A Mini NYX Haul

Hi, everyone! Apologies for the silence this week- it's been a particularly busy past several days! I'm using this quiet Sunday morning to rectify that, though. I have a haul to share with you! First off, I'm ultra sensitive to the term "mini haul", as I've seen some posts carrying this label featuring piles of products worth hundreds of dollars. I recognize that terms such as "small" and "inexpensive" are truly subjective, but I always find it a bit off-putting when such words are made synonymous with amounts of money that 99% of us could or would never spend on makeup. Mini rant about semantics aside, I'm here to share with you some goodies that we can all agree are truly lovely in their quality and affordability. 

We've been lucky enough to have a NYX store on Queen Street here in Toronto for the past several months, one that's just far enough away from my regular commute that I've been able to resist so far. But when a NYX store opened up in the Eaton Centre last month, I was useless against its alluring powers. I pop into the Eaton Centre a few days a week as a way to unwind after work, which is only two blocks away. Since my wallet would officially run away if I stopped into Saks every time, I'm always happy to find an option that will allow me an exciting, but budget-friendly treat. NYX to the rescue! 

Despite the intense craziness in the shop (the brand truly draws a crowd), I persisted and swatched as many shades as I could, wanting to treat myself with items that are as beautiful and unique as possible in my stash. I think I succeeded! 

While I don't contour daily, I'm always on the lookout for products that will get the job done when I commit to chiseling my face. I was completely intrigued by the new Cream Highlight and Contour Palette in Light ($17 CAD), a) because of its cream texture; most of my sculpting products are powder, and b) instead of the typical 2 shades (one for shadows, one for illuminating), it contained three. There's a deeper neutral brown for contour, a lighter creamy shade for areas that need brightening without shimmer (like under the eyes or below the contour line), and a shimmery white shade for smaller points where ultra glow is a must (e.g., tops of the cheek bones). I'll be posting a full review of this down the line, but I have to say that I'm really liking it so far! It actually gets pretty terrible reviews on the brand's website that site a dry, non-creamy texture, but I actually find that the more stiff texture of these creams help the product to last really well throughout the day. And the shades are perfect on my NC15-20 complexion!

We all know that I'm a sucker for a bold lip and, as warmer weather approaches, I've been gravitating more towards a glossy finish. NYX's Butter Glosses are perhaps my favourites, but I'd yet to try the Intense line, their more opaque, saturated sister. After swatching several, it was ultimately Toasted Marshmallow ($8 CAD) that won my heart. It's a warm, saturated burnt berry mauve that lies right in the middle of vibrant and vampy. It adds a flattering amount of colour to the face without being overpowering or too deep. I suppose it's more of a Fall shade, but I've been wearing it tons as Summer approaches! 

Here are swatches of the products on my inner arm (MAC NC15 skin tone). As you can see, the contour shade from the palette is a nice neutral brown, not as grey as other contour shades, but with not a single bit orange. The shimmer shade is white-toned without being too frosty, and the brightening shade matches my skin tone well, with subtle yellow undertones. And isn't the saturated, yet glossy finish of Toasted Marshmallow lovely!?

(L-R): NYX Cream Highlight and Contour Palette in Light, NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Toasted Marshmallow

I could walk out of the NYX shop with literally hundreds of beautiful items (their shade and product ranges are massively impressive), but I'm beyond pleased with my little duo of goodies for the time being. They are keeping my cheeks chiseled and my lips plump and glossy, which, for only $25 combined, is a successful mini haul in my books!  

What are your favourite NYX products at the moment? Biggest lip gloss and contour loves? Have you ever rolled your eyes at what sometimes tries to pass off as a "mini haul"? ;)

Thanks so much for stopping by! xo

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