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ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit Review, Photos, Swatches

ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit
ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit

ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit ($39.00 for 0.56 oz.) includes three Super Shock Cheek shades and three Lippie Stix. This is one of two kits (the other is for Medium Dark/Deep Dark skin tones).

Fanny Pack is described as a “silvery white pearl.” It’s a bright white with very subtle golden shimmer. I was surprised that it didn’t look chalky or powdery on my skin tone–it seemed workable–and I can only imagine how lovely it will be for those who are fairer and prefer shimmer without addition of color in their highlighters. The texture is smooth, lightly creamy, and blendable on the skin. This shade lasted for eight and a half hours on me. It has good, buildable color coverage–pretty much in line with how it is marketed–that can be applied with fingertips for more opacity or applied with a synthetic or duo fiber brush for sheerer coverage. NYX Ice Queen (P, $5.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Urban Decay Luminous (P, $28.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). NYX Liquid Prism (P, $6.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). Becca Pearl (DC, $38.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). NYX Moon Glow (P, $6.99) is less shimmery (95% similar). Ciate Rainbow (P, $32.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Becca Pearl (P, $38.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). L'Oreal Ice (P, $12.99) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Chanel Poudre Lumiere Glacee (LE, $45.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Chanel Perles et Fantaisies (Left) (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Barely Dressed (LE, $34.00) is more muted (90% similar). Catrice Icy Glaze (P, $6.99) is darker, cooler (90% similar). LORAC Shimmer Highlight (P, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Glow Watcher (LE, $4.99) is cooler (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Metal Moon (P, $36.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Dior Strobe White (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Makeup Revolution Ever Glow Lights (P, $6.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Dior Glowing Pink (001) (LE, $58.00) is more muted (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Spotlight (P, $42.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Coloured Raine Prove My Loyalty (Highlighter) (LE, ) is more shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Non-Fiction is described as a “warm pink with gold and copper highlights.” It’s a medium, reddish-copper with warm gold and pink shimmer. It had opaque coverage applied with fingertips and semi-opaque, buildable coverage applied with a flat, synthetic brush. It looks more shimmery in the pot/swatch than it does blended out on the cheek, where it ultimately has a natural finish–a skin-like glow but not overt shimmer. It wore well for nine hours. Milani Bronze Burst (P, $13.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Milani Coral Beams (P, $13.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). MAC Make You Mine (P, $23.50) is less shimmery (95% similar). NYX Bronzed (P, $6.50) is less shimmery (95% similar). Ciate Date Night (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Clinique Fig Pop (P, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Stryke (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Flesh Beauty Glaze (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Sea Me, Hear Me (LE, $31.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). NYX Rose Quartz (P, $6.99) is less shimmery (90% similar). ColourPop Hooked (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar). Giorgio Armani No. 18 (P, $62.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Perfect Bronze (Right) (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Pleasure Model (LE, $31.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Benefit Rockateur (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). NARS Fervor (Right) (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). NARS Cheek Studio III (LE, $30.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). Divergent Obscure Coral (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Ginger Binge (PiP, $36.00) is more muted, cooler (85% similar). Jouer Hot Coral (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Parasol is described as a “soft peachy gold.” It’s a light-medium, golden copper with warm, orange undertones and a frosted sheen. It had buildable coverage, up to mostly opaque, that goes on sheerer when applied with fluffier brushes and more opaque with denser brushes or fingertips. The texture was smooth, blendable, and never sticky on the skin, as it dries down quickly to more of a powder-like product (so it is still blendable). It lasted for eight and a half hours on me. Laura Geller Ballerina (P, $26.00)(90% similar). Becca Guava/Moonstone (P, $27.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Lethal Cosmetics Flare (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Huda Beauty Rich #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). ColourPop Acting Up (P, $11.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Gilded Glow (P, $48.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar). NYX Gold Rush (P, $6.99) is darker (95% similar). NARS Jubilation (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Chanel Or Rose (LE, $120.