The times, they are a-changin’, edgy eyeshadow lovahs, and ground zero’s at a drugstore near you. Thanks to budget brands like NYX, colorful shadows have gotten a lot more accessible over the past few years. Case in point: NYX’s new NYX Purple Smokey Look Kit for summer, aka one of the best drugstore palettes I’ve seen in a really long time.
It’s a little hard to tell from these pictures because I forgot to take one with me holding it, but the case easily fits in the palm of my hand and looks built for easy travel. This particular palette, the Purple Smokey Look Kit, is one of three released from NYX for summer, and like the others it costs just $11! $11! This one comes with nine color coordinated powder shadows and two lipsticks.
If I’d known absolutely nothing about NYX before taking a look at this palette, I would’ve assumed the shadows, which come in various shades of purple, blue and black, were from a department store line like MAC. Like pricier products, they go on with vibrant pigmentation, wet or dry, blend easily and stay put all day long without fading.
To go with the smokey eye looks NYX must have had in mind when they chose the eye colors for the palette, they included two moisturizing lipsticks in beige and golden peach. Scent- and taste-free, they apply with a frosty finish and look very ’60s go-go girl on their own. To tone them down a tad (they’re VERY frosty), I’ve been popping a clear gloss on top.
Packaging sticklers might appreciate where NYX placed the lipsticks in this bad boy. They stowed them away in a separate pull-out compartment to cut down on eyeshadow/lippie cross-pollination, YAY!
Swatches of the first two rows of shadows on NW20 skin
Swatches of third row of shadows and lipsticks on NW20 skin
All of the NYX Purple Smokey Look Kit swatches on NW20 skin
Swatches of the first two rows of shadows on NC35 skin
Swatches of third row of shadows and lipsticks on NC35 skin
All of the NYX Purple Smokey Look Kit swatches on NC35 skin
BONUS: The kit also earns two paws up 
from Tabs because the product’s cruelty free and made without the use of animal testing. 🙂
For a drugstore palette, the Purple Smokey Look Kit is top notch, offering endless eye look possibilities for both seasoned color junkies and newbies alike. I LOVE 
the shades and can’t wait to try them with more looks! Available now at drugstores and online at nyxcosmetics.com. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
You might like the NYX Purple Smokey Look Kit if…
- You love bold, vibrant eyeshadows
- You want to experiment with brighter shades but don’t want to drop mega bucks
- You like palette packaging that separate the eye products from lippies
- You love a great bargain. 🙂
Monday jams
Have I ever mentioned that singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder is one of my heroes? His music just moves my soul. I love his lyrics. One of my favorite songs of his: As. I never expected anyone to ever do it justice with a cover, but through the wonders of Youtube, I came across this version by an Esmee Denters that kinda blew my mind. Give it a listen if you like the original.
What music have you been listening to lately? Anything I should hear? Lately I’ve been leaning toward R&B and soul, but I’m open to anything.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
lo says
June 28th, 2010 at 6:21 pmNEED THIS! I love purples so much.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:45 pmYay! I hope you try it. 🙂
Terri says
June 28th, 2010 at 6:24 pmI’ve never tried NYX, but I’m going to keep my eye out for this kit!
BTW: Karen, you look gorgeous with your smokey purple eyes!
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:45 pmHi Terri,
They have a lot of good stuff! So far I’ve tried their eyeshadows, pencils and lipsticks, and IMHO the shadows are top notch. 🙂
How was your Monday? Good I hope!
Ru says
June 29th, 2010 at 8:43 amHey Karen can you talk a little more about the quality of these products? Are the textures smooth and sustainable? Do they stay put? I keep hearing rave reviews but feel nervous after experiecing higher end quality like NARS, Bare Minerals, and Lorac etc.
Thanks!
Kyle says
June 28th, 2010 at 6:29 pmThis looks pretty sweet, I’ll have to check it out for sure! I wanted to tell you that I love it when you do the comic book thing with tabs, my husband is a comic book writer (his first one ever is coming out on August 4th it’s called Murderland) and I always show him because I think they’re so cute. And what did you think of that last True Blood episode? Kinda crazy…
.-= Kyle’s last blog post… Sun Protection with Hawaiian Tropic =-.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:44 pmHi Kyle,
Awesome! Will your hubby’s comic be available in stores? I want to see if I can find it!
As for last night’s True Blood, I’m still hella traumatized by the last five minutes. I wish I could un-see it!
scarlettholly says
June 28th, 2010 at 6:33 pmthat palette looks soooo good!!! I don’t normally like lipsticks in palettes but I’ll have to make an exception for this. WOAH!
.-= scarlettholly’s last blog post… Peach and Purple Subtle EOTD =-.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:43 pmSweet! Let me know if you end up getting it!
mkdallas says
June 28th, 2010 at 6:34 pmWhile the palette’s a little too bright for my tastes, I think NYX has amazing quality for rock bottom prices. Many of their lipsticks are easily equal to MAC in pigmentation, creaminess & wear time. The NYX Megashine “Goddess Of The Night” gloss in Natural is a dead-ringer for MAC Lust and I have like, 7 tubes on hand at all times in case of emergency shortages, lol. They’re a great drugstore line!
