Body Shimmer Is the Summer Glow Hack Everyone Needs

How to Apply Body Shimmer Like a Pro

Like most makeup applications, a little prep goes a long way. Before applying a body shimmer—whether you prefer a powder, oil, or lotion formula—there are some steps you’ll want to take to max out your glow.

Exfoliate: Sloughing away dead skin cells gives your skin a naturally refreshed and radiant look. Especially if you have an old spray tan or peeling skin, exfoliating will give you a smooth base ready for an added layer of shimmer. You can use a physical exfoliant like a dry brush or loofah, or slowly incorporate a chemical exfoliant—like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or an alpha or beta hydroxy acid—into your routine. The FIRST AID BEAUTY KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA is one of our favorite hybrids. 

Moisturize: There’s no better way to glaze your skin than with a good moisturizer. Reaching for a body lotion, butter, or balm will soften your skin and prevent your body shimmer from gripping to any dry patches. Hydrating your skin will also allow your body shimmer to apply evenly and wear longer, but take our advice: Make sure your moisturizer has completely soaked into your skin before applying your body shimmer. Otherwise, it’ll slide around and cling to areas like your elbows and knees. 

Apply Your Shimmer: Once your skin is totally dry and moisturized, grab your body shimmer and start applying it all over your body. If you’re using a powder, use a powder puff to gently tap the product into your skin. If you’re using an oil or lotion formula, you can use your hands to apply the product across your body, then use a dense body brush to buff the product into your skin. Tip: For an additional grip, spray some hairspray on your skin before you apply the shimmer. 

Set Your Shimmer: Get your glow on—without getting it on your summer dresses and white tees—by setting your shimmer. Just as you would set your makeup, use a setting powder on top of your shimmer to prevent it from transferring. Avoid using a translucent powder as it might dull your sheen. Instead, we recommend using a powder highlighter to set your shine and double down on that glow effect. 

Another way to set your shimmer and keep it from moving? A powerful setting spray with a sprinkle of extra radiance, like the MORPHE Jumbo Continuous Prep & Set Mist+ Supercharged. Your shimmer won’t budge—just bling.

Be Mindful of Fabrics: While most materials won’t pick up body shimmer—especially once it’s set—you might want to avoid more delicate fabrics like silk, which stain easily. Cotton and linen are on that list too, but they’re easier to spot-treat (just make sure to do so as soon as possible). 

The Best Body Glow Products for Summer

1. MIAMI BEACH BUM Shimmer Oil

Get a golden glow with this versatile shimmer oil. Aloe leaf juice, orange peel oil, and mango and papaya extract take your skin to tropical new levels of hydration (and add a delicious smell to boot). Buildable coverage makes this a great product for all occasions, especially if you’re a body shimmer beginner. 

2. FENTY BEAUTY Body Lava Body Luminizer 

Remember when Rihanna sang, “shine bright like a diamond”? That’s exactly what her best-selling Body Lava Body Luminizer will help you do. It’s totally fool-proof: Just swipe it on like a body lotion where you want to deposit a sun-soaked sheen.

3. ELLIS BROOKLYN Shimmering Scented Body Oil Duo

What’s better than one body shimmer? Two body shimmers! Enriched with nourishing ingredients like  jojoba and safflower oils, this glittering duo softens and hydrates skin while leaving behind a subtle glow. Apply whenever you want a boost of moisture and sheen. 

4. DIBS Status Stick Face-and-Body Highlighter

If you don’t want to commit to a head-to-toe body oil, or don’t want to dip your toes into liquid formulas just yet, try out this highlighter stick, which comes in a few different shimmer shades. Use it to add that skin-enhancing sheen wherever you want, whether that be your collarbone, shoulders, or cheekbones. Layer it up for a more defined shine—just make sure to blend the product into your skin. 

5. SOL DE JANEIRO GlowMotions™ Glow Body Oil

Going on vacation—or just want to look like you’ve gotten back from one? Try this lightweight body oil, which softens skin with moisturizing cupuaçu butter and a nourishing blend of coconut, açai, and sunflower oils. If you’re a fan of the SOL DE JANEIRO Cheirosa 76 Perfume Mist, you’ll also be happy to know that this transfer-resistant oil has the same black currant and midnight jasmine scent built in. 

6. C & THE MOON Malibu Made Glow Oil

This moisture-packed product is a holy grail for those with dryer skin. Organic jojoba seed oil, argan oil, and even olive oil are built into this glowy formula, making your skin just as hydrated as it is radiant. A hint of natural vanilla flavor adds a subtle aroma that doesn’t overwhelm sensitive skin. 

7. REFY Body Glow Lotion

You won’t need an extra layer of moisturizer with this lotion, which instantly adds a pearly shimmer to skin. Gently squeeze out some product and use it all over your body for a glass-like glow, or just use it on your high points (like the collarbone, decolletage and shoulders). Use a dense brush to blend and buff the lotion into your skin. 

8. NARS Monoï Body Glow Oil

It doesn’t get more luxurious than this luminescent body oil. Infused with traditional French Polynesian Monoï de Tahiti oil, this formula leaves skin smooth and glowing without a heavy, weighed-down feeling. It’ll also steal the spotlight from any perfume you own: tiare blossom, white frangipani, ylang-ylang, and vanilla concoct a scent that’s basically a beach in a bottle.

Final Thoughts

No matter what kind of formula you prefer, body shimmers will help you get that bronzed and radiant look just in time for summer. Starting off with clean, smooth, and moisturized skin is key to a good application, and setting your shimmer with a powder highlighter and setting spray will keep your glow locked into place. Want to glow from head to toe? Pair it with a shimmery bronze eyeshadow, dewy lip gloss, or golden highlighter.