NYX really don’t muck about when it comes to releasing new launches; instead of the softly-softly approach, they launch a product and they launch it big! Think innovative ideas in lots of colours with a great price point. The NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Sticks are a brilliant addition to their vast collection as they’re the sort of easy-to-use products that become a staple in your kit as the days get warmer and the make-up lighter.
The NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Sticks are available in 12 shades and are well-named as they’re not any one thing; in their basic form they’re creamy, pigmented sticks that could really be used for anything, but they’re roughly broken down into three categories – bronzers, blushers and highlighters, of which there are four shades of each. I thought Chardonnay Shimmer was a bronzer rather than a highlighter which is why it’s tagged on to the swatches of the bronzers.
The other three bronze shades cover a great spectrum of bronze so in theory there should be a shade to suit most. I like the fact that they’ve also varied the warmth of each shades so they’re not all really orange. They all have a bit of shimmer and shine to them, but I think that’s necessary for a product like this as it could very easily look muddy or grubby if it were too matte.
Next up is the second shade of highlighter I was sent, Lavender Lust, which is a beautifully cool and icy shade that’s far more my type of shade than Chardonnay Shimmer. Having said that, with just a little bit of colour, Chardonnay Shimmer would really come into its own and make a tan pop, but if you’re staying pale and pasty like me, Lavender Lust is the more flattering of the two.
The next four shades in the swatches are all blushers and as you can see, the pigment is really strong and has a slightly wet finish which is definitely what you want for that flattering, balmy/dewy look that works sooo well over tinted moisturiser with a bit of brow and lash mascara and little else: easy holiday make-up. I will say that these don’t work at all well over powder (as is usually the case with cream products) but also you will need a fairly hydrated face to start off with, as I’ve found these cling to dry patches and don’t spread as well on un-prepped skin. The NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Sticks are available now for £7.50 each either here – link – or at Boots.
*PR Samples