NYX Be Free Palette: Review and Swatches

 

Hi Pandas! I love when NYX puts out palettes, because they are usually really fun and affordable, and of course, cruelty-free.

 

This is the NYX Be Free palette that was released about a month ago. They are going on sale now, and Ulta always has coupons. I got mine for $10. It retails for $19.

 

 This set includes 25 eye shadows, 3 blushes, and 7 glosses, in a classy, sleek, two-layer case. 

 

I think this is such a cute palette, for reference it is about the size of a spread hand.

 

The eye shadows run in the cool category, with mostly browns, purples, blues, and greys. They don't scream summer, but they are nice neutrals. There are also a lot of mattes.

 

This post is picture heavy, so if you want to see the swatches...keep reading!

 

 

 This is the first row from left to right if you want to compare in the above full pan picture. Not my fave row. Neutrals, but not very pigmented. All swatches are without primer.

 

But moving onto the second row, we are getting somewhere. I love the teal!

 

 

The third row of the palette is my favorite. Fun colors, very smooth, and pigmented.

 

 

The fourth row has some mattes. They are pretty colors, but need a lot of TLC and buildup.

 

The last row is mostly matte dark colors. A little patchy. Not the best.

 

 

The blushes and lip glosses are in a separate drawer, which I like. I didn't swatch the glosses, as they were a bit too sticky for my liking. I will try to mix them together and play Frankenstein or something.

 

The blushes are very pretty and very pigmented. One of my favorite parts of this palette!

 

Overall, I am only 50% sold on the NYX Be Free palette. Since I only paid $10 and got 3 awesome blushes and about 10 shadows I like, I would say that is a good deal. If you don't see much you like, go ahead and skip it. Or opt for some NYX single products.

 Overall, it gets a B from me. What do you think? 

NYX Be Free Palette: Review and Swatches

 

Hi Pandas! I love when NYX puts out palettes, because they are usually really fun and affordable, and of course, cruelty-free.

 

This is the NYX Be Free palette that was released about a month ago. They are going on sale now, and Ulta always has coupons. I got mine for $10. It retails for $19.

 

  This set includes 25 eye shadows, 3 blushes, and 7 glosses, in a classy, sleek, two-layer case.  

 

I think this is such a cute palette, for reference it is about the size of a spread hand.

 

The eye shadows run in the cool category, with mostly browns, purples, blues, and greys. They don't scream summer, but they are nice neutrals. There are also a lot of mattes.

 

This post is picture heavy, so if you want to see the swatches...keep reading!

 

NYX Matte Lipstick in Bloody Mary

Red lips will never go out of style, and with this debate between Ruby Woo and Riri Woo, I think matte makes a strong case for itself. 

 

Nyx Bloody Mary ($5) is a true, blue-based, matte red lipstick that comes in a rather cheap looking plastic tube, which is one of the few downsides to this product. I don't feel that the cap closes all the way, and I really wouldn't trust it in my makeup bag.

 

 

However, I do like that you can see the actual color through the tube. It makes it easy to identify!

 

 

Here is a swatch of Bloody Mary with natural light. You can see that it is very blue-based, which is a bit hard to wear, but it makes for the most stunning and classic red lip.

 

 

With flash, you can see even more of the blue undertone. Keep in mind that this is highly pigmented. One little swipe and this is full, opaque coverage. I would suggest a lip brush to maneuver around the outside of your lips, and a lip liner.

 

 

This really is a show-stopping red. It is dry on the lips and will accentuate lines and flakes, so prep well before hand for a flawless look. It lasts about 5 hours, fades pretty evenly, but does require a close-eye on it to keep it looking its best.

 

Do I recommend? Yes! A cheap, dependable matte red. But since mattes are finicky, keep this in your stash for special occasions.

 

Panda Approved!

 

NYX Matte Lipstick in Bloody Mary

Red lips will never go out of style, and with this debate between Ruby Woo and Riri Woo, I think matte makes a strong case for itself.  

