DIY Shimmery SPF Body Oil

Written By Ricky Barnes

Summer glow… ✅

Crazy retail prices… ❎

You only need a couple things to make your own, shimmery SPF body oil, and you can do it for around $10.

SUPPLIES

SPF OIL

Technically, you could use a cream but I wanted the glow of an oil. Originally, I purchased the Vacation brand Chardonnay SPF Oil from Ulta for $22 but I returned it once I found Not Your Baby’s SPF Oil at Five Below. Same active ingredients, similar oil composition, 1/3 the price.

MICA POWDER

Mica powder will add a subtle shine/glow and also a bit of color to the oil. I mixed a bronze and a gold to achieve a lowkey “instant bronzer” vibe. Add a little at a time to achieve your desired look but be careful—adding a colorant could rub off on your clothes. If you plan on wearing this as a daily body SPF, you may want to go easy here.

COSMETIC GRADE GLITTER

While the glitter is optional (I wasn’t going to add it at first) I think it really kicks it up a notch. Adding some cosmetic grade glitter to the mix takes the subtle shine to a less-subtle sparkle and gets the product where it needs to go. Who doesn’t want sparkly skin in the summer?? You’ve come this far…add the glitter!

ESSENTIAL/FRAGRANCE OILS

If you are going with a more affordable option with your base oil, you might want to add in essential oils or fragrance oils. Since the base is an oil, you can easily mix in essential/fragrance oils without worrying about separation. You could even use perfumes but be aware you will be adding alcohol into the mix.

*WARNING* if you go with essential oils, they must be properly diluted. Also, be aware that some essential oils are phototoxic meaning wearing them in the sun can cause burns. Some common phototoxic essential oils are cold-pressed bergamot, grapefruit, lemon and lime.

DIRECTIONS

It’s as easy as you think it is—combine & shake. Be sure to keep the lid on tight when you shaking your product, especially if you’re adding a little at a time and re-mixing.

Ricky Barnes