NYX Review: Is NYX Worth It? Honest Review of Best Sellers

NYX Professional Makeup has built a reputation as a go‑to brand for makeup enthusiasts who want quality products without premium price tags. Accessible, cruelty‑free, and constantly experimenting with colour and texture, NYX sits at the intersection of drugstore affordability and professional performance. But is the hype justified? In this NYX review, we take an unbiased look at some of the brand’s best‑selling products available at Image Beauty. We’ll explore what makes them popular, highlight strengths and weaknesses, and answer whether NYX is worth your time and money. By the end of this  article, you’ll have a clear idea of the best NYX products.

Why NYX Is a Beauty Staple

Before diving into specific products, it helps to understand why NYX has earned loyalty among makeup artists and novices alike. Founded in Los Angeles in the 1990s, NYX (pronounced “niks,” after the Greek goddess of the night) initially targeted professional artists. Over time the line expanded into mainstream retail without losing its creative edge. Today the brand offers an enormous range,from liquid lipsticks and colour correctors to glitter gels and primers, often at prices under US$10.

Several factors contribute to NYX’s popularity:

1. Affordability with quality – NYX products deliver strong pigmentation and innovative formulas at drugstore prices.
   
2. Inclusivity – The brand offers extensive shade ranges for complexion products and bold colours for all skin tones.
   
3. Cruelty‑free ethos – NYX is certified by PETA, and many products are vegan.
   
4. Trend‑driven variety – Seasonal launches, limited editions and quirky textures keep the brand fresh.
   
5. Accessibility – NYX is widely available through retailers like Image Beauty, Ulta and Target.
   

Despite these strengths, some critics argue that not every NYX formula is a hit. Certain products excel, while others fall short. This NYX review aims to dissect both sides to help you decide what deserves space in your beauty kit.

Lip Products: Pigment, Comfort and Shine

Lip colour is one of NYX’s fortes; the brand offers a spectrum of finishes from matte to vinyl‑like shine. Below we examine several popular options.

Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream

The Smooth Whip Matte Lip Cream is an evolution of NYX’s beloved Soft Matte Lip Cream. It claims to combine the lightweight feel of a liquid lipstick with the comfort of a cream. According to the product description, the smooth formula “applies like a liquid lipstick and hugs your lips like a cream”It’s designed for all‑day wear without dryness and can be layered for a richer colour. As part of this nyx makeup review, here’s how it performs:

Pros:

• Comfortable matte finish that doesn’t tug or crack.
  
• Long‑wearing formula suitable for work or events.
  
• Wide shade range, from everyday nudes to bold berries.
  

Cons:

• The mousse‑like texture can feel thicker than traditional liquid lipsticks.
  
• Some users report that deeper shades require a lip liner to prevent feathering.
  

Butter Gloss

Few products have achieved cult status like NYX Butter Gloss. The description states that it glides on smooth as butter, leaves lips soft and supple, never sticky, and conditions while giving sheer‑to‑medium coverage. Butter Gloss delivers a juicy shine without overwhelming colour, making it ideal for everyday wear.

Pros:

• Ultra‑smooth texture; never sticky.
  
• Hydrates lips and leaves them soft.
  
• Can be worn alone or layered over lipstick.
  
• Cruelty‑free formulation.
  

Cons:

• Sheer coverage means pigment payoff is lighter than some might expect.
  
• Requires reapplication every few hours due to glossy finish.
  

Lip I.V. Hydrating Lip Gloss Stain

NYX’s Lip I.V. Hydrating Lip Gloss Stain combines the shine of a gloss with the staying power of a stain. Its description highlights water‑breaking technology that delivers intense pigments with a refreshing, lightweight feel and is “loaded with vitamin‑packed magnesium, B12 and coconut water for up to 12 hours of hydration”. The formula provides wet glossy shine and high pigment colour while remaining vegan and cruelty‑free.

Pros:

• Offers hydration and vibrant colour simultaneously.
  
• Longer‑lasting than typical glosses thanks to stain effect.
  
• Nourishing ingredients provide a soothing, refreshing feel.
  

Cons:

• The water‑breaking sensation might feel strange for those accustomed to traditional gloss textures.
  
• Limited shade range compared to Butter Gloss.
  

Shine Loud High Pigment Lip Shine

This two‑step lip colour pairs a high‑pigment base with an ultra‑shiny top coat. It’s the “first ultra‑pigmented high‑shine lip colour with up to 16‑hour no transfer wear”. The vegan formula promises comfortable, non‑sticky shine with colour that stays put even through meals.

Pros:

• Truly transfer‑proof once set; ideal for long events or masks.
  
• Deep colour saturation accompanied by glassy shine.
  
• The dual-step system allows control over intensity (base alone gives matte finish).
  
• Vegan and cruelty‑free.
  

Cons:

• Requires two steps: apply colour, wait for it to dry, then apply gloss.
  
• Removal can be challenging; an oil‑based remover is necessary.
  

