I've always been a fan of NYX Cosmetics, so when I heard about the NYX Contour Stick, I couldn't wait to try it out. As someone who loves convenience, this dual-ended stick seemed perfect for achieving a sculpted look without the hassle of using separate products.
Why I Don't Like It (But You Might)
Unfortunately, the NYX Contour Stick didn't work for me, but that doesn't mean it won't work for you. Here are my main complaints:
- It appeared a little orange on my fair skin with cool undertones. However, if your skin tone is fair-medium or darker, you might be able to avoid this issue.
- The longevity wasn't great, but that could be due to my application technique. It lasted about five to six hours on my face, but you might get better wear time if you don't touch your face as often.
If your skin tone is suitable and you're looking for a creamy, convenient, and affordable contouring option, this stick might be perfect for you.
Image: I got the lightest shade, Fair. Photo by Crystal Schwanke.
What the NYX Contour Stick Is All About
The NYX Contour Stick is designed to provide a sculpted look with its two-in-one formula. One end features a creamy, deeper shade with a natural finish, while the other end offers a lighter, pearlescent shade to complement the deeper one. This combination sets it apart from other contouring products and makes it beginner-friendly.
Image: I love that the NYX Contour Stick is dual-ended. The colors looked promising overall, but I gave the light shade the side-eye because it seemed a little too golden for the job. Photo by Crystal Schwanke.
Pros of the NYX Contour Stick
The NYX Contour Stick offers several benefits, including:
- Convenience: You get both the contour and highlighting shades in one stick, eliminating the need to carry or store multiple products.
- Affordability: At $14.00 (less with Ulta coupons), this stick is a budget-friendly option.
- Color Range: With eight shade combos, the NYX Contour Stick should work for most skin tones.
- Versatility: The lightest shade is suitable for fair skin tones, provided the undertones match.
- Customizable Effect: You can achieve a subtle or dramatic look by building up the product.
- Creamy Application: The stick is easy to apply and blend, making it suitable for beginners.
- Accessibility: You can find the NYX Contour Stick in various stores, including beauty supply stores, drugstores, Target, and Walmart.
What's Not So Great About It
My issues with the NYX Contour Stick are specific to my skin tone and current skin condition. Here are the downsides I experienced:
- Orange Tone: On fair skin with cool undertones, the contour shade appeared too warm and orange.
- Texture Accentuation: The highlighting shade emphasized the texture on my drier skin.
- Blending Challenges: While blending, the product didn't meld seamlessly with my foundation.
Image: Here's how it looked from the front, all blended in. Photo by Crystal Schwanke.
Image: And here's the side view. I feel like the deeper shade is still a little more obvious than I'd like, but blending it wasn't too bad. Photo by Crystal Schwanke.
My Experience and How I Applied It
When using the NYX Contour Stick, I applied the darker shade to specific areas, such as my temples, cheekbones, and jawline. Then, I used the lighter shade on the tops of my cheekbones and other highlight areas. However, blending the product proved challenging with my fingers, so I switched to a damp sponge for better results.
Who the NYX Contour Stick Is Good For
While the NYX Contour Stick didn't work for me, it might be the perfect product for others. Here's who I believe it would suit best:
- Those with light to deep skin tones (excluding very fair skin with cool undertones).
- Beginners looking for an easy-to-use contouring option.
- People with normal to combination skin types, as extreme dryness or oiliness might affect the product's performance.
- Anyone looking for a compact makeup product that saves space.
- Budget-conscious individuals who appreciate the affordability of this stick.
- Makeup enthusiasts who enjoy the convenience of having two shades in one product.
Where to Buy It
You can find the NYX Contour Stick at Ulta, NYXCosmetics.com, beauty supply stores, drugstores, Target, and Walmart.
Other Contouring Options to Try
If the NYX Contour Stick doesn't suit your needs, here are a few alternatives to consider:
1. NYX Highlight and Contour Palette
This palette offers eight shades, allowing for more customization. It's a great option if you need varying shades throughout the year or prefer greater versatility in your contouring routine. However, the price is higher at $25.00.
2. Fenty Beauty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick and Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick
Fenty Beauty offers a wide color range in their contour skinsticks, making them suitable for different skin tones. If the price isn't a concern, these sticks provide excellent options. However, they are more expensive, with each stick costing almost $30.00.
3. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Dual-Ended Contour Stick
For an affordable alternative, the Wet n Wild MegaGlo Dual-Ended Contour Stick offers a similar concept to the NYX Contour Stick. However, it only comes in two shades, limiting the options for those with lighter or darker skin tones.
Final Thoughts on the NYX Contour Stick
While the NYX Contour Stick didn't meet my expectations due to the orange tone and texture accentuation, it could still be a great product for those with different skin tones. Its affordability, convenience, and creamy application make it worth considering. If you have fair skin with cool undertones, you might want to explore other options.
