ColourPop x 3rd Birthday Collection Shadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Birthday
ColourPop Birthday Swag Bag ($35.00) includes a cream blush, four powder eyeshadows, and three glosses. The set will be available at 10AM PST today (May 26th) for $35. If you’re a fan of ColourPop and like these types of shades, it’s certainly worth considering as the products were consistent in quality as I’ve experienced with these formulas in the past!
Birthday
LELimited Edition. $35.00.
Cake Walk
Cake Walk is a bright, light-medium lavender with a hint of pink and a bluish sheen. It had excellent pigmentation with a soft, smooth consistency that was just a touch dusty in the pan but applied well to bare skin and did not sheer out too readily. This shade wore well for eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Triple Impact (LE, $20.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Inglot #440 (P, $7.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Smashbox Say What (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Amethyst (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Astrological (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Datura (DC, $14.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Mood Ring (P, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Sephora Moonstone (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Makeup Geek Blacklight (DC, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Twinkle (DC, $21.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Cake Walk
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
Party Favors
Party Favors is a bright, light-medium orange with warm, yellow undertones and a golden sheen. The color payoff was fantastic with opaque coverage that was easy to apply and blend out on the lid. The texture was soft without being dusty, smooth, and denser in the pan. It started to fade on me after eight hours of wear.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Giorgio Armani Organica (Right) (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia Surface of the Sun (P, $12.00) (95% similar).
- MAC Gingerluxe #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Warm (Winter 2016) Eyeshadow #1 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop The Leo (P, $4.50) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Starshine (LE, $4.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty De La Creme #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace Peach Cobbler (P, $6.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Chanel Grandeur (56) (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Party Favors
PPermanent. $4.50.
Rager
Rager is a bright, white gold with subtle, warm yellow undertones and a metallic sheen. The eyeshadow was intensely pigmented and had a smooth, blendable texture that wasn’t too firm or too soft in the pan. It lasted for eight hours on me before starting to fade.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop Fancy That (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona Aura (25M) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, lighter, brighter (95% similar).
- Natasha Denona True Gold (20M) (2019) (PiP, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Dior Eternal Gold #3 (LE, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- NARS L'Amour, Toujours L'Amour #5 (DC, $25.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- ColourPop We Jammin' (P, $9.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Coloured Raine Glisten (DC, $6.99) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Makeup Atelier Honey Brown #1 (P, ) is lighter, warmer (95% similar).
- Kevyn Aucoin Iced Gold (LE, ) is more muted (95% similar).
- MAC Fresh Blade (LE, $17.00) is warmer (95% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Rager
LELimited Edition. $4.50.
The Big 3
The Big 3 is a bright, greenish white with a shift from green-gold to pink paired with a metallic finish. It had rich, opaque pigmentation that applied smoothly to bare skin. The texture was soft, smooth, and blendable without being powdery nor was it too firm or dense in the pan. The color remained vibrant for just over eight hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- ColourPop 17 Rings (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Ocean Breezy (PiP, $4.50) is warmer (95% similar).
- KVD Beauty Emerald (PiP, ) (100% similar).
- Urban Decay Switchback (LE, $19.00) is less shimmery, cooler (95% similar).
- Chanel Delicatesse #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Prince Charming (LE, $4.50) is more shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Spell Breaker (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Moira Stardom (P, $8.50) is cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Flame (LE, $17.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- ColourPop Dial Up (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$4.50/0.05 oz. - $90.00 Per Ounce
The new Pressed Powder Shadow formula is supposed to be “highly pigmented” with an “ultra-velvety and silky” texture that is “long-wearing” and “adheres easily to the eyes.” Most of the shades have semi-opaque to opaque pigmentation that applies well to bare skin, blends out without issue, and lasts for seven to eight hours.
The matte eyeshadows tend to be a little more powdery, though soft and finely-milled, in the pan, while the shimmers have a creamier, dense consistency. Occasionally, the more sparkly or metallic shades apply better with fingertips or a dampened brush.
Browse all of our ColourPop Pressed Powder Shadow swatches.
