Glowy, dewy, and hydrated are all descriptors we like to hear about our skin. It's a sign of health and abundant beauty, and one way to achieve this sought-after glowy look (without extraordinary health) is with a high-quality body shimmer. Body shimmers and highlighters [1] are some of the best ways to achieve a bronzed and champagne sheen that glistens in the light. Whether it be in the form of a serum [2], oil, SPF, or gel, there are so many incredible summer glows bottled up and ready for purchase. The hardest part is finding the perfect one for your skin.
With so many body shimmers on the market, we rounded up a few favoured selections that are sure to lock in a luminous look. From brands like Summer Fridays, Refy Beauty, Lottie London, and more, you can rest assured that we uncovered the best shimmers for oily, dry, and combination skin types that will last until it's time to take a shower. Even the cult-favourite Supergoop sunscreen offers shimmering capabilities. Ahead, find our top body-shimmer selections to give your skin a glow that lasts well beyond summer.
Best Shimmering Body Oil:
The Rituals Karma Shimmering Body Oil [3] (£22) smells like summer in a bottle, thanks to its gentle notes of lotus flower and white tea extract. Just one layer of this body oil gives skin a radiant shine with a subtle shimmer, perfect for achieving a natural-looking luminous glow all summer long.
Best Drugstore Body Shimmer:
If you're looking for an affordable body glow that gives you a natural-looking tan, we recommend the Lottie London Body Glow [4] (£13). The body illuminator delivers an instant glow as soon as it's applied that can be washed off at night. It's blended with illuminating pigments to guarantee a shimmering finish.
Best Gloss Serum:
The Ciaté London Dewy Stix Body [5] (£20) can be applied on the face and body for a dewy glow that shines in the light. The gloss has a oil-like consistency that melts into your skin and gives it a metallic finish. You'll love the soft shine this highlighter gives you, and it's really easy to apply.
Best Hydrating Body Shimmer:
I personally own this Refy Body Glow Highlighting Serum [6] (£28), and it leaves your skin moisturised and dewy until it's washed off. It doesn't contain actual glitter but instead lets its glowy and hydrating serum do the work. The serum contains vitamin E and antioxidants to help the skin stay moisturised. A little goes a long way, so make sure to squeeze its tube gently.
Best Travel-Size Body Shimmer:
It's no secret that packing up your bags for a holiday can mess with your skin, and this Sol De Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil Rio Sunset Bronze [7] (£35) is here to ensure it stays looking fresh. The body oil comes in 75ml that fits into clutches and makeup bags without a problem. The body shimmer is hydrating and has an oil base and a warm scent that's too good to ignore.
Best Gel-Based Body Shimmer:
Prepare for high shine with this Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminiser [8] (£26). The gel-based body shimmer will leave your skin feeling as dewy as it appears. It contains glitter that glistens in the sunlight, and its vanilla scent is bound to catch the attention of those who pass by.
Best SPF Body Shimmer:
Achieve an all-over glow that protects your skin with the Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 [9] (£32). The whipped lotion is sweat resistant, fast absorbing, and suitable for all skin types: dry, normal, oily, or sensitive. Apply it in the morning and enjoy its glowy finish all day long. Make sure to reapply it 40 minutes after swimming or sweating for maximum sun protection.
Best-Smelling Body Shimmer:
If you're looking for instant illumination that smells like a dream, this Summer Fridays Pool Time Glowing Body Oil [10] (£40) is great to apply before heading out the door. The shimmer instantly delivers a hydrating glow that makes skin glisten and gleam. We love its coconut and vanilla-blossom scent, and it's a POPSUGAR editor favourite [11].