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The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Skin

Radiance in a bottle.

By Katie Intner
body shimmer
Harper's Bazaar

Summer dressing can sneak up on you: One day you are wearing jeans in 50-degree weather, and the next you are reaching for lightweight dresses and shorts to combat the humidity and heat. Which means: more skin to show. If your skin looks slightly duller than you'd like due winter months spent inside, don't worry. Now’s the time to reach for the best self-tanners, as well as shimmery body oils and creams to embrace (and fake) a summer glow.

  • Les Beiges Illuminating Oil Face, Body, and Hair

    Chanel

    Les Beiges Illuminating Oil Face, Body, and Hair

    $90 at Ulta Beauty
    Read more
  • Major Glow Body Oil

    Patrick Ta

    Major Glow Body Oil

    Read more
  • Pool Time Glowing Body Oil

    Summer Fridays

    Pool Time Glowing Body Oil

    Read more
  • Crème Nourrissante
  • GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

    Sol de Janeiro

    GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

    Read more

“A body shimmer is the perfect way to finish off a glam look,” says celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, whose clients include Gigi Hadid and Camila Cabello. “For body highlighters, I’m partial to formulas that focus on enhancing the natural skin and adding moisture through emollients, with the added glowy even tone.”

From oils to creams—and even SPF—shimmer in a bottle comes in a variety of forms. So no matter what your preference is, you can get glowing today with some of our favorite picks below.


Chanel

Les Beiges Illuminating Oil Face, Body, and Hair

Les Beiges Illuminating Oil Face, Body, and Hair
Chanel

Les Beiges Illuminating Oil Face, Body, and Hair

$90 at Ulta Beauty
Credit: Ulta
Pros
  • Versatile
Cons

    Two things that scream luxury: sparkle and a hefty bottle of Chanel. This non-sticky oil, made to slather on your hair, body, and face, has golden and copper specks to reflect light and create a soft shimmer perfect for everyday use.

    Patrick Ta

    Major Glow Body Oil

    Major Glow Body Oil
    Patrick Ta

    Major Glow Body Oil

    Credit: Sephora
    Pros
    • Dries fast
    Cons
    • Strong scent

    This high-shine oil contains stabilized vitamin C, olive oil, and squalane for a nourishing, natural glow, and it doubles as a fragrance with notes of jasmine, white musk, and saffron.

    Summer Fridays

    Pool Time Glowing Body Oil

    Pool Time Glowing Body Oil
    Summer Fridays

    Pool Time Glowing Body Oil

    Credit: Revolve
    Pros
    • Great for dry skin
    Cons
    • Sheer coverage

    Jojoba, apricot kernel, and macadamia oil combine forces in this formula that turns lackluster skin into liquid gold. Apply on damp skin post-shower or pool to lock in hydration.

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    Payot

    Crème Nourrissante

    On Sale
    Crème Nourrissante
    Payot

    Crème Nourrissante

    Now 43% Off
    Credit: Payot
    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    Cons

      The secret to glowing French girl skin? This shimmer cream from Payot, which contains hydrating jojoba oil to nourish skin and pink quartz microcrystals that look flattering on all skin tones.

      Sol de Janeiro

      GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

      GlowMotions Glow Body Oil
      Sol de Janeiro

      GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

      Credit: Sol de Janeiro
      Pros
      • Great shade range
      Cons
      • Strong Scent

      Not only does this shimmer oil add luminosity, but it blurs skin and comes with the brand's iconic scent featuring pistachio, vanilla, and almond. Choose from three gorgeous shades: Copacabana Bronze, a warm-bronze; Rio Sunset, a champagne; and Carnaval Queen, a blush pink.

      Anastasia Beverly Hills

      Shimmer Body Oil

      Shimmer Body Oil
      Anastasia Beverly Hills

      Shimmer Body Oil

      Credit: Sephoraq
      Pros
      • Easy to apply
      Cons
      • Light shimmer

      When in a pinch, mist this pearlescent shimmer oil for the perfect dose of glow every time. The coconut-vanilla fragrance is seriously addictive—you'll want to wear it every day.

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      Costa Brazil

      Sunlight Body Oil

      Sunlight Body Oil
      Costa Brazil

      Sunlight Body Oil

      Now 45% Off
      Credit: Bluemercury
      Pros
      • Subtle shimmer
      Cons
      • Pricey

      Costa Brazil's instantly iconic body oil comes in shimmer shades that add the perfect touch of shine. Infused with fatty acids that work to improve texture and tone, as well as nourishing brazil nut oil and acai to revitalize the skin, this golden-hued oil leaves behind a sun-kissed effect.

      Moroccanoil

      Shimmering Body Oil

      Shimmering Body Oil
      Moroccanoil

      Shimmering Body Oil

      Credit: Amazon
      Pros
      • Great for deeper skin tones
      Cons
      • Strong scent

      Channel a Mediterranean getaway with Moroccanoil's Shimmering Body Oil, which boasts the brand's iconic woody, amber scent and bronzy finish. The pipette packaging makes it easy to add to your favorite moisturizer.

