Summer 2025 is nearly here, and with it, the rise of what I like to call the “hot girl glow” era. From spray-on shimmer to SPF that doubles as a skin tint, the body care and, subsequently, body shimmer category has received a glossy rebrand—and as a result, so have our social media feeds. In just a few weeks, Instagram will be flooded with pictures of sunshine, glistening skin, and legs—lots of legs. Radiant, gleaming, and fully on display. They’re practically the season’s standout accessory. Which begs the question: What is it about legs that captivates us so during the warmer months?
As makeup artist T. Cooper puts it: “Legs naturally elongate the body, and when they’re glowing, it enhances their shape, length, and muscle tone.” That light-reflecting sheen, she says, draws the eye in and adds a bit of sexiness. “It’s like putting a spotlight on strength and femininity simultaneously.”
As a result, I’ve been stepping up my body shimmer game over the last year. And this summer, I’m going all in to get the hot girl legs of my dreams. So over the past few months, I’ve been swiping, slathering, and spritzing my way through every top-rated body shimmer and tint I could get my hands on. Ahead, the 13 standout formulas that have earned a permanent spot in my summer skincare routine.
The Best Body Shimmers
- The Best Body Shimmer Overall: Patrick Ta Major Glow Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil
- The Best Body Shimmer Sunscreen: Kopari Golden Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 50
- The Best Scented Body Shimmer: Anastasia Beverly Hills Shimmer Body Oil
- The Best Luxury Body Shimmer: Tom Ford Soleil Neige Shimmering Body Oil
- The Best Bronzy Body Shimmer: Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Oil
When it comes to glowing skin, no one does it like Patrick Ta Beauty. Besides the versatility of formulas (creams, balms, and liquids), each product is scented with the brand’s signature fragrance, which consists of notes like bergamot, warm sugar, and amber. My favorite of the bunch is the recently launched Nourishing Bronzing Body Oil, which has a silky-smooth texture that turns the application process into a multi-sensory experience. The end result? Radiant, delicious-smelling skin.
Texture: Oil
Shades: Two
What I Love: Gorgeous packaging; Delicious Scent; Adds subtle warmth to the skin
What I Don’t: Can be hard to travel with due to size
Review for MC: “I loved Patrick Ta Beauty’s original iteration of this body oil, but this packaging is so much better because it doesn’t leak or get clogged when pumping. I use the bronze version, so it adds a slight warmth to my body and makes me feel like a glowy goddess year-round. The pump dispenser makes it super easy to apply, but I like to buff it out with the corresponding body brush because you will be left with sparkles on your palm otherwise. Coupled with the delicious scent, this has easily become one of my favorite body oil formulas in my collection.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
If you’re on the hunt for a glow that practically applies itself, pick up this body mist sunscreen from Kopari. It boasts an SPF of 50, which allows you to be protected from the sun while you’re also glowing to the gods. Along with the lightweight feel of the formula, it boasts standout packaging, working as a continuous spray bottle.
Texture: Liquid
Shades: Two
What I Love: Continuous spray bottle; Lightweight on the skin; Has SPF 50
What I Don’t: The shimmer is a little more apparent in this formula, so it may be too glitter-like for some people
Review for MC: “This Kopari spray is my favorite way to apply SPF, especially on vacation. It leaves me looking glowy and protected from the sun, plus the continuous spray bottle packaging means getting the shine I want isn’t this big to do—I just spray it on and go about my business (which is jumping into various bodies of water and lounging under palm trees).” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
This next pick is my go-to body oil that works with almost any beauty product and for any occasion. The tropical coconut and vanilla fragrance is subtle enough that it won’t clash with my perfumes, while the quick dry finish leaves skin feeling touchable and soft, sans any greasy feeling. As for the glow, it comes from micro-fine shimmer that offers a radiance effect rather than glitter.
