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NYX Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain vs NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil

Comparison

NYX Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain vs NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil

NYX Lip IV is a glossy lip stain designed for wet shine up front and a more lasting tint as it wears, while NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil is a retractable eyeliner built for quick, creamy definition. Scores are strong for both, but the eyeliner leads overall (87 vs 84) thanks to standout ease of use and value. Lip IV pulls ahead on finish quality and longevity, though shade accuracy is a common concern in reviews.

Expert tested Data driven Unbiased reviews Updated 10 June 2026
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)

#1 Overall Winner

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)

84/100
  • High-performing glossy stain format with strong overall score (84) and beauty result score (88)
View review
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)

Contender

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)

87/100
  • Higher overall score (87) with standout ease of use (93) and application (91)
View review

Quick verdict

Choose NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil if you want an easy, retractable eyeliner with strong pigment, excellent value, and very high ease-of-use scores—just expect mixed smudge/longevity and possible breakage. Choose NYX Lip IV if you want a glossy lip look that can wear into an even stain with better longevity and finish quality, but be prepared for shades to look different than online swatches.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

At-a-glance comparison

Feature NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown) NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2) Winner
Category / use

Glossy lip stain (wet shine + over-time stain)

Retractable eyeliner pencil (defined line, creamy glide)

Depends
Overall score

84

87

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)
Effectiveness score

86

86

Tie
Beauty result score

88

89

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)
Finish quality

90 (glossy wet-shine focus)

85

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)
Longevity

82

72

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)
Ease of use

86

93

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)
Application score

89

91

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)
Durability (breakage/staying usable)

80

60

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)
Value score

85 ($11.97)

92 ($15.02, pack of 2)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)

Detailed comparison

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is a tie on score (86 vs 86), but “effective” means different things here. NYX Lip IV appears to deliver on its core experience: immediate glossy color plus a stain effect as it wears, supported by strong finish quality (90) and repeated review comments about long-lasting color and hydration. The NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil is effective for quick, pigmented lining with excellent ease of use (93) and strong application (91), but its longevity is less consistent (72), which can affect real-world performance for users who need truly smudge-resistant wear.

Beauty Results

For visible makeup impact, both products score strongly, but they deliver different “results.” NYX Lip IV focuses on a glossy, wet-shine lip that can be worn as-is or blotted down for a more natural-looking stain effect. NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil is about clean definition and intensity around the eyes, with many reviewers praising vivid pigment and the ability to blend for a softer look. If you want a statement finish, Lip IV’s shine is the focal point; if you want sharper structure to a look, the eyeliner typically changes the face more dramatically with less product.

Beauty Result Analysis

Beauty result scores are very close: 88 for NYX Lip IV and 89 for NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil. Lip IV’s higher finish quality (90) supports a noticeably glossy, “wet look” result that can be worn full shine or blotted for a softer stain. The eyeliner slightly leads because intense pigment and easy glide help create a crisp line or smudged definition quickly. If you prioritise shine and lip tint payoff, Lip IV will feel more “finish-driven”; if you prioritise definition, the pencil has the edge.

Makeup

This is a makeup-to-makeup comparison, but across two different areas: lips vs eyes. Lip IV is a glossy stain with medium coverage and a wet-shine finish, while the Mechanical Eye Pencil is a creamy retractable liner intended for quick definition (including use on the waterline mentioned in reviews). The biggest practical differences are wear expectations (Lip IV’s stain-like longevity is more consistent) and application style (the eye pencil scores higher for ease and precision). Shade selection also differs: Lip IV feedback flags swatch accuracy issues, while the eyeliner’s variability shows up more in smudging and breakage.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)

Pros

  • High-performing glossy stain format with strong overall score (84) and beauty result score (88)
  • Very strong finish quality (90) for a wet-shine look
  • Comfortable wear (88) with many reviews highlighting hydration and softness
  • Solid application performance (89) and ease of use (86) for a one-swipe glossy tint
  • Good longevity score (82) with multiple reviews describing hours of wear and an even fade
  • Versatile: can be worn glossy or blotted down to leave a more natural-looking stain
  • Vegan formula stated; brand is PETA-recognized cruelty-free (per listing)

Cons

  • Shade accuracy can be inconsistent versus swatches/photos, per multiple reviews and score interpretation
  • Scent is noticeable for some (coconut-like); scent score is moderate (74)
  • Not everyone finds it truly all-day—some reviews mention needing touch-ups
  • Gloss can feel sticky initially (common gloss tradeoff noted in reviews)
  • Shade range score (74) is solid but not a standout versus the eyeliner’s variety
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Lip IV Hydrating Glossy Lip Stain - Hydra Honey (Brown)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)

