If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
The weather is finally heating up and the days are longer, meaning it’s time we all embraced summer dresses, shorts, and breezy linens this laidback season. So glimmer in the sunlight this hot girl summer (and beyond) with help from these beauty editor-tested shimmer body lotions.
I’ve spent 6 years covering the beauty industry and have tried a seemingly infinite number of shimmer body lotions. These products aren’t like the chunky not-so-subtle body glitters I used to buy from The Limited Too (RIP), Claire's and Bath & Body Works. Instead, brands, such as Fenty Skin and Charlotte Tilbury have swapped in-your-face Y2K glitter for refined shimmers and pearlescent finishes. Some, like the Beekman 1802 Pot of Gold Whipped Shimmer Body Cream, utilize gold mica and silk proteins to ensure the skin glows throughout the evening.
Beyond the obvious glowy effect, these shimmer body lotions also are multipurpose. The makeup artist-loved Vita Liberata Body Blur minimizes the look of body acne, scars, and veins, while the Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion provides broad-spectrum sun protection.
I also carefully vetted my final selections to ensure they're all infused with good-for-you skincare ingredients, ranging from glycerin and hyaluronic acid to coconut oil and shea butter. And get this, everything on this list starts at just $10, so if you're shopping on a budget, don't fret. Since I'm a budget-conscious shopper, four out of the seven featured shimmer body lotions are $20 and under.
1
For a Sun-Kissed Glow
Beekman 1802 Pot of Gold Whipped Shimmer Body Cream
Now 40% Off
This is by far the most luxurious shimmer body lotion on our list because gold mica and silk protein provide an all-over glimmer to the skin. Aesthetics aside, these two ingredients soften the skin, while goat milk (Beekman 1802's signature ingredient) helps even out skin tone.
This jar of buttery soft, whipped goodness is fantastic all year long, but especially helpful when dry skin types want to glow during cold months. And no worry, if you (or a lucky giftee) don't suffer from parched skin, it's still fast-absorbing without leaving behind a greasy mess on clothes or car seats.
I've interviewed my fair share of celebrity makeup artists over the last 6 years, and one under-the-radar brand they love to hoard is Vita Liberata products, including this signature Body Blur shimmer lotion.
The blurring effect eliminates the need for body foundation, but it's just as practical underneath whatever body makeup you'd normally use. Speaking of — this shimmer body lotion minimizes the look of body acne, varicose veins, and other common skin imperfections you might want to camouflage.
The final result? Photo-ready skin that works for the red carpet, a wedding, or other milestone events, such as prom, graduation, or just a regular day at the beach.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Boasting a 4.6-star average rating from nearly 13,700 Amazon reviews, it's safe to say this shimmer body lotion is loved by many.
As its name implies, Bare Vanilla Shimmer Lotion smells like surprise: vanilla! But it's not just the relaxing scent that's enticing, the ingredients are on-point to ensure the skin remains hydrated until the next shower.
It has organic glycerin to calm skin irritations and lock in hydration, while glyceryl stearate softens and smoothes the skin. There's also a potent blend of shea butter and vitamin E to nourish, hydrate, and protect the body from harmful UV rays.
Dermatologists argue sunscreen is a daily non-negotiable essential. And for those that actively wear and reapply sun protection listen up: This cheap shimmer body lotion provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage to guard the skin against the UV rays that cause signs of aging and skin damage.
It’s also water-resistant, so it’s practical for trips to the pool, lake, or beach this summer (and beyond).
More: Beauty Editor-Loved Night Creams for Every Skin Type
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
For Under $10
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion
Now 50% Off
Love the idea of tropical-scented shimmer body lotion, but are shopping on a budget? SheaMoisture has a cheap, but effective option that costs less than a Chipotle burrito bowl with guac.
Made with 100% virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, and organic raw shea butter, this conditioning lotion will smooth and soften dull skin. It's also paraben-, sulfate-, and mineral oil-free so the risk for skin irritation is minimal.
Bad Gal Riri knows a thing or two about “shining bright like a diamond” and bottled her signature glow into this rose gold shimmer body lotion. Rihanna’s thick and creamy product combines seven nourishing body oils with shea butter and glycerin for the ultimate deeply hydrating treat.
With a sublime vanilla scent and pearlescent rose gold shimmer, be prepared for people to inquire about its intoxicating scent.
A bonus: This is our list’s only refillable shimmer body lotion. Over time, it’ll save money and is a better solution for living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle, so a win-win for everyone.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Before launching Supermodel Body, makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury was known for whipping up a secret glow-enhancing concoction while prepping a bevy of models for a seemingly infinite number of runway shows.
Her shimmer body lotion is now readily available for the masses and leaves behind a welcome glow that will last for hours. It also uses FermiProtect to help support the skin's natural firmness for a sculpted, tightened skin effect.
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.