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On its face, NYX's Total Control Drop Foundation sounds like a revolutionary product. It isn't, but it still managed to earn our highest rating!
As advertised, this liquid foundation comes in a glass bottle with a dropper dispenser. It's a great way to dispense fluid foundation, as you can easily adjust how much you're getting with ease (drop by drop). NYX isn't the first to do this type of product and we bet it won't be the last, but this is one of the least expensive customizable foundations we've found!
The foundation is fragrance free and a dream to blend, gliding across skin and meshing into it with ease. It's highly pigmented, with just a little bit needed for sheer coverage; yet it's remarkably buildable. Even applying enough to get full coverage never results in a cakey appearance; it looks natural and skin-like even if you use several drops.
The finish is an attractive satin matte that looks pretty, not flat (though it is best for normal to combination skin; those with dry to very dry skin will want something more emollient). This foundation also shines when it comes to performance: It wears well throughout a standard work day without fading or creasing, and doesn't highlight imperfections like wrinkles or enlarged pores.
Also admirable is the extent of its shade selection, especially when you consider it's a drugstore foundation: There are two dozen options for fair to deep skin tones, and most look natural on those intended skin tones.
For its versatility and performance, NYX's Total Control Drop Foundation is hard to beat!
- Buildable sheer to full coverage that doesn't appear cakey.
- Attractive satin-matte finish.
- Wears well without fading or creasing.
- Doesn't highlight imperfections.
- Impressive shade selection.
- Fragrance free.
- None.
Smashbox At-A-Glance
This small Los Angelesbased makeup line was founded in 1999 by a woman named Toni Ko. The company's Web site is vague about Ko's background, merely stating that she developed an interest in cosmetics as a teenager and wanted to create her own line of cosmetics. Ko's goal was to produce high-quality products at affordable prices, and that's the draw of NYX (pronounced "nicks") Cosmetics. We are pleased to report that, for the most part, Ko succeeded in her childhood dream.
It is important to note that this line offers a full selection of makeup products, from foundations to lip gloss. However, the only place to access everything NYX Cosmetics has to offer is their Web site. The Ulta chain is the largest distributor of NYX Cosmetics products in the United States, and the line can also be found at Target and Nordstrom Rack, but they carry a smaller selection of NYX products.The good news is that most of the few NYX products Ulta stocks are impressive, especially the powder eyeshadows, which compete evenly with eyeshadows that cost a lot more.
NYX Cosmetics website is www.nyxcosmetics.com.
About the Experts
The Beautypedia team consists of skin care and makeup experts personally trained by the original Cosmetics Cop and best-selling beauty author, Paula Begoun. We’re fascinated by skin care and makeup products and thrilled when they meet or exceed our expectations, but we’re also disappointed when they fail to perform as claimed, are wildly overpriced, or contain ingredients scientific research has proven can hurt skin.
Our mission has always been to help you find the best products for your skin, no matter your budget or preferences. Beautypedia’s thorough and insightful reviews cut through the hype and provide reliable recommendations for all ages, skin types, and skin tones.
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