NYX Born To Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation Review

I don’t usually wear drugstore foundation but NYX has really stepped up their game. Last year they released the fabulous Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Concealers with full-coverage camouflage and this year the new Born to Glow Foundation is quickly becoming a bestseller.

There are 45 shades to choose from (chances are you’ll find a good match) and for just $14.00 a tube you can’t go wrong.

What I like most about the formula is the consistency. The pigment is liquidy (be careful when squeezing the it out) but the fluidity is what makes it easy to spread and blend. You get a smooth, even-toned finish with lightweight medium coverage.

Last weekend I put it to the test and my family agreed that the skin-like finish looks natural with no harsh undertones. The color is buildable with no caking or creasing and it doesn’t clog pores.

Based on the name I expected radiance and dewiness but the foundation is quite matte with no glow or luminosity. I like that there is no shine (shimmer is being overused these days) and hours after application my makeup still looks freshly applied.

My shade is Warm Honey 15.9. It has a golden base with a hint of yellow to diminish discoloration.

If you’re looking for an affordable everyday foundation with just enough coverage this is a great option.

Born To Glow is available at drugstores nationwide, NYX stores and nyxcosmetics.ca

NYX Sweet Cheeks Creamy Powder Blush Review | Fall 2019 Beauty Trends

I have a lot of blush in my vanity drawers but I’m getting bored of pink and dusty rose. It seems like every brand has the same range of shades and this fall I want something different.

On my quest to find sultry hues that define and enhance, I came across the Sweet Cheeks Collection by NYX. The plum, burgundy and golden undertones are deep and silky for effortless blending and sculpting. If you want to get really creative, the bright yellow and taupe-grey are quite eccentric.

Although the product name indicates a “creamy” texture, the powder is lightweight and satiny with smooth, buildable coverage. It does not settle into lines or accentuate dryness and depending on the blush you choose, the color can appear quite natural when faded just right.

The finishes range from soft matte to radiant shimmer with enough color payoff to double as eye shadow. The glow formula has built-in highlighter that is very saturated. Don’t use too much or it might look like fallout.

Of course anyone can wear these shades but they look particularly lovely on medium, deep, olive and tan complexions. The pigment lasts all day (even on oily skin) and you can mix and match to create your own gorgeous hues.

Summer Breeze (on the top) is a beautiful iridescent coral that instantly brightens and illuminates with a touch of gold. The other orange is the matte version of Summer Breeze but in person it looks more like a neutral mix of coral and brown. Risky Business is a frosty red-pink that can be swept on with a fan brush for a pop of holiday glam.

The shimmery garnet in the middle (Red Riot) is saturated and dramatic while the matte version (to the left) is a rich burgundy that has become my favorite autumn blush. Totally Chill looks orange under my studio lights but it has neutral, mauve and brown undertones.

I prefer the matte finish because it looks more like blush and less like eye shadow but they both work wonders on dull skin. The Compacts retail for $10.00 each and NYX is available at drugstores nationwide.

NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Full-Coverage Lightweight Concealer Review

When people ask what makeup item I can’t live without I always say concealer/foundation. No matter how pretty your lipstick and lashes look, bad skin days are inevitable.

NYX recently sent me the entire range of Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Concealers and at just $12.00 each I’m quite impressed!

For consistent coverage choose the shade closest to your skin tone so it blends seamlessly with your foundation. A lighter color will provide a brightening effect while the deep browns are great for sculpting and contouring. You can also use them to define your brows, cupid’s bow and nose.

No matter how much eye cream I slather on, my dark circles are here to stay and this concealer camouflages like a dream! The wand allows for even distribution and effortless application with minimal creasing and no transfer. I can use several coats without wiping away underlying layers because the color stays put for up to 24 hours! This stuff lasts through heat, humidity, sweating and runny eyes so I’ll be wearing it all summer.

There are 12 shades in the fair to light range with neutral, pink and yellow undertones.

If testers are available, swatch a few and allow them to set. The colors tend to dry a bit darker than they initially appear. The matte finish may not be suitable for people with pronounced lines, wrinkles or dry skin. To counteract these issues, try applying primer or a plumping eye cream to smooth and prep the area.

Warm Honey 15.9 (featured below) is my preferred shade but I can also use Warm Caramel 15.9 and Mahogany 16 when I want something a bit deeper.

The medium range consists of approximately 7 shades.

