NYX Marshmallow Primer Review: Does It Really Work?

You’re here because you want the truth about NYX Marshmallow Primer. Does it really work? Is it worth your money?

I get it. Primer reviews online are everywhere. Most are fluff with no real testing.

Here’s what makes this different. I’ve used this primer for several weeks straight. Testing it through different conditions and with various foundations.

In this review, you’ll learn:

• How it actually performs (not just marketing claims)
• Real pros and cons from daily use
• Where to buy it cheapest in 2025
• How it compares to expensive alternatives

My promise: No sugar-coating. No affiliate links pushing sales. Just honest insights from someone who’s tested many primers.

By the end, you’ll know exactly whether this primer deserves a spot in your makeup bag.

What Is NYX Marshmallow Primer?

The NYX “The Marshmellow Primer” is a silicone-free, 10-in-1 multitasking primer that promises to smooth, blur, and hydrate your skin.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Contains marshmallow root extract for soothing
• Has a whipped, lightweight texture
• Comes in a pink bottle with pump (30ml)
• Dries completely transparent
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula

The brand claims it does 10 things: smoothing, blurring, softening, extending makeup wear, hydrating, soothing, evening tone, minimizing texture, adding soft focus finish, and keeping makeup fresh.

But here’s the catch. The pump can be deceiving about how much product you actually get.

First Impressions & Application

The packaging is eye-catching. Pink plastic bottle with a thin pump dispenser. Much prettier than most drugstore primers.

When I first pumped it out, I noticed the light pink tint. Don’t worry – it blends completely clear on skin. The texture is genuinely whipped and lightweight.

Warning: You’ll need more pumps than expected. The whipped formula means each pump gives less product than you’d think.

Here’s how I apply it:

1. Start with clean, moisturized skin
2. Use 4-5 pumps for full face coverage
3. Pat it onto skin (don’t rub)
4. Blend outward with fingers
5. Wait 2-3 minutes before foundation

The scent is interesting. It smells like candy – sweet but not overpowering. Not marshmallow-like at all.

The primer feels moisturizing and almost “filling” on skin. It sinks in well without that slippery silicone feel.

Wear Test: How It Performed Throughout the Day

I tested this primer through different conditions. Regular days, cold weather, and various foundation types.

The good news: It works great with natural and matte foundations. My base looked smooth and hydrated for 9+ hours.

The reality check: It’s not perfect for every situation.

In extremely cold weather (-20°C), my foundation started separating faster than usual. The primer couldn’t keep up with my skin’s dryness.

Here’s what I noticed:

• Works best with matte and natural finish foundations
• Struggles with dewy foundations and tinted moisturizers
• Provides nice hydration without excess shine
• Keeps makeup fresh in normal temperatures

The texture confusion: It feels like a moisturizer but performs like a primer. Sometimes my skin doesn’t agree with whipped formulas.

For quick, everyday wear? It’s solid. For 10+ hour days when I need reliable makeup? I reach for something else.

Pros and Cons

What I Love About It:

• Feels moisturizing without being greasy
• Lightweight whipped texture
• Completely transparent when applied
• Works well for normal to oily skin
• Vegan and cruelty-free formula
• Nice candy-like scent (not overpowering)

What Could Be Better:

• Pump dispenser is misleading (bottle only half full)
• Doesn’t work with all foundation types
• Struggles in extremely cold weather
• Not hydrating enough for very dry skin
• More expensive than basic drugstore primers
• Can be confusing to figure out best use cases

Bottom line: It’s a decent primer with specific strengths. Good for certain skin types and situations, but not a universal solution.

My Personal Opinion

The bottom line? NYX Marshmallow Primer is a solid mid-range option with specific strengths. For less than $15, you get decent results that work well for certain skin types.

I’ve tried the expensive stuff. This little bottle holds its own in the right circumstances.

Your makeup routine might benefit. Your expectations should stay realistic.

Where to Buy & Pricing Info (2025 Update)

You can find NYX Marshmallow Primer at:

The primer typically costs around 459 Crowns (about $15-16) at regular price. You can often find it on sale for around 344 Crowns.

Prices vary by location and retailer. European stores like Douglas and Rossmann carry it regularly.

How It Compares to Other Primers

Let me break down how it stacks up against popular alternatives:

NYX Marshmallow vs.NYX Honey Dew Me Up Primer

• Texture: Honey Dew is lighter and more moisturizing
• Feel: Honey Dew has slippery texture vs whipped formula
• Performance: Honey Dew works better for hydration needs
• Preference: Many users prefer Honey Dew overall

NYX Marshmallow vs.ELF Pure Skin Super Serum

• Price: ELF wins ($10 vs. $15)
• Coverage: NYX provides better blur
• Ingredients: ELF has cleaner formula
• Performance: Results vary by skin type

My verdict: For the price point, NYX Marshmallow is decent but has mixed results depending on your needs.

Conclusion

It’s complicated. After testing this primer extensively, I have mixed feelings about it.

The primer does what it claims – smooths, hydrates, and extends makeup wear. It feels lovely on skin and works beautifully with the right foundation types. For normal to oily skin, it’s genuinely nice.

However, it’s not the universal miracle product TikTok makes it seem. It has specific use cases where it shines, and others where it falls short. The pump packaging is also misleading about the actual product amount.

At around $15-20, it’s reasonably priced for what you get. But you need to know your skin type and foundation preferences to make it work.

My honest rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a good primer that works well for certain people and situations. Just don’t expect it to solve every makeup base problem you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NYX Marshmallow Primer work in hot weather?

It performs well in normal heat and humidity conditions. The silicone-free formula doesn’t create that heavy barrier feeling but still maintains makeup wear.

Can I mix this primer with my foundation?

Not recommended, especially with dewy foundations. The formula doesn’t play well with certain foundation types and can cause separation or poor wear time.

Will this primer clog my pores long-term?

It’s generally safe for most skin types since it’s silicone-free. However, the whipped texture might not agree with everyone, so patch test first.

Does the primer have any scent or fragrance?

Yes, it has a sweet candy-like scent that’s pleasant but not marshmallow-scented despite the name. The fragrance isn’t overpowering.

How much product do you actually get in the bottle?

This is tricky – the pump bottle can be deceiving. Some users report the bottle is only half full, so you get less product than expected.