When you walk into Ulta, you may smell a beachy, delicious scent. But just what is it? That smell is Sol de Janeiro! Many have some questions, specifically, “What do the numbers mean?” “Where can you buy it?” “Where did it come from?”

Where did it come from?

A Korean-American businesswoman named Yang founded this business. She graduated from Harvard Business School and got the idea of this business after living in Brazil and experiencing its inclusive beach culture firsthand. Yang wants to empower all women to be comfortable in their own skin, regardless of shape, size, or skin tone. She also runs a consulting company called Perfect Fifth LLC.

What do the numbers mean?

I did some research and found out what everyone seems to be wondering! According to Google, the numbers refer to years that had great history and culture in Brazil. Here’s what each number means to Brazil’s history.

62: This perfume was inspired by “Girl from Ipanema,” when it became popular back in 1962.

68: This scent was inspired by 1968, when the Tropicalia Movement was occurring. The Tropicalia Movement was a Brazilian cultural revolution in 1968 that combined theater, music, film, and art to celebrate Brazilian culture.

40: Inspired by the Carnaval Ball in Rio, 1840.

71: Inspired by the Confeitaria Bakery in 1971

87: Inspired by the “Summer of the Cans” in Copacabana and evokes the culture of the beach.

Why is it so popular all of a sudden? Where can I buy it?

The trend began mostly with teenage girls, who saw these body mists on TikTok. Everyone heard such great things about it; they wanted to try it for themselves! They started going to Sephora, Ulta, and on the internet to find these body mists, but unfortunately for some they would be sold out! As it became more popular, Sol de Janeiro started coming out with more and more scents, each smelling different but still smelling AMAZING. There truly are no words to describe how great it smells of tropical beach

Other products!

You’ve heard of the body mists, but their body butters, body scrubs, and body oils smell just as great, but do great things for your skin! Their body butters do a great job of hydrating your skin and making it super soft! I’ve tested them out myself, and it’s safe to say that I have no regrets! The next product: body oil. Sol de Janeiro’s body oil repairs, hydrates, promotes skin health, minimizes imperfections, firms and depuffs, and smooths out your rough and dry skin! Their body oils are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and natural ingredients, making your skin feel amazing! Lastly, their body scrubs. Their body scrubs exfoliate and cleanse your skin, making it look and feel the healthiest it’s ever been! They also have wonderful sunscreens, lip balms, hand creams, and body washes if you ever want to check those out!

How can I choose the best scent to start off with?

Personally, my first scent was 62! I remember being so excited to wear it every day! After some research, here’s the best way to choose a scent that’s right for you! Go to your local cosmetics store, either Sephora or Ulta, and smell each and every one! Find ones you love, like, or dislike! Put back the ones you don’t love. Think of what notes are in the scents you like, or if it is a floral, citrus, musky, etc. type of scent. Compare it to a previous perfume you owned, and see if that helps. If you are still unsure, ask a worker to help you decide. (Or be difficult like me and end up buying both body mists!)

Fun Facts!

• Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum cream became the best-selling skincare cream in Sephora in just a couple months and still remains at number one. 
• Cheirosa means to smell incredibly delicious. 
• Many influencers and celebrities use this brand, like Katie Fang, Selena Gomez, Hailey Beiber, and Hillary Duff and Mrs. Ciminero!