Beauty, Makeup, Product Review, Swatches

Colourpop Haul, Review & Swatches | Experience with free shipping to India that attracted ridiculous Custom Duty.

(Heads up: Find a 20% off discount code at the end)

Colourpop as a brand has always intrigued me. They came out of no where and with a little, no a lot of help from Social Media took over the Beauty World. It is perhaps the most Insta-famous beauty brand. Recently they offered free international shipping above 30 USD (approx 2000 INR) so I had to see for myself are these inexpensive beauty products worth the buzz.

Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches

Purchase & Shipping Experience

It’s very easy to lose your mind while shopping on the Colourpop Website. They have so many varieties of finishes and colours .. I found it quite overwhelming initially. But this time I was a woman on a mission so I decided to go for the tried and tested/ best sellers colours that were definitely going to look good on my brown skin. I love how Colourpop shows swatches on variety of skin colours but I also notice not all colours have swatches, if they can add a consistent method of showing swatches with each product, I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.

Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Contents of my Colourpop Order to be shipped free to India

The online ordering was straightforward, I ordered product worth of 44 USD out of which I got a 5 USD off since I was shopping with them for the first time. Then began the wait – a month-long wait between which I wrote to them twice inquiring as to where is my parcel and their team was always reassuring and asking me to be patient. Colourpop ships via USPS (The United States Postal Service) and they hand over the parcel to Indian Postal Service once it reaches India and this is where all problems start. After a month of placing the order I got a call from the post office, they said they will come to deliver the parcel at my address only if I agreed to pay the custom duty fee of 1486 INR!! This crazy attitude aside, I was aghast to realize that this custom duty just completely defeated the purpose of buying inexpensive makeup! I obviously said yes, because at this point I didn’t see a way out other than paying this ridiculous duty fee.

Unboxing

Unfair Custom Duty

The postman came and I asked him tell me whats the logic of this calculation and obviously he didn’t know. Then he confirmed if I was paying the money and opened a small piece of paper tied to the parcel and showed me.

Also note that at current rate of 1 USD = 64.5 INR the calculation of 44$ = 2,837.90 INR and not 3509 INR as mentioned on the slip. This is just plain unfair! 

Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India & rate of duty

This was the slip tied to the parcel which is not given to the receiver, I happen to take a picture of it for record. Notice the ridiculous 41.4% rate of duty!!

Then I payed the money and asked him for a receipt but there was none, obviously because taking money is important but acknowledging that the money has been taken is not! By now I was extremely upset and angry at this whole duty fiasco so much so that for the longest time I didn’t even go through the products properly.

Packaging

All the stuff came in a basic cardboard box with a cute hand written note and a booklet speaking of their various products. All this was wrapped in foam sheets despite which three products including the Ultra blotted Lipstick, Gold Eyeliner and the Highlighter were broken! Thankfully not broken beyond repair!


Ultra Satin Lip – Liquid Lipstick | Shade: Frick N’ Frack

Cost $6.00 ( 388 INR) | Net Weight 3.2g (0.11oz)

This is a highly pigmented and long wearing liquid lipstick from their Ultra Satin Range. The colour is Nude- Rosey – Terracotta mix. I can definitely see why its their bestseller. They claim that the pigment level is the same as their Ultra Matte Lipsticks but the Ultra Satin contains emollient ingredients that keep the lip moisturized and comfortable. This is absolutely true because in spite of looking almost matte it doesn’t dry the lips or tug at them.

It does transfer a lot but the pigment still remains on the lips for the longest time. My only beef with it is the wand, it’s too wide for folks with thin lips and it brings out so much product which is not necessary because one needs a really thin layer. Despite this I highly recommend you check out this range.

Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N' Frack Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop | Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N’ Frack

Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N' Frack Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N’ Frack

Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N' Frack Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N’ Frack | Swatch

Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N' Frack Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick Frick N’ Frack | Wand

Blotted Lip – Lipstick | Shade: Drip

Cost $5.00 (323 INR) | Net Weight 1.0g (0.035oz)

This lipstick came broken, but I stuck it back into its bullet have been using it like that which eventually is going to pose a problem but we will cross that bridge when we reach there.

This lipstick gives a matte stain of color that is sheer. It’s like how you wear any lipstick and then blot it to bring down the intensity, in this case there is no need to blot. It’s for the folks who want to have some colour on their lips but not make it very evident. The Shade Drip is a Rosy Mauve and can be built up but despite that don’t expect a full coverage.

