NYX Buttermelt Highlighter Review 2026: Worth Your Money?
If you love a gorgeous, lit from within glow without spending a fortune, you need to hear about the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter.
This drugstore highlighter has taken the beauty world by storm. It promises a buttery smooth formula, up to 12 hours of wear, and high impact pearl shimmer that melts right into the skin.
But does it actually deliver on all those promises? Is it worth adding to your makeup bag in 2026? I tested it, researched hundreds of user reviews, and compared it with other popular highlighters to bring you this honest, detailed review.
Key Takeaways:
- The formula is infused with mango butter, shea butter, and almond butter. These skin loving ingredients give the powder a creamy, soft texture that blends easily on any skin type. You get a highlighter that feels nourishing instead of chalky.
- NYX offers eight shades in this range. Options include Bright & Butta (light champagne), Glaze It Butta (light bronze), U Butta Werk (frosty pink), Butta Mint (minty green), Butta Than Gold (warm gold), Butta Bling (silver), Butta In Bronze, and No 1 Butta (holographic lavender). There is a shade for nearly every skin tone and preference.
- The product claims up to 12 hours of transfer and fade resistant wear. Most users report solid performance for several hours, though some note slight fading after the 5 to 6 hour mark without a setting spray.
- It is vegan and cruelty free. NYX Professional Makeup is a L’Oréal owned brand that does not test on animals, making this a guilt free purchase for conscious beauty buyers.
- The price point is very budget friendly at around $12. You get 5 grams (0.17 oz) of product, which is standard for a drugstore highlighter. The pigment is strong, so a little goes a long way.
- Some users mention the compact can be hard to open. A few reviews also note the shimmer leans slightly chunky compared to high end powder highlighters. This is worth keeping in mind if you prefer ultra fine shimmer.
- Melt Into A Butta Glow: The butta smooth, buildable shimmers in our Buttermelt Highlighter blend like powder, glide like butta, and deliver transfer-resistant, fade-proof highlighter makeup powder wear for up to 12 hours with no fallout
- Butta Glow, Butta Boom: Packed with high-impact pearls for a seamless glow, this buttery-soft makeup highlighter formula creates dimension from cheeks to shoulders. Build and layer for customized radiance that lasts all day and night
Last update on 2026-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
What Is the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter?
The NYX Buttermelt Highlighter is a pressed powder highlighter from NYX Professional Makeup. It is part of the popular Buttermelt collection, which also includes blushes, bronzers, and lip products. The entire line focuses on a buttery, smooth texture that feels soft on the skin.
This highlighter uses high impact pearl pigments to create a visible glow. The formula blends like a traditional powder but glides onto the skin with a creamy, almost melted finish. NYX describes it as a product that “melts like butta” into your skin, and that description is quite accurate.
The compact is small and round. It holds 5 grams of product. The packaging is simple, clean, and easy to toss into a makeup bag. NYX keeps things affordable with a retail price of around $12 at most stores, including Ulta, Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
One thing that makes this highlighter stand out is the ingredient list. It contains mango seed butter, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. These are nourishing ingredients you do not often see in a drugstore powder highlighter. They help the product feel smooth and prevent that dry, powdery look on the skin.
How Does the Formula Feel and Perform?
The first thing you notice about the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter is its silky, buttery texture. When you swipe your finger across the pan, the product feels soft and almost creamy. It does not feel stiff or hard like some pressed powder highlighters.
On the skin, it blends quickly and easily. You can apply it with a fan brush, a tapered brush, or even your fingertips. The formula picks up well on all three application methods. With a brush, you get a more subtle, diffused glow. With fingertips, the color payoff is more intense and concentrated.
The pigmentation level is high for a drugstore highlighter. One light swipe gives you a noticeable shimmer. Two or three layers build up to a bold, blinding glow. This makes the product very versatile. You can wear it for everyday makeup or for a dramatic night out look.
NYX claims the formula lasts up to 12 hours. In real world use, most people find it stays visible for around 6 to 8 hours before it starts to fade. A setting spray helps extend the wear time. The formula is also transfer resistant, so it does not rub off easily on clothes or pillows.
One small downside is that the shimmer particles are slightly larger than what you would find in a high end highlighter. This gives the finish a more textured, sparkly look rather than a finely milled, glass skin effect. This is a personal preference, and many users actually love the bolder shimmer.
All Available Shades Explained
NYX released the Buttermelt Highlighter in eight distinct shades. Each shade has a fun, butter themed name and a unique color profile. Here is a breakdown of what each shade looks like and who it suits best.
05 Bright & Butta is a light champagne shade. It works well on fair to light skin tones and gives a classic, neutral glow. This is a great starter shade if you are new to highlighters. 10 Glaze It Butta is a light bronze tone. It suits light to medium skin and adds a warm, sun kissed shimmer.
