How NYX Makeup Quality Compares to Expensive Brands Under $15

NYX products costing $15 or less are now seen as good as luxury makeup that costs three times as much.
By Newsroom | Beauty, Makeup |

The beauty market is seeing a shift where shoppers choose lower-priced items over luxury names. Recent data suggests that NYX Professional Makeup has moved from a niche brand for artists to a major competitor against expensive labels. Consumers and experts now report that specific items under $15 perform as well as, or better than, products costing triple that amount. This investigation looks at ten specific products that have gained "cult status" for their reliability and results. The central question remains: Is the high rating based on the low price, or does the makeup truly match the quality of luxury goods?

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"NYX Professional Makeup is a longtime favorite… their Epic Ink Liner is a long-lasting matte that doesn't dry out." — Jada Marie, Makeup Artist.

Timeline and Brand Position

The brand has spent years positioning itself between standard drugstore items and professional tools.

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  • 2019–2023: Growth in "complexion" products like the Born to Glow foundation.

  • 2024–2025: Focus on vegan and cruelty-free "mixes" (formulations) and expanded shade ranges.

  • 2025 Market Status: Analysts note that NYX is seen as more "original" than competitors like e.l.f., focusing less on copying luxury items and more on creating unique tools.

NYX products are frequently cited for high pigment, long wear-times, and inclusive shade ranges, specifically in foundation and lip categories.

Read More: Ulta Beauty offers up to 30% off mascaras for National Lash Day in February 2026

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Data on Key Performance Items

Product NameKey BenefitReported Performance
Born to Glow FoundationSkin EveningLasts 12 hours; rivals high-end brands for £10.
Butter GlossLip Texture"Cult status"; non-sticky; wide shade range.
Epic Ink LinerPrecisionWaterproof; does not dry out quickly.
Fat Oil Lip DripHydrationHigh shine; compared to luxury lip oils.
Micro Brow PencilDetailingFine tip for hair-like strokes; "go-to" for years.
Sweet Cheeks BlushColor PayoffHigh saturation; comparable to expensive palettes.

Performance in Complexion and Foundation

The Born to Glow Naturally Radiant Foundation is a primary example of a low-cost item challenging luxury brands.

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  • It offers 30 different shades, which is a high number for a brand at this price point.

  • Users report that it hides pores and stays fresh for up to 12 hours.

  • Investigation Point: Does the £10 price point make users more likely to overlook small flaws, or is the "glow" finish truly identical to high-end liquids?

The Dominance of Lip and Brow Tools

Reviewers often mention the Butter Gloss and Fat Oil Lip Drip as superior to luxury versions.

  • The Butter Gloss is noted for not being sticky, a common complaint with cheaper glosses.

  • The Micro Brow Pencil and Brow Glue are used by professionals to manage "unruly" hair.

  • Slim Lip Pencils are praised for their "creamy precision," allowing for detailed work that usually requires expensive pencils.

Originality vs. Imitation

There is a debate on whether NYX simply "dupes" (copies) expensive brands.

  • Evidence from Cosmopolitan editors suggests NYX feels "more original" than other budget brands.

  • Instead of just following trends, the brand often releases items like the Lip I.V. Hydrating Gloss Stain, which combines different makeup types (gloss and stain) into one.

  • Investigation Point: Is the brand's success due to its own inventions, or is it still riding the wave of luxury trends?

Expert Analysis

Lauren Balsamo and Beth Gillette (Cosmopolitan) have analyzed NYX against other affordable brands. They note that while price is a factor, the "staying power" of the pigments is what often surprises professionals.

"NYX’s makeup products feel a bit more original and less dupe-focused… the coverage [of the foundation] is beautiful and it evens out skin tone." — Combined editorial sentiment.

Experts also highlight the brand's policy of covering return shipping and maintaining a vegan/cruelty-free status as a way to build trust with younger buyers.

Summary of Findings

The evidence gathered from multiple reviews and expert tests shows that NYX Professional Makeup is no longer just a "cheap alternative."

  1. Value vs. Quality: Products like the Epic Ink Liner and Born to Glow Foundation consistently meet or beat the performance of items that cost significantly more.

  2. Reliability: The brow and lip products are staples in both professional kits and daily use.

  3. Consumer Trust: Features like 30+ shade ranges and cruelty-free labels have helped the brand keep a high rating despite its lower price.

Next Steps for Consumers:

  • Users looking for "glow" finishes may find the Born to Glow line more cost-effective than luxury brands.

  • For precision eye makeup, the Epic Ink Liner is the most suggested starting point for those moving away from high-priced brands.

Key Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people choosing NYX Professional Makeup over expensive brands?
Many shoppers now find that NYX products, especially those costing under $15, work just as well as or even better than luxury makeup that costs much more. This makes NYX a popular choice for good quality at a lower price.
Q: Which NYX products are performing like high-end makeup?
Key products like the Born to Glow Foundation, Epic Ink Liner, and Butter Gloss are frequently mentioned. Users say the foundation lasts 12 hours, the liner is waterproof, and the gloss feels good on the lips, matching the quality of pricier items.
Q: Does NYX focus on copying luxury makeup, or is it original?
While some debate this, experts and editors suggest NYX is becoming more original. Instead of just copying trends, the brand is creating unique products like the Lip I.V. Hydrating Gloss Stain, which combines different makeup types.
Q: What makes NYX a strong competitor to luxury beauty brands?
NYX offers high pigment, long wear, and a wide range of shades, especially in foundations. They also focus on being vegan and cruelty-free, and offer good customer service like free return shipping, which builds trust with buyers.