Kendall Jenner’s radiant appearance at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival sparked beauty editor speculation about her glow secret. The answer was Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or, a French pharmacy shimmer oil featuring seven botanical oils that hydrate while creating an iridescent golden finish on skin.
The Cannes Moment That Started It All
In May 2016, Kendall Jenner stepped out at the Cannes Film Festival with skin that stopped beauty editors in their tracks. Her legs looked bronzed, luminous, and impossibly smooth. Within hours, publications worldwide were analyzing her look, trying to decode the secret behind that enviable glow.
The conclusion reached by beauty insiders was clear. While there’s no official partnership between Kendall Jenner and Nuxe, her appearance that night made one product an instant cult favorite: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or. This shimmer body oil became the go-to recommendation for anyone wanting to recreate Kendall’s Cannes glow.
The moment highlighted a broader trend. French pharmacy beauty products were gaining mainstream attention, and Nuxe was already selling 20 million bottles worldwide before Kendall’s appearance. Her look simply brought the product into sharper focus for American audiences.
What Is Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or is a multi-purpose dry oil that works on the face, body, and hair. The “Or” means gold in French, referencing the natural golden shimmer particles suspended in the formula. It launched in France in 1991 and has maintained cult status among European beauty enthusiasts ever since.
The product contains 98% natural ingredients, with seven precious botanical oils forming its base. These oils work together to hydrate deeply, while the formula’s dry-touch technology means it absorbs quickly without leaving greasy residue on skin or clothes.
What makes this product unique is its hybrid nature. It functions as both skincare and a finishing product, delivering moisture while creating an iridescent glow. The shimmer looks intense in the bottle but translates to a subtle, sun-kissed radiance on skin.
Nuxe offers several versions of Huile Prodigieuse. The classic formula has no shimmer, the Or version adds golden particles, and Florale Or provides pink-gold shimmer with a floral scent. Each version delivers the same hydration with different finishes.
The brand also introduced a roll-on format, making application more precise for targeted areas like cheekbones, collarbones, and shins. This format works well for travel and quick touch-ups before events.
Why This Dry Oil Creates That Signature Glow
The term “dry oil” confuses many people. Regular oils sit on the skin’s surface, creating shine but often feeling heavy. Dry oils use a different molecular structure that allows them to penetrate quickly, leaving skin soft without the greasy film.
Nuxe’s formula achieves this through its specific blend of lightweight oils. When you spray or apply it, the oil spreads easily, then sinks in within seconds. Your skin feels hydrated immediately, and the shimmer particles stay on the surface to catch light.
The golden particles in Huile Prodigieuse Or are mineral-based and finely milled. They don’t look glittery or obvious. Instead, they create what makeup artists call “points of light” on skin, mimicking how natural, healthy skin reflects light. This is the secret to that Kendall Jenner glow.
The product works particularly well on legs and décolletage. Applied down the center of the shins, it creates the illusion of longer, more toned legs. On collarbones and shoulders, it highlights bone structure naturally.
The Seven Botanical Oils That Make It Work
Each oil in the Nuxe formula serves a specific purpose:
Tsubaki oil comes from Japanese camellia seeds and provides deep moisture without weight. Argan oil, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, repairs and protects skin. Macadamia oil mimics skin’s natural sebum, making absorption easy.
Borage oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, which helps maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Camellia oil adds silkiness and shine. Hazelnut oil regulates oil production while staying lightweight. Sweet almond oil soothes and softens.
Together, these oils create a formula that suits all skin types. Dry skin gets intense hydration, while oily skin benefits from the fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic properties. The combination prevents the heaviness that single-oil products often create.
The formula also includes vitamin E as an antioxidant, protecting skin from environmental damage while you wear it. This makes it functional beyond just appearance, actually nourishing skin with each application.
How to Use It as Kendall’s Makeup Artists Do
Professional makeup artists who work with models like Kendall use body oils strategically, not all over. The goal is to enhance, not overpower.
For legs, apply Huile Prodigieuse Or in a thin line down the center of your shin, from knee to ankle. Blend outward with your hands. This technique highlights the front of your legs where light naturally hits. It creates definition without looking artificial.
On your body, target high points: tops of shoulders, collarbones, upper arms, and décolletage. These areas catch light naturally, and the shimmer enhances what’s already there. Use sparingly at first. You can always add more, but removing excess is difficult.
For your face, apply with fingertips to cheekbones, bridge of nose, and brow bones. Mix a small amount with your regular moisturizer for an all-over subtle glow. The oil works under makeup or alone, depending on your preference.
Timing matters too. Apply to slightly damp skin right after showering for maximum absorption. The water helps spread the oil further, and you’ll use less product. Let it sink in for two minutes before dressing to avoid transfer to clothes.