15 U Butta Werk is a frosty pink shade. It looks stunning on lighter skin tones and adds a cool, rosy glow to the cheeks. 20 Butta Mint is a minty green shade. This is a bold, unconventional choice that looks amazing as a topper shade or on the inner corners of the eyes.
25 Butta Than Gold is a warm gold shade. It suits medium to deep skin tones and delivers a rich, warm glow. 30 Butta Bling is a silver shade with a cool, icy finish. 35 Butta In Bronze works beautifully on deeper skin tones with its warm bronze shimmer.
Finally, 40 No 1 Butta is a holographic lavender shade. It is the most unique option in the range. It gives a multidimensional, purple pink shift that looks incredible on all skin tones as a statement highlight.
Top 3 Alternatives for NYX Buttermelt Highlighter
If the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter does not check all your boxes, here are three excellent alternatives worth trying. Each one offers a unique glow at a budget friendly price.
1. e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand
- LIQUID HIGHLIGHTING WAND: Get glowing in seconds with a wave of this magic highlighting wand for dewy, radiant skin.
- CREATES LIT-FROM-WITHIN GLOW: The lightweight liquid formula is infused with hydrating squalane to create that lit-from-within glow.
Last update on 2026-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
This liquid highlighter wand from e.l.f. gives a dewy, lit from within glow that looks very natural. It is buildable, vegan, and cruelty free. The cushion tip applicator makes application easy and mess free. It works best for people who prefer a liquid formula over powder.
2. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder
- Highly pigmented
- Smooth Texture
Last update on 2026-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The Wet n Wild MegaGlo is a classic drugstore highlighter that has been a fan favorite for years. It delivers a smooth, pearly shimmer with great pigmentation. The formula is velvety and blends well. It costs even less than the NYX option, making it one of the most affordable highlighters on the market.
3. Essence Pure Nude Highlighter
- GLOW ON! Bring out your natural glow! The essence Pure Nude Highlighter adds natural luminescence to cheeks, temples, and brow bones for a gorgeous glow.
- BAKED SATIN FINISH: The baked satin finish formula applies smoothly while the light texture blends easily for a natural finish sure to spotlight your natural assets! **PLEASE NOTE**: some consumers believe this product arrives used, however, the reflective surface sheen is a results of the baked formula.
Last update on 2026-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The Essence Pure Nude Highlighter gives a subtle, natural glow that is perfect for everyday wear. It is very affordable and widely loved for its soft shimmer. If you want something less bold than the NYX Buttermelt, this is an excellent pick.
Ingredients Breakdown: What Is Inside the Formula?
The NYX Buttermelt Highlighter contains a mix of cosmetic pigments and skin nourishing ingredients. The main base includes mica and synthetic fluorphlogopite, which are responsible for the shimmer and light reflecting effect.
Titanium dioxide provides opacity and helps the product show up on different skin tones. Dimethicone helps the formula glide smoothly and gives it that silky, buttery feel. Ethylhexyl palmitate acts as an emollient that softens the skin.
The star ingredients are the natural butters and oils. Mango seed butter brings moisture and helps the powder blend without looking patchy. Shea butter adds a layer of nourishment. Sweet almond oil provides a smooth application and helps lock in hydration.
The formula also contains Vitamin E (tocopherol), which acts as an antioxidant. It helps protect the skin from environmental stress. Corn starch is another ingredient that helps absorb excess oil and keeps the product in place.
The product does not contain talc in the highlighter version (unlike the Buttermelt Blush, which does). It is also vegan and cruelty free. The ingredient list is relatively clean for a drugstore product, which makes it suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
How to Apply the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter
Applying the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter is simple. You do not need special tools or advanced makeup skills. A few basic steps will give you a beautiful glow.
Step one: prep your skin. Start with a moisturized face and your usual base makeup. A primer helps the highlighter grip onto the skin and last longer. If you use foundation or concealer, apply those first and let them set.
Step two: pick your tool. A small fan brush gives the most natural, diffused glow. A tapered highlighting brush provides more precision. Your fingertips work great for a bold, intense application. The warmth of your fingers helps the product melt into the skin.
Step three: apply to the high points of your face. Focus on the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the brow bone, and the cupid’s bow. These areas naturally catch light, and the highlighter enhances that effect.
Step four: blend. Use gentle tapping or sweeping motions to blend the product into your skin. Avoid rubbing too hard, as this can move your base makeup underneath. A light hand gives the best result with this formula.
For a more creative look, you can also use the Buttermelt Highlighter on your collarbones, shoulders, and eyelids. The Butta Mint and No 1 Butta shades look especially stunning as eyeshadow toppers.
Does It Work on Oily Skin?
