FYI: A Body Shimmer Will Give You the Glowiest, Most Luminous Skin of Your Dreams

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Before we jump into all things body shimmer, you should know this about me: There is absolutely nothing I love more than glowing, luminous, healthy-looking skin. Like, if I could be drenched in l-a-y-e-r-s of moisturizing and skin-loving oils, body lotions, and highlighters and come out looking like a ~glistening goddess~ 24/7, 365, I would. So in honor of the warm weather and my love for glowy skin, I rounded up the best body shimmers on the market for every skin type.

But hold up—before we get to the goodies, just know that I'm not talking about the chunky body glitter of your youth. These body shimmers give you a more natural, fresh, lit-from-within vibe, so you're pulling more of a le glazed donut rather than a full-on Y2K body glitter moment. So, with that in mind, get ready to have your dewiest summer yet with 21 of my favorite body shimmers ever that I personally tested and reviewed to find you the best of the best:

Now, after that sneak peek, keep scrolling for the full list of the best body shimmers in 2023 so you can find the right one for you and your skin, below. It's time to shine, bb.

Major Glow Balm

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.

• Key ingredient(s): Jojoba oil, shea butter, emollients

• Formula: Balm

THE REVIEW: "Tiktok has influenced me to purchase a lot, and this has to be one of my absolute favorites!!" one tester writes. "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."

Body Blur

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. As you can imagine, I thought I would forever be (a) really pale or (b) a burnt Cheeto—that is, until I discovered my holy grail beauty product: the Vita Liberata Body Blur. This magic formula is like glowy, bronzey makeup for your body and covers anything from bruises to strawberry legs with the most natural wash of color ever. The best part? Whether your skin is very light or very dark, they've got a shade for you.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe

• Formula: Cream

THE REVIEW: "I'm a Black girl with tan skin and this shade was perfect for me," one tester notes. "Blends strawberry legs, veins, and pigmentation, and it looks super natural and hydrated. Plus, it doesn't have a stinky tanning spray smell."

Body Glow Highlighting Serum

Think of this next one as a serum for your entire body: Upon application, this bb works as a protector and moisturizer thanks to the high dosage of antioxidants and emollients. The quick-dry formula ensures it's not sticky to the touch, and the glow you'll be left with will be glass-esque.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, argan oil, shea butter

• Formula: Serum

THE REVIEW: "I used this for the first time this weekend when I went out with my friends and omg, this body glow is a must-have," reads one tester's review. "It leaves a warm, radiant finish on the skin and doesn’t feel oily or gross like some other body makeup."

Sol Sunlight Body Oil

Spending 100 bucks on body oil seems scary, I feel you. But I promise I wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't worth it. Now, for the facts: This body oil will make you feel like you just walked out of one of the most ~luxe~ spas, bathed in a tub of liquid magic, and then slathered your body in the most natural and glowy radiance. *Drops mic, adds to cart.*

• Key ingredient(s): Babassu seed oil, bacuri butter, vitamins A, C, E

• Formula: Oil

THE REVIEW: "If you have ever wondered what it is like to pour liquid gold over your body this is it!" one tester writes. "It smells heavenly!!"

Sol Shimmering Dry Oil

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.

• Key ingredient(s): Coconut oil, argan oil, marula oil

• Formula: Oil

THE REVIEW: "This leaves my skin dewy and moisturized," one reviewer writes. "Great price point and delivers a soft gold-pigmented shine. Sets well and seems not to transfer. No chemical smell and feels great."

Hueglow

Hands down, I have never found a glowy and radiance-boosting product that blends as easily or looks as natural as this serum-esque highlighter. It can go over or under makeup, on your décolleté, and anywhere else you need a little extra boost of radiance. Plus, thanks to the squalane and sodium hyaluronate (v similar to hyaluronic acid), it's basically the most hydrating formula ever.

• Key ingredient(s): Squalane, sodium hyaluronate, sunflower seed oil

• Formula: Serum

THE REVIEW: "My core desire is to exude a natural-looking radiance and this product is absolutely perfect for it," reads one review. "It also blends/applies so well and easily and the effect is so gorgeous. I love the way this makes my skin look and I love the way it pairs with the other products currently in my collection."

Huile 'Prodigieuse Or' Multi Usage Dry Oil

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 France 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.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, macadamia oil

• Formula: Oil

THE REVIEW: "I really love this oil, it gives you a natural glow, and you'll have the softest skin without the greasiness," one tester writes. "I bought it for the first time in Spain."

Glowscreen

Say hello to my holy grail sunscreen: Supergoop's Glow Screen. 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.

• Key ingredient(s): SPF, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5

• Formula: Lotion

THE REVIEW: "This is one of my go-to sunscreens," notes one reviewer. "It helps to even out my skin tone and give me a nice luminous/hydrated skin look, without being greasy."

Mini Rio Radiance Illuminating Body Cream

If you like Sol de Janeiro's iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, then you're really about to fall in love with this one. It's basically the same great moisturizing and firming body cream but packed with super fine shimmer for the most illuminated skin ever. The downside? It's limited edition, so pop this in your cart now before it's too late.

• Key ingredient(s): Squalane, carrot seed oil

• Formula: Cream

THE REVIEW: "The smell of this is intoxicating I love it; it smells like sunscreen, but in a good way," one review reads. "I also love the sparkles because it makes my skin look so healthy and glowy."

Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen

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??

• Key ingredient(s): SPF

• Formula: Mist

THE REVIEW: "We love this sunscreen, it's the only brand/type we use," reads one review. "The spray is super easy and doesn't have the typical greasy feel that so many others do."

