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There are a lot of drugstore beauty brands that stand up to the luxury stuff, but in the case of NYX Professional Makeup, the best NYX products actually outperform them. It has long been a quiet workhorse, showing up when I needed an undereye concealer that wouldn’t crease or a brow pencil that gives the illusion of full brows. And it’s not just me. These formulas have earned a spot in the kits of pros who work everything from red carpets to 6 a.m. call times. Honestly? Sometimes the $5 option really is the better one.
Makeup artist Jada Marie calls NYX Professional Makeup a longtime favorite. "It’s been an OG brand since my teenage years, and I still reach for it as a pro," she says. What keeps it in her kit? "High-quality, long-lasting results at an affordable price," she says, also praising the brand’s inclusivity and artistry-driven shades that work across all skin tones. "They’re cruelty-free, and their bold pigments really support my creative vision."
Makeup artists Lauren Citera and Kelly Zhang echo the sentiment: "No matter what caliber of production I’m on or skin tone I’m working with, I always reach for NYX," says Citera. "It performs like a high-end brand—without the price tag." Zhang adds, "NYX is proof that quality doesn’t always come with a luxury price tag." And when it comes to reliability under pressure, she keeps it simple: "For brows, liners, and lips, NYX Cosmetics often comes first in my kit."
NYX Professional Makeup delivers everything you need to build a full look without blowing your budget. No matter your mood, skin tone, or makeup style, there’s a NYX staple that’s sure to slot seamlessly into your routine.
Top NYX Professional Makeup Picks
- My Top NYX Professional Makeup Pick: Bare With Me Concealer Serum, $12
- All Day, All Night: Epic Ink Liner, $10
- High Definition: Slim Lip Pencil, $2
- The Color Way: Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain, $12
- Brow Down: Lift and Snatch Brow Tint Pen, $13
- Make It Matte: Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick, $10
- Shine Bright: Fat Oil Lip Drip, $9
- Just Brows-ing: Micro Brow Pencil, $11
- Fluff, Lift, and Lock: The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel, $10
- It’s Prime Time: Face Glue Gripping Primer, $9
- Flushed in a Flash: Buttermelt Pressed Powder Blush, $10
Frequently Asked Questions
My Top NYX Professional Makeup Pick: NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum
Jailynn Taylor applying NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum.
Why we love it: Hyperpigmentation, dark circles, and redness don’t stand a chance against NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum. This medium-coverage formula seamlessly blends skin care with makeup to visibly brighten, even out, and hydrate in a single pump. If you’re looking for full coverage, it's buildable with a few more pumps. Lightweight and never cakey, the natural finish melts into skin for a “Wait, are you even wearing concealer?” effect. Made for undereyes, blemishes, and even body touch-ups, it’s infused with tremella mushroom, cica, and green tea to soothe skin and deliver up to 24 hours of moisture.
Taylor before applying NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum.
Taylor after applying NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum.
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
“After going off birth control two years ago, my skin went through it—acne, scarring, and lingering hyperpigmentation. At one point, I couldn’t leave the house without foundation or a skin tint. Now, I’ve simplified everything down to just NYX Professional Makeup Bare With Me Concealer Serum. It’s got buildable coverage that, with a brush application, covers the discoloration on my cheeks as well as my raccoon-like dark circles. I also love it for cleaning up my brows when I’m overdue for a good plucking.”
More to know
Key ingredients: tremella mushroom, cica, green tea
Finish: natural
Shades: 5
All Day, All Night: NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner
Sarah Han applying the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner in Graham Cracker.
Why we love it: Nailing the perfect wing is a dopamine hit, especially when both sides match. Now, imagine being able to admire it for more than just one day. That’s where NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner comes in. This semipermanent, ultra-matte liquid eyeliner delivers intense color that won’t crack, bleed, or budge—no matter how long your day (or night) runs. The brush tip gives you razor-sharp precision for creating everything from sleek cat eyes to bold body art. Waterproof and smudge-proof, this liner is built to last up to three days, making it your go-to choice for high-impact looks that withstand heat, sweat, and everything in between.
Han before applying the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner in Graham Cracker.