Ingredients
Silica, Dimethicone, Boron Nitride, Lauroyl Lysine, Magnesium Stearate, Tin Oxide, Dimethiconol, Phenoxyethanol, Talc, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists are as available by the brand (or retailer) at the time of publishing. Please always check product packaging, if it exists, for the ingredient list applicable to the product you're purchasing, or the brand or retailer's website for the most up-to-date ingredient list.
The Big 3
PPermanent. $4.50.
Blow Me Out
Blow Me Out is a medium-dark gold with hints of warm, brown undertones and a pearly sheen. The consistency was smooth, emollient without being slippery, and incredibly blendable on the skin. It had opaque coverage when applied with fingertips and semi-sheer to medium, buildable coverage when applied with a stippling brush. The color lasted well for almost ten hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Salé (-, ) is more shimmery, lighter (95% similar).
- Too Faced You Light Up My Life (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, warmer (95% similar).
- Becca Champagne Pop (LE, $32.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Maybelline Molten Topaz (P, $9.99) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Frosted (LE, $10.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Fenty Beauty Champagne Heist (P, $25.00) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever #02 (P, $39.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Kaja Dreamy (P, $24.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Cover FX Moonlight (LE, ) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Becca Gradient Glow (P, $38.00) is lighter (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$10.00/0.15 oz. - $66.67 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "buildable" coverage and can be applied with fingertips (which will yield "higher coverage") or a brush (for sheerer coverage). It's a cream-based product that has a subtle, "wet" feel to it but never has the thickness of a true cream-based blush.
It goes on with the smoothness of a cream formulation but diffuses and blends (without lifting up one's base) more like a powder product. The product sets to a powder finish, so the product won't slide around during the day.
On me, the wear tends to be between eight and 10 hours. Most shades have medium, buildable pigmentation with some being semi-opaque to opaque on occasion. They are typically blendable, easy to use, and long-wearing.
Browse all of our ColourPop Super Shock Cheek (Highlighter) swatches.
Blow Me Out
LELimited Edition. $10.00.
Bash
Bash is a brighter, medium pink with warm, yellow undertones and flecks of pink and gold sparkle. It had medium pigmentation and applied fairly evenly on the lips, though there was a bit of color that had slipped into my lip lines. The texture was lightweight, comfortable to wear, but I could feel some of the grit of the sparkles in the gloss while applying and as I wore it. This shade wore well for four hours and was lightly hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- ColourPop Kink (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- ColourPop Arigato (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- MAC Bubble Butt (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar).
- MAC Social Season (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, darker, more muted (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$10.00/0.11 oz. - $90.91 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "hi-shine" with a "non-sticky" texture that "feels amazing" and includes five finishes "from 3-D pearl to sheer tinted colour." They are designed to be a sheerer formula, so many shades are sheer with a smattering of shimmer or sparkle and then a few are more tinted with sheer to semi-sheer coverage but no shimmer. Each gloss has a short, brush-type applicator, which worked better than I expected and didn't leave streaky results behind (in general). They had a sweet, vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
The "Tinted" finish ("glass-like shine with tint of sheer colour and no shimmer") was the least consistent--sometimes prone to unevenness and getting into lip lines, particularly with deeper/richer shades, whereas Pearlescent ("glass-like shine with subtle shimmer") and Prismatic ("glass-like shine with floating multi dimensional pearl and glitters") are sheer to translucent with the major difference being finer shimmer in the Pearlescent finish and larger, more glitter-like particles in the Prismatic finish. Both finishes tended to look plush and more smoothing on my lips. The Creme finish is a "medium-coverage gloss with a creamy finish that does not contain any pearls or glitter." The Metallic is described as a "full-coverage gloss with a mix of pearl and metallic finishes."
The wear time varied by shade but the sheerer ones tended to wear between two and three hours as the formula was, indeed, non-sticky and smooth, which made them lighter-weight and comfortable to wear but shorter wearing. A lot of the sheerer shades ran together, so I would recommend just picking up one or two rather than several as the differences are likely to be lost! Also, keep in mind that sheerer lip colors can look different from person to person due to much of the natural lip color coming through.
