Hi friends!
I’m gonna get right down to it. If you’re currently in the market for an affordable autumn eyeshadow palette, look no further than NYX Cosmetics. [UPDATE 11/9/18: this palette is no longer available.] I recently picked up the limited edition Grind Machinist Shadow Palette from Ulta and I’m completely obsessed with it! The colors, the textures, even the packaging; everything is awesome. If you swapped NYX’s name on the front of the palette with a high-end brand, I wouldn’t blink an eye. That’s how good these shadows are. I can’t remember the last time I used shadows from NYX, let alone loved a product from them as much as I love this palette.
When I first saw the color scheme my immediate thought was that it looked kinda similar to the ABH Subculture Palette (which I believe is now discontinued?), especially with the greens, mustards & warm brown mattes. Now while I never owned or used the Subculture Palette myself, its infamous reputation for intense fall-out and difficult blendability seemed to taint its lifecycle.
I can say that these shadows from NYX have none of those same reported problems. They blend effortlessly, have beautiful pigmentation, and last quite long without fading (about 10 hours). I also do not notice any creasing (when applied over a primer), nor do I notice much fall-out during application. Near perfection in my eyes.
Interior of Grind Machinist Palette
The colors in direct sunlight
Here are some fast facts on the palette:
- $12.49 @ Ulta for 12 shadows
- 7 mattes, 4 shimmers, 1 duo-chrome
The Grind Machinist Palette is part of a larger limited edition collection containing 3 eyeshadow palettes, 3 lipsticks, 3 lip lacquers, & 3 highlighting duo’s. I believe this collection is exclusive to Ulta, but you can also purchase it from nyxcosmetics.com. But do keep in mind the prices at Ulta are much cheaper than from NYX, at least in regards to the palettes. For example, this palette retails for a whopping $25.00 if you buy from NYX!
SWATCHES
Row 1 swatched from left to right in the palette. Top shade is a soft yellow-champagne shimmer; second down is a matte dark green; third down is a matte charcoal; bottom is a matte mustard yellow.
Row 2 swatched left to right in the palette. Top shade is a peachy-pink shimmer; second down is a light matte cream; third down is a matte sepia brown; bottom is a matte chocolatey-brown.
Row 3 swatched left to right in the palette. Top shade is a green shimmer; second down is a duo-chrome warm brown with blue-green flecks; third down is a matte red-brown; bottom is a coppery shimmer.
I absolutely love that there are more mattes than shimmers in this palette. Usually in the drugstore the ratio more heavily favors shimmers over mattes. You can do any variety of looks with these colors, so I see this as a rather complete palette (meaning you won’t have to bring in other colors from other palettes to complete a look). The mid-tone mattes give it a wonderful wearability for work or school, while some of the shimmers and darker tones make it adaptable for more dramatic looks.
My favorite shades from this palette are the mustard yellow (totally gorgeous & quite wearable when paired with the matte browns), the sepia brown (looks beautiful all over the lid), the duo–chrome warm brown (it’s like a more dramatic version of Club from MAC), and the matte green (so rich but make sure to use a primer under this shade, it can stain).
SOME LOOKS USING THIS PALETTE
Two very wearable looks highlighting the warm matte brown shades. (They may look the same but there are subtle differences, I promise!)
Look highlighting the beautiful mustard yellow shade.
Look highlighting the coppery shimmer shade.
So if you like what you see here, get yourself down to Ulta quick! I’m not sure how long this product will be in stock. I think it’s a truly unique palette for the drugstore that offers awesome quality & trendy colors for an affordable price tag.
What was the last item from NYX that you loved? Would you pick up the Grind Machinist Palette? I’d love to know!
xo, Erica
PIN IT!
I really like the colors in this! I like the packing, too. 😀 I need some new colors for fall. I’ll have to check this out!
It’s so lovely Michelle, you’ll love it! The colors are wearable but kinda unusual which is my favorite combination.
I’d definitely pick this up! I’m not wild on mustard shadows but I’d definitely give it a go! Beautiful palette x
There’s a lot of variety here, so don’t worry!
Maybe I should try some colours I haven’t used before though 🙂 love the make up looks!
Thanks so much! I’m trying to experiment with color a bit more than I did in the past. Nothing too crazy but just enough to where I feel a bit daring 😉.
It looks like a fun palette. I don’t know if I am daring enough to try a mustard but perhaps a peach or copper tone 🙂
You’d be surprised how wearable the mustard shade is actually, especially if your pair it with the browns. The shimmers here are really lovely as well, totally not in your face.
The colors look divine, perfect for fall and winter. Also the dark green shade, how beautiful is that! And the price point with great quality is a win win. Good post!
Thanks! I agree with all your points! 😉
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XOXO Polo♥️
Oh, thank you so much Polo!
Those are vibrant color, full of life. I like the orange shade you have on. It’s so soft and elegant looking.
Thanks so much! These colors really are stunning, aren’t they? 😀