ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit Review, Photos, Swatches

ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit
ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit

ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit ($39.00 for 0.56 oz.) includes three Super Shock Cheek shades and three Lippie Stix shades. It is designed for darker skin, though two shades overlap with the kit for lighter skin tones (Parasol and Thistle) — I would have loved for them to have not repeated personally! The products are of good quality or better, and they’re easy to use, work well, and wear nicely.

Stryke is described as a “rusty red with copper and gold highlights.” It’s a slightly muted, medium-dark coppery–red with warm undertones and a soft, golden shimmer. It had good color payoff and a natural finish that didn’t emphasize pores or look too flat. The consistency was creamy without being too wet or tacky, and it blended easily on the skin. This shade wore well for ten hours on me. Giorgio Armani No. 18 (P, $62.00) is more shimmery, less pigmented (95% similar). MAC Make You Mine (P, $23.50) is less shimmery (95% similar). Flesh Beauty Glaze (P, $26.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Bardot (P, $8.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). MAC Perfect Bronze (Right) (LE, $29.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Pleasure Model (LE, $31.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Phoenix (LE, $39.00) is more shimmery, more muted (90% similar). NARS Give It Away (LE, $30.00) is lighter (90% similar). Becca Songbird (P, $32.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar). ColourPop Non-Fiction (LE, $8.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Becca Maui Nights (P, $38.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). NARS Fervor (Right) (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). NARS Na Pali Coast (P, $39.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Black Opal Rose Gold (P, $8.95) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). Clinique Fig Pop (P, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). KVD Beauty Hansel (Shade) (DC, ) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (85% similar). Milani Bronze Burst (P, $13.00) is lighter (85% similar). Milani Coral Beams #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). NYX Bronzed (P, $6.50) is lighter, more muted (85% similar). NARS Hot Tin Roof (LE, $30.00) is cooler (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Avalon is described as a “true golden bronze with golden pink duochrome finish.” It’s a medium-dark copper with warm, orange-red undertones and a frosted sheen that shifts from gold to pink subtly. It had great pigmentation and lasted nine hours on me. MAC Glorify (LE, $44.00) is darker (95% similar). MAC Worldly Wealth (LE, $24.00) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar). Cover FX Candlelight (P, $34.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Becca Papaya/Topaz (P, $27.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Laura Geller Sunswept (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Bronze (P, $46.00) is more muted, cooler (90% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Ibiza (P, $45.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Estee Lauder Topaz Chameleon (LE, $42.00) is darker (90% similar). MAC Magnetic Appeal (LE, $44.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Sun Bunny #1 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar). LORAC Unapologetic (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Anastasia Bronzed (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Disney by Sephora Golden Sands (LE, $55.00) is warmer (90% similar). Giorgio Armani No. 14 (P, $62.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Viseart Highlight #3 (PiP, ) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). ColourPop Glo Up (LE, $8.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Cover FX Candlelight (P, $42.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Wet 'n' Wild Awesome Blossom (P, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Becca Blushed Copper (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, cooler (85% similar). Makeup Revolution Rock on World (P, $6.00) is darker, cooler (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). 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). Lethal Cosmetics Flare (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar). ColourPop Acting Up (P, $11.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Huda Beauty Rich #2 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Becca Guava/Moonstone (P, $27.00) is more 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). Surratt Beauty Angelique (P, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Anastasia Hot Sand (P, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Smashbox Blow a Fuse Gold (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). MAC Pearl Sunshine (LE, $22.00) is cooler (90% similar). YSL Bronze Gold (P, $42.00) is warmer (90% 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). Becca Rose Gold (DC, $38.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Smashbox Crank It Up Gold (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Toasty is described as a “dirty pink nude in a creme finish.” It’s a muted, medium plum with warm, orange undertones and a luminous sheen. It had mostly opaque color coverage with a creamy, glide-on texture that applied even, smooth color and never dragged. This shade lasted for four and a half hours and was lightly hydrating. Chanel Script (218) (P, $37.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tarte Praise (LE, $24.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar). Bite Beauty Chai (DC, $26.00) is darker, cooler, less glossy (85% similar). Buxom Runaway (DC, $21.00) is darker (85% similar). Chanel Scenario (P, $37.00) is darker (90% similar). Tarte TBT (P, $20.00) is lighter, less glossy (85% similar). Bite Beauty Chai (DC, $24.00) is darker, cooler (85% similar). Bite Beauty Verbena (DC, $26.00) is cooler, less glossy (85% similar). Chanel Sepia (207) (LE, $37.00)(85% similar). ColourPop Calypso (P, $7.00) is cooler (85% similar). Hourglass Achiever (P, $32.00) is more muted, cooler (80% similar). Guerlain Forever Brown (305) (P, $37.00) is darker (80% similar). MAC Amor Prohibido (LE, $19.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

Promenade is described as a “deep red blackberry in a sheer finish.” It’s a muted, medium-dark berry with cooler undertones and a natural sheen. It had sheer coverage, which is by design, and lasted for four hours–it had a more stained-like appearance on me–with light hydration. Chanel Recit (212) (P, $37.00) is cooler (85% similar). Urban Decay Sheer Rapture (DC, $18.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Chanel Emotion (92) (LE, $37.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar). Tom Ford Beauty La Piscine (LE, $36.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar). Guerlain Black Perfecto (007) (P, $32.00) is lighter, cooler (80% similar). Revlon Plum Velour (P, $8.49) is brighter (85% similar). MAC Commotion (LE, $20.00) is lighter, brighter (80% similar). 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.