This is drying and application is hard as it tugs at the lips because the bullet in itself needs to pressed hard on the lip to transfer color. Overall, I am not a fan. This can be totally skipped.

Colourpop Blotted Lip Drip Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Blotted Lip| Shade: Drip

Colourpop Blotted Lip Drip Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Blotted Lip in shade Drip

Colourpop Blotted Lip Drip Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Blotted Lip Drip – Broken while in Transit

Colourpop Blotted Lip Drip Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Blotted Lip in Shade Drip | Swatch

Lippie Stix- Lip Primer

Cost $5.00 (323 INR) | Net Weight 1.0g (0.035oz)

This is definitely the star of this whole purchase. It should not be confused for a lip balm because it does not give any hydration.They claim that it contains ingredients like mango, avocado, and shea butter for moisture and Vitamin E to soothe the lips, but primarily its a prep layer for the lipstick to go on better.

It has a silicon-y texture and a pleasant scent that fills up the imperfections and fine lines. It enhances the wear time of lipstick to a very great extent and makes the finish look better without diluting the pigment. Definitely check this out.

Colourpop Lip Primer Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop – Lip Primer

Colourpop Lip Primer Review and swatches on indian skin  Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Lip Primer

Colourpop Lip Primer Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Review and Swatches on Indian Skin, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop: Lip Primer

Lippie Stix | Matte X| Shade: Cami

Cost $5.00 (323 INR) | Net Weight 1.0g (0.035oz)

The Lippie Stix formula is claimed to contain Vitamin E, Mango, Avocado, and Shea butter for comfort and moisture and is paraben & sulphate free. The Colourpop Lippie Stix have various finishes so this shade Cami belongs to the Matte X finish which is claimed to be super matte just like a liquid lipstick but in a retractable bullet form. The smaller diameter of the bullet makes it easy to apply and helps one to remain precise.

It is definitely very matte and very highly pigmented. One stroke and its gives an opaque color. It is lightweight and doesn’t dry the lips and lasts for a quite a long time. Cami is a cool toned mauvy pink and is going to look great on Indian skin. Its a great everyday colour that I definitely recommend.

Colourpop Lippie Stix Matte X Cami Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Lippie Stix Matte X Cami | Swatch

Colourpop Lippie Stix Matte X Cami Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop – Lippie Stix- Matte X- Shade: Cami

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVXtrqIFT__/?taken-by=ms.plainspoken

Super Shock Highlighter| Shade: Wisp

Cost $8.00 (517 INR) | Net Weight 4.2 g / 0.15 oz

This one also broke during shipping but thanks to its creamy-gooey formula I could press it back into place. The texture of this product is very unique! When you touch the product its cool and soft and satisfyingly spongy.. I almost want to ball it up and play with it the whole day!! (Definitely don’t do that!)

This highlighter has a pearlised – gold colour with fine shimmer. The shimmer level is a little too much for my liking but I can run with it for parties and events. The formula is cream to powder and one can get the best colour pay off when used with hands but that can also prove difficult to blend. Brushes give a very light finish but it can be built up. I recommend you use it in front of a mirror and in an area with a lot of light so you don’t go over board, which is very easy to do with this one.

It wears for a decent 4-5 hours and if you will look good on brown-skinned girls like me. It can also be used in the inner corner of the eyes as an eye-shadow. If you like a shimmery highlight definitely check it out.

Colourpop Supershock highlighter Wisp Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Supershock Highlighter in Shade Wisp | It came broken so I pressed it back together due to which the top texture was lost!

Colourpop Supershock highlighter Wisp Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Supershock Highlighter in Wisp | Swatch

Colourpop Supershock highlighter Wisp Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Supershock Highlighter in Wisp | Swatch

Crème Gel Liner| Shade: No Shame

Cost $5.00 (323 INR) | Net Weight 0.2g (0.007 oz)

It comes in a retractable pencil which I find way more convenient that the brush and pot. No shame is a dark violet color almost black. Sadly it doesn’t look violet at all on my skin tone. It is quite pigmented but you will need two to three strokes to get an opaque dark line. I have oily lids so it lasts for a decent 7-8 hours after which it begins to fade. It dries down matte and gives a comfortable wear. It can also be blended to get a smokey effect but one needs to be quick because it dries quickly. I tried it on my water line and it doesn’t dry out or burn my eyes like the Maybelline Colossal Liner! It is definitely worth the price.

