<p><em>Cosmo</em> editors tested and reviewed everything from holy grail favorites to the buzziest products on your social feeds and the newest body shimmers to hit the shelves over the past year. We<strong> evaluated each body shimmer based on the key ingredients, formula, value, and finally, the glow</strong> to compile this shoppable list of the 21 very best body shimmers for the glowiest skin ever. It’s time to shine, bb.</p>”/>
Pros
- A little goes a long way, it will literally last forever
Cons
- Bronze shade is often sold out because of TikTok
Hands down, I have never found a glowy and radiance-boosting product that blends as easily or looks as good as this stick-cream-esque highlighter and bronzer. It can go over or under makeup, on your décolleté, legs, arms, and anywhere else you need a little extra boost of radiance. Plus, thanks to a brightening- and antioxidant-loaded formula, it’s basically the hack to the prettiest body glow ever. My personal fave: Unbothered Bronze.
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 1.3 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Niacinamide, avocado oil
- Shades: 3
Glowing Customer Review: “First off, it smells like a vanilla dessert. Second, this goes on and blends like butter. I got the shade Unbothered Bronze. It gave my legs and arms the nicest shimmery glow and also gave them a nice tan at the same time. I was so impressed! A must-have!”
2
Best Blurring Body Shimmer
Vita Liberata Body Blur
Pros
- Evens out your skin tone
Cons
- Some testers note that it can rub off on your clothes, so it’s best to only apply it to your exposed skin
I avoid the sun like the plague, which means my super fair skin stays super fair in the summer. I often find myself reaching for my self-tanner for a bronzed glow, but the only caveat? Sometimes it turns out both streaky and orange. I thought I would forever be (a) really pale or (b) a burnt Cheeto—that is, until I discovered the Vita Liberata Body Blur. This magic formula is like glowy, bronzey makeup for your body and covers anything from bruises to strawberry legs. The best part? Whether your skin is very light or very dark, they’ve got a shade for you.
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe
- Shades: 5
Glowing Customer Review: “I’m a Black girl with tan skin and this shade was perfect for me. Blends strawberry legs, veins, and pigmentation, and it looks super natural and hydrated. Plus, it doesn’t have a stinky tanning spray smell.”
3
Best Cult-Favorite Body Shimmer
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Pros
- Testers love the fragrance and describe it as a sophisticated summer scent you’d smell in the South of France
Cons
- Doesn’t give you a ton of moisturizing benefits
If you’re into French beauty—i.e., you want to come at beauty from a skin-first approach—you should definitely add this body shimmer oil to your cart. This dry oil is a cult favorite in the beauty community and is filled with the finest golden shimmer for a your-skin-but-better effect that can be used on your body, face, or even your hair.
- Formula: Oil
- Size: 3.3 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, macadamia oil
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “This is the perfect body shimmer. It’s not too oily or greasy and absorbs into the skin, leaving a gorgeous natural glow and shimmer. It’s buildable, so it offers a subtle shimmer, but you can definitely add layers to make it more intense. There is a very subtle scent, which is nice because I can pair it with any lotion/ perfume.”
4
Best Body Shimmer Balm
Patrick Ta Major Glow Balm
Pros
- The product comes in a bronzed shade and a clear shade
Cons
- Product is often sold out
If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this viral TikTok beauty product (s/o Alix Earle for selling this bb out), get ready for the glowiest skin of your life. Filled with a slew of oils, butters, and other emollients, your skin will get a heavy dose of moisture and be left with a dewy finish thanks to the micro-fine pearlescent shimmer.
- Formula: Balm
- Size: 1 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Jojoba oil, shea butter, emollients
- Shades: 2
Glowing Customer Review: “TikTok has influenced me to purchase a lot, and this has to be one of my absolute favorites!! It’s a beautiful glossy glow and not greasy at all! I like using a beauty blender to apply it to the face and a brush for the body.”
5
Best Smelling Body Shimmer
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30
Pros
- Offers an adequate amount of SPF protection
Cons
- Testers run through the bottle rather quickly
A perfume-like scent and glistening body oil in one, this bb smells like everything summer encompasses: Sunscreen and swimming pools, and it is truly nostalgia in a scent. Blended with one finely milled golden shimmer and one with larger specks, this body oil glazes your skin with an iridescent glow, all while providing SPF 30 protection. I’m obsessed—it’s basically the happiest scent ever, and the golden glow is just the cherry on top.
