As a seasoned eye makeup artist with over a decade in the trenches and a passionate content creator for ibcre.com, I’ve seen countless products come and go. But every so often, a true gem emerges, proving its staying power through sheer versatility and stellar performance. Today, we’re diving deep into one such cult classic that has earned its permanent spot in my professional kit and my heart: the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. This isn’t just another pencil; it’s a creative powerhouse, a multitasking marvel that can literally transform your entire eye makeup routine.

This creamy, highly pigmented pencil isn’t just an eyeliner; it’s an eyeshadow, an eyeshadow base, and a highlighter all rolled into one convenient, chubby stick. From crafting bold, artistic statements to achieving a subtle, everyday glow, the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is your secret weapon for eyes that captivate.
Why the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is a Game-Changer
What makes the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil such an iconic product in the beauty world? It boils down to its unique blend of features that deliver professional results without breaking the bank.
This pencil boasts an incredibly creamy, blendable formula that glides effortlessly across the skin without any tugging or pulling, a common struggle with traditional eye pencils. Made with a mix of mineral oil and powder, it offers rich, vibrant color payoff with just one swipe. Beyond its smooth application, its most celebrated attribute is its multi-purpose design. It’s a true chameleon, adapting to whatever role you need it to play, making it an indispensable tool for both makeup novices and seasoned pros alike. Its affordability and wide availability only add to its allure, making high-quality, versatile eye makeup accessible to everyone.
Your Ultimate Guide to Using the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil
The beauty of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil lies in its endless possibilities. Let’s explore how you can wield this versatile tool to create a myriad of stunning eye looks.
What are the Different Ways to Apply Your Jumbo Eye Pencil?
When I first discovered these pencils, I thought, “Oh, a thick eyeliner.” Boy, was I wrong! These jumbo pencils are so much more.
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As an Eyeshadow Base: This is arguably where the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil truly shines, especially the legendary “Milk” shade. By applying a layer of “Milk” across your entire lid before your powder eyeshadow, you create a blank canvas that dramatically intensifies the color payoff of any shadow you layer on top. It makes vibrant hues pop like never before and helps even muted tones appear richer and more saturated. The creamy texture also acts as a gripping agent, helping to prevent fallout and extend the wear of your eyeshadow throughout the day. For those who love experimenting with colorful looks, this technique is non-negotiable.
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As a Vibrant Eyeliner: Of course, it’s still an excellent eyeliner! Its chunky size means you can create a bold, dramatic line with ease. For a softer, smudged liner look, apply it directly to your lash line and quickly blend it out with a small brush or your fingertip before it sets. If you’re aiming for precision, I often recommend picking up the product from the pencil tip with a fine-tipped angled brush. This method gives you more control, allowing you to create sharp wings or intricate graphic liner designs, even with bolder shades like “Black Bean” or “Blueberry Pop.”
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As a Cream Eyeshadow: Need a quick, impactful eye look? Swipe the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil directly onto your eyelids and blend it out with your finger or a fluffy brush. The creamy formula blends seamlessly, making it perfect for an all-over wash of color or building up intensity for a more dramatic effect. Work quickly, though, as these pencils tend to set, ensuring long-lasting wear. It’s an ideal solution for those busy mornings when you want to look polished without spending ages on your makeup.
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For Highlighting and Brightening: Lighter, shimmery shades like “Yogurt,” “Iced Latte,” or “Cottage Cheese” are phenomenal for highlighting. A dab in the inner corners of your eyes instantly brightens and opens them up, making you look more awake. A swipe under the brow bone lifts and defines your arches. You can even apply these shimmery pencils to your waterline to make your eyes appear larger and more sparkling. For a touch of ethereal glow, some makeup artists even lightly tap and blend these shades onto the cupid’s bow or the high points of the cheekbones!
Choosing Your Perfect NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Shade
With a vast array of over 32 shades, choosing your favorites can be exciting but also a little overwhelming. Let me guide you through some of the most popular hues and their best uses.
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Popular Neutral Shades:
- Milk (White): The undisputed star. Essential for brightening, as an eyeshadow base, and for an awakened waterline.
- Black Bean (Black): Perfect for intense smoky eyes, dramatic eyeliner, or as a base to deepen dark eyeshadows.
- French Fries (Bronze/Brown): A fantastic everyday shade for an all-over lid color, defining the crease, or a warm, smoky look.
- Iced Latte (Pale Pink/Light Brown): A versatile shimmery shade that works beautifully as a highlighter, a soft lid color, or to brighten the inner corner.
- Yogurt (Pinky Shimmer): Offers a delicate rosy shimmer, ideal for a soft wash of color or a subtle highlight.
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Bold and Playful Hues: If you’re feeling adventurous, NYX has you covered.
- Matcha (Shimmering Lime Green): For a fun pop of color, especially appealing when layered with other greens.
- Blueberry Pop (Dark Blue): Creates striking all-over lid looks or vibrant graphic eyeliner.
- Donut (Icy Purple-Blue): A unique, cool-toned shimmer that creates a captivating gaze, reminiscent of a retro-modern look.
- Purple Velvet (Dark Purple): Great for adding a jewel-toned intensity to your eyes.
