Sol De Janeiro’s First Sun Care Products Already Have A Waiting List – But Are They Worth The Hype?

It doesn't matter if you're watching Love Island or endlessly doom-scrolling through TikTok, in any case, chances are you will have heard of Sol De Janeiro. The brand is perhaps best known for its aptly named Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (pronounced "boom boom" to reflect Brazil's obsession with top-to-toe body joy) and its infinitely addictive Brazilian Crush body mist range, which have collectively earned it a top spot in the body care hall of fame. But this week marks a new chapter in the cult-favourite brand's legacy, as it gears up to welcome body sun care into the fold with the launch of its new range, the Rio Radiance Sunscreen collection. The face of said collection? Sofia Richie Grange.

We can't say we are surprised by the move. Sol De Janeiro, meaning the 'Sun of January' in Portuguese, is an ode to the peak of Brazil's summer. Since its inception, the brand has been intent on capturing the essence of summer as well as Brazilians' love for the sun and their unique approach to beauty, which celebrates an inclusive, non-homogenised standard of beauty, where everyone is encouraged to feel comfortable in their own skin and takes pride in taking care of it.

What is the Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance Sunscreen collection?

Ever considered in its approach, for its first-ever foray into the category, the brand has launched not one but three different sun protecting options – a Body Lotion, £40, Body Spray, £36, and a Body Oil, £38 – each of them loaded with an all-important SPF50 and a chance for brand fans to pick a texture that suits their unique needs and lifestyle. Though it's worth noting a physical SPF (like the body lotion) should always be the first point of call for maximum sun protection, followed up by a slather or spritz of an oil or spray throughout the day.

Our review of the Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance Sunscreen collection:

In true Sol De Janeiro form, that same consideration can be found in the list of ingredients, many of which are native to South America, of course. The Body Lotion is loaded with brightening niacinimide, anti-oxidant-rich pongamia seed extract and nourishing cupuacu butter. It's the heaviest in the collection and yet still manages to be uber-lightweight, spreadable and silky. You'll be pleased to know it doesn't leave behind a white cast, either.

I've used plenty of sun-protecting body sprays but the brand's take on this easy, on-the-go reapplication method is new-gen. The spray imparts a featherweight refreshing mist that leaves skin bright and glowing. In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, the Body Spray features pitanga extract for an extra dosage of free-radical protecting vitamin C and hydrating coconut water.

Finally, the Body Oil, AKA the pièce de résistance. It, too, is a spray, but one which deposits a healthy dosage of glow-giving oil that ensures skin is butter smooth, even and glistening. Patauá oil and responsibly-sourced golden mica crystals are the hero ingredients here, which collectively help to calm, balance and brighten.

The crucial question: what does it smell like? Let's just say, the first time I tried the products in the office after they landed on my desk, every single person who walked passed stopped to tell me how glorious the smell was – just like holiday, some suggested. What they were smelling is what the brand defines as a 'beachy and nostalgic scent of solar tuberose, leite de coco, and warm sand.' Safe to say, Sol De Janeiro's aim of capturing Brazil in a bottle has thoroughly been achieved, once again.

Sol De Janeiro's Rio Radiance Sunscreen Collection launches on 19th April 2024.

Shop: Sol De Janeiro Rio Radiance Sunscreen Collection