I Tested All the Viral Sol De Janeiro Perfumes—Here's My Ranking

sol de janeiro perfumes
I Tested All the Viral Sol De Janeiro PerfumesSol de Janeiro


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Fragrance is so much more than something I simply wear. For me, fragrance is a time machine that takes me back to a heartfelt moment (see: the Chanel perfume my great-aunt wore), or a vehicle to an exotic place (like a tropical, sunscreen-y scent), or the finishing touch that sets the mood for an occasion (hi, sweet, ~sexy~ vanilla perfumes). This is why I'm totally obsessed with Sol de Janeiro perfumes. The brand has a similar view on the power of scent, but they actually have a word for it: Cheirosa. While there's no exact English translation, in Brazil it roughly means "to smell incredibly delicious." Mmk, I'll take 10, thank you!

Each Sol de Janeiro perfume has a summery scent that is meant to incite joy, and I can confirm that they absolutely do now that I've spent two weeks treating my nose to all five Sol de Janeiro perfumes to rate the scents. (Trust, it was not an easy job.) Every single Sol de Janeiro perfume smells like happiness in a bottle, and I now fully understand why one is sold every seven seconds. Here's a sneak peek of my ranking:


Ready to radiate ~pure sunshine~? Keep scrolling to learn all the details of each Sol de Janeiro perfume, including my very-official ranking.

Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

While it was difficult to name only one of Sol de Janeiro's ~delectable~ fragrance mists as the best overall, Cheirosa '62 cinched the top spot because it perfectly encapsulates the essence of joyful, summer days. It smells warm, nostalgic, and familiar (which makes sense considering it's the same scent found in the iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream). And though it features just three key sweet notes—pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla—it manages to leave a big impact on the skin without veering into headache-causing territory.

Seriously though, fragrance mists usually don't last long, yet I can still catch a faint whiff of this hours after I spritz it on. If you want the scent to be a bit more noticeable, I'll let you in on a little secret: You can strengthen it by layering it over the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream and the Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel. You're welcome!

  • Type: Fragrance mist

  • Scent Family: Warm & spicy

  • Size: 8.1 oz and 3.04 oz

Glowing Customer Review: "I cannot express what wizardry they do to create this scent. It is soooooo good. It's the perfect beachy, warm, cozy scent. I am always getting asked by men and women what I am wearing when I have this on."

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fbrazilian-crush-body-fragrance-mist-P417312&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fstyle-beauty%2Fbeauty%2Fg45498842%2Fbest-sol-de-janeiro-perfumes%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist </p><p>sephora.com</p><p>$38.00</p>

SOL Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum

If you prefer something a bit stronger and deeper in scent that has some more staying power, opt for the eau de parfum version of Cheirosa '62. It has essentially the same scent as the body mist and Bum Bum Cream—it just leans a bit sweeter and warmer. The vanilla and almond notes in this perfume feel really pronounced to me, where the body mist smells slightly more blended and subtle at first whiff. But the best part? The fact that the EDP lasts a lot longer, especially when I spritz it on my clothes (and for even more power, I'll spray the mist through my hair too).

  • Type: Eau de parfum

  • Scent Family: Warm & spicy

  • Size: 0.27 oz and 1.7 oz

Glowing Customer Review: "This perfume is even better than the body spray. More sweet, decadent, and warm! If you spray it on your clothes, it will last all day. It even lasts through sweaty workouts!"

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsol-de-janeiro-sol-cheirosa-62-eau-de-parfum-P503113&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fstyle-beauty%2Fbeauty%2Fg45498842%2Fbest-sol-de-janeiro-perfumes%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>SOL Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum</p><p>sephora.com</p><p>$78.00</p>

Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '68 Beija Flor Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

"I just lied down, and I can't stop thinking of you because my bed smells like your perfume 🥵." That's the exact text I got 24 hours after wearing Cheirosa '68 on a date. This fragrance strays from the rest of Sol de Janeiro's lineup—rather than being warm and spicy, it has a sparkling, fresh vibe, thanks to sugared dragonfruit and aromatic jasmine. In my eyes, the mist redefines what a stereotypical "sexy" scent should smell like: It embodies the feeling of enchanting, flirty escapades (which is exactly what I did while wearing it, hehe).

  • Type: Fragrance mist

  • Scent Family: Fruity & floral

  • Size: 8.01 oz and 3.04 oz

One Sephora buyer says: "I love everything about this fragrance. It’s so mystical and appealing to the nose. 10/10 would recommend."

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsol-de-janeiro-beija-flor-body-hair-mist-P483156&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fstyle-beauty%2Fbeauty%2Fg45498842%2Fbest-sol-de-janeiro-perfumes%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '68 Beija Flor Hair & Body Fragrance Mist</p><p>sephora.com</p><p>$38.00</p>

Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '71 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

I won't sugar-coat it: Gourmand perfumes (aka scents that smell like legit baked goods) aren't for everyone. But for those who want to smell like a spicy cookie (ahem, moi), there are few fragrances that rival Cheirosa '71. Caramelized vanilla is a bit richer than regular vanilla bean, and when paired with toasted macadamia and tonka bean notes, it creates a warm and inviting aroma that will leave people constantly asking 'What is that incredible scent?'