Duck Plump High Pigment Plumping Lip Gloss

This plumping gloss uses ginger to create a tingling, volumizing sensation while depositing rich colour. It’s available in 18 shades (two transparent and sixteen pigmented) and boasts a vegan formula. If you enjoy the slight burn of plumping products, this might be your ideal combination of gloss and lip plumper.

Pros:

• Immediate plumping effect powered by spicy ginger.
  
• Comes in both clear and pigmented options.
  
• Vegan and cruelty‑free.
  

Cons:

• The sensation may be uncomfortable for sensitive lips.
  
• Colour payoff is intense; not ideal for those who prefer subtlety.
  

Verdict on NYX Lip Products

NYX shines in the lip category because it offers a spectrum of finishes (matte, glossy, stained, and plumping) at affordable prices. Butter Gloss is perfect for beginners and everyday wear, whereas Shine Loud suits those seeking long‑wearing, high‑impact colour. Smooth Whip provides comfortable matte coverage, and Lip I.V. adds hydration plus a staining effect. The plumping gloss is great for those seeking volume but may be too intense for sensitive users. Overall, the best NYX products in the lip category deliver on performance while allowing for experimentation without breaking the bank.

Complexion and Face Products: Foundation, Primers and Kits

A flawless base is essential for any makeup look. NYX offers several complexion products that promise customization and long‑lasting finish. Here we evaluate foundations, highlighters, primers and multi‑use kits.

Total Control Drop Foundation

This innovative foundation features a dropper that lets you tailor coverage from sheer to full. As the description states, “cover just drops – from sheer to full – with our new Total Control Drop Foundation”. With a velvety matte finish, it allows you to adjust coverage by controlling the number of drops.

Pros:

• Customizable coverage makes it versatile.
  
• Lightweight, velvety matte finish suits normal to oily skin.
  
• Wide shade range (30+ shades).
  

Cons:

• Droppers can be messy; the product may spill if not handled carefully.
  
• Requires proper skin prep; can cling to dry patches.
  

Plump Right Back Plump Serum + Primer

Primers have become essential for extending the wear of foundation. NYX’s Plump Right Back acts as both a serum and primer. It’s described as a lightweight, hydrating primer that plumps and moisturizes, smooths skin and grips makeup for all‑day wear. It contains hyaluronic acid and electrolytes for hydration and is vegan and cruelty‑free.

Pros:

• Hydrates and plumps, making it perfect for dry or mature skin.
  
• Helps foundation last longer by creating a smooth canvas.
  
• Vegan and cruelty‑free.
  

Cons:

• Those with oily skin may find it too moisturizing.
  
• The serum‑like texture may not be ideal for heavy coverage foundations.
  

Born To Glow Illuminating Primer

Another primer option is the Born To Glow Illuminating Primer. Its description emphasises that it preps and brightens complexion, ensures smooth makeup application and provides a radiant finish. It’s ideal for adding luminosity to dull skin.

Pros:

• Adds a soft glow under foundation.
  
• Helps makeup glide on smoothly.
  

Cons:

• May accentuate pores or texture on oily skin.
  
• Those seeking a matte finish should avoid this luminous primer.
  

Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator

NYX also offers a Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator, a lightweight liquid highlighter that provides a luminous glow and can be used as a base or on cheekbones and décolletage. It allows you to create custom luminosity.

Pros:

• Versatile; can be mixed into foundation or used as a targeted highlight.
  
• Lightweight texture doesn’t feel greasy.
  

Cons:

• Can emphasise pores if overused.
  
• Warm undertones; may appear too golden on cooler skin tones.
  
  

Hi Def Finishing Powder

Finishing powders set makeup and blur imperfections. NYX’s Hi Def Finishing Powder promises a lightweight translucent finish that softens the look of fine lines and pores. The product description calls it a “silky pressed powder that sets makeup while providing a matte finish”. It is vegan and the pressed format makes it travel‑friendly.

Pros:

• Blurs fine lines and pores, creating a smooth finish.
  
• Lightly mattifies without making skin look dry.
  
• Vegan formula and convenient pressed compact.
  

Cons:

• Only available in translucent and banana shades; may not suit deeper skin tones.
  
• Must be applied sparingly to avoid a powdery look.
  

Wonder Stick Dual Face Lift

NYX’s Wonder Stick Dual Face Lift is a dual‑ended contour and highlight stick. The dynamic page describes it as a tool to “highlight, contour and blend” with a creamy formula that glides onto the skin, is easy to use for contour beginners and has a precise applicator. It emphasises using the darker shade to sculpt and the lighter shade to highlight, blending with a brush. The formula is vegan, portable and buildable.

Pros:

• Convenient two‑in‑one product for contour and highlight.
  
• Creamy, blendable formula suitable for beginners.
  
• Portable; no need for multiple products or tools.
  
• Vegan and cruelty‑free.
  

Cons:

• Limited shade range; may not accommodate all skin tones.
  
• It could be too creamy for oily skin.
  