Pros

  • Higher overall score (87) with standout ease of use (93) and application (91)
  • Very strong pigment and “glides on” feel frequently mentioned in reviews
  • Excellent value score (92), helped by the pack-of-2 format and very large review base
  • Strong customer satisfaction score (91) with 4.5/5 average rating
  • Good shade range score (84) with options from natural to bright shades (per listing)
  • Convenient retractable format—no sharpening needed
  • Brand is PETA-recognized cruelty-free; ethical transparency score is high (88)

Cons

  • Longevity is mixed (longevity score 72); some users report wear-off or smudging
  • Durability concerns: reports of the pencil breaking easily (durability score 60)
  • Build quality is comparatively lower (62), consistent with breakage feedback
  • Skin compatibility score (78) is weaker than the lip stain’s (82) for sensitive users
  • “Smudge proof” claim is not consistently supported by user experiences
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil - Always Onyx (Black) (Pack of 2)

Final verdict

Overall, NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil wins on score (87 vs 84), mainly because it’s exceptionally easy to use (93), applies well (91), and rates as excellent value (92) with very high customer satisfaction (91). Its biggest limitation is consistency: longevity and smudge resistance are mixed, and durability is a real concern due to breakage reports.

NYX Lip IV is the better specialist pick if your priority is glossy finish and a stain-like wear pattern, with higher finish quality (90) and stronger longevity (82). Its main drawback is shade accuracy versus online swatches. If you’re shopping for a single “best” makeup staple, the eyeliner is the safer value choice; for glossy lips that wear into tint, Lip IV is the better match.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, NYX Lip IV or NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil?

They’re meant for different parts of your routine, so “better” depends on what you need. NYX Lip IV scores 84 overall with standout finish quality (90) and a glossy-to-stain wear style. NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil scores 87 overall, with excellent ease of use (93) and strong value (92), but more mixed longevity (72).

Which product lasts longer during the day?

Based on the scores and reviews provided, NYX Lip IV has the stronger longevity profile (82) with repeated feedback about a stain that wears for hours and fades evenly. The NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil is more variable (longevity 72): some users say it lasts all day, while others report quicker wear-off or smudging.

Which product is easier for beginners?

The NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil is the simpler pick for most beginners: it’s retractable (no sharpening) and scores very high for ease of use (93) and application (91). NYX Lip IV is still straightforward (ease of use 86), but lip stain/gloss results can vary more by how much you blot, reapply, and how the shade develops over time.

Which one gives better beauty results?

Both score well for beauty results, but the eyeliner is slightly higher (89 vs 88). The Mechanical Eye Pencil is praised for vivid pigment and smooth glide, which helps create defined or smoky looks. Lip IV stands out for a high-shine finish (finish quality 90) that can settle into a natural-looking stain, which many users find flattering.

Which is better for sensitive users?

If sensitivity is a concern, scores slightly favor NYX Lip IV for skin compatibility (82 vs 78). That said, the eye area can be more reactive than lips for some people, and the eyeliner has mixed feedback on smudging—something that may matter if product migration bothers your eyes. Consider patch testing and stopping use if irritation occurs.

Do the shades match the online photos?

Shade accuracy concerns show up more clearly for NYX Lip IV: multiple reviews mention swatches/photos not matching expectations, and the score interpretation flags this as a key weakness. For the NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil, the provided feedback focuses more on pigment, smudging, and breakage; shade mismatch is not a dominant theme in the included reviews.

Is the NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil truly smudge-proof?

It depends. The listing describes it as smudge proof, but the review summary notes mixed experiences: some people report it lasts through the day without smudging, while others say it smudges easily or wears off quickly. Its longevity score (72) reflects that inconsistency, so if you need very reliable wear, plan on touch-ups.

Which product offers better value for money?

NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil leads on value (92 vs 85) and comes as a pack of 2, with many customers calling it an excellent budget staple. NYX Lip IV is still strong value (85) given its glossy finish plus stain-like wear style, but it’s priced per single item and its shade accuracy variability can affect perceived value.

What are the biggest downsides to know before buying?

For NYX Lip IV, the biggest watch-out is shade accuracy—several reviews report that colors look different than expected, and some mention touch-ups. For NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil, the most repeated concerns are mixed smudge/longevity performance and durability (reports of breakage), which also aligns with its lower durability score (60).

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