NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette & Pro Lip Cream Review

When NYX launches new products, beauty junkies seem to go stir crazy with anticipation and while tackling long, leg cramping lines at Gen Beauty last month, I got a glimpse of the new releases. With a name like “Ultimate Shadow Palette,” you just know it’s going to be good and the range of color goes from one end of the spectrum to the next including: smokey hues, cool neutrals, warm neutrals and then a mega jump to vivacious neons! I don’t know what happened to the shades between subtle and shockingly bright but there are enough amazing pigments and rainbow shadows in this collection to keep you entertained for the entire year!

I got the Smokey & Highlight Palette because it contains 16 flattering shades that never really go out of style - colors that many of us wear on a daily basis like silver, champagne, gold, cream and merlot. It also contains deep, rich hues that I couldn’t resist - seductive wine, shimmery grey, navy and even a frosty green. These pigments were formulated to be pro-level and high performance so the colors show up as vivid and flattering as you’d expect them to. While playing around with the palette, I noticed that I didn’t really need a primer to enhance the colors, they apply full-coverage with buildable intensity and a smooth, blendable texture.

I like that NYX fit so many great shades into one compact without it being large, bulky or heavy. The palette includes all the colors I need to complete my looks without having to search my vanity for transition shades, base or highlight. The texture is silky, soft and slightly creamy with long wear color that doesn’t fade or crease. There is also a decent range of finishes from shimmer, metallic, glitter and matte to create eye-catching contrast and dimension. The palette retails for $20.00 and I can’t wait to get my hands on the flashy bright shadows that are already sold-out online.

I’ve already reviewed The Reds Pro Lip Cream Palette but since then I got two new color collections! The Plums have more of a fall/winter vibe but I couldn’t resist the rich, scintillating shades. The hues range from blackberry-plum for a vampy effect to rich mid tone purples with a wine tinge, bold mauve and a purple-pink combo that I can’t get enough of!

The pink palette is fresher, brighter and more suitable for the season. It includes an orange-pink, light baby pink, 2 nude pinks, a coral and a mid tone fuchsia. The lightest hue is not one I’d normally go for because the undertone is a bit white but you can mix and match to create custom colors so it is still useable.

The pigmentation varies by shade, some creams are medium to full coverage while others are sheer and subtle but you can layer for more intensity as I have done in the swatches above. The palettes don’t come with a mirror or a lip brush so you can use a finger or bring an applicator with you for touch-ups on the go. Although the consistency is quite creamy and easy to work with, you do have to close the palettes properly to prevent the creams from drying out. Other than that I think the color selection is fabulous...in fact you might end up getting the whole collection! (The lip palettes retail for $20.00 each).

The Ombre Blush in the shade Sweet Spring just screams fun in the sun! It is bright, cheerful and vibrant for a beautiful flush that instantly revives dull complexions. In the photo it is a bit difficult to see the ombre effect but there are 3 different shades of pink - coral, mid toned pink and light Barbie pink. You can try to isolate the color you desire or just swirl your brush over all three and blend away. The finish is very matte with no creaminess whatsoever and the texture is bit dry although it doesn’t flake or cake. There is no shimmer which I like and the pigment can be enhanced from sheer to bright but I don’t recommend overdoing it with the blush. The Ombre Collection includes gorgeous combinations of warm sunset hues, pretty purples and even some bronzy nudes. They retail for just $10.00 each.

You can find NYX at drugstores nationwide, Sephora and online by clicking HERE

NYX Review: Pro Lip Cream Palette, High Definition Blush & Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

When it comes to drugstore makeup, NYX certainly leads the way in trendy pigments and compared to high-end brands of similar quality, the products cost a fraction of the price. When I first laid eyes of the vibrant new colors, the beauty junkie in me just couldn’t resist and everyone knows that NYX has some seriously awesome lip products!

Let’s begin with the item I was most excited to try - the Pro Lip Cream Palette. I got The Reds Collection but it is also available in pinks, nudes and gorgeous plums! I’m not usually a fan of lip palettes for use on-the-go as many require a separate applicator and can be quite large, but this one is small and portable. The variety of flattering hues also makes it ideal for professional use but I do wish it came with a lip brush and mirror. If you don’t mind getting your hands a bit messy you can use a finger but I prefer to keep things sanitary.

The reds in this palette are so rich, bold and versatile, you may find yourself using it all the time! The selection is simply stunning and ranges from bright classic red to medium reds and deep sultry red with a burgundy undertone. If you are looking for a great range of color that you can mix, match and blend together to create a customized bombshell shade this palette is wonderful!

The two orange hues appear very bright and a little electric but once applied they are actually medium tone, soft and beautiful. The pigmentation seems to vary by shade - the orange hues start out sheer and can be enhanced to medium coverage whereas the reds are medium to full coverage with intense pigmentation when applied heavier. You do have to close the case securely because overtime the pigments can become dry, I also found this with the NYX Concealer Palettes. 

The smooth, creamy consistency makes the lip colors moisturizing and easy to apply. I expected a shiny finish but for the most part they seem to be semi-matte with a hint of luminosity and a solid, gloss-free base. The palette retails for $17.00 and is definitely worth the splurge!

Sticking with the theme of vibrant hues, my complexion needs a boost of color for summer. The High Definition Blush in Crimson instantly revives dull skin and although the texture is drier it blends and builds well without caking. This shade may look a bit daunting to those who shy away from striking color but it starts out sheer and you can control the intensity. The lightweight formula emits a beautiful orange-coral pigment with a hint of sparkle and it’s great for all skin tones. The blush retails for just $8.00.

Recently I’ve noticed the Liquid Suede Cream Lipsticks all over social media so I thought it was time I got my hands on at least one. Of course I chose one of the brightest shades in the collection - Pink Lust/Passion Rose which is a shocking, Barbie doll hue that is quite intimidating. The pigmentation is seriously fierce and it builds to full coverage in just 1-2 layers. The applicator is a standard gloss paddle and the creamy texture keeps lips moist and comfortable for hours. The Suede Cream Lipsticks retail for $10.00 ea.

Since I first tried the Make Up For Ever brow gel I was hooked. I love the way liquid formulas seep into sparse areas between hairs and fill in spaces for a well shaped arch. NYX has released their own brow gel which is quite similar to the MUFE one I love but it costs just $9.00 instead of $25.00. It comes in an easy dispensing tube and is available 5 popular shades. I got the color Espresso, which is the second darkest before black. The deep, rich color is excellent for defining the brows to create a full, sharp look that inspired the phrase "brows on fleek." I’m not sure if the gel is water resistant but once dry I’ve never had issues with fading or bleeding and my brows stay in place all day!

You can find NYX at drugstores nationwide, Sephora and online by clicking HERE