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If you've written off body shimmer as something that stopped making sense after a certain age, a celebrity makeup artist is here to change your mind.
The right formula—applied in the right places—doesn't emphasize texture or fine lines. It does the opposite: it adds the kind of healthy, luminous glow that makes skin look hydrated and beautiful.
The key is knowing which formula to reach for, because heavy glitter and chunky shimmer particles can catch in texture and draw attention to crepey skin. But a finely milled dry oil or a subtle glow lotion? Entirely different story.
These formulas sit smoothly on the skin, reflect light without too much sparkle and leave behind a finish that looks more like you just came back from vacation than like you applied a product.
Renée Loiz, celebrity makeup artist who has worked with Adele and Cynthia Erivo, has spent years navigating this distinction for her clients, and she knows what actually works on aging skin.
"For mature skin, I always lean toward products that give radiance instead of obvious shimmer," she says. "You want something that hydrates beautifully, smooths the look of the skin, and leaves behind a healthy glow that never emphasizes texture or fine lines."
Makeup artist Tori Arthur, who specializes in brides, also shares a few of her go-to body shimmer products that work for weddings and events.
Here are their top picks across every skin tone, texture and price point.
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The Best Body Shimmer for Mature Skin, According to Makeup Artists
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil, $30
When a client has mature skin and wants to glow, Loiz reaches for this French pharmacy dry oil without hesitation. "This dry oil hydrates beautifully, smooths the look of the skin, and leaves behind a healthy glow that never emphasizes texture or fine lines," she tells Parade.
What makes it work so well on mature skin is the formula itself. Dry oils absorb faster than traditional oils, which means they don't sit heavily on the skin or pool in fine lines and creases.
The Nuxe version adds a fine golden shimmer that reads as radiance rather than sparkle, even on skin with more texture, Loiz says. It's the kind of product that makes people ask what you're doing differently, not what you're wearing.
Arthur loves this dry oil as well, explaining it's "a kit staple because it gives beautiful radiance to the skin without feeling heavy."
Apply it to the shoulders, collarbones, décolletage and the tops of the arms for the most flattering effect—the spots that naturally catch light rather than those that would emphasize unevenness.
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Top Body Shimmers
- Best for Mature Skin: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil
- Best for a Healthy Glow:Danessa Myricks Illuminating Veil
- Best for Fair Skin:Phlur Beach Skin
- Best for Medium Skin: NARS Monoï Body Glow
- Best for Dark Skin:Brown Sugar Babe Shimmer Rich Aunty
- Best Drugstore Pick:L'Oréal Lumi Glotion
- Best Luxury Pick:Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
- Best Spray:Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum Body Spray
- Best Powder:Melanie Mills Gleam Radiant Dust
Shimmer Oils vs. Glow Lotions: Which Is Right for Your Skin Type?
Not all body shimmer formulas work the same way—and choosing the right one for your skin type is the first step to getting a great result.
For aging skin, Loiz likes dry oils. "For mature skin, I always lean toward products that give radiance instead of obvious shimmer. A dry oil hydrates beautifully, smooths the look of the skin, and leaves behind a healthy glow that never emphasizes texture or fine lines."
Shimmer oils rely on emollient bases like squalane, argan oil and marula to deliver a high-shine, glossy finish. They're best for dry skin that craves an extra hit of hydration, but they take longer to absorb and can feel heavier in the heat.
Glow lotions and gel formulas are usually water-based, absorb quickly and deliver a more subtle, pearlescent sheen. They work well as a daily moisturizer with built-in luminosity, which is a good option for oily or combination skin.
How To Apply Body Shimmer for a Flawless Streak-Free Finish
Where you put body shimmer matters as much as which product you choose. The goal is to hit the natural high points of the body—the areas that would naturally catch the sun—rather than covering every surface evenly.
Loiz recommends starting at the neck and working downward, concentrating product on the collarbones, décolletage, shoulders, the fronts of the shins and the tops of the arms. For powder formulas, she prefers a light dusting with a brush for the most control.
"I like dusting it over the collarbones, shoulders and décolleté to catch the light without looking overly sparkly," she explains.
For larger areas like legs and arms, a spray formula delivers the most even, effortless coverage.
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How To Stop Body Shimmer From Transferring Onto Your Clothes
Product transfer is a common complaint about body shimmer. Loiz says to let any formula absorb fully before getting dressed, which typically takes at least 10 minutes for oils and lotions. Dry oil formulas absorb faster and are the best choice when you're in a hurry.
For high-friction areas, Loiz says that lightly dusting a translucent setting powder over the shimmer after it's absorbed helps lock it in place without dulling the glow. When in doubt, choose a quick-drying spray formula—it significantly reduces transfer risk from the start.
8 More Expert-Recommended Body Shimmers
Makeup artists reveal some of their other favorite body shimmer products, depending on your needs.
1. Best for a Healthy Glow: Danessa Myricks Illuminating Veil, $24
"Comes in multiple shades and gives the skin the prettiest healthy glow without looking glittery or overdone," Loiz says.
"It melts into the skin and creates that lit-from-within radiance that looks beautiful in both natural light and photos. My personal fave."
2. Best for Fair Skin: Phlur Beach Skin, $45
"I love this on fair skin because it adds warmth and luminosity without looking too bronze," Loiz says. "The glow is soft, natural and never overpowering."
3. Best for Medium Skin: NARS Monoï Body Glow, $62
"A classic product that gives medium skin tones a gorgeous golden glow while keeping the skin looking hydrated," Loiz says. "It enhances your natural tone rather than covering it up."
4. Best for Dark Skin: Brown Sugar Babe Shimmer Rich Aunty, $55
"[I was] recently introduced to this brand and I love that it was made to celebrate deeper skin tones," Loiz tells Parade. "It leaves the skin looking rich, radiant, and luminous without any ashiness, giving the body a beautiful healthy glow."
5. Best Drugstore Pick: L'Oréal Lumi Glotion, $18
"One of my favorite affordable glow products because it's so versatile," Loiz says. "It blends easily, looks natural, and gives the skin a healthy sheen without feeling heavy."
6. Best Luxury Pick: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil, $110
"Literal luxury in a bottle," Loiz says. "The shimmer is refined, the finish is elegant, and it leaves the skin looking radiant while adding the signature Soleil Blanc scent."
Arthur also names this as a top pick. "My favorite for creating that expensive, sun-kissed bridal glow," she explains. "The shimmer is refined rather than glittery, and the scent instantly elevates the luxury experience."
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7. Best Spray: Isle of Paradise Sunny Serum Body Spray, $24
"I love how easy this is to apply, especially on larger areas like the legs, arms and shoulders," Loiz says. "It gives the skin an even, healthy-looking glow with very little effort. Can be worn alone or on top of makeup to set in place with a bronzed glow."
8. Best Powder: Melanie Mills Gleam Radiant Dust, $22
"A makeup artist's secret product when clients want that soft candlelit sheen on the body," Loiz says. "It's also great when you want a little more control over placement."
Up Next:
Sources:
- Renée Loiz, celebrity makeup artist
- Tori Arthur, makeup artist specializing in bridal makeup