Han after applying the NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Liner in Graham Cracker.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“This has been a staple since my college days: It's affordable, super-pigmented, easy-gliding as heck, and the felt tip is equal parts flexible and precise. While I prefer gel liners these days, I recently picked up Epic Ink in two browns and a shimmery pink—I'm so here for these color expansions—and have fallen back in love. This formula lasts all day and sets really fast, but I find that I can use my nails to quickly fix any out-of-line mistakes or sharpen the lines on my wings at the very end.”
More to know
Key ingredients: flexible film formers, long-wear polymers
Finish: matte
Shades: 14
High Definition: NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil
Bianca Richards applying the NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil.
Why we love it: The secret to a coveted lip combo? It starts with the right liner. NYX Professional Makeup’s Slim Lip Pencil delivers smooth, creamy precision that defines or enhances whatever lip shade you’re looking to create. Associate beauty editor Annie Blay likes to pair NYX's Slim Pencil in 802 with a rosy gloss in the center of her lips. "This combo is super natural-looking, but perfectly enhances my lips, making my pout cuter and more noticeable," she says.
Whether you're after a subtle nude moment or a bold red statement, the shade range makes it easy to find your match, or mix and layer for something totally custom. The formula glides on without tugging or feathering, and hydrates with jojoba, shea, and coconut oils. Overline, fill in, or simply shape, this liner does it all.
Richards before applying the NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil.
Richards after applying the NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
“As a self-proclaimed lip liner devotee, I’ve tested everything from high-end picks to drugstore staples in search of my must-haves. One liner that’s earned a permanent spot in my stash is the NYX Slim Lip Pencil—it’s affordable, dependable, and never lets me down. With over 30 shades in the collection, I usually gravitate toward the brown tones to either enhance my natural lip color or go for something bolder. It’s truly my old reliable.”
More to know
Key ingredients: shea butter, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil
Finish: creamy
Shades: 31
The Color Way: NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain
Angela Trakoshis applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.
Why we love it: Lip gloss girls and stain lovers, rejoice: This hybrid does both. NYX Professional Makeup’s Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain delivers the glassy shine of a gloss with the long-lasting tint of a stain, so you get bold color that lingers long after the shine fades. The unique formula glides on like water, delivering a cooling, weightless feel that hydrates without any stickiness. It’s infused with coconut water, magnesium, and vitamin B12 to keep lips hydrated for up to 12 hours. With 16 juicy shades, from everyday mauves to statement reds, this is your one-swipe ticket to saturated, stay-all-day color.
Trakoshis before applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.
Trakoshis after applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.
Tester feedback from shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
“The NYX Lip IV has become my go-to lately. It gives that juicy, glossy look but feels more like a serum. It’s hydrating, super comfortable, and never sticky. What I love most is how it lasts; even after the shine wears down, it leaves behind this subtle tint that kind of works like a lip stain. My favorite shade is caramel drip because it pairs so nicely like a nude liner, which is something I wear every day.”
More to know
Key ingredients: coconut water, magnesium, vitamin B12
Finish: glossy (initial), stained (after wear)
Shades: 16
Brow Down: NYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen
Why we love it: Mastering a natural-looking, lifted brow takes technique, and NYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen features a flexible micro-brush tip that mimics real brow hairs with precise, flickable strokes, so you can customize definition from barely there to bold. For best application, angle the pen vertically and flick upward to mimic natural growth. Use a light hand for thin, airy strokes, or press slightly firmer for bolder payoff. The waterproof, smudge-resistant formula stays locked in for up to 16 hours, making it ideal for humid days, long nights, and brows that don’t budge.
Expert feedback makeup artist Jada Marie
"Brows can make or break a face, so I’m continuously looking for ways to upgrade my brow game." For Marie, that upgrade comes in the form of the NYX Professional Makeup Lift & Snatch Brow Tint Pen. It’s "become a must-have in my brow routine." She tailors her technique depending on the look: "I use it two ways: For everyday makeup, I lightly fill in my sparse areas by drawing fine, hair-like strokes. And for full glam, I use it as one of my finishing touches to create natural-looking hairs at the front of the brow, helping everything blend seamlessly."