- Formula: Oil
- Size: 2.9 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, peptides, argan, marula, coconut, and jojoba oils
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “This is subtly beautiful. In the sun, the flecks of gold can be spotted; however, it’s not garish in the least. You can’t even see the sparkle without sun or light reflecting on the skin. I’m so happy I gave it a chance. Smells divine, like other Vacation suncare. My skin feels soft after applying—there’s zero oily feel, and you absolutely cannot feel grit from the ultra-fine glitters. While it looks and feels like a luxury cosmetic product, it has the added bonus of sun protection.”
6
Best Body Shimmer Oil
Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil
Pros
- Non-sticky nor greasy feel that lasts all day long
Cons
- It may transfer to your clothes if you don’t allow it the proper time to dry
If you like Sol de Janeiro’s iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, then you’re really about to fall in love with this glow oil that boasts the same Cheirosa ’62 fragrance. It has basically all the same (if not just as great) moisturizing and firming benefits as the cream, but it’s packed with super fine shimmer for the most illuminated skin ever.
- Formula: Oil
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Cupuaçu butter, açaí oil, coconut oil
- Shades: 2
Glowing Customer Review: “My go-to for a photo shoot, date night, or any event! The glow lasts all day and it smells so good! You don’t feel sticky or stained like some other brands.”
7
Best Drugstore Body Shimmer
Hempz Glow Getter Herbal Body Mist
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
Cons
- Some drugstores may not carry the product in person
A perfumed mist and glistening body oil in one, this bb smells like a combo of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes that make you feel like you’re in an ocean-side town, at a beach bar after a long day in the sun. It’s basically the happiest scent ever—filled with the most moisturizing of ingredients—and the super fine rose gold shimmer is just the cherry on top.
- Formula: Oil spray
- Size: 4.2 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Squalane, glycerin, aloe vera, vitamin B5, E, and C
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “I am absolutely blown away by its quality and effectiveness. This product is truly a game-changer in my beauty routine. The scent of this body mist is divine. It has a refreshing herbal aroma that instantly uplifts my mood and leaves me feeling rejuvenated. The shimmer adds a touch of glamour and sparkle to my skin, making me feel like a glowing goddess.”
8
Best Body Shimmer for Melanated Skin
Vaseline Illuminate Me Shimmering Body Oil
Pros
- Warm copper shimmer complements tan to deep skin tones
Cons
- Testers note that in order to feel moisturized enough, they have to use a lotion/cream beforehand
In collaboration with influential Black artists, creators, and athletes, this shimmering body oil was made with melanin-rich skin in mind. It contains a warm, copper shimmer to compliment deeper skin tones, in a sheer, lightweight, non-greasy formula. The best time to apply it? Post-moisturizing with a thick body lotion or cream.
- Formula: Oil
- Size: 3.3 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Sweet almond oil
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “I was soooooooo skeptical about trying this because I have very sensitive skin, but OMG! I’m glad I did! It smells amazing, the texture is perfect, it’s not too oily/not too heavy, the price is great, and it leaves my brown skin with such an added glow. It really brings the melanin skin tone out even more.“
9
Best Editor-Approved Body Shimmer
+ Lux Unfiltered N°10 Blurring Body Glow
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula, which is good for sensitive skin types
Cons
- It won’t be incredibly bronzing despite its appearance, and should be used for more for its glowy, blurring effect
Trust me when I say you absolutely need this product. Not only does it leave your skin looking like it has been airbrushed from head to toe, but it’s also rich in shea butter and sunflower seed oil (to moisturize), squalane (to hydrate), and vitamin C (to brighten). Winning formula, amiright?
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 6.8 oz.
- Key ingredient(s): Shea butter, squalane, sunflower seed oil, vitamin C
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “I went to a pool party with this on and I was told by everybody how great I looked. I was in and out of the pool all day, and it was still on! I had to wash it off with soap and water.”
10
Best Body Shimmer for Your Legs
thisworks Perfect Legs Skin Miracle
Pros
- Contains arnica, which is a great natural ingredient for bruises and inflammation
Cons
- You run through it rather quickly as your legs are a big area on your body
Every time I’ve had my friends over this summer before a night out, they ask to borrow what they like to call my “supermodel legs” serum. It’s a bronzey, 100% clean formula that makes your legs look legit airbrushed. The secret lies in the formula that’s made with caramel—which is filled with vitamin C, a natural brightener, and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant—and arnica, a fabulous ingredient for inflammation and, more commonly, bruises. The formula makes your skin look even, smooth, and super glowy.
