You know that feeling when a "limited edition" snack or makeup product disappears just as you realize you can't live without it? It’s the worst. Honestly, that’s exactly what happened with Sol de Janeiro’s Bikini Season back in 2023. People were obsessed, then it vanished, and the resale prices on eBay started getting a little ridiculous.
But then, Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 48 arrived.
It wasn't technically a "new" scent, but rather a permanent rebirth of that fan-favorite Bikini Season. The brand basically listened to the collective screaming on TikTok and gave the people what they wanted, just with a fresh name and a neon pink bottle. If you’re wondering why the number 48 matters, it’s a nod to 1948—the year the first bikini was spotted on the beaches of Brazil. It's meant to capture that specific, liberating energy.
What Does Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 48 Actually Smell Like?
Most people expect every Sol de Janeiro scent to be a variation of salted caramel or heavy vanilla. This one is different. It’s a fruity gourmand, but the fruit isn't the usual strawberry or citrus you’d find in a drugstore body spray.
The heavy hitter here is guava nectar.
When you first spritz it, you get this massive, juicy punch of tropical fruit. It’s not a "clean" fruit smell; it’s more like a sun-ripened, slightly syrupy guava mixed with coconut water. It’s incredibly bright.
The Fragrance Breakdown
- Top Notes: Guava Nectar, Coconut Water.
- Middle Notes: Sunlit Orchid, Lemon Twist, Wild Orris.
- Dry Down: Pink Musk, Vanilla Cloud.
As it sits on your skin, the "pink" vibe really takes over. The orchid and orris add a powdery, floral layer that keeps the sweetness from being too juvenile. Jerome Epinette, the master perfumer behind this (and iconic scents like Byredo’s Gypsy Water), actually described the vibe as "bottling up the joyful spirit of a getaway." By the time the base notes kick in, you're left with a soft, airy vanilla and musk that sticks to your clothes for hours.
Is It Better Than Cheirosa 68 or 40?
This is where things get controversial.
If you love Cheirosa 68 (the one everyone calls a Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe), you might find 48 a bit too "food-like" or fruity. 68 is very floral and airy. On the flip side, Cheirosa 40 is much heavier, darker, and more sophisticated with its black amber plum.
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 48 sits right in the middle. It’s louder than 68 but much more "summertime" than 40. A lot of users on Fragrantica mention it feels like a high-end version of the old Victoria's Secret Pink "Warm and Cozy," but with way more complexity thanks to that guava note.
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One thing to watch out for: body chemistry. On some people, the guava can turn a little bit sour or "fleshy" if it's super hot outside. On others, it dries down into a literal cotton candy dream. You've kinda just got to test it on your own skin to see which way it leans.
Performance and Layering Hacks
Let’s be real—it’s a perfume mist, not an Eau de Parfum. It isn't going to last 12 hours. You’re looking at about 4 to 6 hours of wear time, which is actually pretty decent for a body spray.
If you want it to actually last through a full workday, you have to layer. Since there isn't a dedicated "48" body cream yet (though fans keep begging for one), you’ve got to get creative. Pairing it with the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream works because the pistachio/caramel notes provide a warm base for the guava to sit on.
Another pro tip? Use it as a hair mist. Sol de Janeiro formulas are designed to be safe for hair, and the scent usually lingers much longer on strands than it does on pulse points.
Why This Scent Still Matters in 2026
The hype hasn't really died down because it fills a gap in the collection. It’s the "fun" sister. While the brand has been leaning into more "serious" or woody scents lately (like Cheirosa 59), 48 remains unapologetically girly and tropical.
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It’s also surprisingly "clean" in terms of ingredients. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens or sulfates. For anyone with sensitive skin who usually breaks out from heavy perfumes, these mists are generally much gentler.
Quick Reality Check
- Price: Usually around $38-$40 for the 240ml bottle.
- Vibe: Poolside cocktails, neon bikinis, 90s nostalgia.
- Best For: Hot summer days or when you’re stuck in winter and need a mental vacation.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Bottle
If you’re ready to commit to the guava life, don't just spray it on your wrists and call it a day.
Apply to damp skin. Right after you hop out of the shower and put on your lotion, spray the mist. The moisture helps trap the fragrance molecules so they don't evaporate into thin air within twenty minutes.
Target your clothes. Since this mist is clear, it won't stain most fabrics. Spraying your sweatshirt or scarf will give you those "whiffs" of vanilla cloud all day long, even after the fruit notes have faded from your skin.
Mix your scents. Try layering 48 with a basic vanilla perfume oil. It grounds the tropical notes and makes the whole vibe feel a bit more expensive and "adult."
If you haven't smelled it yet, head to a Sephora or Ulta and give it a test. Just don't blame me if you end up wanting to book a flight to Rio immediately after.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current rotation: If you already own Cheirosa 68, 48 might feel redundant unless you specifically want more "fruit" and less "floral."
- Sample before you buy: Since guava is a "love it or hate it" note, grab the 90ml travel size first to see how it reacts with your skin's pH over a few days.
- Layer for longevity: Use an unscented body oil as a base to double the "staying power" of the mist.