Wednesday, March 12, 2014

First Impression - Influenster NYC Brand Box

NYC isn't a brand I normally give much attention too. Mixed within all of the other drugstore brands I find that it doesn't really scream "Hey! Over here, swatch me, buy me!". Influenster gave me the opportunity to try NYC in their first Canadian box, and I was super impressed with the quality. I ended up being chosen for an additional bonus NYC box, and I have to say these products rock!

Sun 'N' Bronze Bronzing Powder in 706 Hamptons Radiance

Value: $4.99
"Why not give your skin a new bronzed dimension all year around? New NYC Sun 'N' Bronze combines the best shades ever for that perfectly sun-kissed look. Choose the one that fits your skin colour. Being sexy and tanned has never been so easy. Just smooth it on your face and get the sunny glowing look!"

This bronzer is the perfect shade for my skin tone, however, I have been using it as a blush instead. There is a slight sheen and shimmer to this product that I don't like in a bronzer. This gives a beautiful glow to my face, and a little product goes a long way.
L-R: All colours combined, each individual colour.

IndividualEyes Custom Compact in 944 Smokey Charcoals

Value: $4.99
"Discover NYC New York Colour Individual Eyes Custom Compact, the all-in-one compact with everything you need for a complete eye look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With your colours, specially coordinated to intensify and enhance your eye colour, you can create a look as individual as you are, make your eyes pop!"

These wouldn't be first choice colour wise, but I am impressed with the pigmentation of these shadows. The primer and illuminator are a bit oily in texture. I find that they leave a greasy residue that creases extremely quick. The shadows have only slight fallout, and they have a creamy, and soft texture. 
Shadows on top. Primer bottom left. Illuminator bottom right.

High Definition Liquid Eyeliner in 889 Extra Black

Value: $3.99
"The ultimate mistake-proof application! With NYC's High Definition Liquid Liner you can forget those messy traditional liquid formula's that require a steady hand. The chic, liquid pen delivers smooth, fast-drying results whether you want a super-thin modern line or a thick, full-blown retro cat-eye flick. And the formula is smudge-proof and long-lasting - up to 10 hours of wear! High glam with minimal effort. Uber-black perfection in an instant!"

I love liquid liner! For the price of this liner, the quality is pretty good. Compared to my favourite Kat Von D liner, the pigmentation is a bit sheer. I will need to layer this liner to make it opaque. I am going to have to play around to lean the best technique to use this liner. I'm not sure at this point if it is something I would repurchase.

City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Colour in Ballroom Blush

Value: $2.99
"Just twist, glide, and go! NYC New York Colour City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Colour is here to give your lips a modern and fresh touch. Treat yourself to intense colours for hours with its wide range of amazing shades. With its shiny, stay put finish, this lip colour will become your go-to for an instant twist of colour. You will love its beyond cool pen format for an easy application. Feel the touch of silk on your lips!"

Lip pencils are my go-to for lip products, so I was ecstatic when I saw this in the box. This pencil is crazy pigmented, and super creamy. It glides onto the lips, and really does last all day. You really don't need at lot of product, I tend to apply a little and blend it out using my fingertip. The only downside is that the formula is a bit waxy.

Matte Me Crazy! Mattifying Top Coat

Value: $1.99
"Want more mattitude!? Go from shiny to matte in express New York seconds! So easy! All it takes is one coat of our new NYC Matte Me Crazy Top Coat! A special control-flow brush dispenses just the right amount of product for perfect application. Match with any of your favourite NYC nail polish shades, from light sheer to daring! Be creative and play with texture! Everyone will be totally matte about you!"

I've never really been a fan of matte nail polish. I prefer intense shine. However, after using this top coat I think I have been converted. Matte nails look sleek, and help play down crazy nail polish to make it more work appropriate. What I really like about this polish is that it is only $1.99!

Overall, this bonus Influenster box has really changed my perceptions of the NYC brand. I will definitely be giving them more attention from now on. Out of all of these products, I would repurchase the bronzer, and lip pencil for sure. The eye shadows I would repurchase, just in a different colour.

What are your thoughts on NYC as a brand? What are your favourite products from their line?

  

Disclaimer: I received these products for free from Influenster, for being a Brand winner for the Maple VoxBox. All opinions are honest and 100% my own.

13 comments:

  1. I've always thought of NYC as one of those cheapo brands too, so I understand what you mean. Still not convinced it's worth it, but that mattifying top coat sounds interesting! Definitely can't beat that price.

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  2. Love the hearts on your nails! I totally agree, matte top coat really tones down dramatic nails.

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  3. I don't think they'll become my go to brand but I'll try some more products in the future.

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  4. Thanks megan! They are a little wonky but it was my first try.

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  5. I've never really paid attention to this brand either - there are just too many brands out there! But I might check out their eyeshadow sets.

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  6. That bronzer is gorgeous! I've typically ignored NYC though, I may have to check them out again.

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  7. I like the lip gloss- I wear a light color over a darker lipstick and get a lot of questions of what color I am wearing!!! Crazy I know! And this is from women I am pretty sure buy their cosmetics at the dept. store make up counters. And I recently got a bronzer when my blush was running low.
    Thanks for your topic covered! Cheri

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  8. i've always passed by the nyc stuff at the drugstore b/c i always though cheaper meant it must be...so-so only. some of these look pretty good actually and i've heard that they have a few good dupes of MAC lipstick colors too.

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  9. I've also been pleasantly surprised by NYC lately. Some of their eye shadow palettes are really great!


    Found you via the Canadian Beauty Bloggers directory and saw that you're from Windsor- that's where I grew up! Living in Toronto now for school, but will always be a Windsor girl :) Happy to have found your blog- am following now! xo

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  10. That lip pencil is super pretty! :) I really love NYC's Bronzer in Sunny!

    BeyondBlush

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  11. I can't think of the last time I used an NYC product (aside from my Influenster box)...looks like things have improved drastically since I was in high school!

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  12. I have Ballroom Blush as well and I absolutely love it! It's so long wearing and the colour is perfect for Spring!

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