As a beauty editor who has been a fan of Sol de Janeiro for years, I know first-hand how this brand has cemented its place in the beauty hall of fame. Not only is it one of the most consistently searched-for brands on Google, but its Bum Bum Cream(or 'boom boom,' as it should be pronounced) has become Sephora’s biggest-ever bodycare seller, flying off the shelves every six seconds. Each time I pop out to replenish my stock, it's fair to assume that there will be a flock of beauty buffs already surrounding the stand. Sol de Janeiro products? Gold dust.
There’s the celeb fans too – everyone from Selena Gomez to Hailey Bieber and Sabrina Carpenter have lent their seal of approval to those instantly recognisable, sweet and fruity fragrances. For me, no holiday is complete without them. Just a spritz or a slather boosts my mood and reels in the compliments. The surefire sign that Sol de Janeiro has really made it? The catalogue of dupes that are wide-ranging enough to cater to each and every taste. Love the iconic Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62? There’s a dupe for that. Perhaps you're a Brazilian 4 Play Moisturising Shower Cream-Gel fan? Well, you best bet there’s a copy out there, too.
While beauty editors often share conflicting opinions on dupe culture, it’s essential to acknowledge that dupes can never perfectly replicate the luxury experience of brands like Sol de Janeiro. Although cheaper options may not match the scent longevity and vibrancy, there are definitely similar products that receive rave reviews and are available at a fraction of the price. With this in mind, I’ve curated a list of the best Sol de Janeiro dupes (alongside their designer counterparts) for you to shop today.
Shop: The Best Sol de Janeiro Dupes 2024
Best Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62 dupe
www.zara.com
Scents don't get more holiday-ready than Sol de Janeiro's iconic Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62. The heady blend of pistachio and almond meshes beautifully with jasmine blossom and rich, salted caramel accords. It's no wonder then, Zara found itself inspired and notes in the (now viral) Moonlight also include pistachio and blossom. While there are several Sol de Janeiro dupes on the high street, we're inclined to crown this as one of the best. High praise indeed.
Shop Zara Moonlight below or the original Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '62, £38 (100ml)
Staying Power: Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa ‘62 lasts around 8 hours, while Zara Moonlight offers 5-6 hours of wear.
Consistency: Cheirosa ‘62 has a more robust blend of notes, offering deeper, richer accords than Moonlight, which is slightly lighter.
Saving: Moonlight costs less at £22.99 vs Sol de Janeiro’s £38 price point.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream Dupe
www.marksandspencer.com
Nothing compares to the original! This cream is iconic, loved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, and adored for its fast-absorbing, firming properties. The Bum Bum Cream combines nourishing ingredients like guaraná to smooth the skin and leaves behind an addictive caramel-pistachio scent. M&S’s Burst Bodycare Mango Body Butter offers a more affordable, fruity alternative, though it lacks the firming benefits of the original.
Shop the original Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, £21
Staying Power: Sol de Janeiro lasts majority of the day, I find M&S offers around 4 hours of moisture.
Consistency: The Bum Bum Cream has a rich, silky texture, while M&S is a bit lighter.
Saving: M&S costs £8, for 200ml while Bum Bum Cream is £21 for the 75ml.
Dupe for Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel
www.boots.com
After going viral on TikTok last year, the Treaclemoon shower gel has seen renewed success since it was stocked in the Love Island dressing room. It’s reminiscent of the original Sol de Janeiro shower gel and costs only £1.99. I’ve seen many creators rave about it. I think this body wash smells almost identical to the SDJ 62 and the the scent lasts longer than other body washes I’ve tried. Would highly recommend.
Shop the original Sol de Janeiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturising Shower Cream-Gel, £23
Staying Power: Sol de Janeiro lasts majority of the day while I find Treaclemoon shower gel disappears quicker.
Consistency: The Bum Bum Cream has a rich, silky texture, M&S is a bit thicker.
Saving: Massive savings here; Treaclemoon shower gel only costs £1.99 (versus £21.01).
Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil in 'Copacabana Bronze Dupe
www.boots.com
The GlowMotions body oil is described as 'a one-way ticket to luminous limbs' and is beloved by TikTokers for its signature rich bronze shimmer. While the Boots counterpart doesn’t offer the same levels of skin-beautifying ingredients (cupuaçu butter and açaí oil), it does impart a similar glow and sweet scent.
Shop the original Sol de Janeiro GlowMotions Glow Body Oil in 'Copacabana Bronze, £35
Staying Power: Sol de Janeiro’s GlowMotions last around 6-8 hours, while Boots Glow Mist offers a shorter 3-4 hours of glow.
Consistency: GlowMotions has a smoother, oil-based formula that absorbs well, while Boots Mist is more watery and lightweight.
Savings: Boots comes in at £5 versus GlowMotions' £35, making it a more affordable glow option.
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil dupe
www.spacenk.com
The Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil is best known for its ability to impart a silky smooth layer of hydration that firms and refines parched skin. It’s also enriched with the iconic caramel Cheirosa ‘62 scent. The good news is that the considerably cheaper Space NK iteration is remarkably similar, boasting a summer-ready concoction of caramel and sandalwood.
Shop the original Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil, £52
Staying Power: They last a similar amount of time.
Consistency: Sol de Janeiro’s oil feels richer and more luxurious, while Space NK has a lighter consistency.
Saving: Space NK’s body oil is priced at £16, while Sol de Janeiro’s Firmeza Oil is £52, so you save £36.
www.sephora.co.uk
While Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Kiss Lip Butter offers a luxurious and hydrating experience, there are several excellent high-street alternatives available. This one for instance provides similar levels of moisture and nourishment, thanks to it’s rich formula and natural ingredients.
Shop the original Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter, £16
Staying Power: Sol de Janeiro Lip Butter hydrates for up to 6 hours, while Palmer’s lasts for about 4-5 hours.
Consistency: Sol de Janeiro has a smoother, softer texture, while Palmer’s is a bit thicker and waxier.
Savings: Palmer’s is priced at £4.49 compared to Sol de Janeiro’s £16, making it an excellent budget alternative.
www.thebodyshop.com
Another great dupe I’ve tried is the Pistachio and Almond Body Scrub from The Body Shop. It’s a gentle exfoliator that leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. The scent is reminiscent of Sol de Janeiro’s signature fragrance, and it’s perfect for a pampering session at home.
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Scrub, £39
Staying Power: They offer the similar results in terms of smoothness.
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Consistency**: Sol de Janeiro has a thicker, texture, whereas The Body Shop’s scrub is slightly lighter.
Savings: The Body Shop scrub costs £19, while Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Scrub is £39 - this essentially half price.
Why is Sol de Janeiro so popular?
Sol de Janeiro’s popularity stems from its unique blend of Brazilian heritage, luxurious formulas, iconic scents, and effective marketing. The brand’s deep-rooted connection to Brazilian culture, combined with its focus on indulgent body care products, has resonated with consumers seeking a truly unique beauty experience.
What is the most popular Sol de Janeiro scent?
The most iconic Sol de Janeiro scent is Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ‘62, a warm, inviting fragrance with notes of pistachio, almond, and vanilla. This beloved aroma has captured the hearts of beauty enthusiasts worldwide.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Beauty Editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.
