NYX makes a lot of lipsticks. I think that might be the understatement of the year. And if you’re anything like me, all those formulas can be a little overwhelming. So I decided to spend the better part of last year trying each of the formulas and documenting my thoughts. This is the first of three posts highlighting the best and worst NYX lipsticks. Today, we’re going to be focused on all the best & worst of NYX Traditional Lipsticks. NYX Liquid Lipsticks and Glosses coming soon!
This blog is a companion to my YouTube Best & Worst of All NYX Lipsticks (Part 1: Traditional Lipsticks). So if you’re interested in live swatches and more detailed information, check out the video below.
Lipstick Pricing Examples
Before we get too far into the reviews, I wanted to give you a sense for the cost of lipsticks. In particular, I wanted to highlight the cost per ounce. Most NYX lipsticks are on the affordable side of things. However there are some products that price out similar to high-end and even luxury products. For reference, here are some examples of other drugstore and high-end lipstick brands.
| BRAND | PRODUCT | PRICE | OZ | $/OZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Ford | Lip Color Matte | $54.00 | 0.10 | $540.00 |
| Fenty | Mattemoiselle Plush Lipstick | $18.00 | 0.06 | $300.00 |
| YSL | Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick | $37.00 | 0.13 | $284.62 |
| Pat McGrath | Matte Trance Lipstick | $38.00 | 0.14 | $271.43 |
| Marc Jacobs | Le Marc Creme Lipstick | $30.00 | 0.12 | $250.00 |
| MAC | Bullet Lipsticks | $17.50 | 0.10 | $175.00 |
| Bite Beauty | Amuse Bouche Lipstick | $26.00 | 0.15 | $173.33 |
| Kat Von D | Studded Lipstick | $19.00 | 0.12 | $158.33 |
| Colour Pop | Lippie Stix | $5.50 | 0.035 | $157.14 |
| Urban Decay | Vice Lipstick | $17.00 | 0.11 | $154.55 |
| Burt's Bees | Lipstick | $8.99 | 0.12 | $74.92 |
| Colour Pop | Lux Lipstick | $7.00 | 0.12 | $58.33 |
| Maybelline | Color Sensational | $7.49 | 0.15 | $49.93 |
| Essence | Longlasting Lipstick | $1.49 | 0.13 | $11.46 |
NYX Butter Lipstick
★★★★
Available At: Target
- Lightweight, sheer formula that is lightly hydrating
- Can build up pigmentation or wear as sheer wash
- Very comfortable formula – love these in the winter
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Treat your lips to a kiss of smooth, creamy color with our irresistible Butter Lipsticks in 12 new luscious shades. The formula’s delicate satin texture fused with highly saturated color delivers full-yet-lightweight coverage with a luxurious satin finish. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oleyl Alcohol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Polyethylene, Ozokerite, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, BHT, Alumina, Flavor/Aroma. | ||
NYX Jumbo Lip Pencil
★★★★★
Available At: Target
- More pigmented than the Butter Lipstick, but similar shine
- Very comfortable and hydrating
- Reminds me a lot of the Bite High Pigment Lip Pencils
| NYX DESCRIPTON | It’s double or nothing with this lip liner and lipstick in one. Our Jumbo Lip Pencils infuse lips with alluring nourishing color and help you create a perfect pout. Line define and color with one jumbo pencil. Plus the mineral oil formula does not dry out your lips and it goes on smoothly. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Bees Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) wax, Ceresin, Microcrystalline Wax , Polyethylene, Octyldodeanol, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isostearyl Isostearate, Bis-Digylceryl Polyacyladipade-2, Tocopheryl Acetate, and B.H.A. | ||
NYX Chunky Dunk Hydrating Lippie
★★★
Available At: Walmart
- Feels more like a balm than a moisturizing lipstick
- Sheerer formula than the Butter Lipsticks
- Very hydrating with a comfortable slip
- Very similar formula to the Clinique Chubby Sticks or the Neutrogena Moisture Smooth Color Stick
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Be Lippie Chic with this satiny smooth formula. Light and sheer at first yet buildable the more you apply. Never needs a sharpener the portable package propels and repels for ease of use and no product is wasted. A makeup bag must have! | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Diisostearyl Malate, Bis-Digylceryl Polyacyladipade-2, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Mineral Oil/Paraffinum Liquidum/ Huile Minérale, Polybutene, Polyethylene, Jojoba Esters, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de Carnauba, Ceresin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina /Cire Microcristalline, BHA. | ||
NYX Simply (Nude, Pink, Red, Vamp)
★★★★
Nude Available At: Ulta
Pink Available At: Walmart
Red Available At: Bed, Bath & Beyond
Vamp Available At: Walmart
-
Good pigmentation typical of a cream lipstick
- Lightly hydrating
- Formula similar to the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Bare is beautiful with our Simply Nude Lip Creams available in six earthy shades. Swipe on this velvety and moisturizing cream to leave your lips with a subtle satin finish. Get ready to look seriously pretty in pink. From natural to extreme pick your favorite shade from our Simply Pink Lip Creams for a rosy and glossy finish. A classic red pout never goes out of style! Our Simply Red Lip Cream collection gives you loads of color options varying from deep bright or pure red that you can’t go wrong with. Vamp up your look instantly with our smooth and smoldering lip creams. Wear any of these six bewitching shades to brew up a little beauty magic. |
||
