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NYX Liquid Suede Sandstorm vs NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil Always Onyx

Comparison

NYX Liquid Suede Sandstorm vs NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil Always Onyx

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick (Sandstorm) and NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil (Always Onyx) are both pigment-forward, budget-friendly makeup staples—but they’re built for different parts of your routine (lips vs eyes). The lipstick leans into a plush matte, full-coverage nude look, while the retractable eyeliner focuses on quick, creamy definition. Scores and reviews suggest the pencil wins on comfort and ease, while the lipstick rates better for wear time.

Expert tested Data driven Unbiased reviews Updated 10 June 2026
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude)

#1 Overall Winner

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude)

84/100
  • High-pigment, full-coverage payoff with a matte look (beauty_result_score 88)
View review
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)

Contender

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)

87/100
  • Very easy, no-sharpen application with top ease-of-use (ease_of_use_score 93)
View review

Quick verdict

Choose the NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil (Always Onyx) if you want the easiest, most comfortable application and strong everyday value—just handle it gently to reduce breakage. Choose the NYX Liquid Suede (Sandstorm) if you want a high-pigment matte nude lip with better wear scores, and you don’t mind doing lip prep to manage dryness.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

At-a-glance comparison

Feature NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude) NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2) Winner
Category / use Matte liquid lipstick (Sandstorm true nude) Retractable eyeliner pencil (Always Onyx black), pack of 2 Depends
Overall score 84 87 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Effectiveness score 85 86 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Beauty result score 88 89 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Longevity score 80 72 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude)
Comfort score 62 88 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Ease of use 84 93 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Application score 85 91 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Packaging quality 72 78 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Durability score 74 60 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude)
Value score 90 92 NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)
Customer satisfaction 88 (15,539 reviews; 4.4/5) 91 (102,739 reviews; 4.5/5) NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)

Detailed comparison

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is strong for both products and very close on score: Liquid Suede scores 85 and the Mechanical Eye Pencil scores 86. The lipstick’s effectiveness comes from high pigment and a set matte finish intended for longer wear, though real-world transfer resistance is mixed in reviews. The pencil’s effectiveness is driven by creamy, intense colour that applies quickly without sharpening, but some users report faster wear-off or smudging depending on heat, humidity, or rubbing.

If “effectiveness” means all-day low-maintenance wear, the lipstick scores a bit better for longevity; if it means quick, reliable payoff with minimal steps, the pencil is the easier win.

Beauty Results

Both products are designed for bold, clean definition with strong pigment. Liquid Suede Sandstorm focuses on a plush, matte nude lip with full coverage, aiming for an even, polished look. The Mechanical Eye Pencil Always Onyx targets deep black definition along the lash line (and some reviewers mention it working on the waterline), with the option to keep it crisp or blend it out for a softer look.

If your goal is a statement lip with a matte finish, the lipstick is the direct match. If your goal is faster, subtle-to-dramatic eye definition, the retractable pencil is the more practical beauty-result choice.

Beauty Result Analysis

Both products score very highly for visible results: 88 for Liquid Suede and 89 for the Mechanical Eye Pencil. Liquid Suede is geared toward an even, opaque matte lip that looks polished after it sets, but it can emphasize dryness or flaking for some users over time. The Mechanical Eye Pencil delivers rich, vivid colour with a creamy glide that can create anything from a precise line to a smudged effect, though results may change if it smudges or wears off sooner on some eye types.

Makeup

This isn’t a like-for-like matchup (lipstick vs eyeliner), but both are classic “core kit” makeup products. The Liquid Suede lipstick emphasizes full-coverage colour and a matte finish; reviews often mention strong pigmentation and a smooth glide, with dryness and occasional flaking as the main drawbacks. The Mechanical Eye Pencil emphasizes speed and control with a twist-up format; users frequently praise the creamy feel and pigment, while longevity and smudge resistance vary by person and wear conditions.

In practice: pick Liquid Suede for a matte lip moment; pick the Mechanical Eye Pencil for quick definition and everyday versatility.

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude)

Pros

  • High-pigment, full-coverage payoff with a matte look (beauty_result_score 88)
  • Strong overall performance for the price (value_score 90)
  • Generally smooth, creamy glide with good application scores (application_score 85)
  • Matte finish quality rates well (finish_quality_score 86)
  • Good shade range score for the line (shade_range_score 82)
  • Generally good wear time for a budget liquid lip (longevity_score 80)
  • Cruelty-free positioning (PETA acknowledged per listing; ethical_transparency_score 85)

Cons

  • Can feel drying over time; some users mention flaking (comfort_score 62; review summary)
  • Transfer/smudge resistance is inconsistent across reviewers despite “waterproof” positioning (longevity_score 80; mixed feedback)
  • Lower skin compatibility score than the pencil (skin_compatibility_score 58)
  • Small amount per tube (4 mL)
  • Some shades may need extra coats for opacity (user feedback on certain colours)
  • Scent data is limited/neutral with an average score (scent_score 50)
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick - Sandstorm (True Nude)

NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)

Pros

  • Very easy, no-sharpen application with top ease-of-use (ease_of_use_score 93)
  • Smooth, creamy glide and strong precision potential (application_score 91)
  • Rich pigment and defined eye look (beauty_result_score 89; effectiveness_score 86)
  • High comfort score for a creamy pencil format (comfort_score 88)
  • Strong value , especially as a 2-pack (value_score 92)
  • Very strong customer satisfaction at high review volume (customer_satisfaction_score 91; 102,739 reviews)
  • Cruelty-free positioning (PETA acknowledged per listing; ethical_transparency_score 88)

Cons

  • Longevity/smudge resistance is mixed ; some users report faster wear-off (longevity_score 72; review summary)
  • Breakage is a repeated complaint for the retractable pencil (durability_score 60; reviews mention breaking)
  • Discontinued flag appears in product details, which may affect availability (listing)
  • Packaging/build concerns relative to performance (build_quality_score 62)
  • Scent not a differentiator (scent_score 50)
NYX PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP Mechanical Eye Pencil, Vivid Rich Mechanical, Creamy Retractable Eyeliner - Always Onyx (Pack of 2)

Final verdict

If you want one “best overall” pick from these two NYX products, the Mechanical Eye Pencil Always Onyx wins on score (87 vs 84) with standout ease of use, comfort, and strong customer satisfaction at massive review volume. Its biggest limitation is durability—breakage complaints are common—and longevity/smudge performance can vary by wearer.

Liquid Suede Sandstorm is still a strong buy if your goal is a matte nude lip: it scores highly for beauty result and finish quality and rates better for longevity than the pencil. Its main drawback is comfort, with repeated mentions of dryness and flaking over longer wear. Ultimately, the better choice depends on whether you’re building out lips or eyes first—and how much you prioritize comfort versus matte intensity.

Overall winner

Depends on your needs

Frequently asked questions

Which is better overall: NYX Liquid Suede Sandstorm or NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil Always Onyx?

Based on the provided scores, the NYX Mechanical Eye Pencil Always Onyx ranks higher overall (87 vs 84), driven by stronger ease of use (93), comfort (88), and customer satisfaction (91). The Liquid Suede lipstick scores better for longevity (80 vs 72) and is the clear pick if you’re specifically shopping for a matte nude lip.

Which one is easier to use for quick everyday makeup?

The Mechanical Eye Pencil is the easier, faster product for most people because it’s retractable (no sharpening) and scores very high for ease of use (93) and application (91). The Liquid Suede lipstick applies smoothly too, but liquid-matte formulas can take a bit more care to avoid dryness, uneven edges, or transfer while setting.

Which product has better staying power?

Score-wise, the Liquid Suede lipstick comes out ahead for longevity (80 vs 72). That said, both products have mixed reviews on smudge/transfer performance: some users report all-day wear, while others mention smudging or wear-off. Your result may depend on eating/drinking (lipstick) and eye area conditions like humidity or rubbing (liner).

Which is better for comfort on skin?

The Mechanical Eye Pencil scores much higher for comfort (88) than the Liquid Suede lipstick (62). Reviews for the lipstick frequently mention dryness or flaking over long wear, while the eyeliner is commonly described as creamy and smooth. If you’re sensitive to drying matte lips, the lipstick may require lip prep (balm/exfoliation).

Do either of these products have strong shade or color options?

Both score well for shade range (Liquid Suede 82; Mechanical Eye Pencil 84), and reviews highlight strong pigmentation for each. The lipstick shade here is “Sandstorm” (a true nude), while the pencil is “Always Onyx” (black). If you want variety across a line, both products appear to offer multiple shades.

Is either product truly smudge-proof or transfer-proof?

Neither product is perfectly consistent according to the provided review summaries. The eyeliner is described as “smudge proof” in the listing, but buyer feedback is mixed, with some reporting smudging or faster wear. The Liquid Suede lipstick is positioned as waterproof and long-wearing, yet reviews also vary—some experience minimal transfer, others report smudging and dryness.

Which product is better value for money?

Both score excellent value, with the Mechanical Eye Pencil slightly ahead (92 vs 90). The eyeliner is sold as a 2-pack at the listed price, and it has extremely high review volume and satisfaction. The Liquid Suede lipstick is also known for strong pigment and a matte finish at a low price, but comfort and transfer consistency can affect perceived value.

Are these products suitable for beginners?

The Mechanical Eye Pencil is generally more beginner-friendly due to its twist-up format and very high ease-of-use score (93). The Liquid Suede lipstick can still work for beginners, but matte liquid lips often need more careful application and may feel dry without prep. If you want minimal routine friction, the pencil is the simpler choice.

What are the most common complaints to watch for?

For the Liquid Suede lipstick, the most repeated downsides are dryness and occasional flaking, plus mixed transfer resistance over the day. For the Mechanical Eye Pencil, the biggest concern is durability—multiple reviewers mention breakage—alongside mixed longevity/smudge performance. If these are deal-breakers, consider your typical wear conditions and touch-up tolerance.

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