Holographic, duochrome and unicorn beauty products are making it easy for us to get in on the glitter trend. Once we try the sparkly products, they’re often the gateway to a proper glitter obsession. We get hooked on disco ball shine and want more and more. That often leads to us wondering why should our faces get all the shimmer? Hair has been covered thanks to glitter roots and shimmering hairsprays, but we can’t forget our bodies if we want to truly glisten from head to toe. That’s where glitter body products come into play.
Most people likely haven’t worn body glitter since the 90s when it was as essential to a girl power look as hair mascara and flavored lip gloss. Like fashion, beauty trends are cyclical and eventually come around again. Ever the pioneer, Rihanna helped us realize just what we’ve been missing when she launched the glimmering Fenty Beauty Body Lava and Fairy Bomb Glittering Pom Pom.
Some people are eager for the full sparkly treatment, but it’s understandable if you aren’t quite ready for a glitter bomb look just yet. No matter where you fall on the sparkle spectrum, there’s a prismatic body product to try. And whatever products you pick, know that the formulas are miles better than the scratchy, skin-irritating glitters we slathered on in our youth. So put on a miniskirt or a trusty pair of denim cutoffs and try one of these 11 glistening body glitter products.
[ Next: The Best Glitter Makeup for Grownups ]
11 Chic Ways to Wear Body Glitter as a Grownup
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Too Faced
Pure Gold Ultra-Fine Face & Body Glitter, $17 at Nordstrom
This isn't solid gold, but it's the next best thing. A face and body glitter infused with actual gold. Those who don't like chunky sparkle will love the versatile ultra fine formula. It can be layered on top of makeup or used to highlight cheekbones or décolletage. Mix it with body lotion for a proper golden goddess look.
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Fenty Beauty
Fairy Bomb Glittering Pom Pom, $42 at Sephora
This is not your grandma's powder puff. It's an oversized pompom that's pre-packed with superfine rose gold shimmer. Get lit by dabbing the puff all over skin. The universally flattering Rosé On Ice shade has the right amount of prismatic color to flatter all skin tones. The formula also has an addictive coconut-vanilla scent. The product is limited-edition, so stock up before it's gone for good.
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NYX Professional Makeup
Face & Body Glitter, $6.50 at NYX Cosmetics
Want proper sparkle your 12-year-old self would go gaga for? Dust on one (or two) of these gorgeous face and body glitters. There are 12 light-reflecting shades to choose from and a little goes a long way. Sprinkle a bit into body lotions or moisturizers or use the brand's Glitter Primer when applying it by itself.
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Unicorn Snot
Silver Holographic Glitter Gel, $12.99 at Unicorn Snot
Don't let the name put you off. It may be "unicorn snot," but it's just as magical as any other unicorn beauty product. It contains cosmetic-grade holographic glitter that can be used on the face, hair and body without the need for primers or adhesives. The formula dries clear so all we get is megawatt sparkle. When it's finally time to remove the glitter, it comes off easily with makeup remover.
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This Works
Skin Deep Golden Elixir, $83 at This Works
Don't confuse this with self-tanner because it doesn't have the orange tint, chemical smell and awkward period waiting for the product to dry. It's a vitamin-rich body lotion infused with 24 karat gold. It has a price to match the fancy ingredient, but it's worth the splurge. The antioxidant formula enhances skin, hydrates and leaves limbs with a golden, radiant shimmer. FYI: The fragrance is 100 percent natural.
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Models Own
Festival Glitter Gel, $9.99 at Ulta Beauty
Get gorgeous sparkle without any mess thanks to this easy-to-apply glitter gel. It can be rubbed directly on skin or hair. Unlike some gel formulas, this one is packed with glitter for a proper coating from the first application. Pro tip: For a very intense finish, layer it on with a synthetic brush.
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Jane Iredale
Golden Shimmer Face and Body Lotion, $32 at Jane Iredale
Stock up on a few of these shimmer lotions because they can be applied on the face and body. The light-reflecting lotion adds subtle warmth and a golden glow to skin. Use as a highlighter or for strobing. Then use it to enhance your chest. It can be worn under makeup or by itself.
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L'Occitane
Cherry Blossom Shimmering Lotion, $29 at DermStore
Some glitter products may deliver prismatic sparkle, but they don't exactly smell the greatest. They can either be chemically or overwhelmingly cloying. That's not the case with this shimmering lotion. It's lightly scented with a feminine cherry blossom fragrance. The shimmer in the formula also strikes the right balance. It illuminates skin while moisturizing and is suitable for all skin types.
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Sunshine & Glitter
Awesome Sauce Glitter Lotion, $12.95 at Sunshine & Glitter
Like the name states, this sparkling lotion is awesome. The actual glitter is just as fun as the condiment-inspired packaging. Unlike some scratchy, irritating shimmer products, this one is nonmetallic and made out of nonirritating BPA-free plastic glitter. It's even formulated with antioxidants and natural preservatives.
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Tom Ford Beauty
Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil, $100 at Net-a-Porter
This body oil isn't cheap, but it's pretty much a vacation in a bottle. It leaves skin glistening as opposed to glittery and nourishes without feeling greasy. For a complete sensory experience, it has notes of coconut, amber and flowers. Apply a bit and get ready for people to ask when you got back from vacation.
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Herbivore Botanicals
Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil, $48 at Herbivore Botanicals
Crystals are becoming as popular in beauty as in jewelry. This luxurious body oil is inspired by rose quartz. It has a subtle shimmer just like the crystal, but doesn't scream sparkly. It's made from oils and no filler ingredients so it delivers concentrated hydration to tackle scaly limbs. Those new to body oils don't need to worry because it absorbs quickly and isn't greasy. All that will be left behind is a radiant glow and an addictive Moroccan rose and jasmine grandiflorum scent.