- Formula: Serum
- Size: 5 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Arnica, vitamin E, and C
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “I love this product! I am in my middle 50s and when I use a self-tanner, the age spots on my legs become darker from the tanning lotion. This product does not do that to my age spots. I have found this product is buildable – meaning you can put it on, let it dry for a few minutes, and then add more and it’s darker each time. It adds a healthy glow to your legs, arms, or wherever you choose to use it.”
11
Best Body Shimmer Spray
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 42
Pros
- Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to your skin for ultra-hydration
Cons
- Testers note that they run through it very quickly
IMO, the best thing about this body shimmer spray is how quickly and easily it can transform you into a glazed donut with just a few spritzes. Plus, the vitamin E will calm, condition, and soothe your skin, while the hyaluronic acid gives it that hydration, and the SPF 42 protects it from the sun’s harsh rays.
- Formula: Spray
- Size: 4.7 oz
- Key ingredient(s): SPF, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and C
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “Its texture is extremely sheer, which allows it to blend effortlessly into skin. The shimmer is not overly glittery, just has a subtle sparkle that glows when the sun hits your skin. The smell is lovely and the pump creates a perfect mist for even application. I am purchasing again 100%!”
12
Best Body Shimmer Stick
Hello Sunday The Shimmer One SPF 45 Mineral Glow Stick
Pros
- Totally mineral formulation that’s safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- Won’t be the best choice for sun protection on your entire body (i.e., legs, arms)
There’s something about the convenience of beauty products in stick form. A sunscreen stick? There’s basically no excuse for me to not wear my SPF. A cream highlighter in a tube? You bet I’m about to be shining on every bit of exposed skin. This skin stick with both shimmer and SPF?! Do I even need to explain?
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 0.7 oz
- Key ingredient(s): SPF, hyaluronic acid
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “This is the first time I’ve seen an SPF stick with SHIMMERRRR in it and I’m loving it! Feeling it for festivals, beach parties…Anywhere I want a little more glow. It’s not sticky and gives the perfect golden glow.”
13
Best Bronze Body Shimmer
Dolce Glow Mia Shimmer Topper
Pros
- Soft rose water scent is so subtle and pretty
Cons
- If you don’t properly blend it out all the way, you’ll be left a bit streaky
My secret to smooth as-hell, stunning, and glowy skin? The Mia Instant Body Glow from Dolce Glow. The shimmery body glow makeup is the best hack to instantly bronze your skin with its wash-off formula sans the oiliness and lingering scent of self-tanners. The formula is also jam-packed with firming caffeine, protecting antioxidants, and a slew of moisturizers and hydrators, so you’re skin will feel as good as it looks. My hot tip? If you’re struggling with an even application, try out a kabuki brush for your body. It changes the game.
- Formula: Cream
- Size: 4 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, vitamin E, green tea extract
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “WOW! I am so IN LOVE with this!!! It really is an instant glow! The first time I tried it was before an event I was asked to attend last minute. I didn’t have time to do a full self-tan so I decided to use MIA on my arms, legs, and chest…Oh my goodness, it looked gorgeous!!! I have never felt more beautiful & confident in my own skin!”
14
Best Body Shimmer Shade Range
ColourPop Sol Shimmering Dry Oil
Pros
- A great amount of product for the price
Cons
- Some of the shades are sold out more often than others
Things that I love about this body shimmer oil: The nine (nine!) shade options, the lightweight feel, and the really inexpensive price tag. Take it from one reviewer: “This makes me feel like [a bronzed] Edward Cullen in the sunlight!” Yup, I’m sold.
- Formula: Oil
- Size: 3 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Coconut oil, argan oil, marula oil
- Shades: 9
Glowing Customer Review: “This leaves my skin dewy and moisturized. Great price point and delivers a soft gold-pigmented shine. Sets well and seems not to transfer. No chemical smell and feels great.“
15
Best Body Shimmer with SPF
Supergoop! Glowscreen
Pros
- The shade range has options for all skin tones
Cons
- May be too shiny for oily skin types
Say hello to my holy grail sunscreen: Supergoop’s Glowscreen. Coming in with a broad spectrum SPF 40 protection, an incredible radiant finish that comes in four colors (two of those being new), and a formula that contains hero ingredients, hyaluronic acid (to hydrate), and a bunch of skin-loving peptides, this bb is a no brainer.
