Review :: NYX Cosmetics - HD Studio Foundation & Blush (Part 1)

Hey Everyone! :) I was given an amazing opportunity by a PR rep from NYX Cosmetics (www.nyxcosmetics.com) to choose a few products to try and review.

i've been testing these products for 2.5 weeks and here is  my review:

This is the list of items i chose to review:

- HD liquid foundation in Natural

- HD Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid

- HD Grinding Blush in English Rose

(will have a separate post - a part 2 for these):

- Velvet Rope Eyeshadow palette

- Champagne & Caviar eyeshadow palette

- Jazz night eyeshadow palette

I'll go ahead and start with their new HD products! 

HD Foundation ($15.00 on website) - the description from their website:

"NYX's new line of liquid foundation is formulated from HD Photogenic synthesis. When light hits skin, the diffusing effect of the foundation reflects the light to make skin appear smooth and reduce the appearance of pores. The foundation covers skin flawlessly with tri-peptides infused to promote collagen generation, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate skin. The HD Studio foundation is ideal for everyday use, professional shoots and shows under bright lights."

Please visit NYXCosmetics.com for complete list of ingredients on this foundation.

I wasn't sure on which color to get, but for reference i'm about an NC25 in MAC. i was given this foundation in "Natural" which did seem a little dark on my skin at first, but when blended - it matched quite well. 

the way i would describe it - it's semi thick, not liquidy/runny. the consistency reminds me of MAC's Studio Sculpt but not as creamy. there is a slight scent to it, so for those that are sensitive - you may not like that. it did not bother me however.

the coverage i'd say is medium and it's very build able. I did like how i barely needed any concealer to cover any redness because it covered it quite well. When fully blended - it felt like second skin! It would last quite awhile before i needed to do a touchup. although it did not keep me completely oil free (not like it promised it, but i do try to look for that in any foundation), i did not get overly shiny on my t-zone. 

i did not have any white cast on my face when taking pictures. Here are some pictures of me with the foundation on.

Packaging: 4/5

The packaging was in plastic bottle, and the box was real nice with pictures of how HD effect works. nothing too fancy and it had a pump which was a plus for me! it was sturdy yet not bulky. 

Quality: 4/5

Very awesome foundation I must say. I loved testing this product. it didn't break me out, was not greasy feeling and did not irritate my skin. the slight smell did not bother me, but it was present. I liked how it felt like second skin on me and didn't really feel like i was wearing anything. It did not even get cakey around my nasal area where i usually get really dry/flakey. it did not accentuate any fine lines that I have around my under eye area and the coverage was amazing. 

Usage: 4/5

It was super easy to use especially since it had a nice pump. the pump let you control how much or how little I wanted and i really liked that about the pump. I used my Sigma F80 brush to apply this and it looked flawless and my skin looked airbrushed. did not oxidate on my skin at all which was a plus since it was a tad darker than my skin - but did not bother me at all or look funny on me (not that i could see in my pictures lol)

Overall: 4/5

overall i think this is a great product. Although i did receive this for free to review, I'm not sure that i'd really want to pay $15.00 for this product. but honestly, I do like it that much that if I run out of this product - im thinking i really might since it's HD and really works!. It's a great product, it helps my skin look amazing in pictures. it did not irritate my sensitive skin or break me out. it was easy to use and it did it's job. I would definitely recommend this product to those interested in an HD liquid foundation and are looking for something under $20.00. 

HD Grinding Blush ($16.50 on website) - Description from website:

"A Revolutionary system for face blush. This genius system grinds mineral-enriched high-definition blush powder that deflects light from skin and makes pores appear smaller and smoother. Perfect for photos and filming. Grinding powder allows you to control the amount you need and keeps remaining product fresh. Say goodbye to oil trappings on powders, contamination, and cracking."

I received two blushes: Sangria in Madrid & English Rose

This was the only swatch i was able to get, but as you can see it's very pigmented and you can blend it very well into the skin. it's buildable to your liking!

In the above pictures of my full face with the foundation, I am wearing very lightly the HD Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid. 

Packaging: 4/5

I really liked how sturdy and how well made the blush packaging was. It had a nifty little mirror on the blush cap. I did wish it was a flip top, but it was okay. I did like how it had a plastic tab over it so it wouldn't go all over the place. it was a loose powder, but in order to get to the product you had to screw the middle portion clockwise and the powder would come up through the little holes. although i did get a little messy with it, i did like the concept. 

Quality: 4/5

I really like the quality of the blush. although i didn't really notice it making my pores appear smaller, it did look soft on the face, along with the HD Foundation - they complimented each other very well. The lasting power to me didn't last as long as i'd like, maybe because i didn't put too much? but overall it didn't make me itchy or anything. 

Usage: 4/5

Although like i mentioned it got kind of messy because it was loose (and i'm clumsy lol) It was rather easy to use, but you have to build the coverage to your liking. it's a very natural looking kind of blush. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall I did like the blushes that I was able to use. My only issue if you would really consider it an issue is that i wish it was a flip top like other blushes, but i do understand how sanitary this packaging is. it's a great product and works really well with the HD Foundation. Maybe it might be too pricey for some at $16.50 but i guess because of the quality it's worth it. there is so much product it'll last quite a while and be well worth the price. I'd definitely recommend this if you're into High-Definition products especially into blush. 

Have you tried anything from their HD Line? what are your thoughts? did you like?

Please stay tuned for Part 2 of my review! I'm also going to have a giveaway - so you definitely will want to check it out! Stay tuned!

FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions