The second the weather even hints at warming up, I start craving that bronzy, glowy skin. You know the look: like you just got back from somewhere coastal, skin a little sun-kissed and complexion with natural, dewy sheen. Meanwhile, I’ve been inside, staring at my laptop, wondering how to fake it convincingly.
Because realistically, achieving that glow (without the sun) is kind of a huge commitment. The full routine—shave, exfoliate, self-tan, wait, rinse, hope it develops evenly, pray you didn’t stain your sheets—feels like a part-time job. And during summer, when plans stack up and you’re somehow booked every night of the week, it’s just not happening consistently. I needed something easier. Faster. And with a lot more instant gratification.
So when I saw Zendaya at the New York premiere of The Drama, fully glowing from head to toe in a way that looked almost reflective, I paused. It wasn’t just good lighting—it was that high-shine, glassy finish that makes skin look expensive. Naturally, I did some digging and found out the secret was the Dezi Skin Body Gloss. And obviously, I had to try it for myself. I wore it every day for a week to see if it actually delivers that red carpet glow in real life, or if it’s just another Hollywood illusion. Read on for everything you need to know.
The Dezi Skin Brand
Founded by beauty influencer Desi Perkins, Dezi Skin is a brand that feels rooted in something real rather than just trend-chasing. It pulls inspiration from her Mexican heritage and the richness of Latino culture, translating it into products and visuals that feel warm and full of life. There’s a clear love of skin that looks like skin—radiant, dewy, and lit-from-within. This fits right into where beauty is heading right now. Basically, everything the brand sells leans into glow and enhancement rather than heavy coverage or transformation. It has that easy, wearable feel people (AKA me) are craving.
The Dezi Skin Body Gloss
The Dezi Skin Body Gloss sits somewhere between skincare and makeup in the best way. It’s not just about hydration—it’s about finish. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter for deep moisture and elasticity, vitamin E for antioxidant protection and skin repair, and caprylic triglyceride to keep things lightweight and non-greasy while still locking in hydration. Then there’s the brand’s signature Dezi Youth Juice: a blend of Mexican plum, dragon fruit, açai, tamarind, mango, soursop, guava, and avocado extracts that brings in a serious hit of antioxidants to help support smoother-looking skin over time.
But what really makes it stand out is the payoff. It leaves behind a glossy, almost reflective finish that feels more like body makeup than a traditional lotion. Think lip gloss, but for your skin. It layers easily and wears comfortably throughout the day. It has a soft, warm amber scent that sits close to the skin without overpowering your fragrance. The result is skin that looks hydrated, glowy, and a little extra in the most intentional way possible.
My Experience Wearing Dezi Skin Body Gloss
I had high hopes going in, and this body gloss met every one of them. It quickly became one of those products I reach for on mornings when I want to feel a little more put together without actually doing much (which, realistically, is most days). On especially busy mornings, when a full beauty routine just wasn’t happening, this body gloss makes it look like I put in a lot of effort, even when all I did was shower, get dressed, and hope for the best.
For The Drama premiere, Zendaya’s makeup artist, Ernesto Casillas, swept the lotion across her arms, legs, and décolletage. The goal was to give her skin a polished, glossy shine that complemented her wet-inspired hair and makeup. So, of course, I did the same. The gloss made a major difference when used on my legs and arms. Basically, anywhere that hadn’t seen sunlight in a while and could use a bit of warmth and life.
What surprised me most was how seamless it is to use. It goes on like a standard lotion, so there’s no learning curve, no streakiness, and no awkward waiting around for it to dry down before getting dressed. It absorbed into the skin quickly, didn’t feel sticky, and didn’t transfer onto my clothes. This immediately made it feel realistic for everyday life rather than something I’d save for special occasions. Just massage it in, give it a minute to settle, and suddenly skin looks smoother and glossier. It’s like the final step in your routine you didn’t even realize was missing.
Final Verdict: Is It Beauty Writer Approved?
Simply put? Yes—and in a very “this is going straight into my rotation” kind of way. This Zendaya-approved beauty staple delivers on exactly what it promises: a quick glow, easy application, and skin that looks noticeably more luminous without any extra effort. It’s not trying to replace a full-body moisturizer or self-tanner, but it does fill that in-between gap for days when you want a little extra polish without the time commitment. For busy mornings, last-minute plans, or anytime your skin needs a boost of warmth and sheen, it just works.
Alyssa Rotunno, Contributing Writer
Alyssa Rotunno is a NYC-based writer with a focus on beauty, fashion, shopping, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, Parade, and other national outlets, where she brings a sharp, timely lens to the products, places, and trends worth knowing. She’s endlessly curious about what people are talking about—and loves connecting the dots between trends, products, and real life.