The lightweight, highly pigmented formula is comparable to some luxury brands (yes it’s that good) and the full-coverage finish hides acne spots, redness, blemishes and discoloration with ease – pretty much everything you want in a good concealer.

There are 5 shades for deep skin tones.

If you find a match that is too dark and the color before it is too light, try a shade with a decimal value. These numbers indicate hues in the middle range – a combination of two pigments. If that doesn’t work and you still have trouble with undertones, mix and match to customize the finish.

I’ll definitely be sharing these with friend and family. NYX is available at drugstores nationwide, freestanding NYX stores and online at nyxcanca.ca.

New Eye Shadow Palettes from NYX | Summer 2019 Makeup Trends

NYX Cosmetics is popular among makeup artists, influences and beauty junkies all over the world because the products are good quality, trendy and affordable. I've visited their stores in many countries and while browsing the website there is always something new to discover.

Summer is a great time to experiment with bold color which is why I love the Off Tropic Palette ($24.00). Hasta La Vista is inspired by the heat and hues of island paradise and features 10 bright pigments that make me want to go on a cruise. Most of the shades are matte (which I love) but they’ve also included shimmery gold and satiny blue.

I’ve been looking for bright orange eye shadow for a while and this little palette has an eye-catching array of dramatic color. The peach looks stunning with the bold pink (I’ve been wearing this combo a lot lately) but some shades apply patchy and faint so a good primer and a few layers is highly recommended.

I tested all of the pigments on my eyes (without irritation) before reading the package and discovering that only 4 shades are eye shadow while the other 6 are intended for face and body makeup. It does not specify why they cannot be used around the eyes or if doing so is dangerous but NYX might want to rethink the labeling and marketing of this product.

I also have a few of the Ultimate Shadow Palettes ($22.00) in my collection because they are handy for travel and color coordinated for effortless looks. To create a beautiful smokey eye the Ash compact is a great choice. It has a nice selection of cool tones including silver, blue, deep navy and charcoal. Unfortunately three of the greys are almost identical and the texture is dry. To intensify the effect use a smoothing base and layer well. Once you’ve applied enough, the shadows appear sharp and well pigmented with no creasing and minimal fading.

I don’t know many people who can resist a stunning sunset and for a sultry night out the Phoenix Palette ($22.00) is super sexy with excellent color payoff. The brilliant coral, metallic gold, bright yellow and matte orange look stunning together and I can’t get enough of the rich burgundy.

The Ultimate Edit Petite Palettes ($12.00 ea) are simplified, travel-friendly versions of the Ultimate Palettes with a little less pigmentation. I like the color combos but there is some fallout. The red, coral, yellow gold and plum palette is also called Phoenix. When layered generously the shadows appear quite prominent.

The Warm Neutral Palette is ideal for anyone who likes to keep things simple with a range of classy shimmers and crease defining mattes.

NYX is available at drugstores, freestanding NYX stores and online at nyxcosmetics.ca

NYX Glitter Goals Liquid Lipstick | Review & Swatches

It’s Friday afternoon, I’m in a good mood and last night I actually got 8 hours of sleep (hallelujah!). I’m ready for an evening out on the town – maybe a little jazz at a cozy club and a delicious meal with my hubby at one of Toronto’s trendy eateries.

If you’re bored of office appropriate nudes, why not spice up your look with a little sparkle? The NYX Glitter Goals Liquid Lipstick ($12.00) is bold, bright and metallic – think Halloween night meets disco ball chic.

Like most NYX lippies, these are quite easy to apply. The thick cream glides on full-coverage with an even distribution of brilliant glitter. 

The bright pink (Reflector) is my favorite shade and seems to have the highest shimmer concentration. I have no idea what to do with the charcoal grey (Alienated) but if I ever go to a heavy metal concert, I’ll probably fit right in. The orange and red hues are more subdued but the finish is still intense. These are definitely not everyday lip colors but they do look mesmerizing.

My main issue with the formula is the annoying mess! By the end of the day, glitter particles are scattered around my face and some even end up in my mouth (note to self: remember not to lick your lips with this stuff on). Reapplying is no easy feat but when the color dries it lasts much longer, just make sure to let it set.

If I’m attending an awesome party where I don’t expect to eat or drink, these are fine but once you consume greasy food, everything slides right off and then it’s glitter palooza! The texture is okay, but don’t expect lots of moisture.

As someone who is usually too lazy to use lip liner, I had much better luck with the Line & Load Lippies ($9.00). The ultra thin applicator is designed to create killer definition and if you’re really creative, try some lip art or mix and match your favorite shades for a gorgeous ombre effect.

