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Sunday 5 June 2016

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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20 comments:

  1. Toasted Marshmallow is really lovely! But so much darker than I expected!

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    1. Yeah, it's almost a vampy shade when layered, but is super flattering :)

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  2. Nyx products are so addicting! I had no idea they had a cream contour kit. The swatches look great. I've been using nyx butter glosses alot lately and I love them!

    Jenny Loves Beauty ♥

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    1. Aren't the Butter Glosses great?! The Cream Contour is brand new- really liking it so far! :)

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  3. that's an interesting point about 'mini' i guess people see mini' as the number of items over the total price of the item?
    i never thought about that before...hmm.

    ok i'm so jealous of the nyx stores over there. since nyx is super expanding this year, we have a great selection in our London Drugs drugstore which a huge huge aisle but i would still love a stand alone store lol.

    those butter gloss things have been around and i know people are in love with them but i just don't get that excited about it. probably because i'm starting to feel like...oh yes, just another thing... (but then again, look at my recent beauty purchases in asia..clearly didn't feel that sentiment when i was shopping there, did i?)

    the brown in the contour still might be a bit warm for me. i really do prefer a cool shade for contouring.

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    1. Haha, yeah- I've seen some "mini hauls" consisting of 4-5 products worth, like $200- I guess it's all relative! I bet a standalone store will reach Vancouver soon- but it sounds like shopping in Asia kept you busy :)

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  4. Oh my Toasted Marshmallow is lovely!

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    1. It's super gorgeous- glad I snagged it! xo

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  5. Great post! Thank you for sharing!

    Diana Cloudlet
    www.dianacloudlet.com

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    1. My pleasure, Diana! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  6. Toasted marshmallow is a gorgeous colour, it would be perfect for Autumn!

    Ela BellaWorld

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    1. Yes, definitely an Autumn-perfect shade! Though I've been wearing it lots this summer :)

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  7. The cream contour palette looks beautiful - can't wait to see what you have to say about it in a full review :) I don't tend to reach for cream products myself, but it might be nice to try it out!

    Rebecca | morerebe.com

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    1. I don't reach for cream products often either- but this palette is changing things! :)

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  8. NYX is one of my favorite drugstore brands, I love pretty much all of their lip products!

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

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    1. Yes, you definitely can't go wrong with a NYX lip product. Thanks for stopping by! xo

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  9. Omg reminder! I need to check out the new NYX store that opened up in my mall. I steered clear of it for a few months because I knew it was going to be a madhouse!

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    1. Yes! If you pick a lower-traffic time, it'll be manageable :) Literally hundreds of shades to swatch :)

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  10. I really want to check out the NYX store at the Eaton Centre but I'm a little daunted by the crowds... Maybe if I give it a few months it'll calm down a bit!

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    1. Yes, just give it a few weeks (or go at a less busy time)- such a fun shop to visit! xo

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All of your lovely comments make my day! Thanks for taking the time to share your musings, ideas, and opinions. Feel free to leave a link to your blog- I'd be happy to check it out :)