The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (2025)

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

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

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.

    Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

    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

    The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (16)

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

    Now 43% Off

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

      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.

      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

      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.

      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

      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 (30)Great for deeper skin tones
      Cons
      • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (31)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.

      Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

      Coppertone

      Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

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

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

      Pros
      • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (34)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 (35)

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

          Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

          Fenty Beauty

          Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint

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

            Pros
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (40)Quick drying
            Cons
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (41)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.

            Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

            Supergoop!

            Glowscreen Body SPF 40 Body Lotion

            Pros
            • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (43)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 (44)

              Pros
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (45)Lightweight texture
              Cons
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (46)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.

              Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

              Tom Ford

              Soleil Brûlant Shimmering Body Oil

              The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (47)

              Pros
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (48)Smells great
              Cons
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (49)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 (50)

              Pros
              • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (51)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.

                Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

                Lime Crime

                Sunkissed Glimmering Skin Stick

                The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (52)

                Pros
                • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (53)Budget-friendly
                Cons
                • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (54)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 (55)

                Pros
                • The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (56)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).

                  Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

                  Frequently Asked Questions

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

                  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?

                  The 18 Best Body Shimmers for Glowing Summer Skin (58)

                  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 (2025)

                  References

                  Top Articles
                  Latest Posts
                  Recommended Articles
                  Article information

                  Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

                  Last Updated:

                  Views: 5387

                  Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

                  Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

                  Author information

                  Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

                  Birthday: 1997-12-21

                  Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

                  Phone: +3763365785260

                  Job: Accounting Engineer

                  Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

                  Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.