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner No Shame Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop – Crème Gel Liner in Shade No Shame

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner No Shame Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner in No Shame

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner No Shame Review and swatches on indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner in Shade No Shame | Swatch

Crème Gel Liner| Shade: Dirty Talk

Cost $5.00 (323 INR) | Net Weight 0.2g (0.007 oz)

Dirty Talk is a soft metallic gold. By itself it doesn’t quite show on my lids but I want to use it to create a double line gold over black, but I’m still waiting for that occasion to arrive where I will draw it correctly and then have the courage to carry it! I don’t see it happening anytime soon. Apart from the color everything is the same as “No Shame”. I often use it to highlight he inner corner of my eye and the effect is blinding!

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner Dirty Talk Review and swatches on Indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Crème Gel Liner| Shade: Dirty Talk

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner Dirty Talk Review and swatches on Indian skin  Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Crème Gel Liner| Shade: Dirty Talk |Net Weight

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner Dirty Talk Review and swatches on Indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Crème Gel Liner| Shade: Dirty Talk | Broken in Transit

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner Dirty Talk Review and swatches on Indian skin  Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Crème Gel Liner| Shade: Dirty Talk | Swatches

Supershock Eye Shadow| Shade: Nillionaire

Cost $5.00 (323 INR) | Net Weight 2.1g (0.074oz)

Super Shock Shadows come in a variety of finishes and this one is from the Ultra Glitter finish range. I wish I had read this part before adding it to cart, because it is super-duper high on glitter, definitely not an everyday wear kind of shadow.

The colour is blackish bronze and has tonnes of pink and gold glitter. It has the same bouncy texture as the highlighter. It has a cream to powder formula and will give the highest colour payoff when tapped on with fingers. When using a brush one should be careful because the glitter goes everywhere, so use a dense brush, wet it move it in concentrated areas below the crease. One needs to be quick with the blending because after its dry it wont move. They claim zero fallout but that’s not true, definitely do the eyes first and then the face when you intend to use this shadow.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow Nillionaire Review and swatches on Indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Shade Nillionaire

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow Nillionaire Review and swatches on Indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Shade Nillionaire | Swatches

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow Nillionaire Review and swatches on Indian skin Colourpop Haul, Colourpop Purchase Experience and Custom Duty while Shipping cosmetics from USA to India

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow Nillionaire Review| Swatches


Closing Thoughts

The Colourpop products are good for the price at which they are sold. But if you are unlucky with the custom duty like me, that defeats the purpose of purchasing inexpensive products as the total cost is almost doubled. So will I buy Colourpop again? Yes, for sure but I am not going to get it directly shipped to me and try to figure out other ways to escape duty. Some bloggers have told me if the purchase is below 2000 INR there is little or no duty so you might want to try that.

Let me know about your experience with Colourpop in the comments. If you have any tricks to to avoid this unfair duty please let me know.


Update | Feb 2018

If you are interested in shopping from Colourpop and are want a cool 20% off – Click Here. Discount is valid for new customers only. No minimum purchase necessary.


Update | Oct 2018

Check out my experience with the second haul from Colourpop here.

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42 thoughts on “Colourpop Haul, Review & Swatches | Experience with free shipping to India that attracted ridiculous Custom Duty.

  1. Everybody I know had terrible experience with this tax, which I find ridiculous! But at the very end you got your order and all the stuff look amazing <3

  2. 1. On duty (and sales tax) …
    Here’s an interesting link on global duty (and sales tax) on cosmetics …
    India is listed at 10% duty with no sales tax …
    https://www.dutycalculator.com/hs-code-duty-rate-import-restrictions/330499/cosmetics/3304.99.5000/3304.99.0000/537/
    Wrong duty amount, wrong currency conversion, wrong amount to start conversion from (maybe), no receipt … all bring to mind a smell of corruption … I can see how this can spoil the product experience.
    2. On packaging …
    It seems Colourpop should improve their packaging … as you received many broken products. Good packaging design protects the products for real life delivery experiences … as well as helps to promote brand attributes (quality, fun, luxury, etc.).
    (Sorry I don’t know much about cosmetics as a product … but I am learning from your blog !)

    • Mark, I am happy to know you are swinging by the blog from time to time. I am in absolute agreement with both the points. If Indian Postal Service only became marginally better and started collaborating with e-retailers like amazon etc. they are going to make so much more profit. And not just that work ethic improvement is a must!! Also have you read this post on my experience with AliExpress where Indian post successfully lost another parcel arriving from China https://msplainspoken.wordpress.com/2016/08/26/the-aliexpress-experience/
      This site- Aliexpress is wonderful, have you checked it out yet ?

