Review: NYX HD Studio Photogenic Complexion Collection

With several new affordable complexion products on the market recently, I couldn’t leave out the NYX HD Collection! These five new products soften lines, diffuse light, and make the skin photograph better; think lust-worthy makeup at must-buy prices.

Even if you’re not on-camera, you’ll reap all of the benefits from this line, because it wears well in everyday conditions and lighting too.

NYX HD Foundation

This liquid foundation is available in eight shades and suits all skin types. One pump is enough for my entire face, and covers extremely well without looking caked on. In areas I need just a little more coverage, I can apply just a dab more with my foundation brush for complete coverage in those areas, and then set it with the Grinding Powder. For those who prefer paraben-free makeup—this is a great option. (Nude is a perfect match for me, I’m an NW20.)

NYX HD Primer

At first, I wasn’t too crazy about this primer—but after just one day of wear, it completely made me a believer! It has a milky consistency and is super bright white when it comes out of the bottle. Once it’s blended in, I can still faintly see a little bit of it, but after my foundation is applied, all is well. This primer really prevents liquid foundation from pooling in my pores and makes my skin look smoother, while making my makeup last all day. I’m glad I gave this a chance, otherwise I would be missing out!

NYX HD Grinding Powder

This powder is HUGE, and so awesome. Resist the urge to grind away, just the slightest twist will be plenty! Grinding Powder sets the HD Foundation beautifully and doesn’t have a chalky appearance at all. Often, powder can make the skin look flat—but not this one. You can use it to set foundation, or build up coverage with it too, and it’s also paraben and talc-free. (Nude is a perfect match for me, I’m an NW20.)

NYX HD Grinding Blush

The blush is in a component similar to the Grinding Powder, so I also have to be very careful not to shave off too much product at one time. Please believe me when I say that a little goes a very long way! I tried out Terra Cotta, but it’s available in eight shades. (One looks like it could possibly be a NARS Orgasm dupe—check out Ménage à Trois.) I was worried that this would look too bricky on my fair skin, but it really didn’t. I thought it diffused the light on my skin well and gave it a soft glow. I would definitely check out other colors in this! Terra Cotta is surprisingly pigmented and isn’t powdery or chalky at all.

NYX HD Eye Shadow Base

For $7, you cannot beat this primer! It reminds me of a combination of Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, and LORAC Behind The Scenes Eye Primer. It locks my shadow into place all day, without creasing. If you’re over paying $18-$20 for eyeshadow primer—this is the one!