Buxton is primarily known for her performance in the NBC daytime soap opera "Sunset Beach", which aired from January 6, 1997 to December 31, 1999. Buxton was an original cast member and remained with the show for its entire run, playing the reformed Annie Douglas Richards opposite Lesley-Anne Down and Sam Behrens. For her portrayal of Annie, Buxton was nominated in the category of "Outstanding heroine" at the 1998 "Soap Opera Digest" Awards. Justine Elias of "The New York Times" said Buxton and Anne Down showed signs of "becoming a classic matchup of battling soap opera vixens" in the respective roles of Annie and Olivia. Henry Mietkiewicz of the "Toronto Star" said that Annie "crowed gracelessly" during her scenes and opined that Buxton had a tendency to "shrilly overplay" Annie.