NYX Glam Shadow Stick: Review

NYX Glam Shadow Stix

** Please Note:  This Post Contains Affiliate and/ or Referral Links **

** I received one or more of the products for review purposes **

NYX Glam Shadow Sticks

Where to Buy: 5 Piece Set sold on Amazon:

NYX Cosmetics Glam Shadow Stick - Set of 5

I have been a fan of NYX for some time now.  I've been working on a review of another product by NYX, their Prismatic shadows.  NYX is a phenomenal low cost brand that's quality is pretty comparable to some high end products.  So, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test out these Glam Shadow Sticks.

NYX Cosmetics Glam Shadow Stick Set

Colors

NYX Glam Shadow Stick's come in a total of 16 shades.  So, there basically is a shade for just about anything you could need or want.  This particular set comes with a everything from a great neutral to a perfect purple to a brilliant blue.  

Pigmentation:

NYX Glam Shadow Stick: Swatches

These shadow sticks have what I would say is buildable coverage.  How deep the color is depends on how heavy handed and how many swipes you use to apply your shadows.  The colors can build up and display some gorgeous pigmentation.  They aren't on the level of say, Urban Decay, but they are pretty decent.

Amount of Product:

Good Amount of Product in each tube.

In the above picture, the Glam stick on the right is twisted all the way down and the stick on the left is twisted as far as it would go.  I did this so that you could see how much product you actually get with these.

OVERALL:

Overall, I'm pretty impressed with the quality of these NYX Glam Shadow Sticks.  To purchase on Ulta, you would be paying $4.49 each for just ONE of these shadow sticks.  The price of this set on Amazon, is just $12.99 for FIVE!  That's less than $3 a piece!

• PRICE:             5 STAR
• Pigmentation:   4 STAR
• Quality:             4 STAR
• Long Wearing:  3 STAR
• Options:            4 STAR
• OVERALL       4 STAR

These aren't my favorite NYX products that I've tried, but they are pretty good quality shadows. They would be great for teens who are just starting to experiment with makeup.  You can't beat the price of them at all.

Purchase NYX Glam Shadow Sticks- 5 Piece Set

NYX Cosmetics Glam Shadow Stick - Set of 5

Your Thoughts...

I would love to know if you've tried NYX Glam Shadow Sticks what your opinions are!  This was my first time trying them, so my opinions may differ from your own.  

Have a product you would like to see me review?  I love to get feedback!  Let me know if there's something you'd like to see SassyGalBeauty cover, beauty or other stuffs...

Thanks again for reading SassyGalBeauty!

Don't forget to subscribe to SassyGalBeauty Email Updates!

Art of Air: Airbrush Makeup System Review

Please Note: This Post Contains Affiliate and / or Referral Links

Art of Air: Airbrush Makeup System

The Art of Air system comes with everything that you need to get started using an airbrush system.  

I received the compressor, 7 different shades, a primer and 3 different highlight / contouring shades as well as a cleanser and a carrying case for the kit.

There definitely is a learning curve when using an airbrush system.  I'm sure regardless of the type your using, it's going to take time and practice until you get truly comfortable.  Or maybe I'm just a dinosaur and it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

The results are amazing!

The Results

I was truly impressed by how well the airbrush system was able to completely hide all of my imperfections.  I have very problematic skin and it literally was like erasing.  The product did seem to take a little bit to completely dry, as the results were more time-lapsed than instantaneous.

A Before Shot: TONS of blemishes

I don't know if this picture is truly doing my skin justice.  I have an extreme amount of blemishes.

This is AFTER full makeup: First Try

The above picture was taken after I used the airbrush kit and other makeup.  The results are amazing.  I didn't have to use a filter when taking pics like I normally do.

This was after using the airbrush system the second time

The above photo was taken my second attempt at the airbrush kit.  Of course, I've put on blush and shadow, mascara and lipstick.  However, the foundation is just the airbrush kit.  I was truly blown away by the amazing results.

Takes Getting Used To

Despite the fact that I was thoroughly impressed by the results of the system.  It is completely different feeling than normal foundation.  It felt weird on my face.  However, after about thirty minutes it starts to feel as if I'm not even wearing makeup.

Video Tutorial / Review To Come

I am working on doing a video, however, it's taking a lot of editing because it was about 24 minutes long and trust me, it's boring 90% of the time.  So, I may just end up re-recording and trying to capture only the bits I need.

