NYX Buttermelt Bronzer Review

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Powder bronzers are one of those makeup products that it takes me ages to get through. That’s why I don’t review a lot of them – I just don’t have to buy them that often!

I’ve been pretty faithful to my Jones Road The Bronzer for the last year so, when I finally finished it, I was super excited to try out something new. And it was the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer that caught my eye 👀

Drugstore makeup has been killing it recently. From lip oils to skin tints, I’m actually finding that (more often than not) these affordable options are outperforming their luxury counterparts.

It’s sort of why I put my trust in the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer! I’ve always found NYX to be a reliable brand, and I figured I couldn’t go wrong when all their latest launches have totally hit the mark.

So, does the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer live up to the hype? Let’s find out!

What is the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer?

This is a pressed bronzer which is supposed to apply like a powder but melt into the skin like butter (hence the name!) 🧈

It’s creaminess is helped by the fact it’s formulated with Shea Butter, Mango Butter and Almond Butter. These are all emollients which are great at nourishing the skin.

This bronzer promises 12-hour wear, as well as a transfer-resistant and crease-resistant finish. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

Packaging

The NYX Buttermelt Bronzer comes in a flat, rectangular compact with a flip-open lid.

I like how sleek it feels, it kind of sits like a pebble in your hand – it’s very comfortable to hold and use!

There isn’t a mirror in the lid, which I don’t hate as I’d usually take a separate mirror with me if I’m travelling. But this could be a con for some.

My main concern is that the packaging doesn’t really seem all that protective. I’ve seen loads of unboxings where the bronzer has already crumbled before the product has even been opened.

I was half expecting the same thing when mine arrived from Boots (it always seems to be sold out in store!). Fortunately, because it came twice wrapped in bubble wrap, it was in tact.

It does say a lot that it has to be sent this way though. And I’m a little hesitant about taking it with me when I travel just in case it does smash in my bag.

Shades & swatches

The NYX Buttermelt Bronzer comes in 11 shades, ranging from 01 Butta Cup (described as ‘light neutral’) through to 08 Butta than U (a ‘deep rich warm neutral’).

If the numbers seem off it’s because we’ve got some half shades in there too: 2.5 Butta Ballin, 3.5 Butta’d Down and 7.5 Butta Match.

I believe this product launched with 8 shades so the three shades above are all new(ish) additions.

For a drugstore bronzer, I feel there’s quite a good range of shades. It’s worth noting, though, that pretty much all of these run warm. The only cool shade is 03 Deserve Butta.

I went for the lightest shade 01 Butta Cup, which I’ve swatched for you below.

Application

I’ve always found powder bronzer to be the easiest type of bronzer to apply. There’s a little less room for error with a powder than a cream, and this NYX Buttermelt Bronzer is no exception to that.

You don’t have to worry about streaks or patchiness because this applies beautifully.

With a big, fluffy brush, the product is dispersed evenly across the face, giving a really natural sun-kissed effect.

The pressed powder is a little delicate, so you do get quite a bit of kick-up when you swirl the brush in the pan. But this isn’t a major issue, you just have to be a bit careful when you’re applying it to not get it everywhere!

Pigmentation

The NYX Buttermelt Bronzer is way more pigmented than I initially expected. In my head, I though this would be quite sheer and I would need to build up colour with multiple layers.

This isn’t the case at all!

I think because your brush actually picks up a lot of product, you can get quite a noticeable bronzed effect on your first pass.

I really advise dusting off your brush and buffing the product onto the back of your hand before you apply it to your face, so you get the most natural finish. Otherwise it’s easy to end up with a more intense bronze than you wanted!

Texture, formula & finish

NYX were right to call this their Buttermelt Bronzer – the texture is surprisingly buttery.

Obviously it’s a powder first and foremost, but it does have a certain creaminess that you can feel if you run your fingers across the pan. It does coat your fingertips in the same way a cream product would!

This is what gives it that soft, natural-looking finish on the skin. It’s not quite as matte as a traditional pressed powder bronzer would be.

I actually hadn’t realised, before I bought it, that this would be a shimmery bronzer.

I usually prefer ‘flat’ bronzers to pearlescent ones, just because I think the glowy ones can sometimes highlight texture on the skin.

But this doesn’t do that so much. Though the swatch looks very metallic, when it’s on the face, it’s much more subtle than I thought.

Wear time

I always find it hard to judge the wear time of bronzers. It’s not quite as clear as a blush – you can always tell when those have worn off!

This one does stay visible on the skin throughout the day, and I don’t find myself needing to touch it up so that’s always a good sign in my books.

Where you can buy it

You buy the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer from multiple beauty retailers here in the UK. LOOKFANTASTIC, Superdrug and Boots (where I got mine from) all sell it.

If you’re in the US, you can grab this from Ulta, Target or Walmart.

It’s usually around £9.99 ($9.99) depending on where you buy it.

Final thoughts: Is the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer any good?

I’m really happy with my purchase of this bronzer. I like how creamy the texture is and just how much pigment it provides. I also love the scent. I mean it’s sweet and tropical, what’s not to like?!

For the price, this feels like a really good quality product and I definitely think it’s worth buying.

I would like to see more shades, especially in cooler tones. But I’m not disappointed by the original line up, and it does look like NYX is already bringing out more shades (even if they are more warm ones!).

If you’re looking for an affordable powder bronzer to add to your makeup collection, give this one a go.

What are your thoughts on the NYX Buttermelt Bronzer? Would you give it a try? Let me know!