o my core, in the best possible way. Let’s get into the NYX 3 Steps to Sculpt Palette. I spotted it in Boots one afternoon and threw it into my basket on a whim, because apparently self control does not exist when you are stood under harsh retail lighting surrounded by makeup.
Up until then, I had been faithful to the Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette. It was my ride or die contour product, and I stayed loyal for years. The only problem was how quickly I was hitting pan, and how much it was costing me to keep replacing it. At some point, you have to ask yourself whether cheekbone definition is really worth the price of a weekly food shop. Enter NYX, quietly waiting with a budget friendly alternative that performs far better than it has any right to.
WHAT I USE THIS PALETTE FOR
After months of reaching for this, I have perfected exactly how each shade slots into my routine. It has become one of those everyday staples that I do not even think about anymore, which is always the highest compliment. The yellow powder is my daily MVP. I use it to set my eyelid primer, brighten the under eye area, reverse contour, and lift the inner corners of my eyes so I look slightly less exhausted than I actually am. It gives that subtle brightening effect without ever looking heavy, which is exactly what I want first thing in the morning.
The contour shade is where the palette really shines. Applied with my trusty Tom Ford Crème Brush, it chisels the cheekbones, defines the jawline, slims the nose, and even gets blended into the crease of my eyes on lazy makeup days. It is one of those shades that somehow manages to add definition without ever turning harsh or muddy, which is surprisingly rare at this price point. The highlighter, if I am being honest, is my least-used shade. I only really reach for it in emergencies or when I am travelling light and want everything in one compact palette. It does work nicely on the chest and shoulders in summer, but it has never been my favourite part of the trio.
THE DOWNSIDES
As much as I adore this little palette, it is not perfect. Nothing ever is, and perhaps that is part of its charm, but there are a few things worth mentioning. The highlighter could honestly go. It is fine at best, but the palette would feel stronger, and probably even cheaper, without it. I would happily buy a version that was just the powders I actually use.
The pans are also tiny, and they do run out quickly if you are using this daily. They can be a little fragile too, so do not drop this palette unless you are prepared to mourn it dramatically on your bathroom floor. And finally, the semi circle pan shape is something I still cannot decide on. It is quirky, but it does make it harder to dip in properly with larger brushes. Sometimes practicality really does win over design.
PIGMENTATION AND PERFORMANCE
Let’s talk pigment, because nobody wants to swirl their brush around for a full minute just to see any payoff. These powders are definitely on the sheer side, but they build beautifully to a soft medium finish. Personally, I love that.
I use this after setting my foundation, so I do not want extra coverage. I want warmth, shape and subtle colour, and this delivers exactly that without ever looking heavy. It gives definition in a way that feels natural rather than overly sculpted, which makes it ideal for everyday wear. For the price, the performance is genuinely impressive, and it easily holds its own against palettes that cost significantly more.
WOULD I RECOMMEND IT?
This is always the tricky part, because value is so personal. But honestly, yes. Absolutely. If you are looking for a powder contour and highlight option that does not cost the same as your electricity bill, this is a brilliant pick. As someone who once lived and breathed the Kat Von D palette, I can say confidently that this is a worthy, affordable alternative that performs far better than I ever expected. I reach for it constantly, it travels well, and the end result is always exactly what I want, soft definition without the faff.
When a product becomes an everyday staple in a collection as extensive as mine, you know it is doing something right. My only real wish is for sturdier pans and maybe a highlighter free version in the future. A girl can dream, right? As always, let me know if you have tried it, or if there is another affordable contour favourite I should be putting to the test.
