It’s been over a decade since NYX Professional Makeup first dropped their Butter Gloss line. In the world of beauty, that is basically ancient history. Most products launched in 2011 have been reformulated into oblivion, discontinued, or replaced by some flashy "clean beauty" alternative that costs four times as much. But not this one. Specifically, NYX Butter Gloss Tiramisu remains a cult favorite that refuses to die. Honestly, it’s kind of impressive. If you walk into any drugstore or Ulta today, there’s a high chance the Tiramisu slot is the only one empty on the display.
People obsess over it.
Why? It’s just a $6 gloss. Except, it isn't "just" a gloss. It is the gold standard for what a wearable, mid-tone pinky-brown should look like on almost every skin tone. It’s that rare, elusive product that manages to look like your lips but better (the "MLBB" holy grail) without making you look washed out or like you’ve applied a layer of sticky glue to your face.
The Science of Why Tiramisu Works
Let’s get into the weeds of the color theory here. NYX describes Tiramisu as a "brown-pink," which is technically accurate but doesn't really do the nuance justice. It sits right in the sweet spot of the color wheel where the warmth of a soft tan meets the coolness of a dusty mauve. Because of this balance, it doesn't pull too orange on pale skin, and it doesn't look like ashy concealer on deeper complexions.
If you look at the ingredients—which, by the way, have stayed remarkably consistent—you’ll see Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) and Polyisobutene at the top. This is why it’s called "Butter" gloss. It’s not a lacquer. It’s not a stain. It’s a hybrid between a balm and a traditional gloss.
It feels soft. Silky.
The formula uses Microcrystalline Wax to give it that "grip" so it doesn't migrate into the fine lines around your mouth. It’s a common complaint with cheap glosses; they usually end up on your chin within twenty minutes. Tiramisu stays put, mostly because the pigment load is higher than your average sheer gloss. It’s about 60% opaque. This means it covers the natural unevenness of lip pigmentation without looking like a heavy, 1950s-style cream lipstick.
The Viral Factor and the "Clean Girl" Aesthetic
You’ve probably seen it all over TikTok and Instagram. Even though "Clean Girl" makeup is technically evolving into "Mob Wife" or whatever the algorithm is pushing this week, the core of both looks remains a hydrated, neutral lip. NYX Butter Gloss Tiramisu fits perfectly into the current trend of "under-painting" and lip contouring.
I’ve seen professional makeup artists like Katie Jane Hughes and Mario Dedivanovic use drugstore staples in their kits, and NYX is a frequent flyer. They aren't doing it to be "relatable." They do it because the formula performs. When you pair Tiramisu with a slightly darker liner—say, NYX Slim Lip Liner in "Nutmeg" or "Espresso"—you get a dimensional pout that looks like it cost $50 at a Sephora counter.
It’s the sheer versatility that keeps it relevant.
One swipe gives you a subtle tint for a grocery run. Three swipes give you a lush, high-shine finish that holds its own against a heavy smokey eye for a night out. It’s one of the few products that genuinely bridges the gap between high-end luxury feel and "I found this in my purse from three years ago" convenience.
Addressing the Sticky Question
We need to talk about the texture. Some people hate gloss. They think of that early 2000s era where your hair would get stuck to your lips if a light breeze caught you.
Tiramisu is different.
It’s emollient. It has a slight vanilla-cupcake scent that is nostalgic without being cloying. If you’re used to the "oil-gloss" hybrids that are popular right now (like the Dior Lip Glow Oil), the Butter Gloss will feel "thicker" to you. But that thickness is actually its strength. It provides a protective barrier. If your lips are perpetually dry, this formula acts like an occlusive, locking in whatever moisture you have left.
How Tiramisu Compares to High-End Dupes
It’s funny because usually, people look for drugstore dupes for high-end products. With Tiramisu, it’s often the other way around. People are constantly trying to find "luxury" versions of this specific shade.
- Fenty Glow (Gloss Bomb): Fenty is much more shimmering and has a peachier undertone. Tiramisu is more "nude-brown" and has zero shimmer.
- Tower 28 Cashew: This is a close contender in terms of color, but the formula is a true gel-oil. It’s thinner and wears off much faster than the NYX version.
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk: This is more pink and less brown. If Pillow Talk is too "bridal" for you, Tiramisu is the edgier, more casual cousin you actually want to hang out with.
The price point is the real kicker. You can buy five tubes of NYX Butter Gloss Tiramisu for the price of one high-end gloss. In an economy where everything feels like a ripoff, there is something deeply satisfying about a product that over-delivers for the price of a latte.
Real Talk: The Limitations
Nothing is perfect. I’m not going to sit here and tell you this gloss will last through a three-course steak dinner. It won’t. It’s a gloss. You will have to reapply it after you drink coffee. You will have to reapply it after you eat.
Also, the packaging is basic. It’s a plastic tube with a standard doe-foot applicator. It’s not going to look "prestige" on your vanity. But honestly? Who cares. The value is inside the tube.
Some people find the scent a bit much if they are sensitive to fragrance. It’s a synthetic vanilla. If you prefer unscented products, you might find it annoying for the first five minutes, though the smell does dissipate pretty quickly once it’s on your skin.
Making Tiramisu Work for Your Skin Tone
If you are very fair, Tiramisu might actually look like a proper brown on you. It can be quite bold. To soften it, dab it on the center of your lips and blend out with your finger. This creates a "bitten" look that is very popular in K-beauty.
For medium skin tones, this is your perfect match. No notes. Just put it on.
For deep skin tones, Tiramisu can sometimes look a bit pale if worn alone. The trick here is the "lip cocktail." Line your lips with a dark chocolate brown liner, blend the edges inward, and then pop Tiramisu right in the middle. The contrast creates a stunning ombre effect that makes lips look significantly fuller without the need for stinging "plumping" ingredients like peppermint or capsicum.
Where to Buy and What to Look For
You can find it literally everywhere—CVS, Target, Amazon, Ulta. But a word of caution: because it’s so popular, there are actually "fakes" on some third-party marketplaces. Always make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller.
Check the seal. The Butter Glosses should come with a clear plastic shrink-wrap. If it’s missing, don't use it.
Actionable Tips for the Best Application:
- Exfoliate first: Because Tiramisu is creamy, it can highlight dry patches. Use a damp washcloth or a sugar scrub before applying.
- Layer over matte: If you have a matte liquid lipstick that is too drying or a color that's a bit too "flat," topping it with Tiramisu adds depth and comfort.
- The "No-Mirror" Test: This shade is forgiving enough that you can apply it in the dark or without a mirror and it still looks centered. It’s the ultimate "car gloss."
- Storage matters: Don't leave your tube in a hot car. The waxes can separate, and while it won't "ruin" the product, it changes the texture and makes it goopy.
The enduring legacy of NYX Butter Gloss Tiramisu isn't just about marketing. It’s about the fact that it’s a reliable, accessible piece of makeup that actually does what it says on the tin. It makes your lips look hydrated, the color is universally flattering, and it doesn't break the bank. In a beauty industry that is constantly trying to sell us the "next big thing," sometimes the best thing is the one that's been sitting in your makeup bag for a decade. It’s a classic for a reason. Grab a tube, keep it in your pocket, and stop overthinking your lip color.