If you’re using the Or version for a special event, apply in natural light if possible. This lets you see exactly how the shimmer will appear in different lighting conditions. Indoor lighting often makes shimmer more obvious than outdoor light does.
Who Should Buy This Product
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or works best for people who want a natural-looking glow without the commitment of self-tanner. It’s ideal if you have dry skin that needs extra hydration, especially in the winter months when legs and arms can look dull.
The product suits those who prefer minimal makeup but want some enhancement. It delivers that “your skin but better” effect that looks polished without appearing made-up. If you appreciate French beauty philosophy (simple, effective, natural), this aligns with that approach.
Consider this product if you’re attending events where you want glowing skin in photos. The light-reflecting particles photograph beautifully without looking sparkly or artificial in images. Many models and influencers use it for exactly this reason.
However, skip this if you have very oily skin and struggle with shine already. While it’s a dry oil, the shimmer particles might emphasize areas you’re trying to mattify. The classic Huile Prodigieuse (without shimmer) would serve you better.
Also, reconsider if you have sensitivity to fragrances. Nuxe products have a distinctive scent (warm vanilla and florals) that some people love and others find too strong. The scent lingers on the skin for several hours.
Those on a tight budget might find better value elsewhere. While not extremely expensive, spending $30-40 on a body shimmer oil requires commitment. Drugstore alternatives exist, though they rarely match Nuxe’s texture or natural ingredient profile.
Where to Find It and What It Costs
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or typically retails between $32 and $48, depending on bottle size and retailer. The 50ml bottle costs around $32, while the 100ml bottle runs $42-48. These prices have remained relatively stable since 2016.
You can purchase from Sephora, which carries the full Nuxe range in-store and online. Ulta Beauty also stocks it, often with promotional offers. The official Nuxe USA website offers direct purchasing and sometimes exclusive bundles.
Amazon carries Nuxe products, but verify seller authenticity before buying. Look for “Ships from and sold by Amazon.com” to ensure you’re getting a genuine product. Third-party sellers sometimes list expired or counterfeit items.
French pharmacy websites like Escentual and Lookfantastic ship to the US and occasionally offer better pricing than domestic retailers. However, factor in international shipping costs and delivery time.
One 100ml bottle lasts approximately three to four months with regular body use (applying to legs and arms three times weekly). For face-only use, a 50ml bottle can last six months. The product has a long shelf life once opened.
Watch for Sephora sales events (typically spring and fall) where Nuxe often gets included. You can save 15-20% during these promotions. Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty occasionally features Nuxe at 50% off.
Other Celebrities Who Swear By Nuxe
Kendall Jenner isn’t the only celebrity linked to Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse. Jennifer Aniston reportedly uses it regularly, appreciating its multi-purpose nature for travel. Eva Mendes has mentioned it in interviews as a beauty staple.
Scarlett Johansson’s makeup artists have credited Nuxe oils for her red carpet glow in several publications. French actresses like Marion Cotillard grew up with the product, considering it a bathroom essential rather than a luxury.
The product’s appeal to celebrities makes sense. It delivers visible results quickly, photographs well, and uses natural ingredients that align with the clean beauty movement. Models particularly appreciate products that enhance rather than cover skin.
However, remember that celebrities have professional makeup artists applying products with technique and precision. They also have professional lighting and photography that enhances any glow. Your results at home will look different from red carpet photos, which is completely normal.
The celebrity endorsements (mostly unofficial) do indicate the product’s effectiveness. When people with access to every beauty product available consistently choose the same item, it suggests genuine quality rather than just marketing hype.
The Verdict on Kendall Jenner’s Glow Secret
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or delivers what it promises: hydrated skin with a natural-looking shimmer. The formula works well for special occasions or daily use, depending on your preference. It won’t transform your skin overnight, but consistent use improves texture and appearance.
The product works best when you understand what it is and isn’t. It’s not self-tanner, so don’t expect a color change. It’s not heavy-duty treatment for severely dry skin. It’s not subtle if you over-apply.
What it does do is enhance healthy skin, making it look more radiant and cared-for. The shimmer catches light beautifully in photos and in person. The oils genuinely hydrate without greasiness. The scent creates a sensorial experience that feels luxurious.
For recreating Kendall Jenner’s Cannes glow, this product gets you closest to that effortless, luminous look. Combined with good skincare and strategic application, you can achieve similar results. Just remember that even Kendall probably had professional help that night.
Whether you invest in Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse or not depends on your priorities. If you value natural ingredients, multi-purpose products, and that French beauty philosophy, the cost justifies itself. If you need intensive hydration or dramatic results, look elsewhere. For anyone wanting that subtle glow that makes skin look its healthiest, this product earned its cult status for good reason.