. 

Purchase Art of Air:

Art of Air Airbrush Kit on Amazon


















**  I received this product for testing & Review.  However, my thoughts and opinions are 100% honest and my own!!!

My First M.A.C. Haul: Cinderella LE Collection

My M.A.C. Haul

My First M.A.C. Haul...

So, if you've ever read this blog, you probably know that I'm so new to the whole beauty industry.  So, I've never before felt a compulsion to purchase M.A.C. items before now.  However, I've been eyeing the Cinderella collection for a couple of months and waited anxiously for it's debut.  I came extremely close to missing out completely.  

I was fortunate to have someone message me on Facebook that M.A.C. had done a restock of the Cinderella Collection.  I almost purchased the first go around, but by the time I was ready to order, they had sold out of all the lipsticks and I really didn't want to make a purchase if I couldn't have a lippy.  So, I was really excited when I was able to grab the Royal Ball this time as well as a couple other items I really was excited to try.

Coupe D'Chic Powder: $28

 Coupe D'Chic

So, this is an absolutely gorgeous powder.  There were two powders to choose from and I chose this one because it appeared to be a lot more colorful than the other powder.

Packaging:

The packaging of this is absolutely, insanely GORGEOUS!!!  I love the blue almost iridescent purple packaging, it really is stunning!!

Look Closely: I did swatch it

Swatched:

So, only after I had purchased, did I begin to hear people complain about the lack of pigment with the powder.  I was hoping since I'm fair skinned that I would be able to see some color.

However, as you can see, all that you MIGHT be able to see is just a tad bit of sparkle.

It's still a nice piece just because of the LE packaging, but I doubt I'll be grabbing for it often....

 Royal Ball

Every Princess MUST have her Royal Ball, so a Cinderella Collection wouldn't be complete without a "Royal Ball".  I was really looking forward to this the most out of everything.  I couldn't wait to get my hands on my very FIRST M.A.C. lippy!!!  

Royal Ball: $17.50

Swatched:

As you can see, again, there isn't much pigment.  This is a more opaque / iridescent collection than one filled with "PIGMENT" or color.  

I haven't tried yet, but I'm going to attempt to maybe wear this OVER another color and see if it might add some sparkle to a regular lippy.

It's a beautiful color, but it's so light that it's hard to really enjoy.  And to get THIS much pigment to show, I had to rub it about three times against my skin.

Macroviolet Floodline

Handsdown the most usable item from this collection that I purchased.  Looking back, I definitely wish I had purchased the Pearl "Eye Gloss", but alas I did not...  I am a SUCKER for purple shadows and liners, so it really made sense for myself to purchase the MAC floodline.

Macroviolet Floodline

Swatched:

So, I wanted to put the M.A.C. Floodliner next to a Cailyn Purple liner I had.  The differences, in my opinion, are subtle at best.  They both have a creamy texture and both are staying strong after about four or five hours they are still on my arm...

The M.A.C. is surprisingly, about $5 cheaper than the Cailyn liner.  The Cailyn is a more bright purple and the M.A.C. version is a darker and more subtle purple.  

Idk if it's just me, but it seems that there is a hint of a Rose sparkle when under light with the M.A.C. Macroviolet color. 

My Cindrella Haul

My Thoughts

Overall, I'm still happy I purchased this.  I don't think it was a great "First Impression" for my first "Foray" into the M.A.C. world, but I'm going to try to find one of these amazing "LIP" products that I've heard wonders about from other Beauty Blogger's.

When I was looking at purchasing my first MAC items, I was at first a bit taken back by the pricing, then I got to thinking about it, compared to other high end brands, MAC is actually quite reasonable.  Especially considering how long they have been in business and for how well respected their brand is.  

For the most part, the lipsticks are arguably their biggest sellers and normal lipstick prices are just $16 with the LE around $17.50 for most.  That's not unreasonable at ALL.  There are many other high end brands that are far more expensive and don't have the same time or brand recognition that MAC Cosmetics has.

I definitely WILL buy again.  Hopefully my next MAC purchase will be items that you can actually SEE if I choose to wear them!!