Texture: Oil
Shades: Two
What I Love: Compact packaging; Easy to travel with; Oil dries down quickly
What I Don’t: Packaging is glass, so I have to be careful how it’s stored
Review for MC: “This oil is so good that I gifted it to my bridesmaids for my wedding in Jamaica. It was the perfect addition to their dresses and left them looking glowy but not oily. The shimmer that it dried down to was chef’s kiss. There’s also a soft vanilla scent that works well with practically any fragrance you put on top.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Around 2016, no Instagram vacation photo was complete without the famous Tom Ford gold body oil. To be honest, I still see it as the product to beat. That said, I’ve fallen in love with the silver version of the oil over the past few months and am ready to start a petition for it to get as much love as its counterpart. The Soleil Neige Oil has a woodier scent profile, and the silver shimmers pop beautifully against my deeper skin tone (something I didn’t expect to love as much as I do). While the other shade is admittedly more popular, I implore you to consider this one on your next Sephora trip.
Texture: Oil
Shades: Two
What I Love: Luxurious packaging; Dry oil
What I Don’t: Most expensive option on this list
Review for MC: “I don’t know why I never tried a silver body glow oil before, but this one from Tom Ford changed the way I approach body glow altogether. It’s a dry oil, so it doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue that makes me want to immediately jump into the shower. Still, the silver shimmers that it leaves behind feels, well, sophisticated for lack of a better word. If you have deeper skin, don’t shy away from cool-toned body shimmers—you may be blocking yourself from discovering your new hot-girl go-to.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
While some body glow products add next-level shimmer and shine, others make you look like you drink a full eight cups of water every day. This one from Sol de Janeiro does just that. It doesn’t have full-on glitter, but the oil itself delivers a healthy sheen to the skin that makes you look radiant from head to toe. It also comes in the brand’s signature pistachio scent profile, and there are two shades to choose from: a bronze and a champagne.
Texture: Oil
Shades: Two
What I Love: Transfer-resistant; Smells like the brand’s signature Cheirosa ‘62 fragrance (the brand’s famous body spray that smells like pistachio, salted caramel, vanilla, and almond)
What I Don’t: To enjoy this formula’s full transfer-resistant properties, it needs to be used on dry skin
Review for MC: “This oil is the epitome of 'I drink my water and mind my business.’ When I use it, there are no other words for how I look other than radiant. I prefer the bronze shade, which adds a subtle hint of warmth to my skin. It’s especially needed as we make our way out of the winter months. This is one of the more ‘natural-looking’ glow formulas in this list, so if you want a formula that just adds a hint of something, start here.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
While the original version of this Refy product was designed as a face highlighter, I’ve been known to slather it over my chest and shoulders from time to time. That's why when the body version came out, I immediately jumped on it. It’s simple, minimal tube packaging belies its absolute gold-standard body glow. Unlike many of the other oils on this list, there is no shimmer in this formula, but it leaves a glowy, gold sheen on the skin and will still deliver an Instagram-worthy shine. One swipe down your shin will give you the hot girl legs you’re looking for. Plus, a little on the chest and shoulders will basically transform you into Beyoncé, and who doesn’t want that?
Texture: Cream
Shades: One
What I Love: Targeted dispenser; Can be used all over the body
What I Don’t: Color can pull a little warm on very fair skin
Customer Review: “I love this, it makes me so glowy. I use it as a highlighter on my cheekbones, bridge of nose, and above my upper lip, and it has resulted in many compliments on how glowy I look.” — Sephora
I never thought I’d have a “going out” lotion, but this glowy formula from Jergens has filled a space in my beauty collection I didn’t even know I had. After falling in love with the original Shea and Cocoa version, I discovered this one—it's the same thing, just with shimmer in it. It offers the perfect amount of glow for everyday wear and leaves my skin looking luminous and healthy. With summer dress season right around the corner, I have this in my bathroom cabinet for easy reach daily.
