When Lip Gloss Tells a Love Story: Inside NYX’s “Nicolandria” Lip Combo Campaign

NYX has just dropped a marketing campaign that’s as daring as it is romantic: the Nicolandria Lip Combo—a limited‑edition bundle spotlighting the chemistry between Love Island USA’s fan‑favorite couple, Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen.

Breaking the Rules (of Lipstick Marketing)

When was the last time you saw a makeup brand celebrate transferability instead of long wear? In a world obsessed with kiss‑proof, smudge‑resistant formulas, NYX flips the script by leaning into it. Their marketing leans into the fact that the lip combo transfers, a clear nod to the show's villa lore, where Olandria’s lip gloss (the now-famous combo) left a tell‑tale mark on Nic. It’s bold, it's clever, and it’s undeniably memorable.

From the Villa to the Virtual Fireside

Remember that moment in the villa when Nic couldn’t stop showing off, practically hoarding, Olandria’s lip combo? That moment became iconic when, in interviews and livestreams, he pulled the lip combo out of his pocket to show it off. That authentic, playful moment telegraphed genuine affection… and NYX ran with it. They wrapped those feelings into a product campaign that combines the gloss, the liner, and even a virtual fireside chat with the couple.

What’s in the Nicolandria Lip Combo?

NYX paired up the following:

• Butter Gloss in Lava Cake – a high-shine, buttery gloss;

• Butter Gloss in Spiked Toffee – an extra shade for depth;

• Slim Lip Pencil in Espresso – grounding the look with a natural, defined liner.

All bundled together with an exclusive virtual Q&A ticket—a meet-and-greet with Nic and Olandria themselves. It’s PR gold.

Link to NYX Combo: https://bit.ly/47Dcsix

Why It Works (and Why It Matters)

• It’s based on a real moment. Fans remember the villa, the chemistry, the gloss kiss readily left on Nic, this isn’t just another influencer collab. It’s organic storytelling turned product.

• It flips expectations. Instead of promising “won’t transfer,” the campaign leans into “it totally transfers, because they kissed.” It’s playful, self-aware, and human.

• It blends product with experience. The virtual fireside chat elevates this from a cosmetic drop to a fan event, creating both a product and a memory.

  
  

Fan Speculation Adds Extra Buzz

To make things even juicier, fans are speculating about whether Nic and Olandria are officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Many believe they’ll finally announce their relationship status during the Love Island reunion airing August 25th. This layer of anticipation makes the NYX drop feel even more electric—it’s not just about the gloss, it’s about being part of a bigger love story unfolding in real time.

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In Summary

NYX’s Nicolandria campaign is a brilliant convergence of romance, nostalgia, and real-life pop culture. It’s rare to see a beauty brand embrace imperfection, like transfer, with open arms. Even rarer to see them build a campaign around a candid island moment that became a fan favorite.

And with the Love Island reunion just days away, fans aren’t just buying a lip kit... they’re buying into the excitement of what might be the next chapter in Nic and Olandria’s story.