I like makeup that packs a punch. If I’m giving up 20 minutes of my morning to put on a face, I want payoff: actual light-catching shimmer, colour that doesn’t blend into nothing, and textures that behave. And thankfully, Kulfi’s founder, Priyanka, seems to be in agreement.

When I first tried Sitara Sparkles, one of Kulfi’s eyeshadow creams, I honestly expected it to be just another product lost in the sea of dozens – maybe even hundreds – I’ve tested over the years.

It’s a warm champagne-rose shade with a striking foil-like finish, which can easily be a hit or miss. But to my surprise, the formula glided on smoothly, blended effortlessly with my finger, and set without losing its radiant gleam or developing that dreaded frosted cast.

It was there and then that I fell in love with Kulfi. Luckily for me (and everyone else in the UK), the brand is now officially available in the UK and stocked in a few select SpaceNK shops, as well as in SpaceNK online.

Why Kulfi is not just another makeup brand

Kulfi launched in the US in early 2021 with a clear point of view. It was founded by Priyanka Ganjoo, who previously worked in product development at Estée Lauder and saw first-hand how underrepresented South Asian skin tones were across major brands – not just in marketing, but in formulation. So Kulfi was born as a direct response to this underrepresentation.

The name comes from the South Asian frozen dessert which might be familiar to some. It’s colourful, nostalgic, and rich in texture – and the brand carries that same energy. It’s gloriously and unforgivingly maximalist.

From packaging to product names, Kulfi speaks to a lived-in cultural experience without pandering. But even if none of that context means anything to you, the formulas speak for themselves.

Let’s talk eyeshadows

I tried a range of Kulfi products but the eyeshadows have truly won me over. Firstly, they’re incredibly easy to apply, almost fool-proof – one fingertip and one swab is all you need. Set the brush aside – this isn’t a high-precision job at all.

They set beautifully without the dry, patchy texture that cream formulas often develop when trying to be long wear and crease-resistant. But most importantly – they are so hyper-pigmented that you can really create a bold look in a matter of seconds.

The shades are gorgeous and incredibly flattering. I tried a few on the back of my hand and the Sitara Sparkles shade on my eyes a few times (without primer, just straight onto the lid) and the colour payoff is impeccable. But you can also keep it more strained if you don’t want a high-impact look – a soft swab will give you just enough shimmer for a natural day-to-day makeup.

There are seven shades – including a classic champagne gold and some bolder tones of green and blue, all with the same creamy texture and buildable sheen. Here’s the full range:

• Sitara Sparkles (Rose Gold)
• Sona Sona (Champagne Gold)
• Bronze Brocade (Deep Champagne) – these first three are depicted in the photos below in order, from left to right
• Plum Pataka (Plum)
• Auburn Aura (Cranberry Rose)
• Chammak Challo (Chartreuse Duo Chrome)
• Disco Dreams (Blue Duo Chrome)

What other Kulfi goodies are coming to the UK

Kulfi didn’t build its success in the US on eyeshadows alone. Here’s what else you can find from the brand at SpaceNK:

The Badi Lash mascara

This mascara has conquered many hearts in the US so it’s likely to quickly become a hero product in the UK too. With “badi” meaning “big”, you already know what you can expect: a voluminous, dramatic effect. I’ve tried it too and can vouch for the claims.

Kajal eyeliners

This range of eyeliners is matte, waterproof and long-wear. But most importantly, it’s got the most beautiful colours. There are eight shades in total: from a sky blue to a deep terracotta, along with some more striking colours like blue and green. If you enjoy using eyeliner, you can really have some fun with these ones.

Main Match concealer

The Kulfi concealer is medium coverage and buildable. You don’t really need to set it unless you like a matte finish. When I swatched a handful of shades, the undertones felt spot on. There are 21 in total, and the texture blends in easily with fingers or a brush. Once it’s on, it stays put without creasing under the eyes.

Lassi Lips staining lip oils

The lip oils give you a glossy, cushioned layer when applied, but leave behind a stain once the shine fades. The pigment grips evenly and the shade range goes from easy everyday pinks (Guava, Sweet) to bolder berries (Black Cherry, First Sari). It’s a clever format if you like the look of a gloss but can’t be bothered to reapply every hour.

Heirloom satin lipsticks

If you prefer traditional bullet lipstick, the Heirloom satin lipsticks are creamy, high-colour, and comfortable – think balm-meets-lipstick. The payoff is instant, but you can also blot it down to a softer finish without it catching on dry patches. Shades like Khadi Kiss (a warm brown) and Rose Wood (a muted rose) are the sort you can wear anywhere.

Mehndi Moment blushes

The blushes are a cream formula with a sheerer start that you can layer up. On the back of my hand, the pigment was strong enough to show up in one swipe, but it sheers out beautifully if you want just a wash. There are five shades to suit a wide range of skin tones, and Pinky Promise is the shade I reach for most – a soft, clear pink that makes my fair skin look fresher and healthier but still natural.

There are also a few other products like a brow gel and a primer, but it’s difficult to talk about EVERYTHING when there are so many hero products already within a relatively small collection.

For me, the eyeshadows are still very much the standout product – the one I will tell everyone about if anybody asked me more eyeshadow recommendations. But having tried quite a mix of products, it’s clear Kulfi isn’t a one-hit wonder.

Importantly, the purpose behind the brand and the sense of cultural celebration and empowerment that you get from using these products – which are truly inclusive regardless of skin tone or how you like your makeup to look – makes Kulfi really stand out. It’s fun, high-quality and empowering – and what else could you want from a makeup line?

You can explore and buy the Kulfi range here.

See also our review of Sachi Skin’s hyperpigmentation serum, 47 Skin’s new SPF30, and the new Cloud Nine styling iron.