A coconut and vanilla body mist: what a gourmand scent is, why mists fade faster than perfume, and how to make one last

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Researched. We have not used this one long enough to give you a verdict, and we would rather say so than invent one. What follows is how it works, who it suits, and what it will not do. When we have used it properly, this page carries the verdict and the date.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa Perfume Mist

This Sol de Janeiro body mist is in Amazon's top beauty sellers this week. According to the listing, it is a coconut perfume mist inspired by 1939, when the Brazilian performer Carmen Miranda made tropical style famous.

The notes

The listing describes three: coconut cream, creamy and warm; tropical orchid, floral; and toasted vanilla, nutty and smooth. It places the scent in the gourmand fruity family.

What gourmand means

"Gourmand" fragrances are the ones that smell edible: vanilla, caramel, coconut, chocolate, coffee, sugared nuts. They tend to feel warm, cosy and close to the skin. If you like the smell of baking, or the vanilla in a body lotion, you probably like gourmands. This one adds a floral note and a tropical, beachy coconut, so it reads lighter than a heavy vanilla.

Mist versus perfume

A body mist is designed to be lighter than a perfume, so it can be sprayed generously and often. That is the appeal: you can spray it all over without overwhelming a room. It also means a mist fades faster than an eau de parfum. We explain the difference in strengths in EDT, EDP and parfum, and why scent fades in why your fragrance fades.

How to make it last

Fragrance holds better on moisturized skin than dry skin, so spray after lotion or body oil. Spray hair and clothes as well as skin; fabric and hair hold scent longer. Layer it: the listing suggests combining it with other Sol de Janeiro mists, and a scented wash or oil from the same brand, like Sol de Janeiro's shower oil, builds the scent further. And carry the smaller bottle for a refresh in the afternoon.

On hair

It is sold as a hair and body mist, and hair carries scent well because it moves. Spray from arm's length so it lands as a light veil, or spray onto your brush and run it through. If your hair is very dry, a light touch is best, as fragrance sprays can be drying in large amounts.

Sizes

The listing says it comes in 8.1 fl oz, and a 3.0 fl oz size that is TSA-friendly for carry-on bags.

Who it suits

Anyone who likes warm, sweet, beachy scents, anyone who prefers a light, sprayable fragrance to a strong perfume, and anyone looking for an easy gift. If you like Kopari's coconut mist, this sits in a similar family with more vanilla.

What it will not do

It will not last as long as a perfume; plan to reapply. It will not suit anyone who dislikes sweet scents. And it will not be the right choice for a scent-free workplace.

The product

A gourmand coconut, orchid and toasted vanilla mist for hair and body, one of Amazon's top beauty sellers this week, sold by Sol de Janeiro's own US store when we checked.

The one people are searching for is the Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa Hair & Body Perfume Mist.

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa Perfume Mist

We do not print prices here, because a price we typed last month is a price that is wrong today.

Written by JamieG in Garner Town, Tennessee.