Our Honest Sol de Janeiro Perfume Review

Sol de Janeiro perfume review | Space NK
The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream might have put Sol de Janeiro on the map, but the brand’s perfume mists went viral on TikTok a couple of years ago and remained firm favourites ever since. What is it about Sol de Janeiro scents that people love so much?

Cheirosa means to smell delicious and each of the Sol de Janeiro perfume mists are inspired by a particular year in Brazilian history. For example, Cheirosa '68 Perfume Mist takes it cue from 1968 when the Tropicália Movement took hold of the country’s art and music scenes, while Cheirosa '40 goes back over a century before to 1840 when carnival dancing took over Rio de Janeiro.

What do Sol de Janeiro perfumes actually smell like and which mist is the best one for you? We asked Space NK’s quality and training manager Dotty Daniel to blind-test all six and tell us what she smelt – without smell-o-vision, Dotty is the next best thing. Scroll to read her Sol de Janeiro perfume review and find out which fragrance mist Dotty would wear…

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Perfume Mist

Fragrance: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Perfume Mist, € 27,60

Key notes: Pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 perfume review | Space NK

We had to start with the OG Sol de Janeiro perfume. If you’re a fan of Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, € 24,15, you’ll be well-acquainted with this iconic scent. “It is pure holiday vibes,” says Dotty. “My daughter and I had a mini bottle of this from a Sol de Janeiro travel set and let me tell you, this works so well as a holiday perfume.”

While the vanilla and salted caramel might make you think this fragrance will be incredibly sweet, the almond and sandalwood notes give it a warmth and smoothness that will take you back to applying SPF on the beach. It’s the kind of scent that you keep going back to for one more sniff.

Sol de Janeiro After Hours Perfume Mist

Fragrance: Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition After Hours Perfume Mist, € 25,30

Key notes: Jasmine, amber and blackcurrant

Sol de Janeiro After Hours perfume review | Space NK

The newest Sol de Janeiro perfume mist has been getting some serious love on TikTok. It’s easily one of the most grown-up of Sol de Janeiro’s perfume and it leans into the headiness of white floral notes. “It is right up my street,” Dotty tells us. “It smells very luxurious and sexy. I love the packaging too.” If you like a certain bestselling perfume in a blue jagged crystal bottle, Dotty recommends making a beeline for this Sol de Janeiro perfume mist.

While the brand realised the After Hours fragrance as a limited edition mist, we predict it’ll become a permanent fixture as it has gone down phenomenally well.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '40 Perfume Mist

Fragrance: Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition After Hours Perfume Mist, € 25,30

Key notes: Jasmine, crème de cassis, Brazilian orchid and vanilla

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 40 perfume review | Space NK

This is the Bom Dia fragrance, so if you want to keep the feel-good scent of Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Body Wash, € 11,50 alive all day, this one’s for you. Vanilla is the main note, but there’s definitely a strong floral intake as the scent dries down. “There’s a waterfall in Lucia and at the bottom you find these beautiful pink flowers and Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '40 takes me there. It’s a truly special scent,” Dotty tells us.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71 Perfume Mist

Fragrance: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71 Perfume Mist, € 27,60

Key notes: Coconut, caramelised vanilla and toasted macadamia nut

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 71 perfume review | Space NK

Sol de Janeiro isn’t a brand to shy away from gourmand fragrances and you can almost taste the coconut cake in Cheirosa '71.

“This perfume mist reminds me of popcorn,” Dotty says instantly after sniffing the Cheirosa '71 scent. “It’s the perfect first fragrance for a teenager to spray all over. It’s fun, it smells good and it’s youthful.”

Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Perfume Mist

Fragrance: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance™ Perfume Mist, € 27,60

Key notes: Tuberose, ylang ylang and vanilla

Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance perfume review | Space NK

If you like warm, white floral scents, your will love the Rio Radiance Perfume Mist. Tuberose and ylang ylang take centre stage with hints of creamy vanilla and coconut milk coming through without making the scent overly sweet. The amber base gives this Sol de Janeiro perfume an elegant finish too.

“For me, it’s giving high-powered businesswoman in a tweed suit and pearls,” says Dotty. “Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance perfume smells expensive.” Dotty went as far as to say it reminded her of one of the most iconic fragrances of all time…

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '68 Perfume Mist

Fragrance: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '71 Perfume Mist, € 27,60

Key notes: Pink dragon fruit, lychee and Brazilian jasmine

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 68 perfume review | Space NK

If you’ve used any of the brand’s Beija Flor formulas, including Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream, € 24,15, you’ll have experienced the Cheirosa '68 perfume already. It is easily the fruitiest floral scent in Sol de Janeiro’s fragrance line, Cheirosa '68 as a freshness to it thanks to the addition of the ocean air note blended with pink dragonfruit, lychee and jasmine.

“This is such a happy, uplifting floral scent,” says Dotty. “Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '68 perfume smells like a field of fresh daisies in full bloom. It is one of the loveliest day-time fragrances in my opinion.”

Dotty’s Verdict On Sol de Janeiro Perfume Mists

After spritzing all six scents which Sol de Janeiro perfume mist would Dotty wear herself? “After Hours is my favourite. I’d buy it tomorrow,” Dotty says without taking a breath. “What I love about Sol de Janeiro perfume mists is that they’ve all got their own story, but After Hours is the one for me.”

While we were blind-testing Dotty, a several Space NK team members gathered around and the Sol de Janeiro perfume that received the most votes was the feel-good Cheirosa ‘40 that you find in the Bom Dia range. If you prefer more floral scent, we recommend opting for Cheirosa ‘87 and those who like a fruitier fragrance should definitely try Cherisa ‘68.

Read More

The Best Sol de Janeiro Scents and Products
Susan Yara Talks Us Through Her Skincare Journey
Best Refillable Beauty Products
How to Fragrance your Home
Posted: Friday, 03 November 2023

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