Do you know what Victoria’s Secret models’ ‘secret’ really is? Shimmer body bronzers.
No really, the words came straight from Stella Maxwell’s lips. These clever lotions are applied so liberally at VS shoots and Fashion Shows that the Angels go through 100 bottles a year.
If you still don’t believe us, here is photographic proof of a makeup artist rubbing some into the leg of a glowing Alessandra Ambrosio.
Ironically, the brand that practically invented the mainstream use of body makeup has now discontinued theirs - but there are a whole host of other shimmer lotions on the market just waiting to add a lustre to your limbs.
And we do mean lotions. No shimmer body oils here. Sticky summer heat combined with oil can leave you feeling more sweaty than sheeny. Plus the texture is harder to work with and - honestly - who has the time?
(Those who do have the luxury of rubbing tinted oil into every crevice of their body until it’s evenly blended should go for Nars Body Glow (£45) and The Body Shop Honey Bronze (£16) which comes in two shades.)
Here are our top five shimmer body lotions, at a range of price points and with shades to suit all skin tones - including the exact one used on Angels at this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Use them down the centre of arms, legs and along your collarbones for a highlighting effect, or straight up douse yourself in them. Bathe in them! Cover everything you own in their hypnotic gleaming power.
The official body bronzer of Victoria's Secret models and our personal fave - its thick formula with subtle light reflecting pigments is great for covering small scars, marks and visible veins.
Despite being heavy duty, it won't transfer to fabric - so you can team it with your palest clothing without the fear.
Kim Kardashian's body makeup of choice (she reportedly won't step on the red carpet without it), makeup maestro Charlotte Tilbury's concoction claims to ease water retention with it's caffeine, menthol and a cool metal applicator.
The brand made a before-and-after video to show how well it works. Check it out and tell us you are not astounded.
This LA-based brand, founded by celebrity makeup artist Bethany Karlyn, leaves you spoiled for choice - with two sizes and five shades to choose from (plain to deep dark).
Along with bestowing a hint of colour and Hollywood sheen, Prtty Peaushun also claims to tighten skin, promote collagen production and work as an insect repellent. The superwoman of body makeup, basically.
The best of the high street bunch of wash-off bronzers - and it's no surprise as L'Oréal also own Lancôme, whose Flash Bronzer is the stuff of dreams.
It gives skin a so-good-it-could-be-real golden hue but, unlike other instant tan offerings, also adds that shimmering glow we've been banging on about.
Not only does it smell like toasted coconuts (aka total scent orgasm) this Josie Maran offering is both lightweight and moisturising thanks to the skin-conditioning argan oil.
QVC only stock one of the shades, 'Rose Gold Radiance' - which is perfect for fair skinned gals or those with cool undertones.
