If you’re like me, and you live in a place that experiences a true winter, I’m sure you can relate to what I’m about to say—that is, I take summer seriously. Extremely seriously. Can you blame me? After months of being covered in layers of clothing to fend off the freezing temperatures, brisk wind, and falling snow, I can’t wait to feel the freedom of warmer weather. I abandon the weight of long sleeves, sweaters, and jackets, and I swap them for lightweight, breezy items. Immediately after that, I bring out my best body-perfecting products.
From body washes to lotions, scrubs, and oils, I’m down to try anything if there’s a chance it can make my limbs look bright, healthy, and smooth. Think glowing golden-hour skin, but like, 24/7. That’s my ultimate goal.
This year, I have quite the product line-up. It includes all of my go-to items, as well as a new favorite. I’m talking about an editor-approved body bronzer that moisturizes, smooths and perfects the skin in one swipe. I can’t shut up about it.
MUTHA
Mutha Body Butter Glow
Here it is—Mutha’s Body Butter Glow. It’s the same as the brand’s original Body Butter ($95), except it gives the skin a subtle, sheer, and oh-so-pretty bronze glow.
Here’s what Mutha’s Body Butter Glow looks like in the jar.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Like the original, this body butter has a luxurious soufflé texture and an ultra-moisturizing formula. Ingredients include organic shea butter, mango butter, and avocado oil, so it’s high in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, phytosterols, carotene, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. The best part is that there is no water or fillers included, and it’s free of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, and sulfates.
The Original, Cult-Favorite Formula
I’ve been using the original formula for years, ever since Who What Wear’s beauty director, Erin Jahns, recommended it to me. It’s one of my favorite body care products ever. It keeps my skin so smooth and moisturized and I swear it works wonders on razor burn. It’s a staple in my skincare routine; I’ll leave it at that.
Here’s a picture of my leg I quickly snapped after applying the product.
(Image credit: @kaitlyn_mclintock)
Rest assured that the effect isn’t garish or overtly glittery. It’s sophisticated—like grown-up body shimmer for adults. The gold particles are finely milled for a skin-twinkling sheen. I use it on my arms, legs, and chest when wearing skin-bearing clothing. It makes my skin look like I just returned from a two-week vacation. It’s smooth, moisturized, and glowing.
I only have one complaint. Well, I’m not sure if it’s really a complaint. I’ll let you be the judge. It doesn’t sink into my skin very quickly. On one hand, that’s good, because it lasts all day long and *actually* moisturizes my skin. On the other hand, that isn’t good, because I feel a residue on my skin for a few minutes after application. Luckily, the fix is easy. I apply it 15 minutes or so before I get dressed for maximum absorption and less residue and smudging. Oh, and be sure to wash your hands after you apply it, otherwise you’ll have shimmering palms.
Most recently, I applied to my arms and shoulders before heading out for dinner and drinks. It gained me multiple compliments and lasted throughout the entire four-hour affair.
10 More Editor-Approved Body-Perfecting Products
This glass skin-giving body gloss is begging to be used all summer long.
PATRICK TA
Major Glow Balm
Sol de Janeiro
Glowmotions Glow Body Oil
This transfer-resistant tinted body oil can be used on the face and body.
Nuxe
Huile Prodigieuse Shimmer Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
This French pharmacy pick never fails to make my limbs look (and smell) lovely.
De La Heart
Wooden Lymphatic Body Massage Tool
TOM FORD
Mini Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil
Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil is an absolute classic.
Isle of Paradise
Beautifully Balanced Body Butter
This ceramide-rich body butter is a newfound fave. It reminds me of whipped cream.
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna
Body Sauce Body Luminizing Tint
Glow like Rihanna with this body tint. It gives the skin a lit-from-within luminosity.
African Botanics
Marula Shimmering Gold Oil
I love that this shimmering body oil includes antioxidant-rich seed oils.
Sunday Riley
Fairy Godmother Shimmering Body Oil Gel
Perhaps my favorite body shimmer ever, this never feels thick or sticky on my skin.