Return policy comparison · 2026
Bluemercury vs ColourPop
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Bluemercury) and July 24, 2026 (ColourPop)
Winner
Bluemercury
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
ColourPop
C+
2.3 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
Bluemercury has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against ColourPop's C+ (2.3/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BluemercuryColourPop
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Bluemercury | ColourPop | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (original payment method; gift card only after 90 days) | 14 days (damaged items only, exchange not refund) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes | In-store only |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | — | Not applicable - ColourPop replaces damaged items rather than processing a shipped return |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | — | Everything except items damaged in shipping; orders shipped via a mail forwarding service are ineligible for any replacement |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
Bluemercury tip
Exchanges can only be done in-store, not by mail, so mail-in returns are refund-only even if you wanted a swap; after 90 days a refund converts to store credit (gift card) instead of cash back to your card.
ColourPop tip
Photograph any damage the moment you open the box — ColourPop only replaces items that arrived visibly damaged, and it's an exchange for the same product, not a cash refund.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Bluemercury or ColourPop?
Bluemercury has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against ColourPop's C+ (2.3/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is Bluemercury's return window?
Bluemercury's return window is 90 days (original payment method; gift card only after 90 days).
What is ColourPop's return window?
ColourPop's return window is 14 days (damaged items only, exchange not refund).
Does Bluemercury or ColourPop offer free returns?
Bluemercury: Yes. ColourPop: In-store only.