.

Real

• Sharp, clean lines.

• Proper spacing and correct font.

• Positioned with precision.

Fake

• Wrong font.

• Blurry or oversize letters.

• Incorrect spacing or misaligned placement.

10. Packaging / Box

Although boxes can be copied, they still show differences.

Real

• Clear printing.

• Accurate color tones.

• Box size matches the figure perfectly.

• Inner plastics fit snugly.

Fake

• Off-color prints.

• Grainy or low-resolution artwork.

• Loose or oversized plastic trays.

➤ Community-Observed Patterns

Collectors consistently report the following reliable indicators:

🔍 Reliable Signs of Fakes

• Color tones too bright or too pink.

• Eye gloss looks foggy or overly thick.

• Fur lines lack sharpness.

• Ears constructed with uneven width.

• Sitting posture leaning noticeably.

• Chemical smell is strong once unboxed.

• Box artwork looks washed out under strong lighting.

⭐ Reliable Signs of Authentic Pieces

• Soft "macaron-like" pastel finish.

• Consistent gradients across the entire figure.

• Balanced proportions from any angle.

• High clarity in the back fur and bottom stamp.

• Eyes that reflect light clearly without distortion.

➤ Final Tips

• If the face or eyes look "off," it is usually fake.

• Always check ears and back fur—they're hard for bootleg molds to replicate accurately.

• Authentic pastels are always soft; replicas often glow unnaturally under warm light.

• Suspiciously cheap prices = almost always fake.

🔔 Conclusion

Authenticating the Labubu V1 Exciting Macaronrequires careful attention to subtle details—from pastel gradients and eye clarity to fur sculpting, ear shape, and overall proportions. While replicas have become increasingly convincing, genuine pieces still stand out through their refined vinyl texture, balanced coloring, and precise craftsmanship. By focusing on the key indicators outlined in this guide and using the quick-reference table to double-check critical features, collectors can confidently identify authentic figures and avoid common pitfalls. As always, trust your instincts, compare multiple angles, and when in doubt, prioritize reputable and verified sources.