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:43 pmHi mkdallas,
I’ll be reviewing a few more in the next few days that might be your style — the Nude on Nude Natural Kit and the Bronze Kit. Stay tuned!
Martha says
June 28th, 2010 at 6:54 pmThat palette is totally amazing!
.-= Martha’s last blog post… Enigma FOTD =-.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:41 pmIt’s pretty darn great. Have you tried it yet?
Amber says
June 28th, 2010 at 7:40 pmThat palette is sweet. My favorite purple is an ancient pan of Urban Decay’s Plague. I don’t think they even make that color anymore. It’s from when the eyeshadows came in two-piece metal tins — it’s practically an artifact but I’ve barely made a dent in it because the pigmentation is so good. I use it as a liner when I’m feeling rock & roll. 😉
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Nighttime at the Hilton Hawaiian Village =-.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:41 pmOh yah, vintage!! I get a kick out of old school packaging.
Do you think you might pick this palette up?
Amber says
June 29th, 2010 at 6:46 amI’m thinking about it! Those purples span a nice range.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Nighttime at the Hilton Hawaiian Village =-.
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:44 amCool! They are a nice mix of shades. I think they’d look stunning on you!
Marian says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:36 pmYou really look lovely in this!
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:40 pmThanks, Marian. 🙂
How was your Monday? I hope you had a good one.
snoopysteph says
June 28th, 2010 at 8:54 pmI have yet to try NYX but I’m definitely curious about this palette! For $11 bucks you can’t beat it – especially if it’s good quality shadows! I keep meaning to try their jumbo eye pencils, I heard they make good eyeshadow bases.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 9:55 pmSeriously! Isn’t it great how drugstores now have fun colors at such good prices?
heyhey says
June 28th, 2010 at 9:02 pm1)I’m falling back in love with purple again, so I’m totes feeling this.
2)”As” is my jam. Takes some nerve to cover it, and acoustic, too. Nice.
3) It’s officially salsa weather. Poncho Sanchez, Celia Cruz, any great latin jazz. I love it any time of the year, but particularly in the summer. Although DAMN, seems like we went from below normal to 100+ in less than a month.
Karen says
June 28th, 2010 at 9:56 pmLOVE Celia Cruz. Do you have a favorite song? Mine is Te Busco.
Jeni says
June 28th, 2010 at 10:03 pmI love all of those shimmery purples (my favorite color, besides periwinkle). I don’t think I’ve ever bought anything by NYX before but will definitely be looking for this!
.-= Jeni’s last blog post… La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen =-.
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:41 amSweet! I hope you like the palette.
Aly says
June 28th, 2010 at 10:53 pmthis is so pretty!! must get this 😀 and i love your eye makeup karen!
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:40 amThanks, Aly! 🙂 Hope you’re having a great day!
Mara says
June 28th, 2010 at 11:56 pmLadies, Cherry Culture is having a 20% web site sale right now until June 30th, which means that this palette can be yours for a whopping $8.80. Is that a bargain or what? 🙂
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:40 amHi Mara,
Thank you for the heads up!!
For anyone that’s interested, here’s the link to the product:
http://www.cherryculture.com/cosmetics/makeup/nyx-cosmetics/nyx-purple-smokey-look-kit/17475&cat=0&page=1
And here’s the info on the coupon code:
https://www.makeupandbeautyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Cherry-Culture-Makeup-Cosmetics-_-Bloom-Eyeko-Juice-Beauty-MOR-NYX-Playboy-Splash-Sugar-Tinte-and-more.jpg
Coral says
June 29th, 2010 at 1:15 amI can’t wait to try this! I always want to try purples but have yet to find any that don’t look like I just did some major smudging on accident on my eyes.
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:36 amHi Coral,
I totally know what you mean. When I first started wearing purples I looked like I was in barfight!
Although I still have a lot to learn, I find that practicing helps a ton. Just take your shadows, pop yourself in front of the TV or turn on some music, and play for a while. After a few sessions it gets easier!
Dini says
June 29th, 2010 at 2:42 amHi Karen you look amazing here, I just wanted to check are you wearing the Raspberry Shimmer Lipgloss here too? Because it looks a little different…
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:33 amHi Dini,
Nope, here I’m wearing the a mix of the beige and golden peach lipsticks with a little bit of clear gloss on top. 🙂
Nina says
June 29th, 2010 at 5:00 amYou look VERY beautiful and that eye look magnifies this I think, purples are great on you Karen.
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:32 am🙂 Hi Nina,
Are you a fan of purple shadows, too?