Oily skin and powder highlighters can be a tricky combination. The good news is that the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter works reasonably well on oily skin. The powder formula absorbs into the skin without adding extra shine or greasiness.
However, there are some caveats. Oily skin tends to break down makeup faster. Some users with oily skin report that the highlighter fades or migrates slightly after 4 to 5 hours. This is common with most drugstore highlighters and is not unique to this product.
A mattifying primer underneath helps a lot. It creates a barrier that keeps the highlighter locked in place. A light dusting of translucent setting powder before applying the highlighter also helps. Finishing with a setting spray adds another layer of protection.
The corn starch in the formula does help with oil absorption to some extent. But it is not a mattifying product by design. If you have very oily skin, you may need to touch up during the day. Overall, the product performs well on oily skin with proper prep.
Does It Work on Dry Skin?
This is where the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter truly shines. The formula was made with dry skin in mind, thanks to the inclusion of mango butter, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. These ingredients add moisture and prevent the highlighter from clinging to dry patches.
Most dry skin users report a smooth, seamless application. The product does not emphasize flaky areas or settle into fine lines. It gives a dewy, healthy glow that looks natural and radiant.
For best results on dry skin, make sure to moisturize well before application. A hydrating primer also helps create a smooth canvas. Apply the highlighter with your fingers for a more melted, skin like finish. The warmth from your fingers helps the butters in the formula activate and blend better.
Dry skin users tend to get longer wear from this product compared to oily skin users. The natural oils in dry skin help the product adhere and stay in place. Most dry skin reviewers report 7 to 9 hours of visible wear without much fading.
NYX Buttermelt Highlighter vs. High End Highlighters
One of the biggest questions people ask is whether this $12 drugstore highlighter can compete with high end options. The answer is yes and no, depending on what you value most.
In terms of pigmentation, the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter holds its own. It delivers bold, visible shimmer that rivals products costing three or four times as much. Beauty influencer Jeffree Star even called it “one of the world’s most blinding highlighters” because there is minimal filler in the formula.
The ingredient quality is also impressive for the price. Mango butter, shea butter, and sweet almond oil are ingredients you often see in luxury products. NYX has packed real nourishing ingredients into an affordable formula.
Where it falls slightly short is in the shimmer particle fineness. High end highlighters from brands like Dior, Charlotte Tilbury, or Hourglass tend to have ultra fine, finely milled shimmer. The NYX Buttermelt has slightly chunkier particles that create a more textured, sparkly look. This gives it a different finish, not necessarily worse, but different.
The packaging is also simpler than what you get with luxury brands. There is no mirror, no magnetic closure, and no luxurious weight to the compact. But for $12, this is expected and not a dealbreaker.
Longevity and Wear Time: Real World Results
NYX claims the Buttermelt Highlighter lasts up to 12 hours. In practice, real world wear time varies based on your skin type, climate, and whether you use a setting spray.
On normal to dry skin, most users report 6 to 9 hours of solid wear. The highlight stays visible and does not break apart during this time. After the 8 hour mark, you may notice a slight dimming of the glow, but it does not disappear completely.
On oily skin, wear time drops to around 4 to 6 hours without a setting spray. With a setting spray, oily skin users can push it closer to 7 or 8 hours. The product does not melt off or become patchy. It simply fades gradually.
In humid climates, the product may wear less effectively. Heat and moisture speed up the breakdown of any powder product. If you live in a hot, humid area, a primer and setting spray are essential.
One notable positive is the transfer resistance. The highlighter does not rub off easily on phone screens, hands, or clothing. This is a real advantage for a drugstore product and something many users appreciate.
Packaging and Value for Money
The NYX Buttermelt Highlighter comes in a compact, round plastic case. It is lightweight and small enough to fit in any makeup bag or purse. The design is clean, with the shade name printed on the front.
One common complaint about the packaging is the lid. Several users report that it is difficult to open. The snap closure is tight, and it can take some effort to pop it open. This is a minor annoyance but worth mentioning.
There is no built in mirror, which is a downside if you like to do touch ups on the go. The packaging is functional but not luxurious. It does the job, but it does not feel premium in your hand.
In terms of value, you get 5 grams of product for around $12. That is very competitive compared to other drugstore highlighters. The pigmentation is strong, so you do not need a lot of product per application. A single compact can easily last several months of daily use.
Compared to the e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlight Wand ($14) and Wet n Wild MegaGlo ($5), the NYX Buttermelt sits in the middle of the drugstore price range. It offers a strong balance of quality and affordability.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Summary
Every product has strengths and weaknesses. Here is a clear, honest look at what the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter does well and where it falls short.
The formula is genuinely buttery and smooth. This is not just marketing. The product glides onto the skin with zero effort. The mango butter, shea butter, and almond oil make a noticeable difference in how the powder feels and blends.