 

Nyx Bloody Mary ($5) is a true, blue-based, matte red lipstick that comes in a rather cheap looking plastic tube, which is one of the few downsides to this product. I don't feel that the cap closes all the way, and I really wouldn't trust it in my makeup bag.

 

 

However, I do like that you can see the actual color through the tube. It makes it easy to identify!

 

 

Here is a swatch of Bloody Mary with natural light. You can see that it is very blue-based, which is a bit hard to wear, but it makes for the most stunning and classic red lip.

 

 

With flash, you can see even more of the blue undertone. Keep in mind that this is highly pigmented. One little swipe and this is full, opaque coverage. I would suggest a lip brush to maneuver around the outside of your lips, and a lip liner.

 

 

This really is a show-stopping red. It is dry on the lips and will accentuate lines and flakes, so prep well before hand for a flawless look. It lasts about 5 hours, fades pretty evenly, but does require a close-eye on it to keep it looking its best.

 

Do I recommend? Yes! A cheap, dependable matte red. But since mattes are finicky, keep this in your stash for special occasions.

 

Panda Approved!

 

NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Aqua

Hello Pandas! Who doesn't love anything aqua? It just reminds me that summer is right around the corner!

This liner is a fun little pre-summer steal at $4.99, and a great dupe for Urban Decay's Heavy Metal liner ($18) in Air Guitar. This is a clear base with pretty aqua/pale blue glitter and only takes one heavy swatch or two lighter, layered swatches to get the desired look.

 

The brush is exactly the same as the Heavy Metal liners and works just as well. The only real difference is that the tube is smaller, but this saves space and means you can choose more than one of the fabulous colors!

 

 

I love how this looks in light or in pictures with a flash because not only does the blue glitter reflect, but every one of these has a little bit of silver glitter that is not really visible but it just shines when hit with light. Really cool for a funky night out. And these are cruelty-free! One of my favorite things about NYX.

 

Love this! Will be doing my winged liner with this little baby!

 

Panda Approved!

NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Aqua

Hello Pandas! Who doesn't love anything aqua? It just reminds me that summer is right around the corner!

This liner is a fun little pre-summer steal at $4.99, and a great dupe for Urban Decay's Heavy Metal liner ($18) in Air Guitar. This is a clear base with pretty aqua/pale blue glitter and only takes one heavy swatch or two lighter, layered swatches to get the desired look.

 

The brush is exactly the same as the Heavy Metal liners and works just as well. The only real difference is that the tube is smaller, but this saves space and means you can choose more than one of the fabulous colors!

 

 

I love how this looks in light or in pictures with a flash because not only does the blue glitter reflect, but every one of these has a little bit of silver glitter that is not really visible but it just shines when hit with light. Really cool for a funky night out. And these are cruelty-free! One of my favorite things about NYX.

 

Love this! Will be doing my winged liner with this little baby!

 

Panda Approved!

NYX Naughty vs. Nice Collection: Gel Liner and Smudger in Jet Black

Gel liner is not something I have had in a while, but I had to try the NYX version!

 

 

This is the NYX Gel Liner & Smudger from the Naughty vs Nice Collection. This liner has two names: Jet Black and Betty. It is described by NYX as a matte black, but it has a lot of sheen, so that is misleading. This retails for $8.

 

 

This comes in a tiny little jar, but you really do not need a lot as this is SO pigmented!

 

 

This is just one tiny scrape of the product smeared out (about 1/4th of my pinky nail). It is super sleek, creamy, and really long wearing and easy to apply on lids. Just use a liner brushed or an eyeshadow brush to use it as a base for an intense smokey eye. This looks like liquid patent leather.

 

 

I am impressed with this liner. It lasted all day long on my lids, looks fierce and shiny, and has a rich color. The double name thing is a bit misleading, as is the matte description, though. The packaging on this was also a little rough and it is slightly expensive for the size and for this brand.