Contouring Wars: Anastasia VS NYX Contour Palettes

Contour Wars: Anastasia VS NYX

Contouring:

I suppose contouring has been around for years, however it seems to be rising in popularity with main stream America.  Normal, regular Americans like myself and others are discovering the secrets to beauty that it seems Hollywood has been guarding for decades.  No longer do you have to be a makeup artist nor be in the showbiz business to become a makeup guru.  The rise in popularity of YouTube at home stars is helping to increase our awareness of these long guarded secrets and more and more companies seem to be catering to those new demands.

I am far from an expert on beauty.  I'm just an over thirty who has in the past year discovered the joys of beauty and the little pretties that are available to us all.  For me, high end used to consist of brands like Neutrogena and Loreal.  In fact, I considered those to be far too expensive to splurge on them.  It's just been in the last year that I started spending more than $30 a year on makeup and skincare.

It's amazing, google contouring before and after pictures and you will be amazed and astounded at when done right, what contouring can do.  I know that I'll probably watch Hollywood movies now with a new respect for the art of makeup artistry.  

Battle 1:  Price Wars

Anastasia VS NYX

At first glance, it seems that the battle of prices is easy to declare NYX the winner.  Afterall, NYX is $15 cheaper than the Anastasia PLUS you get two extra shades with the NYX palette.  However, something I didn't quite spot right off was the expiration dates....

Anastasia is good for 12 months.

NYX is good for just 6 months.

So, if you consider all factors.... 

 NYX for 12 months supply = $50 with 8 shades= $6.25 per shade

Anastasia for 12 months = $40 with just 6 shades = $6.67 per shade

So, I have to say when you look at the pricing like that you aren't saving THAT much money by going with the drug store brand.  So honestly in pricing there is no CLEAR cut winner.  

PRICE BATTLE:  DRAW

Pigmentation:

I was quite shocked by the difference in pigmentation when using the different palettes.  I guess perhaps Pigmentation might be different on different skin types.  So, I can only voice my opinion with my own skin...

The above pictures I think pretty much speak for themselves.  I used the same amount with both brands.  The NYX was so much easier to see.  It went on quite smooth and just showed up so much better.  There was ONE color in the Anastasia that I felt performed better than the NYX comparable shade.  In the Top Left picture the shade closest to my hand showed up much better than the same NYX shade.

PIGMENTATION BATTLE:  NYX

Anastasia VS NYX:  Dupe Test

I haven't really ever done a "DUPE" review and so again I am NO expert.  However, when testing these two paletttes I did find that the shades were extremely similar.  

HIGHLIGHT Dupes:

 Please excuse my photography.  These aren't the best images.

Highlight Dupe Guide: 
A1 (top, 1st shade) = N1 (top 2nd shade)
A2 = N2 (top 3rd shade)
A3 = N3 (top 4th shade)

I found the above shades to be extremely similar when testing.  N4 was the one shade that didn't have a dupe on the Anastasia palette.  It also is a great highlighting color.  (Please note when viewing the NYX palette N4 is actually the Top Row, first shade...  )

**The A1, etc. refers to the placement on the picture; ( the paranthesis tells you the placement in the actual palette).

Shading Dupe Guide:

The darker shades weren't quite as easy to find "Dupes".  

The closest I could come up with is:

A3 (Bottom, 3)= N1 (Bottom, 1st)

A2 (Bottom, 2)= N3 (Bottom, 3rd)

The remaining colors I don't feel really are close enough to be a dupe for the remaining Anastasia shade.  And the second pan (N2) on NYX was completely different than anything in the Anastasia.

Overall, I think you could call the NYX a dupe for the Anastasia palette.  Afterall, I don't think there are any dupes that completely duplicate the originals.  However, they both are extremely different in texture and pigmentation.

Notable Differences:

While both are great palettes, they each have their pros and cons.  

Ease of Use:  I think NYX wins ease of use.  It's hard to transfer color for me with Anastasia.

Creamieness:  The Anastasia is handsdown a creamier palette.  However, the NYX while chalkier isn't overly chalky...

Matte VS Shimmer:  NYX is a MUCH more shimmery palette.  Anastasia really only has one shimmer (A3).  I think it's personal preference on if you prefer a Matte VS Shimmer finish so if you prefer a Matte Finish, DEFINITELY go with Anastasia.  If you prefer more shimmer, than NYX is the way to go!

Overall Thoughts:

It really comes down to your personal taste.  Both palettes are really nice.  Some people are going to lean towards the Anastasia regardless just because it's the high end version.  Where some will prefer NYX simply because it's the low cost version.

