I Thought This Summer Body Product Was Retro—Now I Won't Go on Holiday Without It

As a beauty editor who loves nothing more than jetting off on holiday, it's safe to say that I've become a bit of an expert when it comes to packing my summer toiletries. Over the years, I've curated the ultimate edit of warm weather essentials from skincare to makeup and even fragrance. However, one product I've always struggled to get on board with is body shimmer.

You see, I love the idea of this product, but I've always found it too glittery or too oily for my liking. That was until I tried the Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil. I'm pretty sure that Sol de Janeiro is everyone's go-to summer beauty brand, and the body shimmer really is no exception.

Yes, this product is the secret to getting that golden holiday glow, and now I would never go away without it. I apply it liberally to my legs, arms and décolleté, and I always get compliments on how radiant my skin looks. If you want to hear more about my personal holiday beauty essential, keep on scrolling for my full review...

The Formula

The first thing I really want to talk about is the formula. You see, the reason that I love this body shimmer is that it has so many different benefits. Yes, it adds a gorgeous glow to the skin, but it also smells incredible, hydrates the skin, and depending on what shade you go for, it can also deliver a bronzing effect.

The product comes in the signature Cheirosa 62 scent (one of the best Sol de Janeiro perfume mists, IMO) with notes of pistachio, vanilla and salted caramel, and it features nourishing cupuaçu butter, açaí oil and coconut oil. Despite its moisturising properties, it's actually incredibly lightweight on the skin and doesn't leave your limbs feeling sticky or greasy. Instead, it adds a subtle shimmer that sparkles in the sunlight.

The Shades

There are currently two shades available. The first is called Rio Sunset, a beautiful champagne hue that adds a soft, delicate shimmer to the skin.

The second shade is called Copacabana Bronze, and as the name suggests, this adds a bronzy hue to the skin and is a lot warmer than the shade above. If you want it to look like you've spent a week in the sun, this is the shade to go for.

The Application

The brand recommends skipping body moisturiser before applying this product and using it on clean, dry skin before blending all over for an even finish. Although you can use your hands, if I don't feel like getting as messy, I like to use a body tanning brush. All I do is pump the product directly onto the skin and use the brush to blend it in. The brush does pick up some product along the way, so the results aren't as dramatic, but it definitely makes for a super smooth, natural finish.

The great thing about this product is that you can build it up as much as you like. I recommend starting out with one or two pumps and then adding as you go until you get your desired result.

The Results

Before Using the Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

Applying the Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

Applying the lighter shade.

Applying the deeper shade.

After Using the Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil

After applying the lighter shade.

After applying the deeper shade.

As you can see, this product adds a beautiful glow to the skin, without making it look like you've bathed in glitter. Don't get me wrong, it does add some serious sparkle, but in a luminous, radiant way.

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