| INGREDIENTS | Octyldodecanol, Isohexadecane, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/ Cera Carnauba/ Cire de carnauba, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ozokerite, Talc, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/ Candelilla Cera/ Cire de Candelilla, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/ Parfum, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract. | ||
NYX Turnt Up Lipstick
★★★★
Available At: Ulta
- High-shine lipstick with decent pigmentation
- Very similar formula to the Plush Gel Lipsticks, but with more pigmentation
- This is a formula I’m considering purchasing more colors
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Speak volumes with a bold swipe of Turnt Up! Lipstick. Go as soft or get as loud as you like using our wide range of 22 statement-making shades. From chic nudes to deep vampy hues, these lightweight and creamy lippies glide on effortlessly. Leaving lips with a kiss of shine and high-impact color you can count on for an unforgettable look. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Isostearyl Isostearate, Octyldodecanol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Ozokerite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyethylene, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’Abeille, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Fragrance/Parfum. | ||
Plush Gel Lipstick
★
Available At: Ulta
- High, shine formula with a very slippy feel
- Very similar to the Turnt Up Lipsticks, but applies more patchy
- Gets stars knocked off for soap taste, increase price compared to Turnt Up Lipsticks and poor application
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Play up your pout with a silky stroke of Plush Gel Lipstick. Available in 12 totally vibrant shades, this lippie brings together an oh-so-soft feel and the high shine of a gloss. Drench lips in a wash of color for an instantly polished look anytime you crave a quick touch-up. Want a bolder finish? (Yes, please!) A second swipe is twice as nice. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de Carnauba, Polyethylene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Phenyl Trimethicone, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), Talc, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol. | ||
NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick
★★
Available At: Ulta
- Comfortable creamy lipstick that is easy to apply
- Lightweight feeling on the lips
- Great price
- Loses major stars for smelling like toilet bowl cleaner
| NYX DESCRIPTON | NYX Extra Creamy Round Lipstick is our classic lipstick for all occasions. The mineral-based emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture saturated color and it resists wear and smudging. It’s your go-to lipstick. From Pure Nude to Pink Lyric to Chic Red Round Lipstick is available in a jaw-dropping variety of shades. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Diisostearyl Malate, Bis-DiglycerylPolyacyladipate-2, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, IsostearylIsostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax /Euphorbia Cerifera Cera / Cire de Candelilla, Ceresin, Beeswax / Cera Alba /Cire d’abeille, Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/ Copernicia Cerifera Cera / Cire de Carnauba, Microcrystalline Wax / CeraMicrocristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHA, Limonene,Fragrance / Parfum | ||
NYX Pin-Up Pout
★★★
Available At: Ulta
- Very pigmented and smooth
- Easy to apply with no skipping or patchiness
- Would have been 5-stars if not for rubber hose smell
- Smell/taste not noticeable once on lips
| NYX DESCRIPTON | From polka dots to pointy pumps, nothing compares to the classics. Our personal fave? Ever so creamy lip color, of course! Take yourself back to the signature lip that started it all with our Pin-Up Pout Lipstick. Inspired by the best of vintage beauty, this retro rouge covers lips in extra plush, richly pigmented and absolutely undeniable color. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’Abeille, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Alumina, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de Carnauba, Tin Oxide, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol. | ||
NYX Macaron Lippies
★★★★
Available At: Ulta
- Feels a lot like the Pin-Up Pout, but more affordable
- Classic cream lipstick with full pigmentation
- No skipping or patchiness, even with more challenging color
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Fantasize in color with our neon and pastel lippies in 12 of the creamiest shades you’ll ever use. Our cruelty-free formula is packed with pigment and has a satin matte finish for long-wearing resilience. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcrystalline, Isostearyl Isostearate, Octyldodecanol, Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Mineral Oil/Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile Minérale, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Ceresin, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d'Abeille, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Cera Carnauba/Cire de Carnauba, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHA, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, Eugenol, Hydroxycitronella, Hexylcinnamaldehyde, Fragrance/Parfum. | ||
NYX Wicked Lippies
★★
Available At: Walmart
- Thinner texture that takes multiple coats to build up
- Has more slip to it that makes it hard to get even application
- Better metallic option is from Maybelline
