There’s something undeniably empowering about glowing skin. Not just dewy, not just hydrated — I mean luminous, radiant, sun-kissed skin that makes you feel like a walking piece of art under natural light. Whether it’s the glimmer on your shoulders during a rooftop dinner or the subtle sheen on your collarbone during a casual brunch, body shimmer has a transformative power that goes far beyond what meets the eye. I’ve spent months testing and re-testing body shimmers, oils, and luminizers in every texture, tone, and finish imaginable. After all that glistening and glowing (and more than one glitter-related laundry emergency), I’ve finally narrowed it down to seven absolute standouts that live up to the promise of ethereal, never-tacky radiance.
Below, I’m sharing every detail you need to know — the feel, finish, scent, and where to get them in the U.S. — so you can find your perfect match, whether you’re prepping for vacation or just want to make Tuesday feel a little more magical.
1. Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil (\$52)
Available at: Sephora, PatrickTa.com
From the moment I twisted open the rose-gold cap and caught a whiff of this oil, I knew I was in for something luxe. The Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil feels less like a beauty product and more like a beauty ritual. Housed in a sleek rectangular glass bottle that looks like it belongs on a red carpet, this oil is lightweight but still delivers a head-turning editorial sheen. It’s the kind of glow that catches light from every angle, whether you’re in direct sun or under a flash at night.
The formula is rich in squalane, vitamin C, and olive oil, giving the skin a soft, even finish without feeling greasy. The shimmer is finely milled and never chunky — it enhances skin, rather than masking it. Think “wet skin” glow rather than sparkle.
Pro Tip: If your bottle liquifies in the summer heat, just pop it in the fridge for five minutes. It’ll thicken slightly without losing any of its glow magic.
Perfect For: Golden hour selfies, beachside dinners, or anytime you want your skin to scream “just got back from vacation.”
2. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil (\$110)
Available at: Nordstrom, Bluemercury, TomFord.com
Is it expensive? Absolutely. Is it worth every cent? Without question. The Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil is the beauty equivalent of a first-class ticket to the Maldives. One spritz envelopes you in a cloud of soft-focus shimmer and the most intoxicating scent — a warm, creamy blend of white florals, amber, and pistachio that smells like luxury summer bottled up.
The shimmer is ultra-fine, barely perceptible from afar, but it builds beautifully on the skin to deliver a diffused, candlelit effect. What really makes this one special, though, is the feel — the oil absorbs almost instantly, leaving behind no stickiness or residue. Your skin is left smooth, supple, and ever-so-slightly gilded.
Pro Tip: Apply right after the shower, while your skin is still damp, for maximum absorption and long-lasting scent.
Perfect For: Weddings, anniversaries, rooftop parties — or whenever you need a confidence boost that’s both visual and olfactory.
3. Saltair Shimmer Body Oil (\$24)
Available at: Ulta Beauty, Amazon, Saltair.com
The dark horse of this list — and one of my favorite surprises. Saltair’s Shimmer Body Oil is a clean-beauty darling with a minimalist bottle that doesn’t scream glam but delivers big-time glow. It’s lightweight, almost serum-like, and infused with fermented botanicals, kukui oil, and squalane. This is skincare-meets-glimmer in the best possible way.
The shimmer here is gold-toned and subtle — no visible glitter particles, just a sheer, golden warmth that makes your skin look like it just drank a tall glass of water. I love using this one when I want my body shimmer to feel effortless and natural.
Pro Tip: Add a few drops into your daily body lotion for a soft, “lit-from-within” radiance — especially flattering on collarbones, shoulders, and shins.
Perfect For: Daily wear, minimalist beauty lovers, or anyone seeking hydration with a hint of glow.
4. Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer (\$59)
Available at: Sephora, Ulta Beauty, FentyBeauty.com
This one is not for the shy. Fenty’s Body Lava is bold, luminous, and unapologetically glowy. It has a gel-like texture that melts into the skin, and its micro-pearl shimmer delivers a high-impact finish — ideal for those times when you really want to make a statement.