I think it's important to think about the expiration dates.  If you spend $25 on NYX, in just six more months you are going to be turning around and throwing down another $25 if you go by the expiration dates.  So, you might want to opt to spend an extra $15 now to save yourself $10 in the long run.

I think this is one of those times where if you can make it to ULTA, I definitely would so you can try the colors for yourself to see how they work with your skin.  I'll give the Anastasia another shot, but so far I'm having a hard time blending it...  

Where to Buy:

You can find NYX online or in store at ULTA.

For the Anastasia palette, you can find them on Anastasia.com or at Sephora or ULTA!

Remember

This is my first review of this kind.  So, please don't compare this review to real beauty bloggers.  I know I'm no expert.  I just have found I'm a pretty opionated person and so I like to give my own take on things.  I hope you enjoyed my first "Face Off".  I'll definitely be on the look out for more content to bring to you in the "Face Off" series.  If you have items you'd like for me to compare, please let me know and I'll definitely try to do so...

**  I was not given these items, these were my own purchases.  I was not compensated in anyway, these are my own opinions.  

One Direction: UV Make-Up Sets

A SassyHolidays Gift Idea: Stocking Stuffers

One Direction Makeup:

So, you have to have been living under a rock to not know who the British Boy Band that has stormed America and made millions of young girls faint with their awesomeness.  The band that was formed by Simon Cowell on the British version of X-Factor truly have become to the 2014 generation of adolescent girls what New Kids on the Block was for me and my peers during the nineties.

Their latest branding release are these super fun and cute UV make up kits!  Perfect for women and girls of any age!  Whether your purchasing for a 12 year old girl or yourself, these kits are not only cute but work well too!!

The neat thing about these kits are that they are UV activated!  So, if you are going to be somewhere like a club or anywhere else where they might have a blacklight, these would make it even more fun with these Blacklight activated makeup!

LiquiLights Glow Gloss

These fun glosses are enriched with natural oils and Vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated throughout the day or through long nights!  They sparkle through the day and under blacklight they illuminate!

Now, I have to say, I didn't want to use these, because they will be a gift for my 13 year old daughter who will think that I'm a cool mom when she finds these under the Christmas tree!  Definitely working on some cool points with these gifts!!!

These are definitely fun colors !!

Colors:

Through The Dark, Kiss You, and Taken

Electro Glam Mascara

This was the product that I was most excited to get!  I know that my daughter is going to FLIP out with these!!

ElectroGlam Mascara: Yellow or Story Of My Life

These fun colored mascaras definitely will turn heads with these fun colors!  But, want a little more of a fun way to brighten up the holidays?  These mascaras can double as Mascara for your hair as well!!  Use these for fun little stripes of color, PERFECT for New Year's Eve parties!!!

The colors truly are extremely bold and bright!  They just scream FUN!

Score some HUGE cool points with your daughter this holiday season with these uber cool Mascaras!

The mascaras are of course named for One Direction's Songs:

Why don’t we go there- Shock of blue
Does he know?- Pinkest hot pink 
Story of my life- Amped canary yellow

ElectroGlam Mascara in Pink: Does He Know?

ElectroGlam in Shock Blue: Why Don't We Go There

Rock Me Nail Kit:

This nail kit is way more than what I thought it was going to be!  These polishes feature: Neon UV Reactive and UV Reactive Glitter!  These colors are super fun for day or night time!  The glitter inside this kit can be used to sprinkle over your wet nails for an extra sparkle.

Nail Varnish:
Happily– UV iced blue glitter 
Moments- UV neon pink 
Diana- UV 3D holographic 

Glitter Toppings: 
Kicks- UV snow cone blue
Not afraid- UV electrified pink glitter 
Star-- UV holo glitter 

These products can be purchased at the following stores:
Macy's
Dillards
Boscov's
Stage Stores
Beauty Brands
Lord & Taylor

I may not have personally used these products, but I cannot even tell you how thrilled I am that I am able to have these waiting for my daughter this Christmas!  They are going to be a HUGE hit!  My daughter is at that age where she's FINALLY realizing it's cool to be girlie....

Connect:

https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyOneDirection

Enter the One Direction Makeup Kits Giveaway:

(This is not a SassyGalBeauty Giveaway, but a giveaway that is hosted off site)

** Please note:  These products were furnished for me for review purposes! **