With “back to school” just around the corner I was inspired to try out a palette that I’ve had in my collection for a while but hadn’t yet reached for. NYX’s Beauty School Dropout – Graduate Edition ($35 USD/$38 CAD) is a budget-friendly assortment eye shadows, blush, illuminating and contour powders housed in a sturdy, book style palette complete with its own mirror. Have you seen it? 

When you first open the palette, this is what you see. On the left hand side is a nice-sized mirror as well as tips/instructions on how to create a day or evening look. The center of the palette is where the 35 shadows hang out and the right side features the blush (on top), highlighter (middle) and contour powders (bottom).

Below is a closer look at the shadows. Each of the eyeshadows included in this palette are pigmented and have a smooth consistency. They performed well and were easy to coordinate with each other. I didn’t notice any chalkiness or fall out when using these at all. As always however, I do recommend applying any eye shadow over a primer or base to improve its overall performance. There is a lot of variety in this palette, meaning that there are plenty of shade and finish options for you to create endless eye looks. A winner if you ask me.

To add definition to your complexion, NYX has included four blendable contouring powders and illuminators as well as three blushers for a soft or more dramatic flush. These powders are all you need to illuminate, highlight, define or add warmth to your skin. The colour options are wearable, well thought out and appropriate for many skin tones. 

I’m not exactly sure whether this palette and the other Beauty School Dropout palettes (Back to Basics, Freshman & Alumni) are permanent fixtures at NYX or whether they are limited edition so if you happen to know, please leave me a comment below.