Glitter may reign supreme during the holiday months, but I'm calling bullshit on that being the only time you can shine bright like the diamond you are. And the beauty brands are on my side. Recently, there's been a welcome uptick in highlighting, glow-inducing, and glittery AF products on the market. Boy, am I here for it.
I spent the past couple of weeks sifting through the most recent shimmery launches and dousing my body in head-to-toe shine — all in the name of beauty. Ahead, I present to you 17 editor-tested products that will leave you glistening like Edward Cullen, without the whole vampire thing. You'll see some highlighters in the mix, but I've also found gold mascara and metallic lippies for your summer-beauty-collection consideration. As the kids these days say: It's most definitely lit.
Let's be real: Nobody really enjoys putting on sunscreen. It can leave your skin with a white cast, or worse, an oily mess. That's why this little tube, filled with micro-sized bits of pearlized glitter, is my numero-uno product on the list. It does neither of the above, and it gives me lovely flecks of shine. My one gripe: It doesn't provide broad-spectrum coverage. You win some, you lose some.
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day UV Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 36, $34, available at Sephora.
This glimmering formula may not have SPF protection going for it, but it does have the moisturizing factor down pat. It's infused with hydrating oils like jojoba and rose-hip, and is safe enough to use on both your visage and hair.
Don't let the glitter fragments scare you away. All it takes is a drop or two, either applied solo or mixed into your foundation, to give you that lovely, glowy finish. As with most of the glitter-infused oil products on the list, make sure to shake it well before using.
Elcie Cosmetics The Glow Enhancer, $48, available at Elcie Cosmetics.
I just came across this product the other day, but I'm already looking forward to wearing it on my face all summer long. It's a moisturizer and illuminator in one that leaves you with a hydrated glow. While it only comes in one ( actually universal) shade now, the brand has potential plans to expand the line in the near future. Which should definitely happen, because I anticipate this being a huge hit.
GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer, $49, available at Sephora.
I had my coworker test out this spray because my natural hair and sea salt do not mix. Her mini review: "This salt spray is on the drier side, which lends itself to a beachier texture. I would recommend using an oil in your hair before spraying it on and zhuzhing the locks. The glitter in the bottle looks aggressive, but rather than making your head look like a disco ball, it just gives your hair a pretty, golden, reflective quality when the light hits it just so." Sounds like a winner to me.
Captain Blankenship Golden Waves Sea Salt Shimmer Spray, $28, available at Captain Blankenship.
On the shimmer scale, this body glow is about a 9 out of 10. It's not for the shy sparkle-lovers out there, because it will leave you glistening for days — but in the best way possible. The not-so-fun part? The gold palms you're left with after applying it from head to toe. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterward, or you'll be leaving a trail of shimmer everywhere you go.
Some notable not-as-flashy runner-ups: & Other Stories Samite Gold Shimmer Body Oil and Wildcare Golden Hour Glowing Body Oil.
Kopari Coconut Body Glow, $42, available at Kopari.
For party-ready radiance — that also happens to have a summer-perfect scent — pick up this luxe bottle. We may not be poppin' molly, but we will rock Tom Ford anytime, anyplace.
Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil, $98, available at Tom Ford.
Scrubs take up half of my bathroom once summer rolls around. What can I say — sweating in the city makes me want to exfoliate like crazy. I'm not sure how I stumbled across this shimmery, microbead-free product, but as soon as I did, it skyrocketed to the top of my list. I don't use it every day (because, hello, I'm a fan of actually having skin), but when I do, I feel like a queen.
The sheen is subtle enough not to turn heads when you're walking down the street, but it might just catch the eye of someone standing next to you on the subway. Plus, it lasts all day long, so there's a chance to nail a missed connection on both your morning and evening commutes.
Nyl Organic Shimmer Scrub, $38, available at Nyl.
I apologize in advance for the dreaded rustlike ring this will leave around your tub. But it's worth it (and it will disappear with a swift scrubbing). This is a great alternative for those who want the product to do all of the work for them, without the fuss of applying it. Crumble up this bubble bar under running water and wait as your tub transforms into a citrus-scented, golden haven. Once you step out, you'll be left with little flecks of sparkle that don't overwhelm — almost like a scintillating second skin.
Lush Sunny Side Bubble Bar, $10.95, available at Lush.