Browse all of our ColourPop Ultra Glossy Lip (Discontinued) swatches.
Bash
LELimited Edition. $10.00.
RSVP
RSVP is a light pink with warm undertones and gold and green pearl. It had a shift from gold to green on the lips, though it often looked greenish on. The consistency was lightweight, smooth, and just a touch tacky. It applied evenly without streaking but had a bit of color that gathered in my deeper lip lines. The gloss had semi-sheer coverage that lasted for three hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Happily Ever After (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Oyster Girl (P, $21.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Shock (465) (P, $30.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Sephora Good Fairy (LE, $14.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC For the Frill of It (LE, $21.00) is lighter (85% similar).
- Huda Beauty Enchanting (P, $18.00) is cooler (85% similar).
- ColourPop Just Fly (LE, $8.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$10.00/0.11 oz. - $90.91 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "hi-shine" with a "non-sticky" texture that "feels amazing" and includes five finishes "from 3-D pearl to sheer tinted colour." They are designed to be a sheerer formula, so many shades are sheer with a smattering of shimmer or sparkle and then a few are more tinted with sheer to semi-sheer coverage but no shimmer. Each gloss has a short, brush-type applicator, which worked better than I expected and didn't leave streaky results behind (in general). They had a sweet, vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
The "Tinted" finish ("glass-like shine with tint of sheer colour and no shimmer") was the least consistent--sometimes prone to unevenness and getting into lip lines, particularly with deeper/richer shades, whereas Pearlescent ("glass-like shine with subtle shimmer") and Prismatic ("glass-like shine with floating multi dimensional pearl and glitters") are sheer to translucent with the major difference being finer shimmer in the Pearlescent finish and larger, more glitter-like particles in the Prismatic finish. Both finishes tended to look plush and more smoothing on my lips. The Creme finish is a "medium-coverage gloss with a creamy finish that does not contain any pearls or glitter." The Metallic is described as a "full-coverage gloss with a mix of pearl and metallic finishes."
The wear time varied by shade but the sheerer ones tended to wear between two and three hours as the formula was, indeed, non-sticky and smooth, which made them lighter-weight and comfortable to wear but shorter wearing. A lot of the sheerer shades ran together, so I would recommend just picking up one or two rather than several as the differences are likely to be lost! Also, keep in mind that sheerer lip colors can look different from person to person due to much of the natural lip color coming through.
Browse all of our ColourPop Ultra Glossy Lip (Discontinued) swatches.
RSVP
LELimited Edition. $10.00.
Wishes
Wishes is a bright, medium-dark fuchsia with cool, blue and violet pearl. It had semi-sheer color coverage that applied evenly and smoothly across the lips. The gloss was lightweight, mostly non-sticky, and smooth, which allowed it to spread well on the lips. The color wore well for three and a half hours and was lightly hydrating.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Rave Bunny (LE, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- MAC Playful Petal (LE, $20.00) is lighter, less pigmented (85% similar).
- MAC Unlimited Style (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- MAC Ruby Princess (P, $21.00) is more pigmented (85% similar).
- MAC Ceremonial (LE, $20.00) is less shimmery, warmer (85% similar).
- Revlon HD Tourmaline (510) (DC, $8.99) is less shimmery, lighter, brighter (80% similar).
- MAC Sugar Poppy (LE, $21.00) is more pigmented (80% similar).
- MAC Bubble Butt (LE, $21.00) is less shimmery, darker (80% similar).
Formula Overview
$10.00/0.11 oz. - $90.91 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "hi-shine" with a "non-sticky" texture that "feels amazing" and includes five finishes "from 3-D pearl to sheer tinted colour." They are designed to be a sheerer formula, so many shades are sheer with a smattering of shimmer or sparkle and then a few are more tinted with sheer to semi-sheer coverage but no shimmer. Each gloss has a short, brush-type applicator, which worked better than I expected and didn't leave streaky results behind (in general). They had a sweet, vanilla scent but no discernible taste.
