NYX In Your Element Palettes
When I first saw the images for the NYX In You Element Palettes, I was instantly drawn to both Earth and Metal. Something about them just spoke to me and they were so different from the reds, oranges and yellows that everyone seems to be coming out with. The best part,l is NYX is a drugstore brand so I figured that I would be able to pick up both for somewhere between $30 and $40 USD. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.
On launch day, I rushed to my computer and anxiously waited for the NYX Cosmetics website to load. When it did, I was shocked. They were changing $30 PER PALETTE! Considering they sell $5 single shadows and other affordable products, I was dumbfounded. I decided that I would be much better off saving my money and picking up one higher end palette instead of spending $60 on two drugstore palettes.
So I waited and I am so glad I did. Right now, Ulta is having a sale September 24-30 and the NYX In Your Element Palettes are on sale. With the $3.50 coupon, they are only $17.50 before tax. Still a little pricey, but a bargain considering what they cost before the sale. So, I decided it was time I picked up both the Metal and Earth Palette.
The Earth In Your Element Palette was the first one that caught my eye in the press release pictures. The color selection screamed fall to me and gave me ABH Subculture vibes. While this is most certainly not a dupe, it is a good alternative if you had problems with the ABH formula or you were too concerned to purchase it.
When I swatched this palette in store, I was concerned. The colors seemed to be patchy and ill pigmented. I didn’t even pick it up at first and almost talked myself out of it. But, I kept thinking of how pretty the colors where and how it was on sale. I told myself that worse come to worse, I could always return the palette if I didn’t like it.
In the end, the palette performed much better than it swatched. The mattes were buildable and blended well. In the first look, I used colors 1, 3, 10, 4, 6 and 11. For the second look, I used colors 1, 8, 7, 2, 9, and 5. I didn’t have any problems with any shade in particular. The shimmer shades apply best with a stiff or damp brush and the green shades need to be packed on to show their true color.
Out of all six element palettes, Metal seemed to be the most fun. It is a palette of 12 different shimmer shades. So, obviously this is not a stand alone palette. But the colors seemed fun and unique.
When swatching all the colors, it became apparent that a couple of them would be used best as a topper or inner corner highlight as opposed to a stand alone shadow. The two that would be best as toppers are 1 and 5.
Also, I found that the shades did not work well with a brush. I tried with a dry flat brush, damp flat brush and with my finger. I decided to show how two different colors applied with each method. These can be placed directly on the lid, but will benefit being placed over the top of glitter glue or a tacky base. I found that there was a little bit of glitter fallout.
I do enjoy both of these palettes and think they are pretty. The colors definitely perform better than I expected after swatching in store. Both palettes did have a little bit of fallout but nothing too crazy. So the big question, are they worth the price?
In short, the answer would be no. At full price, it is ridiculous to pay so much for something from a historically drugstore brand. Where I think NXY went wrong is by partnering with social media influencers. Each palette was designed by a different influencer and the price reflects that. I wish NYX had created the palettes without the collaborations and kept the price around $20. However, if you see one that you like then I would definitely pick it up while it is on sale.
Do you plan on picking any of these palettes up?
Xoxo Sammie