Pro Tips for Flawless Jumbo Eye Pencil Application
Even the most versatile products have their quirks. Here are my top tips to ensure your NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil performs at its best, every time.
- How do you sharpen a NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil? This is one of the most common questions I get! These pencils are not retractable, so you’ll need a specific tool. You cannot use a standard pencil sharpener. You absolutely need a jumbo pencil sharpener (often sold alongside these types of products or by brands like NYX itself). Without the right sharpener, you risk damaging the product and wasting precious makeup. Just insert the pencil and gently twist for a perfect point.
- Blending for Seamless Transitions: Because of their creamy texture, these pencils set relatively quickly. For soft, seamless transitions, work in small sections and blend immediately after application. Your fingertips work wonders for a diffused look, while a synthetic brush can provide more precision and control, especially when blending edges or defining shapes.
- Layering for Longevity and Intensity: To maximize the wear time and vibrancy of your NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, always set it with a powder eyeshadow. After applying the pencil, lightly tap a matching or complementary powder shadow over it. This not only locks the cream product in place, preventing creasing, but also further intensifies the color. Think of it as painting a wall – the primer makes the topcoat look better and last longer.
- Preventing Creasing: While the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is generally long-wearing, those with oily eyelids might experience some creasing. The key here is the layering technique mentioned above. Applying a thin layer of a dedicated eyeshadow primer beforehand, followed by the jumbo pencil, and then set with powder eyeshadow, creates a robust, crease-resistant base.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve all been there – a makeup mishap that leaves us questioning our skills. Here are a few common issues with the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil and my expert solutions.
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“My Jumbo Pencil Drags!”
- Problem: If you find the pencil tugging at your delicate eyelid skin, it could be due to a few reasons: your skin might be dry, or you might be applying too much pressure.
- Fix: Ensure your eyelids are moisturized (but not greasy) before applying. Instead of dragging the pencil across your entire lid, try dotting the product along the lash line or lid and then gently blending it out with your finger or a brush. Alternatively, as mentioned, pick up the product with a brush directly from the pencil for a smoother application.
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“It Creases Too Easily!”
- Problem: Cream products can sometimes settle into eyelid creases, especially without proper preparation.
- Fix: This is where your eyeshadow primer and setting powder become your best friends. Always start with a good eye primer, apply a thin layer of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil, and then immediately set it with a powder eyeshadow. This layering technique significantly boosts its staying power and prevents creasing. For extra security, a translucent setting powder can be lightly dusted over the entire eye area.
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“The Color Isn’t Intense Enough!”
- Problem: While generally highly pigmented, some lighter or darker shades might appear sheerer than expected on certain skin tones.
- Fix: Build up the color in thin layers. Apply one layer, blend, and then add another if needed. For maximum impact, especially with vibrant shades, apply a neutral eyeshadow primer first. For deeper shades, applying a black cream base before a dark jumbo pencil can deepen the hue.
Expert Insight from Ibcre
“The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is a testament to the power of versatile, accessible makeup,” says Dr. Amelia Thorne, lead makeup artist at Ibcre. “Its ability to seamlessly transition from a vibrant eyeliner to a crease-proof eyeshadow base makes it an invaluable asset in any makeup collection. It democratizes professional-level artistry, empowering everyone to experiment and express themselves through color.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Curiosity is a wonderful thing, especially when it comes to perfecting your beauty routine! Here are some common questions I hear about the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil.
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Q: Can I use the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil on my waterline?
- A: Absolutely! Many shades, particularly “Milk” or lighter, shimmery options, are fantastic for brightening the waterline. They glide on smoothly and instantly make your eyes appear more open and awake.
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Q: How do I sharpen a NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil?
- A: The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil requires a specialized jumbo pencil sharpener. Standard sharpeners are too small. These are widely available where NYX products are sold.
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Q: Is the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil good for beginners?
- A: Yes, it’s excellent for beginners! Its creamy texture makes it easy to apply and blend with just your fingers, simplifying many eye makeup techniques. Its versatility also means you get multiple products in one, which is great for building a starter kit.
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Q: Does the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil crease?
- A: While it has good staying power, some users, especially those with oily lids, might experience creasing. To prevent this, always apply an eyeshadow primer beforehand and set the pencil with a powder eyeshadow.
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Q: What’s the most popular shade of NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil and what is it used for?
- A: “Milk” (a matte white) is by far the most popular shade. It’s primarily used as an eyeshadow base to make colors pop, to brighten the inner corner, or to open up the waterline.
Conclusion
The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil truly stands as a powerhouse in the world of eye makeup. Its creamy, richly pigmented formula, combined with its incredible versatility as an eyeliner, eyeshadow, base, and highlighter, makes it a non-negotiable staple in my kit and for countless beauty enthusiasts worldwide. From making your vibrant shadows genuinely sing to creating quick, impactful looks for any occasion, mastering this humble pencil will undoubtedly elevate your entire makeup game. Don’t be afraid to experiment with its myriad of shades and uses; your eyes are a canvas, and the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil is your ultimate tool for artistic expression. Give it a try, unleash your creativity, and let your eyes do all the talking!