Few annual experiences are more humbling than the first swimming suit try-on of the season—my exhausted, pallid skin always tells the same narrative about how I haven’t seen a drop of vitamin D in months (New York City winters are harsh). While a moisturising body lotion refreshes my skin, the bright, sun-kissed sheen of a body shimmer makes the last six months of hibernating vanish before my eyes. Some of the greatest body shimmers are multitaskers that provide both moisture and a bronzed shine, with added benefits like SPF or other energising elements. “Body shimmer features finely milled, light-reflecting pigments that deliver a subtle, radiant glow, offering a more refined and skin-enhancing finish,” explains Diamond Hannah, head of product development at Sol de Janeiro.
Whether you want to spend the day poolside or have a night out dancing, there is an illuminating product for everyone. From thin body oils to sticky creams, anti-aging lotions to body glow balms, InStyle’s team of beauty experts and industry insiders evaluated dozens of products for over 360 hours to find the finest. We put these skin care products to the test by using them for long days, special occasions, and sweaty workouts. All of this allowed us to safely state that these shimmers can resist the rigours of hot weather, never-ending nights, weddings and, yes, even public transport.
Why We Love It: The vegan, allergen-free, dermatologist-tested solution contains caffeine, which helps to balance out skin structure without blocking pores. It’s simple to apply using the pump dispenser and a brush to buff in. Bonus points for the lock cap, which makes this sparkly mixture portable.
Who It’s For: This oil is transfer-resistant and leaves no greasy residue after melting into the skin, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle tint to their body shimmer for a golden, just-back-from-vacation glow.
Worth noting: According to one tester, the iridescent sheen is most noticeable in the first few hours, so plan on reapplying if you have a long day ahead.
Ciara, tester: “The shimmer on my complexion created a radiance rather than an artificial shine, which I appreciated. It resembled genuinely healthy, glowing skin.”
Why We Love It: Although the individual glitter particles in this body oil are modest in size, a fast spray and swipe of Tom Ford’s body oil produces a bright, glittering finish on the skin. It’s the most expensive item on the list, costing $110 for 3.4 ounces, but our testers believe the stunning shimmer and captivating aroma make it well worth the investment.
Who It’s For: The three shades offer varied glittering hues (gold, pearl, and rose gold) to suit different undertones, and each comes with its own Tom Ford fragrance. The spray bottle container is also more reminiscent of a perfume bottle, which one tester like so much that she intends to retain it after the product is finished.
Worth noting: While sumptuous and scented, this body shimmer adds a gentle sparkle to the skin, making it ideal for weddings and daytime events. Erika Reals, InStyle’s senior beauty editor and tester, recommends applying a few layers of makeup before going out.
Erika Reals, senior beauty editor, says: “The shimmer itself features small sparkles and is more subtle, but it’s definitely noticeable in person. The lotion penetrates well into the skin and feels moisturising because to its oil base.”
Why We Love It: Patrick Ta’s formulation provides a lit-from-within, dewy look to the complexion, making it a less sparkling option. The rich balm dissolves into a slippery oil, leaving you hydrated and shiny. Our reviewers couldn’t get enough of the silky, velvety finish.
Who It’s For: A small investment goes a long way with this product, and the payback isn’t overly aggressive, according to one tester. It quickly mixes into the skin, and using a smaller amount reduces the likelihood of transfer.
Worth Noting: While this shimmer is really smooth and glowy, our testers found some transfer on light-washed items, such as a white denim jacket, which they wore thereafter. Fortunately, it wiped out in one rinse cycle.
Sophia, tester: “It really made your skin look brighter and healthier. It offered a pop of colour to my tanned skin while on vacation.”
