NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil

Meh. Overhyped but ok

NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are a "radiant eyeliner that doubles as an eyeshadow".These chubby pencils are some of NYX's most popular and talked about products. These shadow pencils are available in 32 shades, a "rainbow of vivid hues" according to NYX. These shadow/liners were made in Taiwan and are cruelty free and hypoallergenic. Each pencil retails for $4.50 or so, depending on where you buy. I purchased the three Jumbo Pencils I have at Ulta, but NYX can also be found at a variety of etailers, as well as select drugstores.
NYX says these pencils are "sealed in a recyclable, eco-friendly case". By that, they mean a white, plastic, pencil-like tube with a clear plastic cap. Me and these plastic caps do not get along. They're made of a very flimsy, soft plastic that cracks a little more each time you put it back on the pencil. Because of these cracks, the caps have a hard time staying on, putting your pencils at risk for drying out.
Despite these pencils being plastic, they are not automatic, you still need to sharpen them. Any double barreled sharpener will work, but both NYX and I recommend their pencil sharper. These pencil are pretty messy to sharpen. Many people favor depotting their jumbo pencils, there are multiple tutorials for doing so on YouTube.
NYX says the formula of their jumbo pencils are a blend of mineral oil and powder, but I don't see "mineral oil" listed in the ingredients. Lolwat? The first few ingredients are beeswax, and a few other waxes. Even though they're wax based, these pencils don't have a waxy texture at all. They're pretty creamy, without being overly soft. They don't melt or break when used.
Jumbo pencils apply smoothly to the eyelid in even strokes, but can skip a bit if your eyelid isn't taut. I suggest adding just a little bit of gentle resistance in the outer corner, without tugging on the skin.
Though NYX classifies them as eyeliner, I don't recommend using them as such, unless you're seeking a very thick line, or want to create a smudgey look. While I'm pretty sure Jumbo pencils are waterline safe, you shouldn't bother, they disappear after a few blinks.
As an eyeshadow, NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils aren't so hot. They never quite set, and crease within 20 minutes, and are gone within two hours, even with a primer. What most people use these pencils for is as a colored eyeshadow base. While they have a great texture to be used as a base, and they really do help intensify the color of any shadow placed over them, they still crease and smudge after 5 or 6 hours. If you need a bright look to last for only a little while, like for a photoshoot, or a quick trip out, these are great, but don't expect to look fantastic at the end of the day.
I will admit, it's not complete the product's fault that I'm not a big fan. I didn't exactly choose the most practical colors. I have three Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils; Black Bean, a satiny black, Rocky Mountain Green, a bright emerald green, and Purple, a frosty blue purple. Do you reach for a frosty, blurple cream shadow every day? Me neither. Perhaps if I bought a more practical shade, like Milk or Cottage Cheese I'd use these more, but the bright, pretty colors drew me in.
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are another one of those products that YouTube gururs and makeup fanatics seem to adore, and I can't get into. These are really a "meh" product for me. I don't regret buying them, as I do get some use from them, but I won't purchase any more shades. I don't get enough use to justify having a bunch of them, nor do they wear well enough for me. I recommend these if you're looking to play around with colorful eyeshadow bases or cream shadows, because they're good for the price. They might even work out well for you if you have dry lids. These pencils are an ok product, but personally, they're a skip in my book.