I love the glow the summer sun gives my skin—well, at least now that I am an adult and comfortable in my deep-brown skin. There was a time when I’d hide from the sun to avoid getting darker. But these days, it’s all about basking in the summer sun with sun protection, of course, and using natural body oils to make my brown skin shine in strappy dresses and short shorts.
Body lotions and heavy creams are my go-to in fall, winter, and even spring because they keep the dry patches often induced by the dry Los Angeles air at bay. But there is nothing like body oil to give you an “I just got back from a tropical vacation” vibe even if you haven’t left the 10-mile radius of your home. Now, you might be thinking body oils are a no-no because mixing oil with pretty dresses, showstopping bikinis, and white summer suits sounds like it has potential for a big mess (and stained clothes).
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But I’m here to tell you there are oils out there that—when applied correctly (usually after a shower while the skin is damp)—won’t leave you with oil all over your summer wardrobe. Keep scrolling for our top picks.
Anything Nars makes is a bop in my book. I never leave home without my Radiant Creamy Concealer, and its Body Glow lives up to the Nars standard. Not only does the oil give the skin a healthy, hydrating glow, but reviewers even say Body Glow acts as a natural mosquito repellent (thanks to the Monoï oil).
Great for allover hydration, this multitasker moisturizes the body and can be used as a hair mask. Apply it from root to tip, and leave it for 30 minutes to soak up all this oil has to offer.
You don’t have to worry about this ultra-fine dry oil leaving unwanted stains on your clothes or any fabric you come in contact with, because the antioxidant-rich trio of oils—sunflower-seed, grape-seed, and oat—absorb into the skin in seconds.
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If golden hour were bottled, this is what I imagine it would look like. Layer this with SPF to add a touch of shimmer (or a lot) to your pool days.
Handcrafted with natural ingredients ethically sourced from artisans across Africa, this Fair for Life–certified body oil is packed with hydrating Egyptian jojoba, Ghanaian baobab, Nigerian Moringa, and Moroccan rose-hip and argan oils that nourish the skin from head to toe.
The dropper design makes it easy to apply this omega-rich oil to shoulders and décolletage to highlight those delicate areas you want to show off in your new halter jumpsuit or strapless dress.
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This beloved body oil is like summer in a bottle with notes of white florals and amber sandalwood. It’s also worth noting that this shimmering body oil (which comes in gold and rose gold) complements various skin tones.
Dry oil with a bit of bronze is a perfect summertime companion. For a subtle glow, use a brush to apply this shea butter–infused oil to your décolleté, legs, and shoulders to avoid losing all the shimmer on the palms of your hands.
Love La Mer’s Renewal Body Oil? Well, the new balm formula makes it even easier to take on the go without the fear of spilling a drop. The balm melts down into the lightly scented, hydrating oil formula we all love.
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Oui the People is in the business of mindful bodycare. The brand’s fragrance-free (a win for sensitive skin) serum-like oil made with olive-derived squalane, rose hip, and avocado hydrates without any stickiness or lingering oiliness.
An oil that provides up to 80 minutes of sun protection? Yes, please.
Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta knows how to make the skin glow, and re-creating his signature healthy, dewy skin look is just a bottle of Major Glow away.
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With notes of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and saffron, this multipurpose dry oil can be used on the body and hair, and it provides an extra treat for the senses.
Offering a light scent, subtle glow, and the ability to moisturize without leaving a greasy film, this shimmer oil comes so highly rated by reviewers, and we understand why.
If you shave or wax, a body oil made to soothe even your most sensitive skin areas like the bikini line, underarms, and legs post–hair removal can give you a softening glow and help keep ingrown hairs and irritation at bay.
Next: This $18 Skincare Gem Can Be Used 3 Different Ways to Create an Effortless Glow