NYX Buttermelt Highlighter Review: A Soft-Focus Glow That Lasts?

I love a good glow, but I’m quite particular about how it sits on the skin. Some powders can look a bit dry or too obvious in daylight but the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter sits somewhere in between a powder and a cream, which immediately caught my attention.

This highlighter is designed to melt into the skin rather than sit on top of it and after testing it, I can see why people are curious about it.

What Is the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter?

The Buttermelt formula is a compact powder highlighter infused with nourishing butters to create that soft, almost balm-like feel. It’s designed to give a NYX Buttermelt glow that looks smooth and skin-like rather than glittery.

It promises:

  • A buttery, blendable texture
  • Up to 12-hour wear
  • No fallout
  • A radiant, multi-dimensional finish.

It’s also worth noting it’s vegan and cruelty-free, which is always a plus.

Key Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

This is where it differs from a standard powder and leans more into skincare-inspired makeup:

  • Mango Butter – helps soften the texture and adds a subtle skin-conditioning feel
  • Shea Butter – known for its smoothing and nourishing properties
  • Almond Butter – contributes to that creamy glide and blendability.

These ingredients are what give the product its buttery texture, making it feel less dry than traditional highlighters.

Shade & Swatches

I tried the shade “Glaze It Butta”, which is a warm golden tone. On fair skin, it gives a soft, sunlit sheen rather than a harsh stripe of shimmer.

If you’re looking for NYX Buttermelt Highlighter swatches on fair skin, this shade leans more golden than champagne, so it adds warmth as well as glow. It’s flattering, but if you prefer something icy or neutral, another shade in the range might suit you better.

Across the NYX highlighter shades, the range is designed to cover different undertones, from lighter champagne tones to deeper, richer golds.

Texture & Application

This is where the product stands out most. It feels:

  • Smooth to the touch
  • Slightly creamy but still sets like a powder
  • Easy to pick up on a brush without excess fallout.

How to use NYX Buttermelt Highlighter for Everyday .akeup

For a softer, everyday finish:

  • Use a small, fluffy brush
  • Apply lightly to the tops of the cheeks
  • Add a touch to the nose bridge and cupid’s bow.

For a more noticeable glow:

  • Build it up in thin layers
  • Focus on cheekbones and temples
  • Add to collarbones or shoulders for extra dimension.

It blends quickly, so you don’t have to work too hard to diffuse the edges – something beginners will appreciate.

Wear Test: Does It Actually Last?

The brand claims up to 12-hour wear, and while I wouldn’t say it looks exactly the same at the end of the day, it holds up well.

  • It fades evenly rather than patchily
  • No obvious glitter fallout
  • Still visible after a full day of wear.

If you’re looking for a long lasting drugstore highlighter for glowing skin, this does a solid job without needing touch-ups.

Does It Work on Oily Skin?

This is a fair question, especially with the butter-infused formula.

On combination to oily skin:

  • It doesn’t feel greasy
  • It sets like a powder, so it doesn’t slide around
  • It actually looks smoother than some dry powders.

If you’re very oily, you might want to apply it over a well-set base, but overall, it behaves more like a powder than a cream once applied.

Comparison: NYX Buttermelt vs Other NYX Highlighters

Compared to other formulas from NYX Professional Makeup:

  • Buttermelt Highlighter gives a softer, smoother, more skin-like finish
  • Traditional NYX powders give a slightly more powdery and sometimes more intense on first application.

If you’re after the best NYX highlighter for a natural glow, this is probably one of the more wearable options in their lineup.

Final Thoughts: Is NYX Buttermelt Highlighter Worth It?

If you’re after an affordable highlighter that looks high end, this is a strong option.

It won’t give you that ultra-metallic, blinding finish straight away but that’s kind of the point. It’s more about a soft, buildable glow that sits nicely on the skin and lasts throughout the day.

What I liked:

  • Smooth, buttery texture
  • Easy to blend and build
  • No obvious fallout
  • Works well for everyday makeup.

What to keep in mind:

  • Some shades lean quite warm
  • Not the most intense highlighter if that’s your preference.

Overall, this feels like a thoughtful addition to the NYX Professional Makeup highlighter range especially if you prefer something more natural-looking.

Where to Buy

The NYX Buttermelt Highlighter is available from:

  • NYX Professional Makeup (official website)
  • Boots
  • Superdrug.

Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer, and it’s often included in 3-for-2 offers at Boots, so it’s worth checking current deals before buying.


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are honest and are my own.

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