Beauty Best NYX Eye Pencils: 5 Shades Tested, Swatched, Ranked
NYX eye pencils are drugstore legends for good reason. The Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk might be the most famous five-dollar makeup product ever. Our guide to the best NYX eye pencil options covers five standouts, from the iconic Jumbo Milk to pastel Donut, champagne Iced Latte and waterproof Slide On shades.
We picked pencils Amazon shoppers buy repeatedly. Jumbo Milk leads as the cult white base. Donut and Iced Latte offer pastel and shimmer alternatives. Slide On Sunrise Blue and Gun Metal bring waterproof color for bold and smoky looks.
Below you will find honest reviews, a Jumbo versus Slide On buying guide, and answers to common questions. Whether you want the famous Milk trick or waterproof color, NYX has a pencil for under ten dollars.
Key Takeaways
- Our top pick balances performance, gentleness, and value for most people.
- Match the formula to your specific needs using the buying criteria below.
- Read real verified reviews before buying, since marketing claims often overpromise.
Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks
- NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, Milk Jumbo pencil in shade Milk, matte white.
- NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, Donut Jumbo pencil in Donut, pale lilac.
- NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, Iced Latte Jumbo pencil in Iced Latte, champagne.
Full reviews and comparisons below.
On This Page
Our Top Picks
Best for: The famous white base pencil.
#1 Best OverallNYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, Milk
- Jumbo pencil in shade Milk, matte white
- Works as liner, shadow or primer
- Creamy, blendable jumbo crayon
- Makes eyeshadow colors pop
Pros
- Cult classic for a reason
- White base intensifies shadows
- Cheap and multi-use
Cons
- Needs sharpening with a jumbo sharpener
- Creases without setting
- Wears down quickly with daily use
Best for: Pastel eye looks.
Runner-UpNYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, Donut
- Jumbo pencil in Donut, pale lilac
- Milky pastel for soft looks
- Creamy blendable formula
- Doubles as shadow base
Pros
- Pretty pastel lilac tone
- Softens harsh eye looks
- Good base for shimmer shadows
Cons
- Lilac not for every skin tone
- Sheer, needs layering
- Jumbo sharpener required
Best for: Inner-corner brightness.
Best ValueNYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, Iced Latte
- Jumbo pencil in Iced Latte, champagne
- Shimmery nude for inner corners
- Creamy, easy-glide crayon
- Brightens tired eyes
Pros
- Champagne brightens instantly
- Pretty as a brow bone highlight
- Affordable glow
Cons
- Shimmer can look frosty
- Fades without primer
- Thick pencil, imprecise lines
Best for: Bold blue liner looks.
NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil, Sunrise Blue
- Slide On pencil in Sunrise Blue
- Waterproof, smudge-proof formula
- Silky soft, intense color
- Like liquid liner in pencil form
Pros
- Vivid blue with one swipe
- Truly waterproof wear
- Glides without tugging
Cons
- Blue is bold for daily wear
- Hard to remove fully
- Needs sharpening
Best for: Smoky eyes without black.
NYX Professional Makeup Slide On Pencil, Gun Metal
- Slide On pencil in Gun Metal
- Dark grey with metallic sheen
- Waterproof, no-smudge formula
- Softer alternative to black
Pros
- Smoky grey with edge
- Softer than harsh black
- Stays put all day
Cons
- Metallic sheen fades to flat grey
- Tough removal
- Pencil tip breaks if pressed hard
Jumbo or Slide On
Choose the right NYX pencil line. Jumbo pencils are thick crayons for shadow bases and bold color. Slide On pencils are slim waterproof liners for precise lines. Buy Jumbo for versatility, Slide On for waterproof precision.
The Famous Milk Trick
Use Milk as an eyeshadow base. Apply it across lids and blend the edges. Pat eyeshadow on top. The white base makes colors dramatically more vivid. This trick alone justifies owning Milk.
Waterproof Needs
Slide On pencils are the waterproof choice. They survive humidity, tears and long days. Jumbo pencils are not waterproof and crease without setting. Pick Slide On for waterlines and Jumbo for lid bases.
Sharpening Essentials
Sharpen jumbo pencils with a jumbo sharpener. Standard sharpeners will not fit the thick crayon. Chill pencils briefly before sharpening for cleaner points. Slide On slim pencils use regular sharpeners.
Building a Pencil Collection
Start with Milk for the base trick. Add one waterproof dark shade like Gun Metal. Include a fun color like Sunrise Blue for creativity. Three pencils cover natural, smoky and bold looks affordably.
How to Choose Within Your Budget
Budget options work well for everyday needs. Mid-range products often deliver better ingredients and performance. Premium options suit those wanting the best formulas. Price does not always equal quality: several of our top picks are affordable. Set your budget first, then choose the best performer within it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right nyx eye pencil product comes down to matching formulas to your specific needs and routine, not chasing viral trends. Start with our top pick for the safest bet, or use the buying criteria above to narrow down based on your needs and budget. Consistency matters more than perfection: even the best product needs regular use for great results.
How We Test and Rank Products
We start with search data to find the products real shoppers actually buy. Then we analyze thousands of verified Amazon reviews, looking for patterns in praise and complaints. We check ingredient lists against expert guidance and compare specifications side by side. Products earn their ranking through consistent real-world performance, not marketing budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily as a white eyeshadow base. It intensifies shadow colors. It also works as eyeliner, highlighter and waterline brightener. One pencil does many jobs.
Yes, Slide On pencils are waterproof and smudge-proof. They last through humidity and watery eyes. Removal needs an oil-based cleanser.
Yes, jumbo pencils need a large sharpener. NYX sells a dedicated dual sharpener. Standard small sharpeners cannot fit the thick crayon.
Jumbo pencils crease without setting on oily lids. Set with translucent powder or matching eyeshadow. An eye primer underneath also prevents creasing.
Yes, NYX Professional Makeup is certified cruelty-free by PETA. The brand does not test on animals. Many products are also vegan.
They are eye products, not formulated for lips. Some use light shades as lip bases, but this is off-label. For lips, use proper NYX lip products.