Shimmering Body Oil That Looks Expensive, Not Tacky—I Polled Our Beauty Editor Group Chat for Faves

Planning a getaway? If so consider bringing a body oil like this one from Victoria Beckham Beauty with you. "Portofino '97 smells like a luxurious Italian beach vacation, which is exactly the vibe I'm looking for when I apply shimmer oil," says senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider. "I love layering my fragrances with matching body products (scent clings better to well-hydrated skin, so it's also a cheat code for long-wear!), and this is a pair I'm sticking to all summer." It's a bit of a splurge compared to some of the other options on this list, but trust that it's totally worth it.

Pros: Luxurious feel, easy to layer

Cons: Expensive

Key ingredients: Olive fruit, jojoba seed, safflower 

Scent: Citrus-wood, sea breeze, amber, patchouli, musk, vetiver

Size: 1.69 oz

Customer review: "The musk is smooth and alluring, the shimmer adds a luminous touch, and the quality is evident from the very first spray. Portofino ’97 Golden Shimmer is exceptional."

Schneider's next pick is this stunning Tory Burch Sublime Shimmer Oil. "Another shimmer oil with an eau de parfum to match, this Sublime number just makes me feel expensive," she says. "It's featherlight and silky, so no greasy limbs, yet leaves a lingering trace of mandarin, rose, and sun-drenched leather."

Pros: Non-greasy, silky feel

Cons: Some say it's too subtle

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, sunflower seed, jojoba oils

Scent: Rose, Osmanthus flower, earthy vetiver, bright mandarin

Size: 3.3 oz

Anastasia Beverly Hills is huge in the makeup space, but if you didn't know about the brand's body oil, you're missing out. "My roommates and I share this one because it's that good," says associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia. "It's non-sticky, only the slightest bit shimmery (just how I like it), and doesn't interfere with other perfumes you might want to layer on top." This one comes in three shades (white, gold, and rose gold), so you have options.

Pros: Not sticky, subtle, comes in several shades

Cons: Some say the scent is short-lasting

Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil

Scent: Coconut-vanilla 

Size: 1.5 oz

Customer review: "Nice oil. Has a good scent and dries quickly. I really liked it a lot. Would repurchase it."

Finding an oil that doesn't look like a cast on melanin-rich skin tones can be tricky, which is why this formula from L'Occitane is a standout. "While I don't normally reach for body oils enhanced with ultra-fine shimmer (many of the ones I've used in the past don't look too natural on my deep skin tone), L'Occitane's stunning Almond Shimmering Oil has become one of my favorites for softening my skin while adding a sun-kissed glow," says associate beauty editor Maya Thomas. "I love that its skin-nourishing formula is enriched with sweet almond oil, which delivers instant luminosity to the skin while ensuring it stays soothed and nourished."

Pros: Ultra-fine shimmer, softening

Cons: Golden flakes may transfer

Key ingredients: Sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, castor oil

Scent: Almond

Size: 3.3 oz

Customer review: "Love the original but love this one even better. This will be great for those summer and spring days. Skin looks naturally bronzed. Right amount of shimmer and smells fantastic. Skin is soft and hydrated."

Another splurge-worthy body oil, this African Botanics Marula Shimmering Gold Oil comes as a recommendation from beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock. "Since my MO is "subtle, sun-kissed glow," I'll be stocking up on this shimmering body oil that can be used on your face and hair ahead of summer," she says. "A responsibly sourced concoction of marula, baobab, and kalahari melon seed oils will make your skin and strands feel as smooth as silk." She adds that the subtle gold flecks offer a flattering luminosity that delivers a sun-kissed glow.

Pros: Can be used on skin and hair, natural finish

Cons: Pricey

Key ingredients: Marula, baobab, ylang ylang, kalahari melon seed oils

Scent: Ylang ylang

Size: 3.4 oz

Customer review: "This oil after showering is such a great ritual. It leaves my skin so soft and silky ( not oily) with the most amazing scent! I’m hooked!"

If you want to layer your body oil with another scent, McLintock suggests this buy from NARS. "I love shimmering body oil, but only if it gives my skin an ethereal veil of subtle radiance, rather than a chunky, glittery look," she says. "Nars Monoi Body Glow is one of the best ones, in my opinion. It's silky, hydrating, and doesn't transfer, as long as you let it dry for a few minutes after application." The scent is luxe, warm, and beachy, making super easy to pair. The only thing to note is that the coconut oil can cause the formula to solidify, so you may have to run it under warm water and give it a shake to get the original texture back.

Pros: Subtle, doesn't transfer

Cons: Can solidify over time

Key ingredients: Tiare flower, coconut oil

Scent: Warm coconut

Size: 2.5 oz

Customer review: "A must-have if you love glowing skin and a warm, vacation-like scent. Feels indulgent and looks amazing layered with a fragrance like Le Labo Another 13 or Baccarat Rouge."

If you want to get a glow for less than $20, I recommend this budget-friendly option from Vaseline. This is was made with melanated skin in mind with a warm copper shimmer that's perfect for finishing touches. It's made with ethically sourced US mica and pairs perfectly with the brand's Illuminate Me Whipped Body Butter.

Pros: Affordable, moisturizing, non-greasy

Cons: Some wish these was a more noticeable scent

Key ingredients: Mica

Size: 3.3 oz

Customer review: "Was so wowed by this product. Was looking for a pretty shimmery body oil and wanted to see how this one was. It definitely did not disappoint. It's moisturizing, and provides such a beautiful shimmery glow to the skin. I have a lighter skin tone and can only imagine how stunning this must look on deeper skin tones. Also smells super good!"

While I haven't tried this oil personally, it's high on my wish list after watching Jasmine Tookes wear this body oil during the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She looked stunning and her glow had the internet buzzing. Turns out, the secret was this transfer-proof body oil that she helped create along with her co-founder Sabrina Castenfelt. You can expect a sophisticated, floral scent with notes of red apple, solar notes, jasmine, almond, and sandalwood.

Pros: Transfer-proof, smells great, won't clog pores

Cons: Some find the shimmer to be too subtle

Key ingredients: Safflower, castor, coconut, jojoba oils, magnolia extract, squalane, caffeine complex

Scent: Red apple, solar notes, jasmine, almond, sandalwood.

Size: 3.4 oz

Customer review: "I’m obsessed with this body oil! It’s gives you the best glow and the smell is AMAZING!!!"