Wednesday, March 29, 2017

I Perfected My Strobing Skills with NYX




I highlight and contour subtly on a daily basis, that's how I make my skin looks more healthy and radiant because I have naturally sallow (a.k.a. boring) skin.  I have roadtested so many contour and highlight products I knew which particular ones would give me the very natural and subtle effect while other products/brands can give me more drama.

But I wasn't ready for this particular "strobing" technique that I got after using the palette from NYX called NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette.  All I can say is that --- it is indeed a "genius" in the strobing department.

To those who are "used to" my usual "Product review photos", you can definitely see a major change in this!  

For goodness' sake, I don't even have any eye makeup on in this particular photo (only brows), but I love the way my skin looks, so healthy, so glowing, so 3D!

a photo of AskMewhats Nikki Tiu wearing  NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette
Php1,230.00
"Introducing the Strobe of Genius Palette, our incredible new collection of must have illuminators designed to give you everything needed to achieve today’s most buzzed about highlighting trend: Strobing. This breakthrough palette features seven velvety-smooth shades that will enhance your features with serious levels of illumination. The best part? Mastering the look is easy—all you need is a little extra natural light."
Of course, to complete the look, I added 2 NYX products, the NYX #No Filter Finishing Powder and NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner.



a photo of  NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette, NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder  and NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner

Let's first concentrate on the Strobe of Genius Illimunating Palette, there are a total of 7 "illuminating shades" to choose from.  Truth be told, the colors are quite overwhelming even for professional MUA like myself!  But after playing around with this palette, I kind of understood how each has shade has its' own "expertise" and I actually found shades that works best for my skin!

I did a quick swatch on all 7 shades.


a photo of NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Top row (1-4)
Shade 1: True Gold with Pearlized Gold Finish
Shade 2: A light cool toned pink shimmer
Shade 3: Lavender shade.
Shade 4: Shimmer Pink with Gold undertone

swatch photo of NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Bottom Row (5-7) - My favorite!
Shade 5: Shimmery Light Gold with light peach undertone.
Shade 6: Bronze Gold (can double up as eyeshadow)
Shade 7: Shimmery Champagne 

swatch photo of NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

There is indeed a WIDE range of shades in this palette to play around with, it really depends on what type of "Strobing" you are aiming for!  Since I wanted my Strobing skills to be as "PRO" as possible, I went ahead and picked the shades that would work for my skin!

Keep in mind that all shades can be layered, mixed and matched according to your preference.

Since Shade 6 is my favorite shade (and darkest) for my skin tone, I picked this up to use as a "highlighter/blush" color!  This makes my skin looks so healthy and glowing it hurts! :P

a photo of NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Since I have warm undertone, I like my "highlighting" shade to be as subtle as possible so I picked the yellow gold shade (as marked with a kiss mark).  Using this color, I applied this on top of the "blush" color I did on step 1.

a photo of NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Before and After
Using only 2 shades, you can definitely see how I "up'ed" my Strobing Game!

a photo of NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Of course, I went ahead for the Ultime Strobing!  Picking the Champagne Color, I highlighted the tip of my nose, cupid's bow even adding a little bit on my chin!

a photo of how to use NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette

Now a bit of "Over-Strobing" could be a recipe for greasy-looking complexion especially for those who have oily-skin!  My technique?  Set the rest of your face with an oil-control, mattifying finishing powder!  I found one from the same brand called ---


NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder
Shade: Porcelain
Approx. Php600.00
"An amazing new product that delivers a finish as flawless and soft as the most flattering filters on Instagram and beyond."
a photo of NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder

Swatch: Porcelain

a swatch photo of NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder in Porcelain

If you find that your Strobing Powders appear to be "too shimmery", feel free to dab a bit of the #NoFilter powder gently on top!  It won't "blur out" the Highlight, instead, it lessens the shimmer.

a photo of NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder

Now that's my super clear face with a bit of Strobing!

a photo of Nikki Tiu AskMEwhats wearing NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder in Porcelain

Of course, my eyes felt a bit too bare for the healthy-looking skin!  To complete my Instagram-worthy features (ahem!)  Went ahead and tried ---

 NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner
Php650.00
"Having it all is possible with this incredibly edgy new makeup weapon. The combination of the precision of liquid liner with the ease of application of a kohl pencil is the perfect match to create a variety of dramatic looks. When the cat eye meets the smoldering intensity of a smoky eye look who knows where the night will take you?"
a photo of  NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner in Jet Black

I can never stress enough how makeup companies should create Liquid Liner AND pencil in one!  I can't imagine lining my upper lashline leaving the bottom part bare!  It just has to be together - like husbands and wives!

Don't you agree?

Swatch
The Felt Tip Liner side I got is not as "wet" as I imagined!  It could be that I got an old stock.  But the pencil side is doing pretty well.

a swatch photo of  NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner in jet black


Application:
I had to do a couple of swipe on the liquid side, I guess mine dried up a bit!  So I had to use the pencil to fill in both the upper and lower lashline.

a photo of  NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner jet black

TADAH!
A more defined eyes... now before I get tempted to do the rest of my eyes with eyeshadows, this tutorial can't seem to end then!  I have to STOP and share my thoughts on the 3 NYX Cosmetics products I've used.

a photo of Nikki Tiu AskMeWhats wearing NYX products

NYX Strobe of Genius Illuminating Palette
  • Plastic packaging yet sturdy enough to tote along.
  • Includes variety of shades that would work on all women in different skin tones.
  • Highly pigmented.
  • Most of the shades are very velvety and smooth, the most creamy and velvety in texture?  All 3 bottom shades.
  • Very easy to apply.
  • All the shades appear surprisingly natural.
  • BUT, if you are into highlighting and doesn't need all these shades, maybe go for a single pan or double pan highlighter instead of this!  This palette I recommend to those Strobing Addicts out there.
NYX #NoFilter Finishing Powder

  • Simple packaging.
  • Velvety smooth powder.  
  • Very natural to look at.
  • Lessen the appearance of pores and fine lines.
  • Light to light medium coverage.
  • Can make skin appears healthy, smooth and less oily.
  • Keeps oil at bay for at least an hour or two longer.

NYX Two Timer Kohl Pencil Liner and Felt Tip Liner Review

  • 2-in-1.
  • The felt tip liner side is not as pigmented as "wet" as I imagined.  It could just be mine!  As mine's almost dried out.
  • The Kohl side is very pigmented and smooth.  It sets pretty nicely and doesn't budge.
  • If you have extremely oily lids, the Kohl side may still smudge or smear so make sure to apply an eye primer underneath.

Overall, I've always been a fan of NYX products and I can't believe they are coming up with more products (I can't seem to keep track!)


What's your favorite NYX Product?

Which among the 3 products I used caught your attention?
Do you like the way I "Strobed"? 

I know ang dami kong tanong!  Excited much!

For more information Follow and LIKE NYX Cosmetics Philippines on Facebook and follow them on IG @NYXCosmeticsPH


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!
 

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