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Take a walk on the wicked side with our jewel-toned lippies available in 12 shimmering shades. Velvety smooth with a dazzling metallic finish these richly pigmented lipsticks will leave your lips with the ultimate spellbinding look. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Diisostearyl Malate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polyethylene, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera / Cire de Candelilla, Ceresin, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d'Abeille, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/ Cire de Carnauba, BHA, Tin Oxide. | ||
NYX Ombre Lip Duo
★
Available At: CVS
- Matte lipstick on one end and liner on the other
- Product itself is nice, creamy and easy to work with
- 1-star because the cost/oz is significantly more than even Tom Ford
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Dress your pout in two-toned style with our Ombré Lip Duos, the new 2-in-1 lip colors inspired by the ombré trend. Each lip duo features two coordinating shades of lip liner and satiny matte lipstick to create the perfect ombré pout. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de Carnauba, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ozokerite, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Alumina, Tin Oxide, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), Water/Aqua/Eau, Talc, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol. | ||
NYX Super Cliquey Matte Lipstick
★
Available At: Ulta
- Very thick matte lipstick
- Never lays down product smoothly; very patchy
- Shape of the tip makes it challenging to apply
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Raise your squad goals with Super Cliquey Matte Lipstick! NYX Professional Makeup's beyond creamy bestie comes in richly pigmented shades that leave lips with a satin-matte finish. Featuring a super-soft teardrop-shaped bullet that hugs your lips, this lippie also makes it easy for you to precisely line that pretty pout. Need a little more lip color? Give the clicker a push to dispense the perfect amount of lipstick. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Kaolin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina / Cire Microcristalline, Bis-Behenyl / Isostearyl / Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Synthetic Wax, PEG-8 Beeswax, Paraffin, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax / Cera Microcristallina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Water / Aqua / Eau, Alumina, Aluminum Benzoate, BHT, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120). May Contain: Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) | ||
NYX Full Throttle Lipstick
★★★★★
Available At: Ulta
- Highly pigmented matte formula that still feels creamy
- Manages to feel lightweight and yet, still creamy without giving up pigmentation
- One of my favorite matte formulas a the drugstore
- Very similar to the Bite Matte Lip Pencils
| NYX DESCRIPTON | It’s the color addict’s ultimate fix and a makeup artist’s dream: Our new waterproof Full Throttle Lipstick covers your lips with super-saturated matte color and features a unique bullet with a beveled edge for lining, filling and perfecting your pout to your heart’s desire. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ozokerite, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’Abeille, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), Alumina, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Linalool. | ||
NYX Matte Lipstick
★★★★★
Available At: Ulta
- Cult-classic for a reason
- Creamy matte lipstick that isn’t drying
- Slight satin texture; similar to Mac Matte lipsticks
- Great pigmentation and application, even with dark shades
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Load your lips with plush, pigment-rich color choosing from 12 brand new shades of Matte Lipstick—our shockingly smooth lip color that glides right on and stays in place with a silky matte finish that never feels dry. Now available in a range of fresh new hues, these playful pops of color are just what your spring wardrobe needs! | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Oleyl Alcohol, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’Abeille, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Isostearyl Isostearate, Polyisobutene, Ozokerite, Polyethylene, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/Cire de carnauba, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Alumina, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), BHT, Fragrance/Parfum | ||
NYX Velvet Matte Lipstick
★★★★
Available At: Ulta
- Similar packaging to Matte Lipsticks, but with soft-touch packaging (similar to NARS)
- Thicker and far more matte of a formula (think Mac Retro Matte)
- Requires more “lip prep” to work (exfoliation and potentially primer)
- Colors apply evenly and last much longer than original NYX Matte lipsticks
| NYX DESCRIPTON | Dress your lips in decadent color with our Velvet Matte Lipstick--a luxurious new lip color that glides right on and never feels dry. Housed in an elegant soft-touch case, each standout shade is a fashion statement in itself. | ||
| INGREDIENTS | Octyldodecanol, Kaolin, Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline, Isononyl Isononanoate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Silica, Paraffin, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax/Candelilla Cera/Cire de Candelilla, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire d’Abeille, Water/Aqua/Eau, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Alumina, Barium Sulfate (CI 77120), Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance/Parfum. | ||