The Impossible Glow

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.

• Key ingredient(s): Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, lactic acid

• Formula: Gel-liquid

THE REVIEW: "First time using this, I put a drop between my fingers after putting on my moisturizer, and glided my fingers over my skin," notes one tester. "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."

Sun Fruit Glistening Golden Body Oil

A perfume and glistening body oil in one, this bb smells like a combo of floral and fruity notes that make you feel like you're sitting poolside with a floppy sun hat, giant sunglasses, sippin' on a spritzer. It's basically the happiest scent ever, and the super fine gold shimmer is just the cherry on top.

• Key ingredient(s): Squalane, jojoba oil

• Formula: Oil

THE REVIEW: "It gives such a subtle sheen to my skin that looks so pretty," one reviewer writes. "I also am obsessed with the smell of the oil. It lasts a long time on the skin as well which is awesome!"

Soleil Blanc

If you're willing to splurge on a body shimmer that guarantees goddess vibes, look no further than the 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.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E

• Formula: Oil

THE REVIEW: "THE best shimmering body oil ever made," one review reads. "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!"

Body Luminizer

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.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil

• Formula: Liquid

THE REVIEW: "Product is lightweight and blends out nicely," one reviewer notes. "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."

Isle Glow Body Lotion SPF 45

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.

• Key ingredient(s): SPF, sea moss, cocoa seed butter

• Formula: Lotion

THE REVIEW: "This is a beautiful lotion with sunscreen," notes one reviewer. "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."

Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint

Think of this luminizing tint as a glowy concealer for your body. If you have any uneven or patchy areas on your skin as I do, you'll find that this body tint really does an incredible job of making your skin even, smooth, and hella glowy. Plus, it's transfer- and water-resistant, meaning you won't have to worry about it getting on your clothes or sweatin' off of you.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E

• Formula: Gel-cream

THE REVIEW: "Really in awe of this product! I’ve been struggling with horrible full-body psoriasis flare-ups, and while I’ve gotten it under control, it’s left my skin discolored in areas," one tester writes. "This is the perfect full-body 'concealer' I was looking for. Gives a blendable glow without being orange or looking obvious."

Supermodel Body

My favorite way to use this body shimmer by CT? To highlight areas like my collarbones, shins, and shoulders. It catches the light—as a face highlighter would—emphasizing all the high points of your body for a glowy and "supermodel"-esque look. It's also loaded with skin-smoothing caffeine, which will temporarily tighten your skin, and hyaluronic acid to plump. In a nutshell: It's got all the ingredients you need for the smoothest and healthiest-looking skin ever.

• Key ingredient(s): Caffeine, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamins E & C

• Formula: Liquid

THE REVIEW: "I wore this for my rehearsal dinner and my wedding day, and my friends all commented how I was positively glowing," one review reads. "If you're looking for a sheer wash of color to even out your skin tone and add some brightening and glow, you won't be disappointed. Most importantly, I want to add that this cream did NOT transfer to my white wedding dress, despite the wedding taking place outdoors on a hot, humid day."

Prep Set Glow

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 and green tea extract will calm, condition, and soothe your skin in the process. The spray comes in both a champagne and bronzed shade.

• Key ingredient(s): Vitamin E, green tea extract

• Formula: Spray

THE REVIEW: "Brown-girl friendly and will work with other skin tones because it gives a nice glow," one tester writes. "I’m addicted to the scent and it blends with makeup beautifully as well."

Mood Lighting

The best thing about these glow drops is the fact that you can add them to any face moisturizer or body cream or even apply it straight to your skin for an extra bit of radiance. The vitamin E protects your skin with antioxidants, the emollients add hella moisture, and the glycerin gives your skin a boost of hydration.

• Key ingredient(s): Emollients, vitamin E, glycerin

• Formula: Serum

THE REVIEW: "This is exactly what I was looking for!" one tester notes. "A subtle but noticeable shimmer that makes me feel and look like a goddess. I usually use it on my shoulders and chest."

Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick

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 bronzer in a tube? You bet I'm about to be bronzed on every bit of exposed skin. This glimmering skin stick that's packed with a ton of moisturizing oils? Do I even need to explain?

• Key ingredient(s): Argan oil, vitamin E, aloe vera

• Formula: Balm

THE REVIEW: "Ugh I love this sooo much," one tester writes. "Great for the summertime because it gives you such a great luminous glow on your skin."

N°10 Blurring Body Glow

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?

• Key ingredient(s): Shea butter, squalane, sunflower seed oil, vitamin C

• Formula: Cream

THE REVIEW: "I went to a pool party with this on and I was told by everybody how great I looked," one review reads. "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."

How to choose the best body shimmer:

Decide between shimmer, glitter, or sheen

Every formula has a different level of iridescence, so this choice is truly a personal preference. If you're someone who likes to visibly see the shiny particles, you can opt for a formula that has larger shimmer specs (or even glitter for an ultra-fun effect). Or, if you're like me and prefer to have it look more natural and glass-like, choose a body glow that has a sheen or relatively small particles.

Look at the ingredients

Body shimmers are usually packed with a bunch of moisturizing and hydrated ingredients for ultra-smooth and healthy-looking skin. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, oils, butters, and antioxidants to get some added skin benefits. It's also smart to look at the formulas that have an SPF 30+ so you can get that extra skin protection.

Why trust Cosmo?

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best retinol body lotions and the top cellulite creams. She regularly tests and analyzes body shimmer on her own skin for efficacy while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new treatments, formulas, and products.

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