It happened again. You’re scrolling through TikTok or walking through a Sephora, and you see that purple jar. People are practically huddling around it. It's Sol de Janeiro Number 59, or as the label calls it, the Delícia Drench Body Butter. Since it launched in early 2024, it’s been a whirlwind.
People lost their minds. Seriously.
The brand already had a massive cult following with the original Cheirosa 62 (the yellow one that smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle), but Number 59 is different. It’s moodier. It’s softer. It doesn't scream "I'm at the beach" like the others do. It whispers.
What Does Sol de Janeiro Number 59 Actually Smell Like?
Let’s get the scent profile out of the way because that’s why you’re here. Sol de Janeiro Number 59 is a woody gourmand. That sounds fancy, but basically, it means it smells edible but also like a forest. Sorta.
The official notes are Velvet Plum, Sugared Violet, and Vanilla Orchid. Then it settles into Amber, Sheer Sandalwood, and Fresh Vetiver.
If you hate heavy, cloying perfumes, this might be your holy grail. It’s creamy. It’s got this weirdly comforting vibe that feels like wearing a cashmere sweater while eating a very expensive dessert. It’s not "suntan lotion." It’s "expensive hotel lobby in the mountains."
Honestly, the violet is the star here. It gives it a powdery finish that reminds some people of high-end vintage makeup, but the vanilla keeps it from feeling like your grandma’s bathroom. It’s a delicate balance. Get it wrong, and it’s a floral mess. Sol de Janeiro got it right.
The Texture Factor
The "Drench" part of the name isn't just marketing fluff. If you've used the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, you know it’s relatively light and soaks in fast. Delícia Drench is thicker. It’s a true body butter. It uses a "Prebiotic Hibiscus Complex" and Brazilian Soothing Complex.
🔗 Read more: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
Why does that matter? Because it actually helps the skin barrier.
Dry skin is a nightmare. This stuff is specifically formulated to lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. When you rub it in, it feels almost like it’s melting. It doesn’t stay greasy, which is a miracle for something this thick. You can put jeans on five minutes later without feeling like you're sliding around inside them.
The Spider Controversy: The Internet Went Weird
We have to talk about the spiders. You might have seen the viral reviews.
Back when Number 59 first dropped, a rumor exploded on Reddit and TikTok. People were claiming that the scent of Sol de Janeiro Number 59 was attracting wolf spiders. Yeah. Giant, hairy spiders.
The theory was that the combination of certain chemicals in the fragrance mimicked spider pheromones. It sounded plausible enough to go viral. People were terrified to put on their lotion.
The brand actually had to release a statement. Scientists weighed in. It turns out, there is absolutely zero evidence that wolf spiders—or any spiders—are attracted to Sugared Violet or Vanilla Orchid. Most spiders don't even "smell" the way we do; they sense vibrations and chemical signals that have nothing to do with Sephora’s best-sellers. It was a classic case of internet hysteria fueled by a few coincidental sightings.
The spiders aren't coming for you. Use the lotion.
💡 You might also like: Coach Bag Animal Print: Why These Wild Patterns Actually Work as Neutrals
How Number 59 Fits Into the Sol de Janeiro Lineup
If you’re trying to decide between the different "numbers," it helps to see where 59 sits in the hierarchy.
- 62 (The OG): Pistachio and Salted Caramel. Very loud. Very summer.
- 68 (Beija Flor): Dragonfruit and Jasmine. Smells like Baccarat Rouge 540’s younger, sunnier sister.
- 40 (Bom Dia Bright): Black Amber Plum and Vanilla Woods. Fruity and dark.
- 59 (Delícia Drench): Vanilla Orchid and Sandalwood. The "clean girl" aesthetic version of the brand.
Sol de Janeiro Number 59 is arguably the most versatile scent they’ve ever made. It’s not season-specific. You can wear it in January when it’s freezing, and it feels cozy. You can wear it in July, and it feels breezy. It doesn’t have that heavy "foodie" smell that makes the original 62 a bit much for some people in professional settings.