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Becca Rose Gold (LE, $38.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Surratt Beauty Angelique (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Sephora Secretive (19) (P, $14.00) is lighter (95% similar). Guerlain Terra India (LE, $53.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). ColourPop Freak Like Me (DC, $12.00) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Peaches and Cream (P, $39.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Smashbox Crank It Up Gold (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay O.N.S. (LE, $26.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Galet (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Medium/Dark Glow (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). MAC Center of the Universe (LE, $34.00) is darker (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Fame is described as a “pale warm nude in a creme sheer finish.” It is a light pink with subtle, neutral-to-warm undertones with a soft shine. It looks peach in the tube, but it swatches pink, and it is absolutely maddening! It had semi-opaque color payoff with a creamy, moderately slippery consistency that glided on but looked a little streaky at times and showed “lines” if you pressed your lips together. It wore well for three and a half hours and was neither drying nor hydrating. MAC Flair for Finery (LE, $19.00) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Sublime Pleasure (LE, $19.00) is warmer (95% similar). MAC Catty (LE, $19.00) is more muted (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Flynn (P, $36.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Playing Koi (LE, $19.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Love U Back (P, $19.00) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Ace (LE, $7.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Last Call (LE, $7.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Soft Savour (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Light English Red (LE, $30.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC How Darling (LE, $19.00)(90% similar). MAC Love Happens (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). YSL Nude Beige (1) (P, $34.00) is warmer (90% similar). MAC Naked Dream (LE, $19.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Olga (422) (P, $37.00) is glossier (90% similar). MAC Woodrose (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Pale Mauve (DC, $37.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Givenchy Rose Ruban (211) (P, $36.00) is lighter, glossier (90% similar). ColourPop Littlestitious (P, $7.00) is more pigmented, cooler (90% similar). Estee Lauder Mischievous Rose (P, $30.00) is warmer (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Thistle is described as a “warm peachy nude in a creme finish.” It’s a medium-dark, rosy brown with warm undertones and a glossy shine. It had mostly opaque pigmentation with a light-medium weight to it–thicker and more noticeable on than other shades, but I wouldn’t call it heavy or goopy by any means. The color wore well for four hours and was lightly hydrating over time. Estee Lauder Discreet (P, $32.00) is lighter, more muted (90% similar). MAC Fresh and Frisky (LE, $20.00) is less pigmented (90% similar). Chanel Script (218) (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Too Faced Sweet Maple (DC, $22.00) is darker (90% similar). Estee Lauder Irresistible (P, $32.00) is cooler (85% similar). Bite Beauty Chai (DC, $24.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Liar (DC, $18.00) is cooler (80% similar). Bite Beauty Moka (DC, $28.00) is darker (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Marmalade is described as a “warm rosy pink in a creme finish.” It’s a slightly muted, medium-dark rosy plum with warm undertones and a soft shine. It had nearly opaque coverage with a creamy, glide-on texture that sat well on lips and was comfortable to wear. This shade lasted for four and a half hours and was lightly moisturizing while worn. Chanel Ce Soir (DC, $34.00) is less glossy (95% similar). Too Faced Pink Chocolate (DC, $22.00) is darker (95% similar). ColourPop Faded (P, $7.00) is darker, cooler (95% similar). Bite Beauty Rhubarb (DC, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Grande Dame (P, $25.00) is less glossy (90% similar). Estee Lauder Inspiring (P, $30.00) is darker (90% similar). Buxom Hooligan (DC, $21.00) is cooler (90% similar). Shiseido Rose Crush (RD715) (DC, $28.00) is darker (85% similar). MAC Mystical (LE, $19.00) is lighter (85% similar). Bite Beauty Zin (DC, $24.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). YSL Mauve Cuir (86) (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (85% similar). Urban Decay Hitch Hike (DC, $18.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Soft Berry (DC, $37.00) is darker, more muted (85% similar). Estee Lauder Bois de Rose (P, $32.00) is darker (85% similar). Laura Mercier Cozy (P, $24.00) is darker (85% similar). Shiseido Night Rose (203) (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). Urban Decay Keep Tame (LE, $18.00) is more muted, less pigmented (85% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Shush, Blush (P, $28.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Bobbi Brown Plum (P, $29.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Guerlain Garance (DC, $58.00) is lighter (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Fair/Medium