Gold mascara may not be the first thing you reach for when looking for some summer shine, but I'm ready to start the movement if nobody else is. If you're not a body- or cheek-glow kind of person, this is a surprising way to incorporate a little glitz into your life without going overboard. Plus, what's more luxe than gilded lashes?
Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Vinyl Couture in Gold Sparkle, $29, available at YSL Beauty.
A gold, will-not-budge eyeliner is another way to add a little twinkle to your visage. Swipe it on over your cat-eye (or use it as your sole color) for some unexpected sheen.
Black Up Liquid Eyeliner in Gold, $22, available at Sephora.
This is a dead ringer for that metallic Kylie Lip Kit you probably can't get your hands on. The pigment is purplish-red with copper undertones, dries matte, and is just subtle enough to be interesting. If the liquid-lipstick look isn't your thing, lip gloss is the perfect shiny alternative. Kevyn Aucoin's glosses are poppin', cool, and will have all the boys chasing you after school.
Coloured Raine Matte Lip Paint in Fame, $17, available at Coloured Raine.
The color payoff on this blush is intense, which means controlling the pigment you put on is essential (heavy-handed makeup lovers, take note). One tap of the brush is plenty, and the finely milled shimmer is a pleasant glistening surprise.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Luminous Blush, $34, available at Sephora.
This new compact almost didn't make the list because, as soon as I opened it, I declared it too pretty to use. But the beauty editor in me took over, and I'm so glad she did. Can we just admire the stunning design for a minute? That alone makes it one of my favorites. Don't fret, though: The product itself is great. It's for those looking for a more discreet glow, as it goes on fairly sheer. It also comes with a good amount of glitter — so you've been warned.
The best part? This glowing beauty comes in four gorgeous shades. Devotion is great for the fairest among us, Addiction and Indiscretion work well for medium skin tones, and Seduction is ideal for the darker-skinned.
Laura Mercier Face Illuminator Powder, $44, available at Sephora.
Four highlighters in one — what more could a beauty buff want? The Glow Kit (which comes in two different versions, Gleam and That Glow) is great both for highlighting newbies and experts. You can mix and match to customize your very own sparkling look of choice. Add Sunburst on top of Golden Bronze, or try Dripping in Gold mixed with a dab of Bubbly — the highlighting world is your oyster.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow, $40, available at Sephora.
For some formula variety, I present to you a liquid option. My coworker once described this product as "tiny drops of sunshine," and she isn't wrong. It comes in two different colors — Candlelight and Starlight — and you can place it on sun-hitting spots for a targeted gleam or mix it with your foundation for a shine-all-over look.
The OG liquid highlighter I would feel ashamed if I didn't mention: NARS Illuminator. It's beloved for a reason (believe the hype) — but the Kevyn Aucoin version is well on its way to joining the cult club.
Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Skin Liquid Lighting Illuminating Emulsion, $52, available at Nordstrom.
The myth, the legend, the internet-famous Pat McGrath highlighter, naturally, made the list. And not just because it has, arguably, the most famous makeup artist in the world's name attached to it, but because it actually delivers. The kit (which comes in two versions) contains three products: a highlighting stick (with a balm on the opposite end), a powder, and a brush. All essential to the work you're about to put in.
There are several ways you can apply this. My personal favorite is swiping on the highlighter and blending it in with my fingers. Then, taking the brush, lightly feather it over the power, and dust it on top. The result: Well, just one scroll through Pat's Instagram feed will show you.
Another on-the-go contender that I adore just as much (and that comes at a much lower price tag) is ColourPop's Glo Up. And no, it's not just for the name — although that definitely adds to its charm. The velvety powder formula is compact and highly buildable. It works great as a highlighter, but I also dab a bit on my eyelids for a little extra oomph.
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003, $72, available at Sephora.
I adore this product for the packaging alone — seriously, who's going to pass up this futuristic-deodorant look? Not this girl. But, a word of warning, this isn't a POC-friendly highlighter — which is disappointing, because I wanted to love it. While the illuminating base is pretty for those with fairer skin tones, it left me with a disco-ball finish rather than a radiant one. If you have a darker complexion, look for a gold or bronze shade.
This still makes the cut because I'm a fan of the cream formula and the stick concept. I would advise using your fingers or a brush when applying it, though. Swiping it directly onto the cheeks will leave you blending for days.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator, $42, available at Sephora.
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