City Set Lip, Eye, and Face Collection

For travellers or those new to NYX, the City Set kits provide a curated selection of eyeshadows, blush and lip colour. The description notes that each set includes four eyeshadows, a blush, an illuminator and a Soft Matte Lip Cream. Inspired by cities, the colours are coordinated for a complete look.

Pros:

• Offers a full face of makeup in one kit.
  
• Great value; buying components separately would cost more.
  
• Travel‑friendly; perfect for weekend trips.
  

Cons:

• Shades are predetermined; limited customisation.
  
• Some powders may have less pigmentation than single-product counterparts.
  

Face Glue Setting Spray and Makeup Setting Spray

Setting sprays are essential for prolonging makeup wear. NYX’s Face Glue Setting Spray boasts waterproof, transfer‑resistant hold and claims to lock in makeup for 24 hours, boosting colour vibrancy with a maple syrup‑infused formula. The standard Makeup Setting Spray is available in matte and dewy finishes; the description states that both are lightweight and keep makeup in place while offering shine‑free or dewy looks. NYX also releases mini kits combining matte, dewy and radiant sprays.

Pros:

• Face Glue ensures makeup lasts through water, sweat and transfer.
  
• The regular setting spray offers finish options: matte for oily skin, dewy for dry skin.
  
• Mini kits are perfect for trying multiple finishes.
  

Cons:

• Face Glue may feel sticky initially.
  
• Strong hold could be too intense for everyday wear.
  

Verdict on NYX Face and Complexion Products

NYX offers flexibility across complexion categories. The Total Control Drop Foundation stands out for its adjustable coverage and shade range. Primers like Plump Right Back or Born To Glow cater to different skin concerns, while the Wonder Stick simplifies contouring for beginners. Finishing powders and setting sprays complete the routine, ensuring longevity. However, some products require careful shade selection, and kits may include items you don’t need. Overall, this section of our NYX review suggests that complexion products provide excellent value, especially for those experimenting with different finishes and techniques.

Kits and Limited Editions

NYX often releases seasonal collections and gift sets. While limited editions can be exciting, they can also be hit or miss.

The Love Lust Disco Butter Gloss Trio offers mid‑size Butter Glosses in curated shades with the same smooth, non‑sticky formula. It’s a good value for gloss lovers who want multiple shades. The Diamonds + Ice Butter Gloss Lip Trio includes three shades such as Crème Brûlée, Tiramisu and Angel Food Cake, or deeper hues like Red Velvet. These trios emphasise the “ultra smooth, non‑sticky, buttery‑soft formula”.

Seasonal kits like Diamonds + Ice Mini Setting Spray Kit offer mini sizes of matte, dewy and radiant sprays. The pro tips encourage layering between makeup steps for long wear. Holiday kits provide a taste of different finishes without committing to full size.

Pros:

• Kits offer cost savings and variety.
  
• Great for gifting or trying new products.
  
• Themed sets often include best‑selling shades and formulas.
  

Cons:

• Limited edition status means products may not be available later.
  
• Kits sometimes include items you don’t need (e.g., multiple glosses).
  

NYX Pros and Cons: Brand Overview

To summarise this NYX review, let’s compile the overarching pros and cons of the brand itself. These are general observations rather than product‑specific.

NYX Pros:

• Affordable pricing – Great value compared to high‑end brands without major sacrifice in quality.
  
• Cruelty‑free and largely vegan – Many products are vegan; the brand is certified by PETA.
  
• Wide shade ranges – Particularly for foundation and lip products, NYX offers inclusivity.
  
• Innovation and variety – Constant new releases keep the brand fresh.
  
• Accessibility – Available at retailers worldwide and online.
  

NYX Cons:

• Inconsistent formulas – Not all products are winners; quality can vary between lines.
  
• Packaging can feel cheap – Some packaging feels flimsy or messy (e.g., droppers).
  
• Limited shades in certain items – Some kits and contour sticks offer limited shade ranges, which may not suit all skin tones.
  
• Fragrance and sensitivity – A few products contain fragrance or ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin.
  

Is NYX Worth It? Final Thoughts

After evaluating a wide array of best‑sellers, what’s our verdict? For makeup enthusiasts seeking an affordable entry into trends, bold colour and experimentation, NYX is absolutely worth exploring. Lip products like Butter Gloss, Smooth Whip and Shine Loud deliver quality and variety. Adjustable complexion products like the Total Control Drop Foundation and Plump Right Back Primer allow you to customize finish and coverage. Eye staples like Epic Ink Liner and Hot Singles eyeshadows rival more expensive options. Kits and limited editions provide curated value but can include items not universally useful.

However, our Nyx pros and cons analysis shows you must choose wisely. Some formulas may not suit specific skin types, and packaging can be messy. Always read descriptions, match shades carefully, and consider your personal preferences.

Discover Your New Favourite NYX Products

If you’re curious to try the shades and formulas mentioned here, head over to our curated NYX Collection You’ll find all the best sellers reviewed in this article!