[Review] NYX Matte Shadow

i-Blush Rating:2/5

I'm generally a fan of NYX eye shadows - they're pigmented, easy to work with, and are available in a variety of colors. The quality of their eye shadows are  definitely up there with the higher end brands (ie. MAC, Urban Decay, etc...) , but are offered at a more affordable price. So, when my local Ulta stores began carrying the Nude Matte Shadow collections, I was SUPER excited and purchased 4 neutral shades that seemed perfect for everyday wear. There's not a whole lot of matte colors readily available out in the market  right now, which is really a shame because I they're really great if you're going for a softer and more natural look!
That being said, I REALLY wanted to love these matte shadows; even before I took them home and gave them a try I was already making plans on which colors I wanted to purchase next. I even pushed aside my initial disappointment when I swatched them in the car and didn't see a whole lot of color pay off.

The swatches above were heavily done over UDPP

The 4 colors I purchased were: Maybe Later, I Have A Headache, Leather and Lace, and Dance the Tides. I tried my best swatching them, but it was really difficult because (1) there's almost no pigmentation on these and (2) the color was extremely hard to transfer. In order to pick up any color, I had to use a really heavy hand and and really swirl my fingers (or brush) in the product several times.
These shadows are also difficult to blend. After packing them on, I find that when I start to blend the color gets swept away really fast, but the edges doesn't get any softer (they still look really harsh). I can't explain how or why it does that...it's just so weird!
The lasting power on these shadows was another disappointment. Why? Because they don't last! After all the hard work of applying these shadows, they fade into nothing almost instantly (despite using them over UDPP)!
Trying to look at the bright side, these shadows are extremely affordable at $4.99 each and had pretty good texture (though not so consistent "I Have a Headache" was not as soft as the other three). The best way to use these shadows and actually get some color is to either pack it on with your fingers or use one of those sponge tip applicators - just be prepared to pack it on, blend, and repeat that process several times only to have it fade into nothing within a couple of hours.
I really hope/wish that NYX will reformulate these shadows because they really do have great potential. However, as they are right now, I would not recommend these shadows.
As always...quick summary:
I do NOT recommend these shadows
No pigmentation
Hard to apply and blend
Almost nonexistent lasting power