What Is Body Shimmer? Your Guide For Glowing Skin
By Emille Mendoza | Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024
If you’re looking to achieve that perfect, sun-kissed glow, body shimmer is your best-kept secret.
Whether you’re getting ready for a special night out or simply want to brighten up your daily look, body shimmer adds that extra touch of sparkle and radiance.
But what exactly does body shimmer do?
Let’s dive in and uncover why this product is quickly becoming a must-have in beauty routines everywhere.
Quick Summary
- Body shimmer is a light-reflecting skincare product that provides a subtle, sun-kissed glow to your skin, enhancing your natural beauty.
- Body Shimmer vs. Glitter: Unlike glitter, which is more intense and chunky, body shimmer offers a refined and sophisticated glow, perfect for everyday use.
- For best results, apply body shimmer to areas where light naturally hits, blend it well, even layering it over or with a moisturizer or oil to help create a smoother finish.
What Is Body Shimmer?
Body shimmer is a skincare product that’s formulated with light-reflecting particles. These light-reflecting particles create a shine to your skin that gives a shimmer effect.
What Does Body Shimmer Do?
When you apply body shimmer and the light hits it just right, your skin gets that flawless, sun-kissed glow. Kind of like a body highlighter!
Why Use Body Shimmer?
Body shimmer doesn't just make your skin glow, it can actually improve it too!
Many body shimmers are infused with skin-loving ingredients like nourishing oils and vitamins, giving you a boost of hydration along with that luminous finish.
So, not only will your skin look radiant, but you're also taking care of it at the same time.
Body Shimmer vs Glitter: What’s The Difference?
It’s easy to confuse body shimmer with glitter, but there’s a key difference.
Body shimmer provides a subtle, refined glow, while glitter is chunkier and more intense, perfect for those who want to stand out.
However if you prefer a delicate glow, go for a body shimmer.
How To Use Body Shimmer: 4 Things To Know
Want to get the most out of your body shimmer? Here’s how to apply it for the best results:
1. Choose The Right Body Shimmer For Your Skin Tone
Body shimmer comes in various shades, and just like makeup, matching it to your skin tone is key:
- For fair skin, lighter tones like champagne or soft pink work beautifully
- Olive and medium skin tones look amazing with gold, bronze or peach hues
- Deeper skin tones shine best with bronze or gold shades
2. Apply Body Shimmer To Key Areas
To maximize your skin’s glow, focus on the areas where light naturally hits your skin: think shoulders, collarbones, legs, and arms.
Applying shimmer to these high points enhances the natural contours of your body, creating a radiant, sculpted effect.
For an even more striking look, you can also highlight the tops of your cheekbones or down the center of your legs for a lengthening illusion.
These subtle touches can make all the difference, giving you that head-to-toe glow without overdoing it.
3. Blend Body Shimmer For a More Natural Glow
To apply, use your fingers or a brush to blend the shimmer evenly across your skin. For a flawless finish, start with a small amount and gradually build up the glow until you achieve the look you want.
For an extra-soft, airbrushed effect, try using a Kabuki brush—the dense bristles help buff the shimmer into your skin for a more even, diffused glow. Just remember, body shimmer is meant to enhance your natural beauty, not overwhelm it, so a little goes a long way!
4. Layer Body Shimmer With Oil Or Lotion For More Intensity
If you’re looking to amp up the glow and create a more dramatic shine, try layering your shimmer over a hydrating body oil or lotion.
This technique locks in moisture while enhancing the shimmer, giving your skin that dewy, glistening look you often see on red carpets and in photo shoots.
The added hydration not only boosts the glow but also makes your skin appear smoother and more radiant.
Some body oils are infused with shimmer which acts as a 2 in 1 moisturizer and shimmer product, ensuring you get all of the benefits all in one!
Mistakes To Avoid When Using Body Shimmer
Applying Too Much Product
When it comes to body shimmer, less is more. Start with a small amount and build it up if needed, just a sprinkle is often enough to elevate your look. You can always add more, but taking it off? That’s a bit trickier!
Skipping Key Areas
You’ve nailed the shimmer on your arms and legs, but what about those little spots that make all the difference? Don’t forget to highlight your neck, hands, and even your feet!
These often-overlooked areas can really complete the full-body glow, making sure you shine from head to toe—literally. Remember, the shimmer magic isn’t just for the obvious places.
