A very scientific ranking of the best Sol de Janeiro body lotion scents

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Right now, the idea of a warm vacation seems like a cruel joke. It’s sub-freezing outside, and my bikinis are in a storage bin under my bed. So, no, I cannot be convinced that spring is actually around the corner.

One thing that earnestly helps me get through the very real period of seasonal depression is taking in all the summery and sunshiney fragrances. While spritzing perfume is great, my preferred form of seasonal self-care is layering on Sol de Janeiro body lotions.

The Sol de Janeiro body lotions have gone viral not only for the actual lotioning bit but for how wildly good they smell. Honestly, I’m this close to running to the nearest Sephora, buying up the lot and surrounding my desk with the open tubs. You know, just to feel something.

For now, though, I’m going to give my very scientific but not at all researched rating of the best Sol de Janeiro body lotion scents.

Note: This ranking is solely based on my ideal summer vibe. Please don’t come for me if you like coconut scents more than pistachio.

Best Sol de Janeiro Scents

1. Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, $48

Credit: Sol de Janeiro

Key Notes: Vanilla salted caramel and pistachio.

Key Vibes: Laying out in the sun after swimming in the salty ocean.

Are you surprised? The first drop from Sol de Janeiro is also the brand’s best and most iconic body lotion. The award-winning body cream features the most addictive and long-lasting scent. Just lotion up your body in the morning, and the smell remains there hours later.

Regarding the actual lotion, the formula has caffeine-rich guarana and a blend of fatty acids and antioxidants. The fast-absorbing body cream is wildly moisturizing and smooth, leaving the slightest touch of a sun-kissed glow. We stan.

2. Beija Flor Elasti-Cream, $48

Credit: Sol de Janeiro

Key Notes: Brazilian jasmine and pink dragon fruit.

Key Vibes: Getting ready for a luxe destination wedding.

The newest (and most viral) Sol de Janeiro lotion is like the original Bum Bum Cream was a trust fund kid living that old-money Upper East Side lifestyle. It’s luxe and thick, and the flowery scent is divine. Plus, the included Cacay oil and squalane make your skin smoother, firmer and plumper.

TikTok claims this Sol de Janeiro body cream is an exact dupe of the $325-plus Maison Francis Kurkdijan Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum. Honestly, though? This one is in a league of its own.

3. Coco Cabana Cream, $48

Credit: Sol de Janeiro

Key Notes: Coconut cream, tropical orchid and toasted praline.

Key Vibes: Lounging poolside at a five-star resort while sipping a frozen tropical drink out of a hollowed coconut.

Coconut and hydration go together like peanut butter and jelly, SpongeBob and Patrick and Doja Cat and viral TikTok sounds. It just makes sense. This hydrating body lotion’s summery and sophisticated coconut scent comes from a combination of CocoSugar, coconut oil and cupuaçu butter. TL;DR: We love coconut.

The CocoSugar blend is the key hydration ingredient in the formula. It acts as a natural humectant to keep moisture locked in. The result is healthy, bouncy and hydrated skin for days.

4. Bom Dia Bright Body Cream, $48

Credit: Sol de Janeiro

Key Notes: Black amber plum, vanilla woods and jasmine bloom.

Key Vibes: An early summer morning at the farmer’s market with a refreshing iced coffee in hand.

If you deal with rough skin, hyperpigmentation or keratosis pilaris, you know that most exfoliating products and lotions smell like hot garbage. Sol de Janeiro pulled a fairy godmother and turned that hot garbage smell into a revitalizingly fresh fruity and floral scent.

Not to be overshadowed by the smell, the body lotion has retexturizing and nourishing ingredients. The mango- and banana-derived fruit AHAs exfoliate to reveal smooth skin. While that’s happening, the vitamin C ester works to deliver protection from free-radical damage.

If you liked this story, check out how good the free Sephora birthday gifts are this year.

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