The shade range is diverse and fun. Eight shades give you options for subtle everyday glow and bold, creative looks. The inclusion of shades like Butta Mint and No 1 Butta shows NYX is willing to push boundaries.
The pigmentation is excellent for the price. A single swipe delivers visible color. This saves product and makes the compact last a long time. You get serious value for $12.
On the downside, the shimmer can be slightly chunky. If you prefer a finely milled, glass skin finish, this product may not match your expectations. It leans more sparkly than refined.
The packaging could be better. The tight lid and lack of a mirror are small but real inconveniences. Also, some users feel the product looks smaller in person than it appears online. At 5 grams, it is a standard size, but the compact is petite.
Finally, the wear time does not fully hit the 12 hour claim for most people. Expect around 6 to 8 hours of solid wear with proper prep. A setting spray helps extend the life of the product.
Who Should Buy the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter?
- Melt Into A Butta Glow: The butta smooth, buildable shimmers in our Buttermelt Highlighter blend like powder, glide like butta, and deliver transfer-resistant, fade-proof highlighter makeup powder wear for up to 12 hours with no fallout
- Butta Glow, Butta Boom: Packed with high-impact pearls for a seamless glow, this buttery-soft makeup highlighter formula creates dimension from cheeks to shoulders. Build and layer for customized radiance that lasts all day and night
Last update on 2026-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
This highlighter is a great fit for several types of makeup users. If you are on a budget and want a high quality glow, this product delivers. The $12 price tag makes it accessible to students, beginners, and anyone who does not want to spend $40 or more on a highlighter.
Dry skin users will love this product. The buttery, nourishing formula works beautifully on dry or dehydrated skin. It does not cling to flaky patches or emphasize texture. It gives a smooth, healthy glow that looks natural.
Creative makeup lovers will appreciate the unique shade options. Butta Mint, No 1 Butta, and Butta Bling offer bold, non traditional highlight colors that work as eye toppers, body shimmer, or artistic face highlights.
If you prioritize vegan and cruelty free products, this highlighter checks both boxes. It also has a relatively clean ingredient list for a drugstore product.
This product may not be the best fit for people who want ultra fine, glass skin shimmer. It also may not be ideal for very oily skin without extra prep steps. But for the majority of makeup users, the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter offers a lot of quality at an unbeatable price.
Final Verdict: Is the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter Worth It?
After testing this product and reading hundreds of reviews, the answer is yes, the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter is worth buying. It delivers a beautiful, buttery glow at a price that is hard to beat.
The formula is genuinely impressive for a drugstore product. The nourishing butters and oils make it feel luxurious on the skin. The pigmentation is strong, the shade range is diverse, and the wear time is decent with proper prep.
It is not a perfect product. The shimmer is slightly chunky, the packaging has some issues, and the 12 hour wear claim is optimistic. But at $12, these are minor trade offs for what you get.
If you are looking for a new drugstore highlighter in 2026, the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter belongs on your shortlist. It is fun, affordable, nourishing, and delivers real results. Give it a try and see the buttery glow for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter suitable for all skin tones?
Yes, the range includes eight shades that cover fair to deep skin tones. NYX recommends Bright & Butta and Glaze It Butta for lighter skin, Butta Than Gold and Butta Bling for warmer and deeper skin, and U Butta Werk for a rosy highlight. The No 1 Butta shade in holographic lavender looks beautiful on all skin tones as a statement highlight.
Does the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter contain glitter?
The highlighter does not contain traditional craft glitter. It uses high impact pearl pigments and mica to create its shimmer. However, the shimmer particles are slightly larger than those found in some high end highlighters. The finish leans sparkly rather than ultra fine, which some users describe as slightly chunky.
Can I use the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter on my eyes?
Yes, many users apply this highlighter on their eyelids as a shimmer topper or eyeshadow. The Butta Mint and No 1 Butta shades are especially popular for eye looks. The formula is soft and blendable, making it easy to use on the lids. Just be gentle during application to avoid fallout.
How long does the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter last on the skin?
NYX claims up to 12 hours of wear. In practice, most users experience 6 to 8 hours of visible glow on normal to dry skin. Oily skin users may see fading around the 4 to 6 hour mark. A setting spray and primer help extend the wear time closer to the 12 hour claim.
Where can I buy the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter?
You can purchase this highlighter at major retailers. It is available at Ulta, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and the NYX Cosmetics website. The price is approximately $12, though prices may vary slightly by retailer. Amazon often has all eight shades available with Prime shipping.
Is the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter cruelty free and vegan?
Yes, the NYX Buttermelt Highlighter is both vegan and cruelty free. NYX Professional Makeup does not test on animals. The product does not contain any animal derived ingredients. This makes it a solid choice for ethically conscious beauty shoppers.
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