NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil ($4.00) are oversized (hence the jumbo!) pencils that can be used as eyeliners or shadows, according to NYX. It’s available in twenty-four shades, ranging from black to blue to yellow.

I like them best as an eyeshadow base–I find that it’s easier to blend on top of it than it is to blend it with other Jumbo Eye Pencils. They work great used alone as a base or layered on top of your favorite eyeshadow base (like Urban Decay Primer Potion or Too Faced Shadow Insurance). I used them as a base alone and didn’t experience any creasing or fading.

• Hot Pink (621) is a slightly blue-based medium pink with no shimmer or frost.
• Yellow (622) is a paled sunny yellow with no shimmer or frost.
• Horse Raddish (607) is a frosted leafy green with silver sheen.
• Oyster (610) is an iridescent purple with red undertones and icy sheen. It was the sheerest of the five I tried–you can see that it doesn’t quite go opaque.
• Yogurt (611) is a frosted copper brown with a gilded champagne sheen.

I like that they have so many shades available, and they’re an incredibly affordable option for those looking for a product to help their eyeshadows stay on longer and appear more vibrant. I’ve always found colored bases can make colors really pop, and these are a great way to add some colored bases into your stash without breaking the bank.

The only downside is that it’s a pain in the butt to sharpen these with anything but NYX’s Sharpener. Luckily, NYX’s Sharpener is only $4, so it won’t set you back an arm and a leg. I also find these a little difficult to line with unless they’re freshly sharpened, just because they are oversized.

If you want to know more about how products are evaluated, read out Rating System FAQ!

• Product: 28/30
• Value: 9/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 3/5

Recommendation: If you’re on a budget and looking for a new eyeshadow base, NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils may fit the bill!

Availability: NYX Cosmetics

See more photos & swatches!

Hot Pink (621), Yellow (622), Horse Raddish (607), Oyster (610), Yogurt (611)

Yogurt (611), Oyster (610), Horse Raddish (607), Yellow (622), Hot Pink (621)

Yogurt (611), Oyster (610), Horse Raddish (607), Yellow (622), Hot Pink (621)

Yogurt (611), Oyster (610), Horse Raddish (607), Yellow (622), Hot Pink (621)

Hot Pink (621), Yellow (622), Horse Raddish (607)

Horse Radish (607), Oyster (610), Yogurt (611)

Hot Pink (621), Yellow (622), Horse Raddish (607), Oyster (610), Yogurt (611)