LELimited Edition. $39.00.
A
A
9.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
9.5
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
94%
Total

Fanny Pack

PiPPermanent in Palette. $10.00.
A
A
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
8.5
Longevity
5
Application
97%
Total

Non-Fiction

LELimited Edition. $8.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
99%
Total

Parasol

LELimited Edition. $10.00.
A
A
9.5
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
96%
Total

Fame

LELimited Edition. $7.00.
B
B
8.5
Product
9
Pigmentation
8
Texture
8
Longevity
4.5
Application
84%
Total

Thistle

LELimited Edition. $7.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
9
Pigmentation
9
Texture
8.5
Longevity
5
Application
90%
Total

Marmalade

LELimited Edition. $7.00.
A
A
9
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
94%
Total

See more photos & swatches!

ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit
ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit

ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit
ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit

ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit
ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit

ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit
ColourPop Fair/Medium Strobing Kit

ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Fanny Pack Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Non-Fiction Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Parasol Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix
ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix

ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix
ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix

ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix
ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix

ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix
ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix

ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix
ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix

ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix
ColourPop Fame Lippie Stix

ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix
ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix

ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix
ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix

ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix
ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix

ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix
ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix

ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix
ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix

ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix
ColourPop Thistle Lippie Stix

ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Marmalade Lippie Stix

40 Comments

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E Avatar

This is gorgeous.

But this is my beef with ColourPop. Their set pricing drives me crazy. They price them exactly the same as if you’d be buying the products individually, which is annoying, since it’s rare anybody values a set exactly the same way they value buying one-off pieces. It makes no sense to have a bunch of cheap singles, but set pricing in line with high-end product set/palette pricing.

Katherine T. Avatar

Personally, I’m ok with it. I mean the individual Colour Pop products are so cheap already that it’s still a good deal to buy the set even if they don’t offer a discount. And the Colour Pop sets are LE, so limited quantities, so more expensive to produce than the mass quanities in their permanent collection. Also, a lot of the ME and HE brands over-price their singles ($25 for a shadow, $35 for a lippie), so their discounted sets look like “bargains”, but it looks like a bargain only because their singles are so expensive. Me, I rather pay $5 for the great shadow, whether it’s in a single or in a set.

Katherine T. Avatar

I don’t care for Fame, but all of the products look gorgeous on you !! And a couple of the highlighters are dupes for Becca. Dang, Colour Pop does it again –it’s the little company that could

Alex Avatar

Really wish they sold the lippie stix for this one alone, because I LOVE Thistle and Marmalade but I don’t care for highlighters or shimmery blushes and that’s what makes up the bulk of this one’s price. So thanks for the dupes!!

Ginny Avatar

Ugggghhhhhh why isn’t Fanny Pack part of the permanent line. I have been dying for a white highlighter that is more opaque or can be built up without also building up the glitter content. I have started to look into eyeshadows lol. The other products here are nice and obviously scored high but I just don’t need them. Could any of the dupes be what I’m looking for? I have Camelia de Plumes but want something whiter. Something with opacity and frosty, but not glittery. Maybe one of the metallic MUFE shadows, ME122 Snow?

Nancy T Avatar

This looks like a pretty nice kit for fair-to-medium skintones. I really love the cheek/highlighting shades, but not entirely certain of what end of the spectrum I truly land on, I’m darker than you, but still lighter than Karen @ M&BB? Like dead in the middle?

I too couldn’t believe my eyes with that Fame lipstick….it gave me quite the WTH moment! ?But not a shade I could wear anyway, so I just chuckled and shook my head, LoL ?

Mesa Avatar

Woooooooooow Fanny Pack is a must have for me. I really like Thistle as well, not normally a color I’d go for but it looks so fresh on you!

Kelly Avatar

Thank you for reviewing this! I’ve been on the fence about purchasing this because so many other reviews only show the ultra-sparkly swatches, and not the finished look. These look like they diffused nicely. 🙂

Cat Avatar

I’m really surprised by how Fame looks on compared to how it looks in the tube. That was unexpected. They all look so amazing on you, Christine! I’m afraid that only Fanny Pack (the name makes me smile) and Fame would look good on me.

Emma Avatar

Christine, are the lippies in this kit and the medium/dark kit available for purchase individually, or can you only get them by shelling out for the whole strobing kit?
Thanks so much and as always, you look great in Colourpop!

Veronica Avatar

I find it odd that they would mix a kit for fair/medium skin tones, particularly because Fanny Pack is SO cool toned compared to the rest of the collection. It and Fame are the two shades I think would work on me, but I can’t justify it over all. Quite pretty, but definitely better for a warm, medium skintone than a very fair one.

We try to approve comments within 24 hours (and reply to them within 72 hours) but can sometimes get behind and appreciate your patience! 🙂 If you have general feedback, product review requests, off-topic questions, or need technical support, please contact us directly. Thank you for your patience!