Medium-Dark/Deep Dark

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

Stryke

LELimited Edition. $8.00.
A+
A+
10
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
10
Longevity
5
Application
100%
Total

Avalon

PPermanent. $10.00.
A
A
9.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
10
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
98%
Total

Parasol

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

Toasty

LELimited Edition. $7.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
9.5
Pigmentation
9
Texture
9
Longevity
5
Application
92%
Total

Promenade

LELimited Edition. $7.00.
A-
A-
9
Product
10
Pigmentation
8.5
Texture
8.5
Longevity
5
Application
91%
Total

Thistle

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

See more photos & swatches!

ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit
ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit

ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit
ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit

ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit
ColourPop Medium-Dark/Deep Dark Strobing Kit

ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Stryke Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek

ColourPop Avalon Super Shock Cheek
ColourPop Avalon 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 Toasty Lippie Stix
ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix

ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix
ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix

ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix
ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix

ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix
ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix

ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix
ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix

ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix
ColourPop Toasty Lippie Stix

ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix

ColourPop Promenade Lippie Stix
ColourPop Promenade 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

52 Comments

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Nicole Avatar

Hmm. I wonder why they used 2 the same lippies? They totally could have wrangled junkies into getting both kits,lol. Do you know if the Avalon in the kit is the same Avalon in the permanent line? They look similar. I think of my skin as more medium was thinking this kit would fit better than the first. Now, I’m leaning on the first. Especially with the overlap in the lippies. Plus, I own Avalon from the permanent line already. Which one do you like on your skin tone Christine?

Nicole Avatar

Thanks. I was driving myself nuts gong back and forth yesterday because I love Marmalade in the first kit. But, I don’t want to drop $80 on these now. I wish they were permanent because I would eventually probably get both.

Katherine T. Avatar

I don’t care for Promenade (looks like tinted Chapstick) but the other colors are gorgeous! They are too dark for me, but medium to deeper skintones will rock these, and the price is so reasonable for all the products and colors you’re getting

Nancy T Avatar

I think I love this one more than the Light to Medium Strobing Kit! This one has all very wearable shades for me, I think. But I would have named this kit Medium to Medium Dark, because it still doesn’t look very dark or deep skintone friendly IMHO. ColourPop should have made THREE kits: Light-Medium, Medium- Dark Medium, and Dark-Deep. Then everyone would be well covered!

Erica Avatar

This set is great for those who are buidling their makeup collection. As you compared in your review, the highlighters have several older dupes. Some of the dupes are my faves – Mac’s Magnetic Appeal, Perfectly Poised, Worldly Wealth, Becca Rose Gold, etc.

Andrew Avatar

I still can’t believe I haven’t tried Colourpop! These are so awesome. I know the blushes aren’t technically cream blushes but they do have that springy texture, correct? How do they compare to Chanel’s Le Blush Creme de Chanel? I notice it’s been removed from their website so I think they discontinued it :(. That is my holy grail cream blush and it kills me that they’re getting rid of it; I know you’re a big fan of it as well and figured you’d know better than anyone what budget dupe could replace it.

Andrew Avatar

I keep hearing raves about MUFE’s formula but I’ve yet to actually get one; it’s the same type of situation as Colourpop. I’m bad about getting attached to a brand and all but refusing to expand my horizons. I used to try anything and everything but I’ve gotten too disappointed too often. I’m a very low-maintenance guy until it comes to skincare and cosmetics; then I turn into a high-maintenance control freak.

lee Avatar

I wasn’t sure where to ask this but have you had a chance to try out the Guerlain release of Parure Gold Radiance foundation? I remember you’ve mentioned in the past that it’s your favourite discontinued formula and wanted to see how you felt this new release compares.

Lena Avatar

Hello. Couldn’t find them on website. Do you know when it comes out? Thanks Btw your swatches help me so much in viewing the make-up!!!! Very grateful?

Sarah Avatar

I’ve been wondering about this on the site and waiting for your review on it! It is definitely on my wishlist! I also love how I can use the highlighters as an eyeshadow as well. Gosh, I LOVE colourpop.

Sky Avatar

I love the colors but it’s really hard for me to visualize this kit on myself. I am a NC44, which is in the medium-deep to dark range. These colors that show up on you will look completely different on me. That’s the only thing about looking through some of these reviews. It’s great to know the formulas, consistencies, and wear but the difficult thing is to know how the colors will show up on darker skin tones. I understand this is where trial and error come in to play but I don’t want to keep spending money on things that won’t end up working for me. However, it is great that Colourpop do show swatches on a range of skin tones.

Love your site, Christine! Sorry for my little rant it’s just hard 🙁

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!