The "Tinted" finish ("glass-like shine with tint of sheer colour and no shimmer") was the least consistent--sometimes prone to unevenness and getting into lip lines, particularly with deeper/richer shades, whereas Pearlescent ("glass-like shine with subtle shimmer") and Prismatic ("glass-like shine with floating multi dimensional pearl and glitters") are sheer to translucent with the major difference being finer shimmer in the Pearlescent finish and larger, more glitter-like particles in the Prismatic finish. Both finishes tended to look plush and more smoothing on my lips. The Creme finish is a "medium-coverage gloss with a creamy finish that does not contain any pearls or glitter." The Metallic is described as a "full-coverage gloss with a mix of pearl and metallic finishes."
The wear time varied by shade but the sheerer ones tended to wear between two and three hours as the formula was, indeed, non-sticky and smooth, which made them lighter-weight and comfortable to wear but shorter wearing. A lot of the sheerer shades ran together, so I would recommend just picking up one or two rather than several as the differences are likely to be lost! Also, keep in mind that sheerer lip colors can look different from person to person due to much of the natural lip color coming through.
Browse all of our ColourPop Ultra Glossy Lip (Discontinued) swatches.
I didn’t want to be tempted to buy the set but these look so beautiful and got such good ratings!! I might have to now!!
There are some nice pieces here!
SO happy to have been able to get a hold of one of these, and even happier to see the positive ratings!
Woohoo!!
I think this is a really pretty collection. Unfortunately, I have to pass, but I like it.
It is cute!
Dilemma of the day: I do love all 3 lip glosses and the orange duochrome eyeshadow, but have perfect dupes of all the other 3 eyeshadows and the highlighter! Not so sure that I want to plunk down $35 when I only really love and want half of what’s contained within this. It’s a darn shame that they didn’t offer these up as singles!
I was sad and a little surprised it was only offered as a bundle!
Ditto. Hope it’s not a trend…seems that way lately.
I haven’t ordered anything from CP in months because I got so burnt out on their incessant new release schedule I just stopped caring. Also the shades haven’t been anything to write home about – BUT! I decided to order this collection right when it released today and now I’m so glad that I did!!!! I love that the lip glosses are not very dupeable and the eyeshadows performed gorgeously!!! Woohoo!! What a great release for their bday! Now I hope they get into some crazy fun lipcolors again it’s been way too long with just neutrals! Browns pinks and peaches for months!
Can’t wait for you to get your bag, Bonnie!
I love love the dupe list, just saved me $10 since I have the KVD Alchemist palette.
😀
I hope they will release Cake Walk and Party Favors as singles soon, don’t need the whole set. Thanks for the swatches!
I hope they do!
So happy the bday bundle performed well!!! I had to buy the bag because wishes and cakewalk screamed to me!!!! It was a great deal and can’t beat the free shadow!!!
I hope you enjoy it, Lunasol!
Thank you!!!!!
Pales and pastels — not my cuppa. Party Favors is nice, but I have Jones.
Jones is pretty close!
This is the perfect number of products you want in a collection – not a hundred lipsticks, 25 shades of eye shadow etc. Just small and compact with a bit of something for everyone. Gorgeous shades and great ratings.
It was a lovely set!
Sufficiently duped, but this is fab for the right people. Gotta pull out a lot of stuff to dupe the ones I like, though. And the lip stuff is a 180 from what I wear. Your dupes always remind me of the virtue/necessity of stash shopping. Hope that CP unbundles again soon. That was always one of my favorite aspects of the brand.
It’s a fun set for the right person for sure 🙂
I have dupes for some of the eyeshadows, but I am tempted by this. Now if I wait a bit it might sell out and I can blame faith. (Logging in on CP’s site now!) 😉
This might come as a random question, but do you plan on reviewing the Colourpop Sonya Esman collection (specifically the lip set)? There hasn’t been much PR around it and I really trust your opinion. Thanks for reading!
Sorry, this is all I have right now.
The shadows are very nice, I’m not sure I’d purchase, but still good.
Nice to see something perform well, even if not for us!