NYX Professional Makeup Slim Lip Pencil
TL;DR – One for the cost conscious amongst us, the NYX Slim Lip Pencil is only £5 (and $5) and comes with great pigmentation and a creamy formula that works well for brown skin tones. Standout shades like Nutmeg and Mahogany are perfect for defining and enhancing melanin rich skin without looking ashy. While it’s not the longest-lasting and requires sharpening, its affordable price and wide shade range make it a must-try.
The details
When it comes to lip liners, the NYX Slim Lip Pencil is like that reliable friend who always shows up. Affordable, easy to use, and versatile, it’s a staple in makeup bags for a lot of us. But given the price, is it as good for brown-skinned beauties as everyone says? Let’s break it down.
Pros
Great Pigmentation: This liner packs a punch in the colour department. Shades like Nutmeg (a warm, medium brown) and Mahogany (a reddish-brown) pop beautifully on deeper skin tones. No dull or ashy vibes here!
Creamy Yet Precise: The formula strikes a balance: it’s creamy enough to glide on smoothly but firm enough to give you control. Perfect for clean lines or shading in the lips for a base.
Budget-Friendly: At below £5 ($5), this pencil delivers impressive quality for the price. It’s an excellent option if you’re experimenting with shades or building your collection without splurging.
Wide Shade Range: With nearly 30 shades to choose from, there’s a perfect match for every look. Whether you’re after a subtle nude or a bold, statement-making lip, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your style.
Cons
Not Long-Lasting: I hate to say it but, there is a slight trade-off for the price. The formula is easy to apply but it’s not particularly the most durable. You might need touch-ups throughout the day, especially after meals.
Sharpening Required: Unlike retractable liners, these needs sharpening, which can be inconvenient if you’re on the go. Also, you can fall victim to the old ‘sharpen till it drops out’ thing that happens with these sort of lip liners.
Limited Hydration: The formula isn’t drying, but it’s not particularly hydrating either. Pairing it with a good balm or gloss is a must for those with drier lips.
Final Verdict
The NYX Slim Lip Pencil is an amazing bang-for-your-buck/pound product that delivers on colour, performance, and versatility. While it might not last as long as higher-end options, its wide shade range and smooth application make it a fantastic choice for brown skin tones. And let’s be honest, for a lip liner, do you need to spend too much? For the price, these liners are hard to beat.
OK, NYX have quite a collection of colours so if you’re in the USA and want to see the full range, you can take a look here. For those of us in the UK, we have a smaller range to choose from but still quite wide, take a look at them here.
Recommendations
If you’re just getting into makeup and want to try out some lip liners that are simple to use and budget-friendly before investing in higher-end options, these are a fantastic starting point. Check out the recommendations below to get started!
Nutmeg
Why You’ll Love it: A warm medium brown that’s ideal for natural, everyday looks or pairing with neutral lipsticks and glosses
Pair It With: Fenty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow, gives an effortless, everyday glossy nude (you can see a review.
Mahogany
Why You’ll Love it: The perfect reddish-brown for enhancing warm undertones or pairing with bold lipsticks.
Pair It With: Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink in Voyager for a bold, statement lip.
