Lip liner is an essential part of any lipstick routine. It helps define the lips, prevent feathering and bleeding, and allows the lipstick to stay on longer. NYX is a popular drugstore brand with a wide range of affordable makeup products. Their lip liners come in tons of shades and finishes to match any look. But are NYX lip liners actually good quality? Let’s take a closer look.
What to Look for in a Lip Liner
When evaluating the quality of a lip liner, here are some key factors to consider:
- Pigmentation – Rich, opaque color payoff
- Texture – Smooth and creamy, not dry or patchy
- Longevity – Stays on for hours without fading or feathering
- Shade range – Available in a variety of colors and undertones
- Price – Affordable compared to similar products
Review of Popular NYX Lip Liner Formulas
NYX offers lip liners in different formulas, including mechanical pencils, retractable pencils, and traditional pencil formats. Here is an overview of some of their most popular options:
NYX Slim Lip Pencil
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creamy, smooth texture | Needs frequent sharpening |
| Great color payoff | Not retractable |
| Affordable | Slim shape can feel flimsy |
The NYX Slim Lip Pencils are a cult favorite for their smooth, gliding formula. The slim shape makes them easy to apply with precision. On the downside, they constantly need sharpening and can feel a bit flimsy.
NYX Retractable Lip Liner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Retractable – no sharpening needed | Can tug slightly on lips |
| Good color variety | Less creamy than traditional pencils |
| Convenient and portable | Harder tip |
The retractable NYX lip liners offer convenience, ease of application, and a range of versatile nude and bold shades. The formula is a bit drier than traditional pencils and the tip can tug on lips.
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large size for easy application | Limited shade range |
| Soft, creamy texture | Needs frequent sharpening |
| Very pigmented | Can be messy to apply |
With their extra large size, the NYX Jumbo Lip Pencils glide on easily and deposit lots of rich, vivid color. But they only come in a handful of shades and the jumbo size can make application messy.
NYX Lip Liner Reviews
Here are some reviews from makeup users who have tried NYX lip liners:
“These liners go on so smoothly and really lock in my lipstick. For the price, you can’t beat the quality. My only complaint is needing to sharpen them constantly.”
“I was able to find the perfect nude pencil to match my skin tone. The slim shape makes it easy to outline my lips. Definitely improves the wear time of my liquid lipsticks.”
“The jumbo sized pencil seemed like a good idea but it’s really messy to apply lipstick over it. I prefer the control of the slim pencils.”
“The retractable pencil is not nearly as creamy as the traditional kind. It tugs on my lips. I don’t find it long lasting either.”
How NYX Lip Liners Compare to Other Brands
NYX lip liners are affordably priced between $3-$5 each. This compares favorably to mid-range and high-end brands like:
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| MAC | $18 |
| Urban Decay | $22 |
| Anastasia Beverly Hills | $18 |
| NARS | $24 |
While NYX may not have the prestige of higher-end brands, their lip liners offer comparable performance at a fraction of the cost. The formula, pigmentation, and shade selection give drugstore competitors like L’Oreal and Maybelline a run for their money too.
Are NYX Lip Liners Worth It?
So are NYX lip liners good quality for the affordable price? Here’s the final verdict:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Smooth, creamy texture | Slim pencils can feel flimsy |
| Tons of color choices | Retractable formula is a bit drying |
| Precise application | Jumbo size gets messy |
| Stays put for hours | Require frequent sharpening |
| Very affordable |
While not every formula is perfect, the NYX lip liners deliver on pigmentation, longevity, and shade selection. Overall, they are absolutely worth the inexpensive price tag. The traditional slim lip pencils come highly recommended for smooth, precise definition. With multiple formulas to choose from, NYX has a lip liner to complement any lip look.
Conclusion
NYX lip liners deserve their status as a makeup bag staple. While the quality may not be exactly the same as high-end brands, NYX offers comparable performance and tons of shades at an affordable drugstore price point. The slim pencil is their star product with a creamy, pigmented formula that helps lipstick last. Not every pencil format is created equal, but the traditional lip pencils are smooth, long-wearing, and precise. Overall, the NYX lip liners are absolutely worth trying, especially for the price. Define, fill, and prime your pout with these budget-friendly liners.