Introduction
Sol de Janeiro might not be a household name for everyone, but if you’ve spent any time browsing beauty aisles or scrolling through skincare TikTok, you’ve likely encountered their famous “Bum Bum Cream.” Now, they’ve bottled that signature scent in SOL Cheirosa ’62 and have put a gorgeous disco ball lid on it.. and they’re not shy about singing its praises!
The brand’s description reads like a love letter to Brazilian summer, promising an irresistible gourmand fragrance that’ll transport you straight to Rio. They claim it’s a scent that “everyone falls in love with,” which is a pretty bold statement in the fickle world of perfume.
Released in late 2020, SOL Cheirosa ’62 has been making waves in the fragrance community. While it’s marketed as unisex (I’m assuming?), I’d say it leans more feminine – think of it as the perfume equivalent of those desserts that are “too pretty to eat.”
Curious about all the hype, I decided to dedicate an entire weekend to wearing and testing this fragrance. My mission? To figure out if it’s truly as delicious and universally appealing as Sol de Janeiro claims, and more importantly, whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. So, let’s dive in and see if this sunny scent lives up to its promises.
About The Notes
First things first, the main question – what does it smell like? The note breakdown for this fragrance is vanilla, caramel, almond, sweet, nutty, woody, powdery, salty, fruity, and balsamic. But let’s be honest, to a lot of people, a list of notes doesn’t mean much. So let me paint you a picture.
The moment SOL Cheirosa ’62 hits my skin, it’s like stepping into a beachside ice cream parlor. There’s an immediate rush of sweet, creamy vanilla that’s hard to miss. It’s not the artificial vanilla of cheap body sprays, but something richer and more complex. As it settles, I catch whiffs of salted caramel and toasted nuts, reminiscent of those fancy flavored almonds you find at artisanal markets.
As the fragrance develops, it becomes softer and more rounded. The sweetness mellows out, and there’s a hint of something woody and balsamic lurking beneath. It reminds me of driftwood warmed by the sun, adding depth to what could otherwise be an overwhelmingly gourmand scent.
Hours later, the fragrance has transformed into a skin-like scent with a subtle powdery quality. It’s comforting, like the lingering scent of sunscreen on your skin after a day at the beach. There’s still a whisper of that initial vanilla-caramel combo, but it’s more subdued and intimate.
Throughout its wear, SOL Cheirosa ’62 maintains a beachy, summery vibe. It’s not the fresh, aquatic scent you might associate with the ocean, but rather the warm, sweet aromas of a boardwalk on a hot day – think funnel cakes, coconut suntan lotion, and salty sea air.
If you’re familiar with other fragrances, SOL Cheirosa ’62 reminds me quite a bit of Bath & Body Works’ Sunset Glow and Fine’ry’s Pistachio Please. They share that same warm, sweet, nutty profile that’s become increasingly popular in recent years.
As for my personal rating of the scent profile, I’d give it a solid 7.5 out of 10. It’s pleasant and crowd-pleasing, though perhaps not the most unique or complex fragrance out there. But sometimes, you just want to smell delicious, and SOL Cheirosa ’62 certainly delivers on that front.
The Longevity & Projection
Ok, now let’s talk about the performance. I tested SOL Cheirosa ’62 with four sprays – one on each wrist and two on the neck. This seemed to be the sweet spot for this fragrance.
In terms of longevity, I found SOL Cheirosa ’62 to be somewhat of a middle-of-the-road performer. On my skin, it lasted about 4-5 hours before significantly fading. This isn’t terrible, but it’s not exactly what you’d call “beast mode”. I did notice that by the end of the day, I had to press my nose to my wrist to catch the last whispers of the scent.
As for projection, this fragrance starts off strong but quickly settles down. For the first hour or so, people within arm’s length could definitely catch whiffs of the fragrance. It’s not a room-filler by any means, but it does make its presence known. After about two hours, though, the scent bubble shrinks considerably. It becomes more of a personal scent, detectable only when someone leans in for a hug or you raise your wrist to your nose.
I wore this fragrance during various activities – running errands, meeting friends for coffee, and even during a light workout. It held up reasonably well during low-key activities, but I found it dissipated quicker with any kind of physical exertion.
It’s worth noting that I’ve heard rumors of a reformulation that improved the longevity. If true, my experience might reflect this updated version, as older reviews often complained about even shorter lasting power – if you tried this perfume in the past and weren’t impressed, maybe it’s time for a retry?
Taking all of this into account, I’d rate the longevity a 6/10 and the projection a 5/10. It’s not a powerhouse by any means, but it performs adequately for a light, summery scent. Just be prepared to reapply if you want the fragrance to last throughout a full day or evening out.
Who Is SOL Cheirosa ’62 For?
SOL Cheirosa ’62 feels tailor-made for those sun-soaked, carefree days when you want to smell like you’ve just stepped off a tropical beach. It’s the kind of scent that would be right at home at a beachside barbecue, a casual outdoor brunch, or even a laid-back summer wedding.
This fragrance would likely appeal to someone who enjoys gourmand scents but wants something a bit more sophisticated than your typical vanilla body spray. It’s for the person who isn’t afraid to smell edible, who wants to evoke memories of beach vacations and summer flings with just a spritz.
That said, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for formal events or professional settings. It’s a bit too playful and sweet for a serious business meeting or a black-tie gala. It’s also probably not the best choice for cooler months – this is definitely a warm-weather fragrance.
Age-wise, I can see this appealing to a wide range, from teens to those in their 40s or beyond. However, its youthful, sweet profile might resonate more with a younger crowd.
Should You Buy It?
After spending the weekend with SOL Cheirosa ’62, I’ve come to a verdict: it’s a solid 6.5 out of 10 for me. This score reflects its delightful scent profile, balanced against its somewhat lackluster performance and designer price tag.
The fragrance itself is undeniably pleasant. It’s a gourmand lover’s dream, with its creamy vanilla and salted caramel notes that manage to avoid being overly cloying. The subtle woodiness adds just enough depth to keep things interesting. However, its relatively short longevity and modest projection are definite drawbacks, especially considering its price point.
Speaking of which, let’s talk value. SOL Cheirosa ’62 isn’t the most budget-friendly option out there. Given its performance issues, you might find yourself using more product to maintain the scent throughout the day, which could make it a pricier choice in the long run.
So, who should buy it? If you’re a fan of sweet, beachy scents and don’t mind reapplying, this could be a great addition to your summer fragrance wardrobe. It’s perfect for those who prefer their scents to be more of a personal experience rather than a room-filling statement.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a long-lasting powerhouse or if gourmand scents aren’t your thing, you might want to skip this one. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, there are similar scents available at lower price points that might give you more bang for your buck.
Ultimately, SOL Cheirosa ’62 is like that fun, flirty summer fling – sweet and enjoyable in the moment, but perhaps not built for the long haul. It’s a fragrance that prioritizes pleasure over performance, and there’s certainly a place for that in many people’s collections.