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Everyone wants a little sparkle and glow here and there, and one of the best ways to achieve a subtle shimmer effect is with body glitter spray.
Don’t let the word glitter scare you, however, as some of our favorite picks below will give you the glow you want without making you look like a disco ball. We have included a few shimmering body lotions, a hair and body glitter, specialty leg, and body makeup that gives a subtle glow while providing some serious coverage and some glimmer shine for the most radiant, luminous hair.
These products will all serve different needs but the end result is as glowy and shimmery as you like. They are buildable and multipurpose and can be used in your hair, as a nail polish enhancement, and can even add some subtle highlight to the cheek area.
The Top Body Glitter Spray Compared
Punky BWild Body Glitter — Best Overall
This hair and body glitter is a temporary spray that will wash out of your hair or clothes with ease and no fuss. Made from the finest glitter, this spray provides a nice sparkling look that is great for a ton of occasions. This spray will vividly color or highlight any area you choose to spray and comes in a ton of fun colors.
Pros
- The spray covers a large area at one time
Cons
- It is recommended to spray this outside
Sally Hansen Makeup — Runner Up
More makeup for your legs than a body glitter, this spray-on color will not only cover up any imperfections but also gives off a light glow with subtle shimmers. Long-lasting and natural, this airbrush spray can also be used as a sunless tanner depending on the shade without the worry of UVA/UVB rays and is water and transfer-resistant.
Pros
- This spray removes easily with soap, water, and a washcloth
Cons
- Allow a drying time of 60 seconds
MoroccanOil Glimmer Shine — Best for Hair
This finishing spray is an ideal hair enhancer that creates a radiant shine to enhance color and highlights. This spray will work to deliver radiant shine while infusing the hair with the ultimate in goodness including argan oil, antioxidants, and vitamins. This glimmer is easy to apply and should be sprayed directly on dry, styled hair for the ultimate gleam.
Pros
- This spray creates a protective barrier against many environmental factors
Cons
- This spray needs some time to set after application
Glimmer Goddess Lotion — Contender
This ultra-lightweight shimmer body lotion is designed to protect, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin all the while lavishing your body with brightening bronze shimmer. Made from organic and natural ingredients including organic shea and cocoa butter, this lotion also contains flecks of pearlized diamonds to give your skin the perfect shimmery glow.
Pros
- This lotion is handmade in small batches
Cons
- If you prefer untinted skin, another option might be better
Norvell Shimmering Mist — Also Consider
This dazzling glimmer mist provides a bright shimmering layer to enhance any tan or hairstyle without the mess of shimmer oils and powders. This spray uses ultra-fine particles for a glam sheen vs. a glittery mess that will attract light, giving a subtle sheen to the skin. This spray is also easy to use and should be sprayed in a sweeping motion from head to toe.
Pros
- This multi-purpose spray can be used in the hair, on your nails, and even on your cheekbones
Cons
- This formula contains a light fragrance
Buying Guide: Body Glitter Sprays
What Is Body Glitter?
Body glitter is a cosmetic product used as body makeup to add shimmer or sparkle to your skin. Body glitter may look like craft glitter but should never be used interchangeably. Cosmetic grade glitter has a more elaborate manufacturing process which makes it safe to be applied to the body, including the face. The plastic used in cosmetic body glitter is non-toxic and its particles are finer and rounder so that it does not irritate the skin. A great amount of care is put to ensure that there are no harmful chemicals or irritants in the product and all possible sanitary guidelines are adhered to.
Types of Body Glitter
Spray
Body glitter available in the form of sprays is more like a shimmer. Mostly, neutral colors like gold or similar are preferred for an airbrushed look. Sprays are buildable and give a natural shine to the skin.
Glitter palette
A glitter palette is exactly how you would imagine it, with pans filled with different colors of glitter. There are several benefits of owning a glitter palette over other forms of body glitter. A glitter palette is the most convenient way of having multiple color options to choose from. Because the glitter is not loose, fall out is minimum, and storage is made very easy. However, it is vital to point out that not many well-renowned makeup brands have come up with their glitter palettes. The only ones available are from small cosmetic companies with little to no credibility in their products.
Loose glitter
Loose cosmetic body glitter is reminiscent of craft glitter we used as children. The mess created by both is also quite similar. Knocking over jars of glitter, getting it everywhere, and finding specks of glitter all over your body till a week later is to be expected when you use loose glitter. However, when applied, loose glitter gives the most glamorous look. But, keep in mind that you would need cosmetic glue or primer and a brush for application. Alternatively, you can add loose glitter to any oil of your choice and use it as a spray.
Gel glitter
Gel glitter is a step up from loose glitter as it is loose glitter combined with a gel base. Easy to apply, gel glitter can be applied directly and adheres to the skin very well. It is also less messy and easier to store than loose glitter.
Cream/liquid glitter
Cream or liquid body glitter edges more towards a metallic or shimmery look than a glittery one. Mostly suitable as face glitter, particularly eyeshadow, liquid glitter is very easy to use and travel-friendly.
Factors to Consider When Buying Body Glitter Sprays
Ingredients
When it comes to products that need to be applied to the skin, keeping an eye out for the ingredients used is a must. Make sure all the ingredients are non-toxic, there are no possible allergens and it would be a bonus if the product is cruelty-free and biodegradable.
Size and shape
From powdery, almost shimmer-like, finely-milled glitter to chunky, geometrically shaped glitter, there is an array of sizes and shapes of body glitter available for a range of occasions. For a subtle shimmer, go for very fine, infinitesimally small particles of glitter like that in body glitter sprays. More finely milled glitter is suitable for larger surface areas to add a gorgeous shine. For a more dramatic effect, you add chunky glitter or shaped glitter sequences like stars, hearts, moons, etc. to match the theme of the event and your outfit.
Color
Body glitter is available in nearly every color imaginable. From neutrals like gold and silver to vibrant, out-there colors like magenta and emerald green, glitter bodies are available for all tastes and occasions. If you want to try out body glitter for the first time, neutral colors that blend into your skin will be the safest bet. However, if you are dressing up for Halloween or matching a particular outfit or theme, you can choose brighter, more vibrant colors.
Eco-friendliness
With the rise in plastic pollution, distinguished and reputable companies have come up with plastic alternatives for body glitter. Green or biodegradable glitter made of plant-based cellulose is used for body glitter to serve two purposes. First, plastic production is reduced and consequently pollution. Second, when body glitter is washed off, toxic plastic does not go into the water reserves and pollute the water.
Cruelty-free
If you prefer your cosmetic products to be cruelty-free, that is, the company does not engage in animal testing nor are there animal products or by-products used as raw materials, then there is a variety of cruelty-free/vegan body glitter options available.
How to Apply Body Glitter
If you intend on applying body glitter over makeup, make sure your skin is primed well, to begin with. If you use loose glitter, you will need a gel, glue, or some adhering base to apply the glitter on. You will also need a flat brush or tweezers if the glitter sequences are bigger. When using body glitter sprays, make sure your skin is washed and dried. Keep the spray at an adequate distance from the skin for even application.
If you are applying glitter without makeup underneath, make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply glue or primer. Even with cream-based body glitter or gel glitter, it is recommended to use setting spray post-application to ensure that the glitter stays in place in case you sweat or intend to wear it for a longer period of time.
If you are using body glitter for the first time, then it is advised to try it on a small patch of your skin first to be on the safe side. If you face no allergies or irritation, you can go ahead and apply it everywhere you want.