Texture: Cream
Shades: Two
What I Love: Lotion consistency that blends like butter; Very subtle glow to the skin that looks natural
What I Don’t: Let it dry fully, or it can transfer to clothing
Customer Review: “Has a nice musky scent that is more on the feminine side. Adds a bit of tint to your skin and the perfect amount of moisture. Also has a slight illumination factor to it. Will keep buying.” — Target
Vaseline was a staple in my household growing up (and has recently had a huge comeback due to slugging), so when they came out with a radiant line a few years ago, my interest was piqued. While it technically doesn't have any shimmer in the formula, the collection features a product called the Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Gel Oil, and it's become a fixture in my routine. When I want some added shine, I just tap a loose highlighter in my hand and mix it with this formula, giving it a custom glow. It comes in at a drugstore price, but the glow that it leaves is rich. It’s the lowbrow shortcut you’ve been looking for to achieve Instagram-worthy skin.
Texture: Oil-Gel Hybrid
Shades: One
What I Love: Made with melanated skin in mind; Easy to mix with shimmer
What I Don’t: Plastic packaging gets worn easily
Customer Review: “I was impressed by the texture of the product, which is smooth and lightweight on my skin. Does not feel sticky at all. I usually use body mist that has a scent that matches the sweet smell of the product, which is my new favorite combination. Packaging is simple and easy to carry, with great ingredients.” — Target
Another silver shimmer option, this oil from Truly will have you smelling like a vanilla snack. Aside from the super luxe glass packaging that doubles as vanity decor, the formula traps in moisture thanks to ingredients like glycerin, which hydrates, softens, and soothes the skin. This formula can also be paired with (or on top of) any of your favorite lotions or body serums for deeper hydration. It’s a thicker viscosity, so I like to apply this formula at night so it has time to sink in.
Texture: Oil
Shades: One
What I Love: Silver shimmer; Smells like vanilla; Has skincare ingredients like vitamin C
What I Don’t: Thicker formula that can feel a little greasy on the skin
Customer Review: “Firstly, this scent is absolutely amazing. It's sexy and sweet. The oil absorbed quickly into the skin. The glitter left on the skin is a good amount. Nothing overboard, which I was concerned about.” — Truly
Quite a few of the options on this list are oils, but allow me to introduce you to the first solid body glow option I fell in love with: the Dibs Status Sticks. Available in three shades, the product is essentially a highlighter for the face and body. I particularly like using it on the tips of my shoulders and my décolleté, down the center of my shins, and sometimes even on top of other body oils. It’s perfect for a targeted glow application and—of course—can be used on top of a full face of makeup without disrupting all your hard work.
Texture: Solid stick highlighter
Shades: Three
What I Love: Easy to travel with; Can be used with makeup
What I Don’t: Packaging can crack fairly easily
Customer Review: “The status stick is beyond great. First of all, it will probably last forever! Very good size for the price. The "High Road" color is so natural looking. Will definitely be purchasing more of your product.” — Ulta
SPF 50 is combined with a moisturizing base to create Saltair’s Sunscreen Body Oil. Available in two shades, a bronze and a champagne, it drenches the skin in a soft veil of glitter and has a floral scent (the notes vary depending on which shade you pick up). The formula of each colorway is a combination of moisturizing ingredients like mongongo oil (to enhance the skin barrier), kukui oil (to soothe skin and inflammation), and sunflower oil (to prevent moisture loss).
Texture: Oil
Shades: Two
What I Love: Gel-oil consistency; Can be used on top of makeup; Easy pump dispenser
What I Don’t: Slightly bulky packaging can be hard to travel with
Customer Review: “This product is amazing! I have zero complaints. I normally don't wear body SPF because as a person with darker skin and as a male with body hair, nearly all body sunscreens leave me with a white or purple cast, but this does not leave behind any cast whatsoever!” — Ulta
Infused with the brand’s beloved signature sunscreen scent—a viral combination of fresh, fruity notes like bergamot, pineapple, and sea salt—this shimmer spray from Vacation will make you look like a golden goddess. It has more of a shimmer base that you can noticeably see, and since it has SPF 30, it feels like an easy one-and-done to throw into a beach bag. Pair it with a beachy, fresh perfume and you'll look (and smell) like a sexy summer siren.
