Labubu, the quirky and adorable collectible figures from Pop Mart’s The Monsters Exciting Macaron series, have taken the world by storm since their rise in popularity in 2024. With their mischievous grins, nine sharp teeth, and pastel-colored fur, these plush keychains and dolls are highly sought after by collectors. However, their popularity has led to a surge in counterfeit versions, often called “Lafufus,” flooding the market. Spotting a fake Labubu Macaron can be challenging, especially as counterfeiters become more sophisticated. This article provides a detailed guide on how to identify authentic Labubu Macarons, ensuring your collection remains genuine.
Check the Packaging
The first step in verifying a Labubu Macaron is to examine the packaging. Authentic Pop Mart boxes have distinct features that fakes often fail to replicate accurately. Look for a matte finish with a smooth, slightly textured surface and muted pastel colors. The Pop Mart logo and series name, such as “The Monsters Exciting Macaron,” should be sharply printed with embossed details. A key indicator is the holographic sticker with a QR code on the back of the box. Scanning this QR code should direct you to Pop Mart’s official verification site without delays or redirects to suspicious sites. Fake boxes often have glossy, vibrant finishes, blurry printing, or missing elements like the red pull strip or a trash can symbol with rounded corners at the bottom. Some counterfeits may even use authentic boxes with fake dolls inside, so don’t rely on packaging alone.
Verify the QR Code and Anti-Counterfeit Code
Authentic Labubu Macarons come with a QR code on the box and, for newer releases, on the figure’s tag. Scanning the QR code should lead directly to Pop Mart’s official website, where you can enter a scratch-off code to verify authenticity. The verification page should confirm the item as “first time verified.” Counterfeit QR codes may be blurry, misaligned, or redirect to fake websites. Note that older Macaron series (pre-2024) may not have QR codes on the tags, so their absence isn’t always a red flag.
Inspect the Teeth
One of the most reliable ways to spot a fake Labubu Macaron is by counting its teeth. Authentic Labubus have exactly nine teeth, each growing directly from the blue line of the mouth with clear gaps between them. The teeth should be neatly sculpted with smooth, even paint. Fake Labubus, or Lafufus, often have eight or ten teeth, uneven paint, or a noticeable gap between the teeth and the blue line. This is a quick and effective check for authenticity.
Examine the Face and Colors
The face of a genuine Labubu Macaron has a smooth, matte finish with crisp paint lines, glossy embedded eyes, and well-blended airbrushed blush in a pale, peach-toned complexion. Counterfeit versions often have sloppy paint, overly vibrant colors (like bright pinks or yellows), or blotchy blush with a yellow tinge. Under a black light, the paint on an authentic Labubu’s nose should glow, while fakes typically show no reaction. This is particularly useful for newer releases.
Check the UV Stamp
Starting with 2024 releases, authentic Labubu Macarons feature a UV-reactive stamp on the right foot, visible only under ultraviolet light. For the Exciting Macaron series, this stamp shows a standing Labubu silhouette. If the stamp is missing, incorrect, or doesn’t glow, the figure is likely fake. Note that older models may not have this feature, so its absence isn’t definitive for pre-2024 figures. A UV pen or blacklight is a handy tool for collectors to verify this feature.
Assess the Material and Stitching
Authentic Labubu Macarons are made with high-quality materials, featuring soft, fluffy fur and seamless stitching that blends into the vinyl face. The limbs should be made of soft, flexible material, with the left foot bearing a crisply printed Pop Mart logo. Fake Labubus often use cheap, rough fur, have uneven stitching, or feel hollow, greasy, or brittle. The feet of fakes may be glued in place or have a hard, plastic-like texture. Additionally, check the hands: authentic ones are flexible and move slightly, while fakes may be rigid.
Look at the Tags
Authentic Labubu Macarons have two fabric tags with clear, thin-font printing. The tag attached to the head’s ring should read “The Monsters” and be centered. Newer models have a white paper tag with a QR code, while older ones may have a tan cloth tag. Fake tags may use bold fonts, plastic materials, or have misspellings. Even high-quality fakes may have convincing tags, so cross-check with other features.
Additional Tips
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Record Unboxing: When buying from resellers, record a full unboxing video to capture the packaging, QR code, and figure. This serves as evidence for disputes if the item is fake.
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Check the Foil Bag: Authentic foil bags have a matte interior with a watermark (e.g., “Have a Seat” for that series) visible under light. Fakes often have plain, shiny interiors or missing air holes.
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Ears and Hairline: Genuine Labubus have long, bunny-like ears close together and a properly aligned hairline. Fakes may have ears spaced too far apart or a high hairline.
FAQ
Can a Labubu’s head rotate 360 degrees?
No, a Labubu’s head can rotate slightly but not a full 360 degrees.
Do a Labubu’s feet move?
Yes, authentic Labubu feet are flexible and can move slightly.
what is the difference between a labubu and a lafufu?
Labubu is the authentic Pop Mart figure, while Lafufu is a counterfeit version.
Where to buy Labubu keychains?
Buy from Pop Mart’s official website:popboxss.com
Where to buy large Labubu dolls?
Large Labubu dolls are available from Pop box’s official stores or certified resellers.
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