It usually takes a few dips to pick up enough pigment for complete coverage but I love the creamy matte color and filling in my lips takes just a few seconds. There may be some transfer and bleeding (especially during meals) but the lightweight finish is quite comfortable and doesn’t leave my skin feeling parched.

The classic red (Biker Babe) is my jam but I’m not really into the nude shade (Never Listen). It looks like foundation and completely washes me out.

You can't really see the glitter in the swatches below but rest assure that you'll be getting a lot of glitz.

NYX is available at drugstores, freestanding NYX stores and online at nyxcosmetics.ca

NYX Cosmetics 2018 Holiday Collection & Gift Guide

“Sleigh bells ring, are you listening, in the lane snow is glistening”...I’ve been singing Christmas carols for weeks now and the NYX Holiday Collection is definitely putting me in a festive mood. Spoiler alert, I busted into the advent calendar early to show you what’s inside and I’ve gathered some pretty palettes that you’ll probably want to add to your wish-list (you’re welcome).

This year it’s all about Sugar Trip so the advent calendar ($75.00) is loaded with colorful treats. The box features a few social media influencers in cartoon form although the girl at the bottom looks a bit like Rihanna.

The artwork on the inside is also bright and fun. Everyday until Christmas Eve you can pop open a new window to reveal a luscious lip product, blush, highlighter or eye shadow.

The calendar contains a selection of our favorite NYX lip formulas including: Butter Gloss, Liquid Suede, Soft Matte Metallic, Soft Matte Cream, Strip Tease and even a couple tinted lip oils to keep your pout chap-free.

Don’t you just love it when brands make gift giving simple! The Sugar Trip Lip Treats Set ($23.00) is perfect for teacher’s gifts, friends, secret Santa, co-workers and stocking stuffers. Everyone’s lips get a little dry during the winter so this trio comes with lip oil, balm and scrub – everything you need for a mistletoe smooch.

There is no denying that makeup junkies love to sculpt and with the Love Contours All Palette ($27.00) you can chisel those cheekbones, fill in your brows and accentuate the eyes with rich bronzers and silky highlighters.

Away We Glow ($25.00) is loaded with 12 buttery shadows that transition from summer to fall with striking bronze, rose gold and brilliant green.

The Ultimate Eye Shadow Palettes ($22.00 each) range from shocking neon to deep sultry tones and if you love fall shades Warm Rust is gorgeous! Some YouTubers have compared this little gem to Urban Decay’s Naked Heat (one of my all-time favorite palettes) and I have to admit, the color scheme is similar. I like that the shadows are color coordinated in vertical rows so you can create 4 specific looks or mix it up.

The pink glitter from Warm Rust looks gorgeous with the Vivid Brights Pigment in Bad Blood ($12.00). I love the rich burgundy and the color lasts all day without transfer, fading or creasing. Unfortunately the cream formula is dense and dry so getting the pigment out of the jar and evenly blended can be a challenge. I use my finger to dab and smear it on (you may have to go over the same area several times to cover patchiness) but it definitely makes a bold statement.

If you’re feeling a bit daring why not try the Electric Palette? I don’t have many of these shades in my collection but they are very dramatic.

A few swatches of Warm Rust and Electric

The Dream Catcher Palette in Stormy Skies ($18.00) contains cool neutrals. This item is currently sold-out online but you might want to swatch it first. The colors are too tame for my taste and many lack the pigmentation and quality NYX is known for.

The NYX Loose Pigments ($9.00) are a staple in many professional makeup kits and the weightless pearlescent finish looks phenomenal! To avoid fallout and improve coverage, use primer or an adhesive base and pat the color on instead of swiping.

The Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks ($10.00 each) have a creamy formula that stays put for hours without becoming dry or uncomfortable. I also recommend the Suede Matte Lipsticks ($10.00) which have a wonderful texture, buildable saturation and enough suppleness to keep lips hydrated.  

NYX Cosmetics is available at freestanding stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs and online at nyxcosmetics.ca.

Nyx Cosmetics Love You So Mochi Eye Shadow Palettes & Powder Puff Lippe: Review & Swatches

Spring is in the air! Toronto has finally begun to thaw and on my way to see Black Panther I was able to shed my winter jacket and bulky scarf. To celebrate the warm weather I’ve been using my new Nyx Palettes to create bright uplifting looks with radiant pigments! The Mochi Palettes are available in 2 color collections – Sleek & Chic and Electric Pastels. You will probably want to buy both (because who can resist) and while you’re at it pick up a few of the new Powder Puff Lippies to make your pout stand-out.

