The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (2024)

The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (1)

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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.

“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

The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (8)

Pros
  • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (9)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

    The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (10)

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (11)Dries fast
    Cons
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (12)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.

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    Summer Fridays

    Pool Time Glowing Body Oil

    The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (13)

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (14)Great for dry skin
    Cons
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (15)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.

    Payot

    Crème Nourrissante

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    The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (17)

    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.

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    Sol de Janeiro

    GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (20)Great shade range
    Cons
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (21)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

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (23)Easy to apply
    Cons
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (24)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

    The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (25)

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (26)Subtle shimmer
    Cons
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (27)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

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (29)Great for deeper skin tones
    Cons
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (30)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.

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    Coppertone

    Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

    The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (31)

    Pros
    • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (32)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.

      Charlotte Tilbury

      Supermodel Body Highlighter

      The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (33)

      Pros
      • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (34)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.

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        Fenty Beauty

        Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint

        Pros
        • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (36)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

          The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (37)

          Pros
          • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (38)Quick drying
          Cons
          • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (39)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

          Pros
          • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (41)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

            The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (42)

            Pros
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (43)Lightweight texture
            Cons
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (44)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.

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            Tom Ford

            Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil

            The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (45)

            Pros
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (46)Smells great
            Cons
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (47)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.

            Sunday Riley Fairy Godmother Body Oil

            The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (48)

            Pros
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (49)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.

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              Lime Crime

              Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick

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              Pros
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (51)Budget-friendly
              Cons
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (52)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

              The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (53)

              Pros
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (54)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

                The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (55)

                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?

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                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.

                The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (57)

                Katie Intner

                Katie Intner is the associate beauty editor at Harper’s Bazaar across print and digital, where she covers (and tests) everything from the latest aesthetic treatment your dermatologist loves, to science-forward fragrances, to the biggest beauty tech innovations and at-home tools. When Katie is not working on a story or connecting with brands to delve into the latest and greatest formulas, she can be caught scouring a French pharmacy in Paris, or checking out a buzzy new spa or wellness haven. Before joining the Harper’s Bazaar team, Katie held fashion and beauty positions at Nylon, The Zoe Report, and People.

                The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (2024)
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