Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editors Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story There’s glowy skin, and then there’s glowy skin—the best body shimmer oils deliver that next-level luminosity that catches the light every time you move and leaves your skin looking like it’s permanently on vacation. Though these body oils are especially popular in the summer when you’re showing more skin (don’t forget to apply sunscreen underneath them), they add a little touch of sparkle to any occasion year-round. They “provide a high-shine, high-sheen, sometimes metallic-looking finish on the body,” says New York City-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard . Some oils don’t stop at shimmer and are infused with nourishing ingredients such as squalane and cocoa butter to soften and hydrate skin.
Is shimmer body oil good for your skin? What does body shimmer oil do? What shade of body shimmer should I choose? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Bottom line: These glistening formulas are an easy way to elevate bare skin with nearly zero effort. Whether you prefer a subtle sheen or a full-on body glow , these are the best body shimmer oils to add to your body-care routine.
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Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil
Why we love it: The buildable, bronzey Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Body Oil hydrates dry skin, warms, brightens, and shimmers like nobody’s business. Depending on your desired body glow level, you can layer this luminizer until it’s the perfect warmth for your mood. Golden, reflective pearls catch the light just right, while shea butter and mineral oils deliver long-lasting hydration. And the scent? Divine. A luxe blend of bergamot, sandalwood, and jasmine makes the whole experience feel that much more elevated. It’s a go-to for Spickard, who likes that it slightly tints the skin and gives “a warm glow to the skin while providing a high-shine payoff,” he says.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
“Summer is all about that radiant glow, and I love using the Patrick Ta Major Glow body shimmer on my décolletage and shoulders for an extra boost of luminosity. It also doubles as a body moisturizer, which is perfect for those hot days when I want to skip heavy layers.”— Bianca Richards, social media manager
Key ingredients: acai oil, cupuassu butter, plant-based antioxidant blend Fragrance-free: no Shades: 1 Best Drugstore: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Shimmer Radiance Body Oil Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Palmer's
Allure commerce production assistant Hailey Roy applying the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Shimmer Radiance Body Oil
Why we love it: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Shimmer Radiance Body Oil proves you don’t have to splurge to get luminous, moisturized skin. Infused with the brand’s signature cocoa butter, along with vitamin E and nourishing oils (like sesame seed and sunflower seed), the lightweight formula hydrates as it highlights, leaving skin soft, supple and subtly radiant. It’s infused with fine shimmer particles (rather than chunky glitter), absorbs quickly, layers seamlessly over moisturizer and sunscreen, and offers a bronzed, golden look. It also has that sweet, creamy, and classic Palmer’s scent, thanks to shea butter.
Roy before applying the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Shimmer Radiance Body Oil
Roy after applyi…