Layering Like a Pro
If you want the scent to last all day, you have to layer. The body butter is the base. It’s the anchor. But if you really want to project, you need the Cheirosa 59 Perfume Mist.
Spray it on your clothes, not just your skin. Fabric holds onto scent molecules much longer than warm skin does. Some people even spray it in their hair. Since the mist is water-based and contains a bit of glycerin, it’s not as drying as a traditional alcohol-heavy perfume.
The Science of "Mood-Boosting" Scents
Sol de Janeiro markets Number 59 as an "uplifting" scent. Is that just more marketing? Maybe. But there’s actual science behind how scents like vanilla and sandalwood affect the brain.
Vanilla is one of the most universally liked scents because it’s often associated with breast milk and early childhood comfort. Sandalwood has been used in aromatherapy for centuries to reduce anxiety and promote "grounding."
When you combine those with the tactile experience of a thick, cooling cream, you’re basically giving your nervous system a hug. In a world that’s constantly screaming for our attention, a self-care routine that actually smells like relaxation is a big deal.
📖 Related: Bed and Breakfast Wedding Venues: Why Smaller Might Actually Be Better
Users report feeling more "put together" when using 59. It’s that psychological boost you get from smelling expensive.
Common Mistakes When Using Delícia Drench
- Using too much at once. Because it’s so thick, a little goes a long way. If you slather it on like a cheap drugstore lotion, you’ll waste half the jar. Start with a nickel-sized amount for each limb.
- Not exfoliation first. If you have dead skin buildup, the "Prebiotic Complex" can't do its job. Use a scrub (the Bum Bum Body Scrub works, or just a washcloth) before applying.
- Mixing it with clashing perfumes. Don't wear this with a heavy oud or a sharp citrus perfume. They will fight. Stick to other vanillas, florals, or soft musks.
- Storing it in the sun. The oils in these butters can go rancid or lose their scent if they sit in a hot, sunny bathroom window. Keep it in a cool, dark drawer.
Is It Worth the Price?
Let’s be real. It’s not cheap. A full-sized jar of Sol de Janeiro Number 59 will set you back about $48. Compared to a $10 tub of cocoa butter from the grocery store, that’s a leap.
But you aren't just buying moisture. You’re buying the fragrance and the experience. For many, this replaces the need for an expensive $150 eau de parfum. If you use it as your primary scent, the cost-per-wear actually starts to look pretty good.
Plus, the packaging is recyclable, and the brand is increasingly focused on sustainable sourcing for their Brazilian ingredients like Cupuaçu butter and Bacuri butter.
Where to Buy It
You can find it at Sephora, Ulta, and the Sol de Janeiro website. It sells out frequently, especially the larger jars. If you see it in stock and you’ve been on the fence, grab it. The "59" craze hasn't slowed down yet.
Practical Steps to Get the Most Out of Your Purchase
If you've decided to pull the trigger on Sol de Janeiro Number 59, here is how to actually integrate it into a routine that works:
- The "Damp Skin" Rule: Apply the body butter within three minutes of getting out of the shower. Your pores are open, and your skin is still slightly hydrated. This "traps" the water in your skin cells.
- Focus on the "Rough" Spots: Spend extra time on elbows, knees, and the heels of your feet. The Bacuri butter in 59 is incredible for softening calloused skin.
- The Travel Hack: If you aren't sure about the scent, buy the "Jet Set" mini version first. It’s cheaper, and you get the mist and the cream to try out together.
- Check the Batch Code: If you buy from a third-party seller (like Amazon or eBay), check the bottom of the jar for a batch code to ensure it's authentic. Counterfeit Sol de Janeiro is a real problem, and the "fakes" often smell like chemicals and don't have the same skin-benefiting ingredients.
Sol de Janeiro Number 59 is more than just a viral trend. It’s a shift for the brand into more sophisticated, skincare-first territory. Whether you’re trying to heal a dry skin barrier or just want to smell like a sugared violet cloud, it delivers. Just don't worry about the spiders. They don't care about your lotion.