How to Make a Sol de Janeiro 71 Copycat Cream at Home

Craving the luxurious scent of Sol de Janeiro’s 71 body cream but not ready to splurge? You’re not alone. Known for its delectable caramelized vanilla fragrance and skin-nourishing formula, this cult-favorite product has amassed legions of fans. But at $48 for just 8 ounces, it’s no wonder beauty enthusiasts are seeking more affordable alternatives.

If you’re a DIY beauty lover, a budget-conscious shopper, or just someone curious about crafting your own skincare, you’re in for a treat. This post will guide you through creating a copycat version of Sol de Janeiro 71 that’s not only kind to your wallet but also customizable for your preferences.

By the end, you’ll have a luxurious cream that smells heavenly, feels divine, and costs just a fraction of the original.

Why Look for a Sol de Janeiro 71 Alternative?

Sol de Janeiro’s 71 body cream has earned its place on bathroom shelves everywhere for its captivating scent and nourishing properties. That said, there are several reasons why people turn to DIY versions, including:

• Price: With its premium branding, this cream doesn’t come cheap. For many, it’s a treat rather than a sustainable choice for daily use.
• Availability: Depending on your location, getting your hands on this body cream can be difficult, with limited stock and high shipping costs.
• Customization: DIY options allow you to tweak the formula to suit your skin type, fragrance preferences, and ingredient priorities (like avoiding allergens).

Key Ingredients in Sol de Janeiro 71 and Their Benefits

To replicate this luxurious cream, it helps to know what makes it special. Here are the star ingredients in the original formula and why they work so well for your skin.

• Cupuacu Butter: A hero ingredient from Brazil, this butter is deeply hydrating and helps restore elasticity to the skin.
• Coconut Oil: Known for locking in moisture and nourishing dry skin, coconut oil adds a silky finish to the formula.
• Shea Butter: Packed with vitamins A and E, shea butter softens and protects the skin while delivering a rich, creamy texture.
• Vanilla and Macadamia Scent: The star of the show! This caramelized vanilla fragrance with nutty undertones is the signature of Sol de Janeiro 71.

We’ll aim to replicate these elements in the DIY recipe below.

DIY Recipe for a Sol de Janeiro 71 Copycat Cream

Ingredients List

Creating your copycat cream is simpler than you might think! Here’s what you’ll need, with affordable alternatives to mimic the original as closely as possible.

• 1/2 cup shea butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp cupuacu butter (or substitute with cocoa butter if unavailable)
• 2 tbsp almond oil (offers light hydration and improves skin texture)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that delicious caramelized note)
• 2-3 drops macadamia nut oil (or macadamia fragrance oil)
• Optional: Vitamin E oil (for extra nourishment and to extend shelf life)

You can find these ingredients at natural food stores, online retailers, or your local drugstore.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Base Ingredients

Combine the shea butter, cupuacu (or cocoa) butter, and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl. Place this bowl over a double boiler and slowly melt the ingredients until they’re fully liquid.

2. Add the Oils

Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the almond oil, macadamia nut oil, and vitamin E oil if you’re using it. Mix well to combine.

3. Customize the Fragrance

Add the vanilla extract (or fragrance oil) and give the mixture a good stir. You can adjust the amount based on how strong you want the scent to be.

4. Whip It!

Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then use a handheld electric mixer to whip it into a frothy, cream-like consistency. This step traps air into the formula, giving it that rich, velvety texture.

5. Store in a Jar

Transfer the whipped body cream into a clean, airtight jar. Store it in a cool, dry place, and it should last 1-2 months.

Tips for Customizing Your Cream

• Prefer a lighter texture? Swap coconut oil for grapeseed or jojoba oil.
• Love sweeter scents? Add a hint of honey or brown sugar essence for extra depth.
• Sensitive skin? Stick to fragrance-free variations of the oils and avoid heavily processed ingredients.

DIY vs. Original Sol de Janeiro 71 Body Cream

How does your homemade version compare to the original? Here’s a quick breakdown.

While the original certainly delivers on luxury, the DIY version matches its hydration and nourishment at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it’s fully customizable, so you can make it your own.

Why Make Your Own Body Cream?

Crafting your own body cream isn’t just about saving money (though that’s a big bonus). It’s also about creating something uniquely yours. Here are a few benefits of going DIY:

• Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what’s going into your cream, avoiding harsh chemicals or allergens.
• Creative Freedom: Experiment with scents and textures to suit your preferences.
• Sustainability: No excessive packaging means a smaller environmental footprint.

Plus, the process itself is fun and rewarding. There’s nothing quite like using a product you made with your own two hands.

Recap and Next Steps

Replicating Sol de Janeiro’s 71 body cream at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can enjoy a luxurious, hydrating cream that’s personalized just for you.