I'm making 2 princess cakes this weekend, and was thinking it would be fun if the buttercream was shimmery! The client doesn't want fondant (which is much easier to make shiney, shimmery, etc..). Can I just add some luster dust into the buttercream? Or something else?? I'm afraid if I try to brush on lusterdust I might smear or damage the buttercream once it's smooth. Thoughts!?

If you have an airbrush, you can spray it with Americolor's Pearl Spray. Gives a nice semi-shiny finish.

I wish I had an airbrush! It's on my wish-list for future purchases... no such luck for now though..

u can get the pearl spray can.

What solascakes said. You can get pearl spray in a can.
Just be sure your buttercream is smooth-practically flawless-because the shimmery spray will pick up every little flaw.

The name of the Pearl Spray by PME is PME Lustre Spray and the color is Pearl

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013374RA/?tag=cakecentral-20
They sell this at my local cake supply as well.

I have a picture of it comparing cakepops sprayed with luster and those dusted with luster dust at
http://www.keeponcaking.com/2011/05/fun-with-cakepops/
It's kind of in the middle of the post.

You might be able to use luster dust on BC if you popped it in the freezer first so it would be pretty set up then you could lightly dust the BC cake with luster dust.
The spray would be easier.

The edible glitter works really well on buttercream.

thanks for the input! =)