Glow like a goddess with body oil! Learn how to apply it right for hydrated, radiant skin that turns heads.
With skin that shimmers and glows all the rage, body oil has exploded onto the skincare scene. From celebrity looks at red carpet events, to hacks on TikTok and beauty in photoshoots, the “goddess glow” is no longer about just highlighter; it’s about health, well-being, and strategic hydration (hi, Shine!). But while we all love a healthy look of shiny skin, for so many, using body oil may leave one wondering,
How to Use Body Oil the Right Way
That’s why we’ve created this guide, everything you need to know about body oil, from picking the right formulas for you, to how to apply them with peak glow, with lots of expert advice, product suggestions, and common mistakes to avoid as well. Whether you have a hot date coming up on a summer evening, a vacation at the beach, or just want to improve your daily glow, we have you covered.
What Is Body Oil, Exactly?
Body oils are oil-based moisturizers, compared to body lotions or creams, and more often an oil formula includes plant extracts in addition to essential oils, and carrier oils like coconut, argan, or jojoba that also nourish your skin. Body oils act just like the natural lipid barrier of your skin, hugging moisture in, and it takes away the dull and lackluster beauty – hello, smooth and shiny skin!
Main benefits of using body oil:
Deep hydration and moisture retention
Improved skin texture and elasticity
Luminous, radiant glow
Natural fragrances without synthetic products
Soothing properties for dry and/or sensitive skin
Why is everything body oil?
Body oil is not new, but its recent popularity explosion can be attributed to a handful of significant trends:
The Clean Girl Aesthetic: Fresh-faced beauty enthusiasts are applying body oil to enhance their natural glow.
Viral TikTok hacks: From leg-sculpting oils with shimmer to a body oil and bronzer concoction to create a faux tan vibe, people are getting creative with their body oil.
Celebrity recommendations: Everyone from J.Lo and Beyoncé to Hailey Bieber uses rich and radiant oils to keep their skin looking flawless.
Luxury beauty upswing: There are body oils infused with 24K gold, exotic botanicals, and designer fragrances.
Choosing a Body Oil for Your Skin Type
Not all body oils are the same. Here is how to choose the right body oil for your custom skin type:
1. Dry Skin
Pick heavier, more nourishing oils; i.e.
Avocado oil
Sweet almond oil
Shea oil
Try: The Body Shop Shea Nourishing Dry Oil or L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
2. Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Look for non-comedogenic and comedogenic oils:
Jojoba oil (most similar to the skin’s natural sebum)
Grapeseed oil
Squalane
Try: Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
3. Sensitive Skin
Avoid fragrance and products that are heavily fragranced
Use caution with:
Unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil
Calendula-infused oil
Try: Pai Skincare The Light Fantastic Body Oil
4. Normal or Combination Skin
You have the option of using versatile blends of oils:
Argan oil
Rosehip oil
Try: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
When To Use Body Oil (Timing is Important!)
Timing is everything when it comes to achieving that goddess glow. The best time to apply body oil is immediately after you shower or bathe, when your skin is still wet but not dripping.
Why? Because:
Dry to wet skin absorbs oil better.
It helps to seal water in your skin barrier.
You will use less product in the end for the same result.
Pro-Tip:
Use upward strokes when applying the oil, as this will help get your circulation going and promote lymphatic drainage to help with glow and the appearance of cellulite!
How To Apply Body Oil By Following These Steps
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Step 1: Start with Clean, Damp Skin
- Towel off lightly after your shower, so you aren’t dripping wet.
- Step 2: Warm the oil in your hands
- Pour a small amount of oil into the palm of your hands and rub them together to warm it up.
- Step 3: Apply in sections
- Start at your feet and work your way up.
- Rub oil into your skin, rubbing it in a circular or upward motion
Golden Glow Tips from a Goddess
Want that “lit from within” glow to last all day? Here are some hacks to get your glow and keep your glow:
- Mix with lotion
Every time I apply body lotion, I mix in a few drops of oil for extra moisture.
- Add shimmer boost
Mix a splash of liquid highlighter or bronzer into your oil to exaggerate your glow a bit.
Best ones to try: Fenty Beauty Body Lava or Sol de Janeiro Glowmotions
- Layer with perfume
Be sure to put your unscented body oil on before applying your favorite perfume. The oil will help keep the scent longer!
Chill before applying (for summer)
Refrigerate your oil for 10 minutes, and it will provide a cooling effect, which gives your skin a slight tightening effect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Even though body oil is a best friend of a glow goddess, it can be easy to misuse during application. Here is what not to do:
Applying to dry skin
You will go through more products and lose hydration benefits.
Using too much product
Less is more with body oils. If you use too much, your skin could become extremely greasy, and your clothes could be stained!
Not considering ingredients
If you are allergic to certain fragrances, you should always check ingredients for synthetic oils.
Not letting body oil absorb
Whenever possible, allow a few minutes for the oil to absorb into the skin before putting on clothes, and avoid transferring oil stains to your clothes.
DIY Body Oil Recipe:
Here is a simple DIY body oil recipe for you an all-natural way:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup jojoba oil
- ¼ cup almond oil
- 1 tbsp rosehip oil
Optional: 5 drops of lavender or vanilla essential oil
Instructions:
Mix oils together in a glass bottle (must be clean).
Gently shake to mix
Store in a cool, dark place. Use within 6 months.
The right way to use body oil is more than just a glow; it’s a self-care ritual that nourishes your skin and boosts your confidence. Whether it’s a date night, you’re heading to the beach, or you simply just want to bathe in radiance and feel like a golden goddess in your own skin, you can use body oil to achieve this.
Keep in mind:
Apply to damp skin after the shower
Pick your oils according to your skin type
A little goes a long way, and give time for the oil to absorb
You can add a little shimmer or perfume if you’d like the wow factor
FAQs
Can I use body oil every day?
Yes! The more you use it, the more a day-to-day habit can really improve your skin’s hydration and texture with longevity and time.
Will body oil cause breakouts?
Not if you are using non-comedogenic body oils like jojoba or squalane.
Can body oil be used on the face?
Some oils can be used multi-purpose, but be sure it is face-friendly by checking first.
How do i use body oil correctly?
A: The best way to use body oil is on clean, damp skin immediately after a shower or bath. Pat your skin lightly with a towel so it is no longer dripping wet, then apply a few drops of oil to warm it between your palms. Place your palms on the skin and using a light upward stroke, massage the oil into the skin, starting with your legs, and working up to your arms and shoulders. Allow the oil to absorb for 5–10 minutes before getting dressed so that the oil doesn’t transfer onto your clothes.
Q2: Can I use body oil with lotion?
A: Of course! Mixing body oil with your lotion is a great trick for added hydration, and provides a nice and smooth finish. There are many benefits that body oil provides but mixing it will help the oil spread easier, and will tone down the oiliness. Simply keep a bottle of body oil by your lotion, and when you go to use lotion just squirt a few drops of body oil in your palm and mix them together, and apply as usual. This is especially helpful in the colder months or if you just have really dry skin.
Q3: What are the cons with body oil?
A: While it provides many benefits, there are a few cons associated with body oil, including:
– It may feel greasy if you have used too much
– If applied after a shower or bath, it may transfer to clothes or sheets if it has not been absorbed in the skin – Some scented and essential-oil based formulations may sit on the skin, which