More to know
Key ingredients: water-based pigment, film-forming agents
Finish: matte
Shades: 10
Make It Matte: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick
Why we love it: NYX Professional Makeup Lip Lingerie XXL delivers intense, full-coverage color in just one swipe, and once it sets, it’s not going anywhere. The matte finish dries smooth and wears comfortably for up to 16 hours, thanks to a flexible formula that moves with your lips. The performance is why Marie keeps it in her kit. “The formula is highly pigmented, ” she says. "It's smooth and long-lasting, making it perfect for all-day or all-night wear and for bolder lip looks. "I always apply it on well-moisturized lips, starting with balm during initial skin prep, so the lips are smooth and ready."
The arrow-shaped applicator hugs the contours of your mouth for clean lines and pro-level application. Available in 30+ shades, including bold reds and rich nudes, it’s transfer-proof, smudge-proof, and designed to outlast whatever the day or night throws at you.
Tester feedback from Trakoshis
“I love this fluffy, mousse-like formula. The Lip Lingerie XXL Matte Liquid Lipstick's formula is close to perfect, if not. It's a long-lasting matte that doesn't dry out your lips.”
More to know
Key ingredients: film-forming polymers, dimethicone
Finish: matte
Shades: 31
Shine Brighter: NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip
Why we love it: Glossy, juicy, and unapologetically extra, NYX Professional Makeup’s Fat Oil Lip Drip delivers everything you want in a lip oil. It coats lips in a sheer tint while infusing them with hydration, thanks to a nourishing blend of squalane, raspberry oil, and cloudberry oil. The oversize, plush applicator caresses every curve of your smile for a smooth, high-shine finish, minus the stickiness. Wear it alone for a hint of color or layer it over lipstick or liner to add shine.
Tester feedback from Taylor
“I’ve always been skeptical of the lip oil hype. I’m a true gloss girl through and through. So when a certain luxury lip oil started blowing up for $40, I couldn’t justify the price. I figured I’d start with a drugstore option to test the waters, and NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Lip Drip is what officially converted me. Unlike my go-to glosses, it’s not sticky, keeps my lips moisturized for hours without needing to reapply, and layers perfectly over lip liner, locking the whole look in.”
More to know
Key ingredients: squalane, raspberry oil, cloudberry oil
Finish: glossy
Shades: 14
Just Brows-ing: NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil
Jailynn Taylor applying the NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil.
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly brow pencil to whip your brows into shape, NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil is the one to beat. The ultra-skinny tip allows for hair-like strokes that blend seamlessly into your natural brow, while the built-in spoolie helps soften and shape as you go. Whether you’re filling in sparse areas or sharpening your arch, the creamy, long-wearing formula makes it easy to get natural-looking definition without overdoing it. Pro tip: Match your roots for best results and use light pressure to avoid snapping the tip.
Taylor before applying the NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil.
Taylor after applying the NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil.
Tester feedback from Taylor
Unfortunately, I wasn’t blessed with fluffy brows—and while brow slits were trending back in 2013, I’ve had one naturally running through my right brow for as long as I can remember. That’s why the NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil has been my go-to for years. The ultra-fine tip makes it easy to mimic hair-like strokes without skipping or dragging on the skin, and the formula stays put all day (even with how often I catch myself swiping my face). I always recommend it to anyone dealing with sparse brows or still recovering from an over-plucking phase.
More to know
Key ingredients: N/A
Finish: matte
Shades: 12
Fluff, Lift, and Lock: NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue Laminating Setting Gel
Why we love it: Fluffy brows are having a moment, and NYX Professional Makeup The Brow Glue makes it easy to lock in the look. This non-sticky brow gel delivers extreme hold without crunch or flake, securing every hair in place with a natural-looking finish. Whether you're going for a soft feathery look or full lamination, the precise spoolie makes shaping easy on any brow type. It’s waterproof, transfer-proof, and now available in five shades for added tint and definition.
