4 Editors Put Sol de Janeiro's New Radiance Body SPF to the Test
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Have you applied sunscreen today? Ask any dermatologist to name one nonnegotiable skin-care product you need in your routine, and we can almost guarantee you they'll say SPF. Whether you're planning on spending hours in the sun while on vacation or you just happen to sit in front of a window every day at work — you need sun protection.
Sol de Janeiro, the brand most well-known for their yummy-smelling body lotions (or that wild spider controversy), recently launched three different SPF products: a mineral body lotion, a shimmering body oil, and a body spray.
The Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray ($36) is a broad-spectrum body spray meant to protect you from the sun. The product's key ingredients include niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone; pongamia-seed extract, an antioxidant that protects skin; and coconut water to hydrate skin. It offers a cooling sensation when applied to the skin, and it's also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
The brand recommends shaking well before use and applying the product liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. They say you should start by misting the skin and then rub the product in. They also recommend reapplying every two hours.
To see whether the product is worth the hype, we tapped four editors with different skin types and tones and asked them to put Sol de Janeiro's body spray sunscreen to the test. Read their honest thoughts about the brand's latest launch ahead.
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Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen on Olive Skin
"When the warm weather hits, I become a fanatic about sun protection. I'm always layering it on, even if I'm sitting at my desk in a V-neck sweater that barely shows my chest. I spent way too many hours in the sun without SPF as a kid, and my hyperpigmentation and sun damage are proof of that misstep. Although I know SPF is necessary, some formulas make me break out or feel too sticky.
"Luckily, that wasn't the case with the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray sunscreen. Not only does it smell like a million dollars (OK, it's just coconut and vanilla, but it's good), but it doesn't leave behind a sticky residue. Instead, it feels lightweight and always leaves my skin looking glowy. I'm planning on stocking up before summer because this has easily become my new go-to SPF." — Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer
Rating:
★★★★★
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Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen on Deep Skin
"My fiancé and I audibly noted how good the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF spray smelled the second I opened the bottle. I'm super big on scents, and while I typically find that most brands tend to overdo it, this one reminds me of a tropical body spray that doubles as sun protection. A win-win.
"As for the formula itself, I'm equally a fan. It leaves behind a gorgeous glow, resulting in a slight sheen of oil on the skin that doesn't feel sticky or uncomfortable and dries down completely in minutes. Additionally, I always love a spray component when it comes to my SPFs, so the packaging is a big yes for me. Tens all around." — Ariel Baker, assistant editor, Beauty
Rating:
★★★★★
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Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen on Tan Skin
"As someone who hates the heavy feel of traditional body sunscreens, Sol de Janeiro's new Rio Radiance sunscreen is a dream because of its weightless yet hydrating feel. The formula has a watery texture that quickly absorbs into the skin, and it doesn't feel sticky at all. It leaves a subtle glow — not in a shimmery way but rather a dewy, healthy finish. It has a fine mist spray that helps evenly coat the skin, too, so reaching my back has never been easier.
"In true Sol de Janeiro fashion, it smells absolutely heavenly. It's by far the best-smelling sunscreen I've ever used. The sunscreen has the brand's iconic Cheirosa 87 fragrance with a warm, tropical scent that's nostalgic yet elevated. I can notice the notes of vanilla, coconut, and amber. It's an SPF that feels like a hydrating toner and smells like a perfume." — Anvita Reddy, assistant editor, Shopping
Rating:
★★★★★
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Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen on Fair Skin
"I'm huge fan of spray body sunscreens. I find rub-in formulas, unless they're really good, to be a bit tedious when you're applying it all over the body. That said, not all sprays are good; some can leave behind a greasy, heavy feeling. The Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray hits every mark: it sprays on clear, rubs in effortlessly, and doesn't leave behind any unpleasant residue. It feels practically weightless on the skin. The only sign that you applied it is the comfortable, hydrating finish it leaves behind (which gives your skin a beautiful glow) and the beachy scent of coconut, salt, vanilla, and amber. I can't wait to use this all summer." — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, Beauty
Rating:
★★★★★
Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for POPSUGAR. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.