Let me start by explaining what Mochi is because some of you may have no idea what I’m talking about. Nyx named their new palettes after a popular Japanese rice cake with a soft marshmallow texture. Calories and carbs aside, the bright rainbow pigments are smooth and silky with loads of iridescent shimmer that makes you look like a fairy princess. The pastels appear vibrant and dramatic but apply soft and radiant with sheer, buildable coverage. You can boost the intensity by layering over primer and the vivid fuchsia, sparkling blue and peachy gold definitely add a unique twist to my makeup kit.

If you aren’t feeling the bright shades then Sleek & Chic may be more your style. It still has a heavy dose of amped-up shimmer but the gold and bronze hues may be easier to wear on a daily basis. I like to match them with matte shadows for more contrast and crease definition but they are perfect for a night out. The pillowy texture, metallic intensity and dazzling illumination makes these palettes totally irresistible! They retail for $25.00 each.

Nyx knocked it out of the park with their new Powder Puff Lippies ($12.00 each). I’ve tested all 8 shades and they are fantastic! The formula is lightweight, soft, supple and highly pigmented for great saturation and cushiony comfort. The cream applies like a lush mousse and sets with a soft powder finish that makes lips appear plush and pouty. You can layer heavily for bold color or let the pigment fade for a beautiful blur.

The Pillow Applicator is great for blending and versatile coverage. There aren’t any sharp angles or edges to help outline but the velvety formula spreads evenly.

There are quite a few neutrals in this collection but surprisingly they are all flattering. I’m not a huge fan of nude lips (unless I’m wearing dramatic eye shadow) but each shade has a pink or brown undertone that suits my complexion.

There are also 3 bright summery shades

The lipsticks retail for $12.00 each and Nyx is available at freestanding stores, drugstores nationwide and online at nyxcosmetics.ca.

NYX Cosmetics Bright Idea Illuminating Sticks & NEW Cosmic Metals Lip Cream Shades

NYX is one of those brands that always features the hottest trends and creates amazing new products on a regular basis. Almost everything they release becomes a sensational hit on Instagram as beauty junkies everywhere go crazy for the vibrant new pigments.

I’ve already reviewed the Cosmic Metals Lip Cream but since they’ve become so popular, more glitzy shades were added to the collection. These glamorous colors accentuate your pout with vibrant shine and magnificent chrome finishes that are opaque and seriously luscious! They glide on rich and smooth with layers of creamy moisture that drench lips in dazzling micro-shimmer. If you aren’t good at creating fancy lip art masterpieces, these colors will provide a dramatic effect without all the effort. Most of the pigments are bright and a little eccentric but there is a selection of neutral metallics with brown, gold and nude tones. As the color wears away, you can remove the remaining glitter residue with a makeup wipe and there is no staining. The Lip Creams retail for $10.00 each and to see swatches of the other shades I have click HERE.

The Bright Idea Illuminating Sticks ($11.00) aren’t just a collection of highlighters - the line also includes blush and bronzer with radiant finishes. I have one color in each category – Brick Red Blaze (blush), Pinkie Dust (luminizer) and Sandy Glow (bronzer). I like that the sticks have buildable, creamy color that you can layer for more intensity or blend to create a beautiful faded blur for a natural flush. In the summer, I also use the highlighter and bronzer on my legs and arms by simply swiping the pigment on the areas I want to illuminate and diffusing the color with my finger. The bronzer provides a beautiful sunkissed glow (also great for travel) and the formula is very easy to work with.

I love the NYX Prismatic Shadows ($7.00) because the brilliant metallic shades are flattering and extremely pretty! Jaded is the newest addition to my collection and the velvety emerald applies full-coverage, shimmery and sultry which is perfect for summer parties.

When you have a shadow that looks this good, false lashes add the perfect finishing touch. Amplified is thick, sexy and layered for incredible volume. If you prefer something more natural, Juxtapose gives you length and thickness with a little less drama. The Wicked Lashes retail for $10.00 each.

Swatches from left to right: Lip Creams - Asteroid Aura, Fuchsia Fusion & Retro Harmony. Illuminating sticks - Brick Red Blaze, Pinkie Dust & Sandy Glow. Prismatic Shadow - Jaded

NYX is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, free standing stores and online at nyxcosmetics.ca