Expert feedback from makeup artist Lauren Citera
Citera swears by one product to keep her brows in place through marathon days on set: "One thing I must do before I leave the house without a doubt is my eyebrows. I'm currently doing a skinny, sometimes spiked brow, and I only execute this with the NYX Professional Brow Glue in clear. Being an on-set makeup artist, I am working 12+ hour days. My brows do not budge. Like most people, I don't give myself much time to get ready before I need to dash, so even the application is my favorite. The small wand lets me be precise, quickly!"
Expert feedback from makeup artist Kelly Zhang
Zhang also considers it a staple in both her kit and her personal bag. "This has become one of my must-haves—not just for clients, but for myself too. It gives that laminated brow look without crunchiness or residue. I use it to brush brows up and lock them in place before filling them in with a pencil or powder, and it holds all day. I even keep one in my personal bag for quick touch-ups—it’s that reliable."
More to know
Key ingredients: N/A
Finish: natural
Shades: 5
It’s Prime Time: NYX Professional Makeup Face Glue Gripping Primer
Why we love it: Secure your makeup base with NYX Professional Makeup The Face Glue Gripping Primer. It’s a hydrating primer that locks your look in from sunrise til sunset. This water-based formula grips onto everything from foundation to blush, without leaving behind any tackiness. Polyglutamic acid provides a significant boost in hydration, while maple syrup extract helps "glue" your makeup in place without clogging pores or feeling heavy. The lightweight, breathable texture melts seamlessly into the skin tones with zero cast and works for all skin types. No waiting time required, just apply and stick the rest of your glam right on top.
Its secret ingredient is glycerin, which allows it to work with most foundation formulations. That way, “when a silicone foundation is added in a thin amount, you do not get makeup separation," says Citera. To lock in the base even further, she always allows “the primer to dry down completely before applying a foundation," she says.
Expert feedback from Citera
For Citera, long wear starts with skin prep. "After skin care on talent, I immediately grab the NYX Professional Face Glue Face Primer. This stuff sticks to everyone!" Despite being water-based, she finds that it plays surprisingly well with both water- and silicone-based foundation types. "Although this is a water-based primer, I find it mixes well with both water-based and silicone foundations."
More to know
Key ingredients: polyglutamic acid, maple syrup, glycerin
Finish: natural
Shades: clear
Flushed Finish: NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Pressed Powder Blush
Why we love it: Calling all blush enthusiasts: NYX Professional Makeup Buttermelt Blush packs serious pigment into a buttery-soft formula that blends like a powder and melts onto skin for a seamless finish. Available in 12 buildable shades across matte and glowy finishes, each compact delivers long-wear that’s fade- and transfer-resistant. Infused with nourishing shea butter, mango butter, and almond butter, it won ’t dry out the skin and smells like a tropical vacation.
Expert feedback from Citera
"On set, we love glowing from within, skin! The goal is always healthy looking skin," says Citera, who regularly works with a wide age range of talent. Whether she’s prepping kids or older adults, "the NYX Professional Butter Melt Blush always brings those in my chair to life." The formula’s adaptability is key—"from a young flushed look to a beautifully sculpted cheek, the Butter Melt Blush does it for me every time." She also applauds the inclusive shade range: "I'm super happy that the shades are excellent for all skin tones as I'm a big advocate for makeup, for everyone." As for her personal picks? "My current rotation shades are ‘Butta With Time,’ ‘Back and Butta,’ ‘My Butta Half,’ and ‘Had Butta.’"
More to know
Key ingredients: shea butter, mango butter, almond butter
Finish: matte or radiant (shade depending)
Shades: 12
Meet the experts:
- Jada Marie is an editorial makeup artist based in Brooklyn.
- Kelly Zhang is a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.
- Lauren Citera is a multimedia makeup artist based in Brooklyn.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best NYX products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors, along with special consideration from makeup artists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors, in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon, is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Read more about our makeup must-haves:
- 14 Makeup Must-Haves That Earned 2025 Allure Readers' Choice Awards
- 11 Best Concealers for Mature Skin That Won’t Settle Into Fine Lines
- 9 Best Highlighter Sticks to Illuminate Skin in Seconds
Now, watch Isabela Merced's 10-minute beauty routine:
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