      Also Colourpop is considered a disruptive brands in the beauty world, they did everything differently right from the beginning. To start with they have no legacy which is never the case in the beauty industry, they marketed only via social media and the manufacture in USA ( not china). And the best bit is high quality products cost only a fraction of their counterparts. I see that to maintain the low cost the packaging is definitely sacrificed to some extent. It doesn’t feel cheap but its not strong enough to endure Indian post throwing these boxes around!!

      • Snigdha Srivastava says:

        Hello Trisha, I liked all the stuff you got. My shadows came broken as well. I have seen a lot of videos of people from different countries receiving damaged products, specifically the liners and supershock shadows. Maybe they need to start bubblewrap as well. My drip blotted lip arrived safely but broke while application.

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  4. Nabanita Saha says:

    Nice blog.. I also got some colour pop lippies and the eye shadows, some of them are really good(love the lippie stix lumiere). Let me know if you want, will get them next time we are in India.

  5. Vishaka Subba says:

    Satisfying haul..
    But i really need your help..
    I have ordered many stuffs from colourpop on 9th Nov 2017 and 16th Nov 2017..
    And they got shipped on 10th Nov 2017 and 22nd Nov respectively.
    I have been tracking both my packages since then and its showing that my item is in transit and has been departed to New Delhi.
    I called up Delhi headquarters and they are saying they dont have packages.
    But in india post website as i am tracking it..It is showing next office New Delhi..
    I am really worried..
    Please tell me do packages get lost while in transit?

    • Vishaka, thanks for swinging by. Well to be honest packages do get lost in transit but if that happens you will be refunded by Colourpop. But lets hope that’s not the case! 🙂

    • Harvinder says:

      Hey, did u recieve the packages? I have similar issue. I ordered on 28th dec and they are still in same status ‘in transit’ on usps. In india post office page it says next stop DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE. Please reply.
      Thanks

    • Harvinder says:

      Hey Vishaka, did u recieve the packages? I have similar issue. I ordered on 28th dec and they are still in same status ‘in transit’ on usps. In india post office page it says next stop DELHI FOREIGN POST OFFICE. Please reply.
      Thanks

  6. Harvinder says:

    Actually I came to know about colourpop through a youtuber / blogger on instagram… and she always stated that no custom charges are levied on her shipments .. she stays in Preet Vihar. Not sure why were we asked for custom charges and she always got them without charges. May be she make huge haul videos and promotes and colourpop sponsors her …not sure though

  7. Vibha says:

    I order in December and it has been two months already. When contacted they said it’s lost in transit. I am so disappointed but they’re offering a refund or one time replacement. I opted for refund. But what else can I do…Contact the post office , which is nearest to the delivery address ?

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  9. Anindita B. says:

    Hey! Loving your post! I have ordered from Colourpop before and I ordered last year, in April 2017. My package came within 3 weeks and my order was worth $52. I was not charged any duties and the Post Office guy came and delivered it to my doorstep. Nothing was broken, everything was intact and I loved the experience. ( I am in Kolkata btw)

    Following which, on 31st December 2017, I decided to place another order with them to take advantage of the wonderful sale they had going on. It will be 2 months in 2 days time and no sign of my Colourpop haul. I thought it was stuck at Delhi Customs but I checked on the site and there’s no sign of the parcel being there, atleast it has not been held at Delhi.

    I am not sure if i should wait some more time or simply reach out to them and ask them for a replacement / refund.

    India Post is ridiculous. People steal your package and people take money for your package, its absolutely irritating. If it doesn’t come through this time, I will not be ordering from there again, no matter how much I love the products.

    • Anandita, thanks for swinging by… Folks have been sharing some really interesting experiences with me in the comments. And surprisingly a lot of us have faced very different things as far as customs is concerned. But I definitely agree… Indian postal service really need to improve their logistics.

      • Anindita B. says:

        USPS is a pretty good service generally and its also cheaper for them to ship. The problem is at our end because we all know India Post is shit. I once ordered raw butters from a seller in Chennai and the package was over 3.5kg. The postman called me and told me that they didn’t find my house, and I said that’s not possible. I had to go down to the Post Office to get my delivery. Basically the people are asinines who do not want to carry a heavy parcel.

  10. Swati Naidu says:

    I love colour pop. I have almost every shade now n they all been amazing. Lucky I don’t have to pay any duty fee.

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