Nina says
June 29th, 2010 at 2:46 pmI am 🙂 Generally I like anything purple. A big but though, I can’t wear them properly for the life of me 🙁
Nina says
June 29th, 2010 at 5:14 amPalette looks great and the look you made with it is awesome! 🙂
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:31 amThanks, Nina!
Did you ever find the new Jumbo Eye Pencils?
Nina says
June 29th, 2010 at 10:45 amNot yet darn. Might cave in and order em … both Cherry Culture and Shopcraze (fave NYX etailers) have a sale… 🙂
Scientific Housewife says
June 29th, 2010 at 5:25 amVery pretty! I just bought the NYX Champagne & Caviar eyeshadow palette and I absolutely love it!
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:31 amThat’s a gorgeous palette! I bet you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
Kelly says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:38 amPretty palette! I love NYX!!!!!!!!!!
btw… Esmee Denters is a Dutch girl (like me!) who was discovered on YouTube, has been on the Oprah show and works for Justin Timberlake’s label!
Karen says
June 29th, 2010 at 8:03 amOh, that’s super cool! Youtube is kind of amazing…
Beauty addict says
June 29th, 2010 at 7:52 amIt looks really great on you, love the look! <3 I think I'll consider getting it 😀
.-= Beauty addict's last blog post… Beauty review- Ellis Faas Creamy Lips – L101 =-.
Karen B says
June 29th, 2010 at 9:59 amYou look gorgeous in those colours, really pretty.
.-= Karen B’s last blog post… Her Universe =-.
knownever says
June 29th, 2010 at 10:34 amoh so pretty. the look you made out of this is WAY cuter than what NYX has on their website.
.-= knownever’s last blog post… Lush Love Long-term =-.
Trinidad says
June 29th, 2010 at 11:26 amNow that’s what I’m talking about. I might’ve been scared to try it, but now I just might!
-The Budget Socialite
.-= Trinidad’s last blog post… 3rd Floor Penthouse =-.
Hannah says
June 29th, 2010 at 11:50 amThis is really awesome looking – I make it a point to only buy cruelty-free vegan products. Nyx is one of my favorite cheap brands w/ great quality.
Shannon says
June 29th, 2010 at 11:58 amYou look so pretty in purple. This is one of the best looks I’ve seen on you! And the lighter lips look gorge.
Do you know which drugstores carry it? My local CVS does not. ; (
Rengirl says
June 29th, 2010 at 1:03 pmI love NYX and this palette looks great but I prefer the colors in their Jazz Night palette over the ones included in this palette so I’m going to have to pass. Have you tried their e/s singles? I LOVE those.
Daya says
June 29th, 2010 at 1:37 pmLove all the purple! My fav color to wear most times :). You look gorgeous in your latest photo!!
kish says
June 29th, 2010 at 2:03 pmHey Karen, love your blog, where can i get hold of NYX products in england?
Monique says
June 29th, 2010 at 2:43 pmNYX is really upping their game! Love this! Love her rendition of As too.
amy says
June 30th, 2010 at 8:32 amI love love love purples, but I must resist!
.-= amy’s last blog post… Great for Light Makeup- NARS Skin Softening Milk Cleanser =-.
Heidi says
June 30th, 2010 at 11:10 amKaren, I bought NYX’s smokey eye shadow palette and am sad to say that the pigmentation and staying power were not up to par with the pricier shadows (not that surprising).
Vonvon says
July 2nd, 2010 at 4:49 amGorgeous palette!
Did you use the blue eyeshadow from the palette as the eyeliner? It really goes on very well with the purples.
.-= Vonvon’s last blog post… Back In KL -amp Some Updates =-.
Vanessa says
July 4th, 2010 at 11:05 amBeautiful look on you! What did you line your eyes with??
Janelle says
July 4th, 2010 at 5:33 pmLOVE purples! But I have mixed experiences with NYX. The single shadows are generally good. Unfortunately, the trio shadows are generally terrible, poor color payoff. Have you had any experience with that?
Andrea says
July 9th, 2010 at 9:56 amThis looks is beautiful Karen I love it ! I am definitely getting this kit as soon as I can!
Melessa says
July 11th, 2010 at 6:34 ami hope i find NYX somewhere besides online (s&h). the purples are pretty, though id probably get more use out of the bronze kit. but what really intrigues me is the pink lipstick. it looks like a perfect match for the shade i see in my head. i can never ever everrrr find it! i found one pretty close about 6 years ago, timeless rose from lancome- discontinued. its so hard. theyre too bubble gum, brown or shiney ( i prefer mattish/velevety types). the closest ive found now are from MAC, but still not quite right (its been a while, i should recheck). and finding a drugstore kind? well that is just LITERALLY impossible. ive only found one thing close, it was a super long lasting thing by maxfactor. the shade was pretty but too drying without the gloss. either way didnt you say they are or soon will be discontinuing that line?
Megan says
August 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 amif you live in texas, heb has nyx but only select products! they dont usually have kits like this though! try nyxcosmetics.com