Texture: Oil
Shades: One
What I Love: Has SPF; Neutral gold shimmer suits any skin tone
What I Don’t: Not transfer-proof; Can feel a little greasy after rubbing it in
Customer Review: “Smells light and amazing! Super beautiful, sparkly but not over-the-top shimmery glow. Smells like the air at the beach and sunscreen .. lovely product.” — Ulta
Glow without spending time in the sun with Lux Unfiltered’s new blurring body glow. Available in one bronze formula, it highlights the skin while also blurring imperfections—a bit like body makeup, but without the heavy coverage. Plus, with the easy-to-use targeted dispenser, getting glowy skin has never been more foolproof.
Texture: Cream
Shades: One
What I Love: Easy-to-use packaging; Universally flattering bronze shade; Skincare ingredients like squalane
What I Don’t: Have to make sure it sets after applying to be transfer resistant, which can slow getting-ready time
Customer Review: “This body glow feels as moisturizing as a typical lotion (which makes sense since it has ingredients like squalene and vitamin C in it), but the glow it gives feels like highlighter for the body. While other products on this list can leave your skin looking wet and glossy (which I also love), this one makes me look like I have the perfect tan—even skin with a slight radiance that screams ‘I just came back from three weeks in the Caribbean.’” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
How to Get Glowy, Smooth Legs Without Tanning
You'll see people on social media showing off their tans as a shortcut to glowing skin, but as someone who is practically as sun-averse as they come, I’m here to tell you there are alternative ways to get that enviable glimmer. “There are so many hacks to choose from,” makeup artist Christian Briceno says. Below, he shares some of his favorite solutions for soft, smooth, radiant legs.
- At-Home Scrub: “Creating a DIY scrub is super easy and you likely already have the ingredients you’ll need at home,” says Briceno. Mix a half cup of brown sugar, a third cup of jojoba oil, one teaspoon of oatmeal, and 10 drops of vitamin E oil in a container. “Apply the concoction in the shower, and massage it into your legs in circular motions.” Rinse your body with warm water, towel off, and apply your favorite body moisturizer.
- DIY Shine: “This is my favorite hack to create a body glow product on the go,” Briceno says. “Scrape and crush a pearly eyeshadow or pressed highlighter, and mix it into your favorite moisturizer. You’ll end up with a creamy highlighter that you can apply all over your desired body part.” This is also an easy way to repurpose your makeup.
- Dry Brushing: “For this technique, you’ll want to make sure that your skin is dry to the touch, and use a natural, firm-bristled brush to remove dead skin,” Briceno says. “I recommend dry brushing at least two times a week.” This is an excellent way to remove dead skin cells and boost blood circulation, in turn, making your skin appear more smooth and firmer.
Why Are We So Fascinated With Glowy Legs?
Growing up in a Black household, it’s a cardinal sin to be ashy. It didn’t matter if I was bundled up in four layers and trudging through Massachusetts’s brutal winters, or if it was the hottest day of the year—my body was to be moisturized at all times. That being said, there’s something about glowing skin that has always been particularly attractive to me. But when it comes to the warm, summer months, what is it about a shiny leg that gets us all so up in arms?
“This body part is admired thanks to a mix of factors, like aesthetic balance,” Briceno says. “Legs that appear long, toned, and proportioned to the body are often considered very attractive. The way we move our legs can also portray confidence, an often-admired quality. Good skin quality also helps our legs look healthier and youthful, which are signs of strength and vitality.”
Meet the Experts
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
For this story, I sourced editor favorites and tested the best-rated body glow products on the market, narrowing this list down to the best 13. I evaluated each formula based on qualifiers like ease of application, longevity of wear, and efficacy.