Not Prepping Your Skin
Prepping your skin is like setting the stage for your glow-up performance! Without a proper base, your shimmer won’t have the smooth canvas it needs to truly dazzle.
Try to apply a hydrating moisturizer or body oil beforehand, or even use a 2 in 1 shimmer & body oil, as it ensures that the shimmer glides on effortlessly and stays put longer.
Think of it as your skin's secret weapon for an even, flawless finish. Trust us—your shimmer game will thank you!
Benefits Of Using Body Shimmer
Besides giving your skin that radiant glow, body shimmer does more than just sparkle—it can give your confidence a serious boost!
There’s something about that subtle (or not-so-subtle, depending on your vibe) shimmer that makes you feel like you’re walking on sunshine. It enhances your overall look, adding a bit of glamour to your everyday routine or special occasion outfit.
But it’s not just about looks! Some body shimmers are also packed with skin-loving ingredients like softening grapeseed oil or hydrating coconut oil. So, while you’re glowing, your skin is also soaking up some serious moisture. It’s the perfect combo—soft, healthy skin with a dazzling finish. Who says you can’t have it all?
Body shimmer can also actually help blur those pesky little imperfections. Whether it’s an uneven skin tone, a few blemishes, or minor scars, the reflective properties of shimmer can smooth things out, giving you a more flawless finish.
It’s like your skin’s personal soft-focus filter!
Body Shimmer FAQs
What’s The Difference Between Body Shimmer & Body Oil?
Body shimmer and body oil—two skincare faves, but they serve slightly different purposes.
Body oil is all about hydration, leaving your skin soft, supple, and healthy-looking. It’s perfect for giving your skin a luminous sheen, but without the sparkle factor.
On the other hand, body shimmer is your go-to for that extra light-catching glow. It’s designed to reflect light and give you that radiant, almost ethereal shine.
Some savvy products combine the two (wink wink), so you can enjoy the best of both worlds—moisturized skin with a touch of sparkle!
Can Body Shimmer Be Used On The Face?
The short answer: yes, but proceed with caution!
Your face deserves a bit of glow too, but it’s best to apply sparingly. You don’t want to end up looking overly glittery.
When applying body shimmer to your face, lightly dab it on high points like your cheekbones, nose bridge, and even your brow bones for a subtle, sun-kissed highlight.
It’s the perfect way to give your face that “lit-from-within” vibe without going overboard. Just remember—less is more!
Will Body Shimmer Transfer To Clothes?
We’ve all been there—looking fabulous, only to realize your shimmer has decided to share its magic with your favorite outfit. To avoid shimmer transfer, make sure to give your shimmer time to fully set before getting dressed. Patience is key here!
How Long Does Body Shimmer Last?
Body shimmer is pretty long-lasting, but it’s not invincible. Generally, you can expect it to last for several hours—perfect for a night out or a day at the beach.
However, if you’re wearing it all day or in humid conditions, you might need a little touch-up to keep the glow going strong.
Keeping a small amount of product handy for a quick top-up will ensure your radiance stays on point, no matter what the day (or night) throws your way!
Can I Use Body Shimmer Every Day?
Why not? There’s no rule that says body shimmer is just for special occasions.
If you want to add a bit of sparkle to your everyday routine, go for it! Whether it’s a subtle shimmer for lounging at the beach or a full-body glow for a night out, body shimmer can be as casual or as glamorous as you like. It’s all about how you wear it!
Final Thoughts
Body shimmer is more than just a fun, sparkling addition to your beauty routine—it’s a versatile product that can elevate your look while nourishing your skin.
With light-reflecting particles and often skin-loving ingredients, it’s a great way to achieve that perfect, sun-kissed glow.
Whether you’re prepping for a big event or simply want a subtle daily radiance, body shimmer can work its magic effortlessly.
Just remember, a little goes a long way, and with the right application techniques, you can enjoy a radiant, flawless finish every time!
By Emille Mendoza
Founder
Emille launched Boracay Skin in 2015, inspired by the skincare benefits of coconut oil she discovered in Boracay, Philippines. Starting with one handmade product, the brand quickly gained traction, landing in Urban Outfitters and partnering with major events like Miami Swim Week. By 2018, Emille took Boracay Skin full-time, expanding the product line and growing the business to five and six-figure monthly revenues. Her entrepreneurial success earned her a spot as a finalist in the Business News Australia Young Entrepreneur Awards and her expertise has also been featured in media outlets like Daily Mail and Ticker TV.