 

Price: 8/10

Performance: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 9/10

Packaging: 8/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Pretty Happy Panda

 

There are a few cool other colors in this collection. Have you tried them? What is your favorite medium for liner?

 

 

 

 

NYX Naughty vs. Nice Collection: Gel Liner and Smudger in Jet Black

Gel liner is not something I have had in a while, but I had to try the NYX version!

 

 

This is the NYX Gel Liner & Smudger from the Naughty vs Nice Collection. This liner has two names: Jet Black and Betty. It is described by NYX as a matte black, but it has a lot of sheen, so that is misleading. This retails for $8.

 

 

This comes in a tiny little jar, but you really do not need a lot as this is SO pigmented!

 

 

This is just one tiny scrape of the product smeared out (about 1/4th of my pinky nail). It is super sleek, creamy, and really long wearing and easy to apply on lids. Just use a liner brushed or an eyeshadow brush to use it as a base for an intense smokey eye. This looks like liquid patent leather.

 

 

I am impressed with this liner. It lasted all day long on my lids, looks fierce and shiny, and has a rich color. The double name thing is a bit misleading, as is the matte description, though. The packaging on this was also a little rough and it is slightly expensive for the size and for this brand.

 

Price: 8/10

Performance: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 9/10

Packaging: 8/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Pretty Happy Panda

 

There are a few cool other colors in this collection. Have you tried them? What is your favorite medium for liner?

 

 

 

 

NYX: Eyebrow Powder in Auburn/Red

So, we all know I have recently dyed my hair auburn, and although they dyed my brows to match at the salon, I still need something to fill them in.

Bizarrely, when shopping for said thing, I noticed many higher-end brands did not carry an auburn or red shade. The MAC store is pretty far from me, but one of the sales girls at Ulta convinced me to try the taupe Benefit Browzings. I let her apply it and was mildy impressed. However, I know it is a cult product but as I walked around the store clutching this tiny $30 box, I decided to search the drug-store section for an alternative.

 

Thank heavens for the $7 alternative: NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder for Those Movie Star Brows in Auburn/Red

 

This comes with a circle of clear wax, a dark auburn brown powder and a taupe powder along with a slanted brush and spoolie. Perfect for travel.

 

The left shade is the auburn and the right the taupe. I like how it came with two shades because real, natural eyebrows are not one stark shade. I also like the powder because you can build and not overdo it. The wax does not leave a film and the brushes are decent.

 

Now lets see the final product!

 

 

I am happy with the natural result and color that actually matches my new hair tone! I highly recommend this for those getting started with their brows, for red-heads, or for anyone looking for an inexpensive dupe to Benefit Brow-zings.

 

Panda Approved!

 

What is your brow routine?

 

 

 

NYX: Eyebrow Powder in Auburn/Red

So, we all know I have recently dyed my hair auburn, and although they dyed my brows to match at the salon, I still need something to fill them in.

Bizarrely, when shopping for said thing, I noticed many higher-end brands did not carry an auburn or red shade. The MAC store is pretty far from me, but one of the sales girls at Ulta convinced me to try the taupe Benefit Browzings. I let her apply it and was mildy impressed. However, I know it is a cult product but as I walked around the store clutching this tiny $30 box, I decided to search the drug-store section for an alternative.

 

Thank heavens for the $7 alternative: NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder for Those Movie Star Brows in Auburn/Red

 

This comes with a circle of clear wax, a dark auburn brown powder and a taupe powder along with a slanted brush and spoolie. Perfect for travel.

 

The left shade is the auburn and the right the taupe. I like how it came with two shades because real, natural eyebrows are not one stark shade. I also like the powder because you can build and not overdo it. The wax does not leave a film and the brushes are decent.

 

Now lets see the final product!

 

 

I am happy with the natural result and color that actually matches my new hair tone! I highly recommend this for those getting started with their brows, for red-heads, or for anyone looking for an inexpensive dupe to Benefit Brow-zings.

 

Panda Approved!

 

What is your brow routine?