Bring Summer to You With the Best of Sol de Janeiro
June 4 | 4 minute read
Words by The MECCA Memo
The Brazilian-inspired body care brand has garnered an absolute cult following thanks to its ability to bottle, well, fun. From its bright, curvy packaging to its can’t-get-enough scents, this is an approach to beauty that’s all about one thing: celebrating joy.
Drawing inspiration from the Brazilian take on body positivity (all about flaunting it, no matter your shape, size or skin tone), Sol de Janeiro packs a whole lot into their colourful tubs of body creams, signature fragrance mists and perfume balms. But while experience ranks high on the Sol de Janeiro priority list, so too does efficacy. The brand’s products might be something you pick up for the fun of it, but their high-performance results keeps beauty lovers coming back again and again.
The cherry on top? That would be the ethos behind this effervescent brand. The love infused into Sol de Janeiro’s formulations radiates out into its ingredient lineup; every product is PETA-certified cruelty-free.
Overwhelmed with options? With so many tempting products and scents on offer, we get it – so we’ve nailed down our seven favourites to clue you in on the best of Sol de Janeiro.
While you won’t be alone in picking a favourite (may we suggest: a rotation roster!), it’s the rich, creamy consistency of the Moisture Melting Lotion that makes it the perfect match for dry winter skin. Infused with the scent of coconut cream, warm vanilla and a toasted praline base – it matches the Cheirosa 39 Perfume Mist – this lotion quickly absorbs into the skin, soothing it for 24 hours with pro-ceramides that restore and protect your barrier from harsh conditions.
Guaraná stimulates circulation, which can lead to a firming effect on the skin’s surface. The bottom line (pun intended) is smoother-looking skin that’s soft to the touch and smells amazing. And you’ll barely be able to resist the original Sol de Janeiro scent, infused with notes of pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla.
Fragrance is at the heart of the Sol de Janeiro offering, in honour of a Brazilian word that has no direct translation to English: cheirosa – emblazoned on many of their products, it loosely means ‘to smell incredible’. And that’s exactly what you’ll do after a few spritzes of this moreish body spray. Lighter in intensity than a perfume, the mist nevertheless has impressive staying power. Sweet but not cloying, thanks to vanilla orchid, sugared violet and sheer sandalwood, if you’re a fan of warm evenings and shimmering sunsets (who isn't?!), this mist will hit the spot.
AHA-infused moisturisers have to be one of the most ingenious developments in body care. Following on from your physical or chemical exfoliation routine, an AHA body cream promotes continued cell turnover while delivering hydration and nourishment to your skin. And Sol de Janeiro’s Bom Dia Bright Cream does just that, sloughing away skin cells and build-up with mango and banana-derived AHA fruit enzymes, while vitamin C ester combats free radicals and pumps up the brightness for visible results. Willow bark extract rounds out the formula with its soothing properties that help to prevent ingrown hairs and keep pores clear.
Oh, and it leaves skin smelling typically incredible! If you prefer a sultrier, evening-style fragrance, you’ll love Bom Dia’s Cheirosa 40 fragrance; a little darker and more full-bodied, it blends warm notes of black amber plum, Brazilian orchid and vanilla woods for a sensual effect.
If your fragrance preference leans floral, fruity, fresh and feminine, then Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 68 Perfume Mist is your sweet dream (emphasis on sweet) come true. Like the other fragrance mists in the range, it’s light enough to mist across your hair and body. Plus, it layers beautifully with its matching body wash, cream and perfume balm to make your scent last even longer.
Inspired by a vision of a lush Brazilian garden by the ocean, Cheirosa 68 is poppy pink in colour and in attitude. Reminiscent of fairy floss and bubble gum, notes of sun musk and ocean spray balance out the sugar and make it surprisingly subtle.
More than just moisture, this supercharged blend features the brand's signature Guaraná Caffeine+ Complex™ to improve visible firmness, while a unique micro algae extract helps to depuff. Massage in after your 'everything shower' to lock in silky smooth skin – and, of course, that same Bum Bum scent you can't get enough of!