      Coppertone

      Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

      Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
      Coppertone

      Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

      Pros
      • Budget-friendly
      Cons

        A shimmer oil but with the added benefits of sun protection, Coppertone Glow Shimmer Sunscreen boasts both SPF 50 and an illuminating sheen.

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        Charlotte Tilbury

        Supermodel Body Highlighter

        Supermodel Body Highlighter
        Charlotte Tilbury

        Supermodel Body Highlighter

        Credit: Nordstrom
        Pros
        • Easy to apply
        Cons

          Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is known for her iconic glow. In fact, her cult-favorite highlight wands can't stay on the shelves, and her body highlighter stick is equally as in demand. Use the roller applicator to precisely apply to collarbones, shoulders, and down the center of your legs for Tilbury's signature red-carpet-worthy look.

          Fenty Beauty

          Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint

          Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint
          Fenty Beauty

          Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint

          Credit: Ulta
          Pros
          • Sweat-proof
          Cons

            This gel-cream formula glides right onto the skin and leaves behind a luminous glow, courtesy of babassu oil and vitamin E. Did we mention it's also humidity-, sweat-, and transfer-proof?

            Acqua di Parma

            Rosa Nobile Shimmering Body Oil

            Rosa Nobile Shimmering Body Oil
            Acqua di Parma

            Rosa Nobile Shimmering Body Oil

            Credit: Olivela
            Pros
            • Quick drying
            Cons
            • Pricey

            Even if you have only one minute before dashing out the door, this Acqua di Parma Shimmering Body Oil will dry quickly while still providing a hydrating glow, thanks to shea butter, pomegranate seed oil, and jojoba oil.

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            Supergoop!

            Glowscreen Body SPF 40 Body Lotion

            Glowscreen Body SPF 40 Body Lotion
            Supergoop!

            Glowscreen Body SPF 40 Body Lotion

            Pros
            • Great texture
            Cons

              The cult-favorite Glowscreen sunscreen also comes in a body version to add a subtle shimmer and SPF 40. Light-reflecting particles in this airy lotion create an all-over brightening effect.

              Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. Not Your Mama’s Panty Hose All Over Body Highlighter

              N.Y.M.P.H. Not Your Mama’s Panty Hose All Over Body Highlighter

              Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. Not Your Mama’s Panty Hose All Over Body Highlighter

              Pros
              • Lightweight texture
              Cons
              • Not transfer-proof

              The finely milled shimmer in this all-over highlighter looks great on everyone and creates a faux-filter appearance on the skin.

              Tom Ford

              Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil

              Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil
              Tom Ford

              Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil

              Credit: Bluemercury
              Pros
              • Smells great
              Cons
              • May be too much for sensitive noses

              This oil from Tom Ford instantly illuminates the skin and is laced with his beloved Soleil Brûlant scent, which conjures the feeling after a dip in the ocean on a tropical island. It's a must-have whether you're on vacation or just wish you were.

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              Sunday Riley Fairy Godmother Body Oil

              Fairy Godmother Body Oil

              Sunday Riley Fairy Godmother Body Oil

              Credit: Sunday Riley
              Pros
              • Nongreasy
              Cons

                Sunday Riley's Fairy Godmother Body Oil turns you into a bronzed goddess in seconds. The dry oil instantly sinks into skin and leaves behind loads of hydration from Tahitian gardenia extract and vitamin C.

                Lime Crime

                Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick

                Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick
                Lime Crime

                Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick

                Credit: Revolve
                Pros
                • Budget-friendly
                Cons
                • Sheer coverage

                This illuminating stick is perfect for highlighting on the go. The sheer sparkle makes it the perfect everyday summer staple.

                French Girl

                Lumiere Caramel Shimmer Body Oil

                Lumiere Caramel Shimmer Body Oil
                French Girl

                Lumiere Caramel Shimmer Body Oil

                Credit: Macy's
                Pros
                • Hydrating
                Cons

                  Embody the Parisian girl lifestyle with this luxe oil that imparts a subtle gleam (partially thanks to moisturizing ingredients like argan oil and shea butter).

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                  Frequently Asked Questions

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                  How do I use body shimmer?

                  If you’re a shimmer novice, or looking for something to wear day to day, try mixing your product into body lotion to keep skin hydrated and “bring through your natural shine while not overpowering the look,” Ta says. For more full-coverage glitz, “I prefer separating moisturizer and shimmer steps–especially for red-carpet moments,” he adds.

                  How do I apply body shimmer without making a mess?

                  Unfortunately, some body shimmers can leave a glittery trail behind in your bathroom. To make application a breeze, Ta recommends using a body brush. (We like the Fenty Beauty Face & Body Kabuki Brush.) “It gives you immense control and evenly spreads the products. Use a brush that is densely packed, but also gentle on the skin, to ensure a luminous, glossy finish.”

                  Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

                  best body shimmers 2023

                  For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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