- Formula: Lotion
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Key ingredient(s): SPF, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “This is one of my go-to sunscreens. It helps to even out my skin tone and give me a nice luminous/hydrated skin look without being greasy.“
16
Best MUA-Approved Body Glow
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen
Pros
- Won’t leave you feeling sticky like other SPFs
Cons
- Doesn’t contain any shimmer or pearlescent particles
So, no, this isn’t a body shimmer per se, I know, but by the end of this, you’re going to be convinced otherwise. When I was in my YouTube beauty guru era, J. Lo’s MUA, Scott Barnes, appeared on Tati’s channel and revealed his secret for that iconic J. Lo glow. The tea? He uses this Neutrogena Sheer Spray Sunscreen all over for the most natural, non-greasy glow that keeps people all over the world guessing. Plus, how can you argue with sun protection??
- Formula: Mist
- Size: 8 oz
- Key ingredient(s): SPF
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “We love this sunscreen. It’s the only brand/type we use. The spray is super easy and doesn’t have the typical greasy feel that so many others do.”
17
Best Body Shimmer Drops
Pai The Impossible Glow
Pros
- Formulated to leave your skin barrier smoother and more hydrated
Cons
- Some testers have noted that it didn’t last all day long
The formula of these glow drops is unmatched: The hyaluronic acid and glycerin come together to create the most hydrated and healthy skin barrier ever, and the added bronze sheen gives you that just-back-from-the-beach glow. If that wasn’t enough, your skin also gets a little lactic acid action, which works to gently exfoliate for smoother and fresher looking and feeling skin.
- Formula: Gel-liquid
- Size: 1 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “First time using this, I put a drop between my fingers after putting on my moisturizer and glided my fingers over my skin. I look kissed by the gods, not fake tan, not shiny or even shimmery—just a healthy pop of color and a hint of glow.”
18
Best Luxe Body Shimmer
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
Pros
- Shimmer is super finely milled so it looks natural
Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
If you’re willing to splurge on a body shimmer that guarantees goddess vibes, look no further than Tom Ford Soleil Blanc. Picture this: Upon first application, the scent of florals will smell super flirty, and then it will mellow down to amber and sandalwood for the most sophisticated summer scent ever. But the best part? The glow it leaves behind.
- Formula: Oil
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “THE best shimmering body oil ever made. The shimmer is not disco ball bright—it is a delicate, classy, golden-fleck shimmer that looks beautiful with a tan. It also smells divine!”
19
Best Body Shimmer on Amazon
Olauty Body Luminizer
Pros
- Seven different shade options
Cons
- Some testers do not like the strong smell
I use this body shimmer with my favorite body creams and oils. I simply pump the body moisturizer and this luminizer in my hand, mix ’em together, and rub it all over my legs, arms, and chest. I find that because the body shimmer is super pigmented, mixing the two gives off the glowiest and most natural effect.
- Formula: Liquid
- Size: 1 oz
- Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil
- Shades: 7
Glowing Customer Review: “Product is lightweight and blends out nicely. It seems to be buildable, too, if you want more sparkle or tan. With one coat, it gave me a nice warm skin tone and the sparkle isn’t too much or little—it’s just perfect! I have sensitive skin, too, and I haven’t had any reaction.”
20
Best Body Shimmer with SPF
Cay Skin Isle Glow Body Lotion SPF 45
Pros
- Won’t leave a white cast
Cons
- Some testers say the texture it thick, so you really have to blend it out
There’s something about this SPF body lotion that just gets it right. Not only do I love the fact that it’s fragrance-free (which is great for my sensitive skin), but I also love that it blends into every single skin tone, making it truly a universal body shimmer and *drum roll pls*…SPF.
- Formula: Lotion
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Key ingredient(s): SPF, sea moss, cocoa seed butter
- Shades: 1
Glowing Customer Review: “This is a beautiful lotion with sunscreen. My skin feels nice and soft and looks healthy and glowy, but not shimmery. It’s easily reapplied and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin.”
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
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