The 14 Best Shimmer Body Oils We Love for a Light-Reflecting Glow

Nothing says “I’m on vacation” quite like a shimmer body oil. It’s that one product that instantly makes your skin look healthier, more hydrated, and just plain radiant. I’ve slathered on more than my fair share of glowing body oils over the years, from subtle sheens to full-on glitter bombs.

The best shimmer body oil gives you a believable, light-reflecting glow without feeling greasy or sticky. It should look like your skin, but with a little something extra. Some are packed with SPF, others smell like a tropical dream, and a few are so luxurious they feel like a special treat.

So, I sorted through my collection and tested a bunch more to find the ones that are actually worth it. These are the body shimmer products that deliver on their promise of a beautiful, luminous finish.

 

 

Our Favorite Shimmer Body Oils

Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30

The Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 costs $38. This is my absolute go-to for any beach or pool day. It’s one of the few shimmer body products that actually includes solid sun protection, which is a huge win.

It gives my skin this incredible iridescent gold glow, thanks to the two different types of mica inside. And the smell? It’s pure summer nostalgia. It hydrates with argan and marula oil but doesn’t feel greasy at all, and it even holds up after a swim.

The Downside: I use this stuff so much that the bottle runs out faster than I’d like.

 

 

Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil

The Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil is $36. If you’re obsessed with the scent of the iconic Bum Bum Cream, you absolutely have to try this. It has that same addictive Cheirosa 62 fragrance of pistachio and salted caramel.

The glow is real, and it lasts. I put this on my legs and shoulders before going out, and it gives a beautiful, non-sticky shimmer that catches the light perfectly. It’s packed with cupuaçu butter and açaí oil, so my skin feels soft and hydrated too.

The Downside: You really need to let it dry completely, or it can transfer onto your clothes.

 

 

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Golden Shimmer Dry Oil

The NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Golden Shimmer Dry Oil is about $28. This is a French pharmacy classic for a reason. It’s a dry oil, so it sinks into your skin almost instantly without any greasy residue.

The shimmer is super fine and subtle, giving you that perfect “your-skin-but-better” radiance. I even run a little through the ends of my hair or pat it on my cheekbones. The sophisticated floral scent makes it feel so chic.

The Downside: It’s more for glow than deep hydration, so it has limited moisturizing benefits.

 

 

Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil

Moroccanoil’s Shimmering Body Oil will set you back $50. The scent alone is enough to make me buy this again and again. It has that iconic, warm Moroccanoil fragrance that just smells like luxury.

The formula gives a soft, pearly golden glisten that’s really pretty and natural-looking. It’s also incredibly hydrating with argan and sesame oils. My favorite trick is to mix a few drops in with my regular body lotion for a more customized, subtle shine.

The Downside: The gorgeous scent seems to fade a bit faster than I’d hope.

 

 

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil costs a cool $110. Yes, it’s a splurge, but it feels every bit as decadent as its price tag. The shimmer is so finely milled that it looks like your skin is just naturally luminous.

It has this sexy, complex scent with floral and amber notes that smells like an expensive beach vacation. It’s perfect for enhancing a tan and gives a really classy, sophisticated finish. This is my special occasion body highlight oil.

The Downside: The price point is definitely high.

 

 

Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil

The Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil is $52. This stuff delivers a serious, high-impact glow that still manages to look surprisingly natural. It’s buildable, so you can go for a subtle sheen or a full-on bronzed look.

I love how easily it blends into the skin without feeling heavy or oily, and it smells amazing. It’s perfect for getting that sun-kissed look any time of the year, not just in the summer.

The Downside: If your skin is really dry, it can feel less nourishing when used on its own.

 

 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Shimmer Body Oil

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Shimmer Body Oil is priced at $38. I was so impressed with how lightweight and non-greasy this formula is. It has a beautiful golden shimmer that absorbs completely into the skin, leaving just the glow behind.

It’s dermatologist-tested, which is a plus for my sometimes-sensitive skin. The shimmer is fine enough for all-day wear without feeling like you’re covered in glitter. It just gives a nice, healthy-looking illumination.

The Downside: The pigment might be a little too subtle on deeper skin tones.

 

 

Fenty Beauty Body Lava

Fenty Beauty’s Body Lava costs $59. If you want a bold, unapologetic shimmer, this is the one. This is not for the faint of heart; it delivers a seriously blingy, high-shine glow that Rihanna herself would approve of.

The gel-based formula feels moisturizing and is surprisingly waterproof, so it holds up through a night of dancing or a hot day. It gives a true head-to-toe radiance that makes you look like a bronze goddess.

The Downside: I recommend applying it with a body brush to avoid heavy spots or patchiness.

 

 

Vaseline Illuminate Me Shimmering Body Oil

The Vaseline Illuminate Me Shimmering Body Oil is just $10. For the price, this stuff is fantastic. It was made with melanin-rich skin in mind, and the warm copper shimmer is absolutely stunning on deeper skin tones.

It’s very lightweight, so I like to layer it over my regular body lotion for the perfect combination of moisture and glow. It gives my skin a boost without causing any irritation.

The Downside: It isn’t very moisturizing on its own, so you really need that lotion base.

 

 

ColourPop Sol Shimmering Dry Oil

The ColourPop Sol Shimmering Dry Oil is about $18. This is probably the best value you can find for a body shimmer oil. It comes in a bunch of different shades, so you can find the perfect match for your skin tone.

It gives a dewy, moisturized shine that sets down completely and doesn’t transfer. I tried the soft gold shade, and the pigment was beautiful without feeling sticky. It just leaves your skin feeling clean and looking radiant.

The Downside: Some of the most popular shades sell out really frequently.

A good shimmer body oil is such a fun way to add a little something extra to your look. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a wedding, or just want to feel a bit more put-together, a little glow goes a long way.

My best tip is to apply it to damp skin right out of the shower to lock in moisture. Then, just give it a minute or two to sink in before you get dressed. Your skin will thank you.