Editor’s Note: We reviewed this article on September 20, 2023. As per our editorial policy, we are constantly updating our content, to make sure it reflects the best of the best when it comes to beauty, wellness, and fashion. We want to assure our readers that we still stand by our recommendations, which we do.
Anyone who knows me knows I can't go into a drugstore without strolling the beauty aisle—and the NYX Professional Makeup Butter Glosses have always caught my eye. I'm sure you've felt the magic that radiates when surrounded by stocked shelves and well-lit aisles (thanks, Target)—it's a therapeutic release for me, especially when I know the total cost for, say, three products won't be in the triple digits.
Without fail, there's always one brand that stands out to me as I'm scouring the shelves. Nyx Professional Makeup is a full-range cosmetics line that makes beauty accessible, both in terms of ease of use and price. I recently learned that one of my favorite products—the Butter Gloss—sells every 15 seconds, and to be frank, I wasn't surprised in the least.
Below, find my review of this drugstore must-have, including the pros, cons, and a few gushing paragraphs about my love for it.
Pros:
- Large shade selection (32, to be exact)
- Non-sticky formula
- Provides intense shine
- The price
Cons:
- Offers sheer to medium coverage
- Needs to be reapplied throughout the day
Bottom Line
The NYX Professional Makeup Butter Glosses are a must-have product courtesy of the large shade selection, non-sticky formula, intense shine, and accessible price tag.
BEST FOR: Beginners and pros; wearing alone or for layering
Star Rating: 4.5/5
Active Ingredients: Mineral oil, Beeswax
BYRDIE CLEAN: No, contains mineral oil
POTENTIAL ALLERGENS: Beeswax, Fragrance
PRICE:$5
Shade Range: 32 shades, ranging from clear to dark shades
What's Included: Product only
ABOUT THE BRAND: NYX Professional Makeup is a full-range colored cosmetics line that's rooted in professional artistry and continues to stay on top of beauty trends at an accessible price.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2254801-94850c7f64d141f59e158e387ad6dc09.jpg "This Drugstore Lip Gloss Sells One Every 15 Seconds (1)")
About My Skin: Dry, chapped lips
I'm someone with dry everything, lips included. This means beyond applying an incessant amount of lip balm—my current favorite is Nooni's Applebutter Overnight Lip Mask ($18)—my lips require a healthy dose of exfoliation before applying a lip product of any finish or texture (gloss included).
How to Apply: Smooth on generously
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_2851-15aeb5657f304658a4440b77b5f8aaac.jpg "This Drugstore Lip Gloss Sells One Every 15 Seconds (2)")
The Daily Concepts Daily Lip Scrubber ($6) is a silicone brush that sloughs away any chapped skin on my lips, and it's what I use pre-application to provide a smooth, soft base for my lip products. Thankfully, because the Butter Gloss is, well, a lip gloss (versus a liquid lipstick), its formula is naturally moisturizing to begin with. I usually gravitate toward nude and baby pink lip colors, and Crème Brulee and Madeline have been my go-tos for several years. Tiramisu, Angel Food Cake, and Strawberry Cheesecake are the deepest I'll go when it comes to mauve and brighter pinks, and because this formula provides a sheer wash of color, I feel comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone.
Because this formula provides a sheer wash of color, I feel comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone.
The Results: Sheer, juicy, and multi-purpose
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nyxbuttergloss-568a7a0acb724d6388da011d57ab6982.jpg "This Drugstore Lip Gloss Sells One Every 15 Seconds (3)")
On days I'm doing minimal makeup, I'm not looking for full-coverage on my lips because an opaque formula wouldn't pair well with my bare eyes and natural face makeup. Butter Gloss is a formula that's marketed as sheer to medium coverage, and while a few of the shades are more pigmented than others, the majority of them are sheer. The beauty of this product, though, is it layers beautifully with lip liner, lipstick, or matte liquid lipstick without feathering or clumping up. Plus, I dig the vanilla scent and matching sweet shade names.
The Value: Shockingly affordable
There's a reason why this lip gloss has sold over 10 million units since inception. With its $5 price tag (I'm usually able to use a coupon, too), it delivers what it says it will: glossy, sheer lips. Those looking for a full-coverage lip product will find it lacking in pigmentation, but for me, it's a staple.
With its $5 price tag, it delivers what it says it will: glossy, sheer lips.
Similar Products: You have options
Makeup Geek Healing Lip Glaze: Similar in price, this formula contains shea and kokum butters to condition dry lips along with plant-based actives to offer protection and healing properties.
MAC Cosmetics Dazzleglass: Though pricier than the Butter Gloss, this formula contains large pearl particles that add dimension to your lips, mimicking the appearance of quartz and opal crystals as it plumps.
Our Verdict: Stock up
This lip gloss is a throwback to the sheer glossy lip era we're all coveting at the moment. And while you won't find the same pigmentation here as you would with an Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss ($16), for example, it's perfect for those seeking out a traditional glossy lip that pairs beautifully with other lip products.
The 16 Best Lip Glosses for Shiny, Moisturized Lips