The glow is intense, but somehow never veers into glitter territory. It’s buildable too, which means you can go from “sunset stroll” to “headliner performance” depending on how much you layer. And let’s talk about the scent — it’s soft floral vanilla, subtle but deliciously addictive.
Pro Tip: Apply with a dense body brush or hands, and blend quickly — it sets fast, and a little goes a long way.
Perfect For: Festivals, concerts, nights out, or whenever you’re feeling bold and beautiful.
5. Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body Shimmer Highlight Lotion (\$65)
Available at: Nordstrom, Revolve, CharlotteTilbury.com
This is more than just a body shimmer — it’s sculpting magic in a rose-gold tube. The Supermodel Body lotion gives your limbs a smoothed-out, contoured look with just a hint of sheen. The formula is packed with hydrating ingredients, caffeine (to tighten and de-puff), and vitamin C-rich botanicals that help brighten over time.
It delivers a soft rose-gold glow that’s elegant and refined — perfect for photos or an upscale event. I love applying this down the center of my arms and legs to elongate and define, especially when I’m wearing a sleeveless dress or high-slit skirt.
Pro Tip: Use it with a beauty sponge to buff the product into the skin like body foundation. The result is incredibly polished.
Perfect For: Special occasions, red carpet moments (or red carpet energy), and strategic body contouring.
6. DIBS Beauty Status Stick (\$38)
Available at: Ulta Beauty, Revolve, DIBSBeauty.com
If you’re a balm girl like me, this is the stick you didn’t know you needed. The DIBS Status Stick comes in a sleek tube that’s portable, mess-free, and deceptively powerful. Its solid formula glides on like butter and melts into the skin for a dewy, natural-looking radiance. No sparkle. No residue. Just healthy, sun-kissed skin.
Formulated with mango seed butter, shea, and jojoba oil, it’s nourishing enough to use on dry patches, yet glowy enough for cheekbones and collarbones. I’ve even used it as a subtle highlighter over makeup and it never disrupts my base.
Pro Tip: Glide it directly onto high points — shoulders, shins, collarbones, cheekbones — and gently tap it in with fingers for a skin-on-skin glow.
Perfect For: On-the-go touch-ups, minimalists, and anyone who values versatility and hydration in one swipe.
7. Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 Glow (\$23)
Available at: VacationInc.com, Urban Outfitters, Amazon
A body shimmer and sunscreen? Yes, please. Vacation’s Classic Whip SPF 30 Glow combines skin protection with a sun-kissed sheen in a whipped-cream-like formula that’s as fun as it is functional. The mousse texture is light and airy, blending in with ease and leaving behind a velvety finish.
It offers broad-spectrum sun protection, plus a subtle golden glow that doesn’t streak or transfer. The scent — “poolside coconut” — instantly transports me to a retro summer fantasy. I keep this in my beach bag at all times.
Pro Tip: Shake well and dispense upside-down like whipped cream. A little goes a long way, and the effect is best on freshly moisturized skin.
Perfect For: Pool parties, beach days, or anytime you want sun protection with a glam twist.
Where to Shop These Glowing Gems in the U.S.
- Sephora – A one-stop shop for high-end favorites like Patrick Ta, Fenty, and Charlotte Tilbury.
- Ulta Beauty – Great for discovering new indie brands (Saltair, DIBS) with rewards points perks.
- Nordstrom – Offers luxe finds like Tom Ford and Charlotte Tilbury, with stellar return policies.
- Amazon – Convenient and fast, ideal for budget picks like ColourPop and Saltair.
- Brand Websites – Always a smart choice for full shade ranges and early access to new launches.
If radiant, healthy-looking skin is on your agenda, these products are where skincare, makeup, and indulgence intersect. Whether you’re shimmering under the stars or just adding a touch of glow to your everyday routine, each of these body luminizers offers a unique experience — a scent, a texture, a feeling — that invites you to shine in your own skin.