This scent is also deceivingly long-lasting—though I experienced nose blindness about an hour after applying, when I put on the same sweatshirt three days later the mist still lingered on the fabric. Talk about a sweet surprise!

  • Type: Fragrance mist

  • Scent Family: Gourmand

  • Size: 3 oz

Glowing Customer Review: "If you love a strong sweet gourmand, BUY IT! I instantly fell in love when I sprayed it in the air at Sephora. I mostly use it as a mist for my hair but splash this baby all over your body and indulge!"

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsol-de-janeiro-cheirosa-71-body-mist-P463959&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fstyle-beauty%2Fbeauty%2Fg45498842%2Fbest-sol-de-janeiro-perfumes%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '71 Hair & Body Fragrance Mist </p><p>sephora.com</p><p>$24.00</p>

Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '40 Bom Dia Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Compared to Sol de Janeiro's other fragrances, Cheirosa '40 is like a chameleon—it doesn't quite fit into one fragrance category. Depending on how it lays on your skin, it can smell a little fruity, a bit warm, or a tad spicy, making it more alluring to a wide range of noses. It's the same scent as the Bom Dia Bright Cream and Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash (a favorite of Cosmo beauty editor Beth Gillette, FWIW!), which makes layering the fragrance super easy.

As far as the mist goes, it took a few moments to fully enjoy all this scent has to offer for me. Once I got over the initial whiff of alcohol (something that I didn't experience with the other mists), I loved how the black amber plum and jasmine notes came out to play. As it settled, vanilla and woods emerged, adding a sensual depth to an otherwise bright perfume.

  • Type: Fragrance mist

  • Scent Family: Fruity, floral, and warm

  • Size: 8 oz and 3 oz

Glowing Customer Review: "I loveeee this perfume. I love the vanilla scent and the plum, it literally smells like sugar in a bottle. If you want hot girl vibes this perfume is for you!"

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsol-de-janeiro-brazilian-crush-cheriosa-40-hair-body-fragrance-mist-P472072&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fstyle-beauty%2Fbeauty%2Fg45498842%2Fbest-sol-de-janeiro-perfumes%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '40 Bom Dia Hair & Body Fragrance Mist</p><p>sephora.com</p><p>$38.00</p>

Rio Radiance Perfume Mist

When I close my eyes and spritz this mist, I'm transported to a warm, sandy beach. The notes are filled with fragrant tuberose, creamy coconut, and soothing vanilla. Simply put, the fragrance elicits the carefree feeling of being on vacation—even when I'm sulking in my dreary NYC apartment. If you told me Sol de Janeiro harvested the mood-boosting capabilities of solar power to create this, I'd 100 percent believe you.

  • Type: Fragrance mist

  • Scent Family: Floral

  • Size: 8.1 oz and 3.04 oz

Glowing Customer Review: "I love this sent. It makes me feel more confident and comfortable. I feel like a new person every time I spray it on."

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fproduct%2Fsol-de-janeiro-rio-radiance-perfume-mist-P505154&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosmopolitan.com%2Fstyle-beauty%2Fbeauty%2Fg45498842%2Fbest-sol-de-janeiro-perfumes%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Rio Radiance Perfume Mist</p><p>sephora.com</p><p>$38.00</p>

How to choose the best Sol de Janeiro fragrance mist for you

Think about the scent profiles.

Sol de Janeiro undoubtedly excels in the warm and spicy department, with three of its five offerings falling into that scent family. That said, each smells truly unique. For those who enjoy the warm and spicy scents but don’t want something overly sweet, the best overall pick, Cheirosa '62, is a well-rounded scent that satisfies even the pickiest noses (according to hella TikToks raving about the scent).

But if you prefer something a bit brighter and fresh, I recommend Cheirosa '68, which blends juicy fruit notes with soothing florals. As for those who are indecisive (I can relate), go with Cheirosa '40—it doesn’t quite fit into one category, and because of how it’s layered, it offers something for everyone.

Consider the longevity.

Unlike eau de parfums, fragrance mists typically don’t have intensity or long-lasting power. So if you need all-day wear, opt for the Sol Cheirosa '62 Eau de Parfum. That said, Sol de Janeiro’s mists linger for hours—which is significantly longer than others I've tried.

The strongest of the bunch is Cheirsoa '71–I could still catch whiffs of it on my clothes three days later (seriously impressive). Because Rio Radiance happens to be the lightest offering, its lasting power is rather weak. Try keeping it on hand to re-up the intensity throughout the day. It comes in a mini size option so you can easily store one in your purse.

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Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?

Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories for a number of publications including InStyle, US Weekly, and Real Simple. She’s an authority in all beauty categories, but an expert when it comes to fragrance—her scent wardrobe is ever-expanding and she regularly rotates through a collection of over 20 perfumes (including a few of the options in this article). For this story, she spritzed and sniffed each of Sol de Janeiro’s fragrance mists and ranked them based on scent profile, longevity, and the feelings they evoked.

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