In life there are certain things that we need to do because they are useful and good for us. When we do them, the actual process might not be that pleasurable, but the results bring us a longer term kind of satisfaction. There are also things, big or small, that we undertake simply because we enjoy them in the moment. The Brazilian Bum Bum Cream is pleasure poured in a jar. One jar of it is being sold worldwide every 8 seconds and I ́m thinking there must be a reason for it being so much of a cult classic.
Table of Contents
What I enjoyed about it
- Addictive scent, strong and lasting
- Effective moisturizer that absorbs quickly into the skin
- Naturally shimmering effect which looks amazing especially when tan
- Beneficial ingredients traditionally used by people from the Amazon basin
- Available in travel size
What I disliked about it
- Pricey
- Most likely not making a big enough difference when it comes to firming
When I first encountered this product in a store, I couldn´t let go of it because the scent was so addictive. I simply stood there sniffing it for a few minutes. Do you know that feeling you sometimes get only on the best of vacations, when you feel like a sexier, glowing, more confident version of you? That is basically how I feel after applying the Bum Bum Cream. But what can this pretty expensive body cream do that a cheaper lotion with a perfume on top can ́t? Is it just the smell or does this thing really work?
How to use the Bum Bum Cream
The best moment to apply body lotion is after showering, when skin is still kind of damp, in order to seal that moisture in. I massage an appropriate amount everywhere on my body (no, it’s not just for the bum), everywhere except for my face. I find that a little of it actually goes a really long way. I usually can get dressed almost immediately after because it is so easily absorbed. I also believe you don’t need to wear perfume afterwards so it can save you time and, in a certain regard, money.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BRAZILIAN BUM BUM CREAM
- This cream comes in three different sizes – 75 ml, 150 ml and 240 ml, which makes it convenient for traveling or for splurging without committing to a full size.
- The scent: It is honestly the best part about this body lotion for me. I love it. It is quite sweet, but not in a cloying way. I´ve seen people call it vacation or summer in a bottle and I agree. That said, this is a completely subjective criterion. And being that it is so intense, if you know you don´t like the scent of vanilla or caramel then I suggest you try it out in the store before buying it.
- Top notes are Pistachio and Almond. I would definitely agree and say that it has a nutty kind of scent that makes me kind of want to start eating it.
- Mid notes are Heliotrope and Jasmine Petals.
- Dry or base notes are Vanilla, Salted Caramel and Sandalwood. Seeing as the base notes are the ones that persist the longest after applying a perfumed product, it is vital that we enjoy smelling them for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, if you do not usually like these scents I would avoid this cream, as I find they are particularly long-lasting.
- The feel and look of it on the skin: It´s basically a perfect body lotion to use before going out. It absorbs quickly so it is not sticky and works perfectly to hydrate dry patches and give you that nice moisturized look. If you are severely dry however, it might not be rich enough. On the plus side though, it contains mica powder which provides a subtle glimmer, more in line with a natural glow than a shimmer. This makes it look amazing on tanned skin.
- Beneficial ingredients added to the Bum Bum Cream: Being based around Brazilian beauty routines, it contains quite a few powerful ingredients found in the Amazonian region, such as:
- Guaraná extract, known to contain five times more caffeine than coffee, it improves circulation at the skin level and contains free radical-neutralizing antioxidants, which are an important cause of skin damage and aging;
- Cupuaçu butter, works as an emollient, smoothing and softening. Also rich in antioxidants. Helps supporting the skin barrier;
- Other emollient ingredients, such as Coconut and Carrot Seed oil make this an effective product when dealing with flaky lizard skin just like me;
- Brazil nut seed oil is not only moisturizing, but also contains multiple nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, selenium and omega fatty acids, all of which help combat external aggressors, reduce inflammation and soothe the skin;
- Açaí Oil, extracted out of a fruit so nutrient-dense it is often called a superfruit. Just like Brazil nut seed oil, it is considered to be packed full of antiaging and skin barrier loving compounds.
WHAT IS NOT SO GREAT ABOUT THE BUM BUM CREAM?
- The price: for a body lotion (something you would regularly use a relatively big amount of) it is quite expensive. If you like to slather yourself in lotion every day then you better work it into your budget. I for one would like to use it everyday, but it feels kind of wasteful when I am just home alone in my tracksuit.
- Firming effects? I honestly do not believe any lotion or cream yet invented can actually visibly firm any part of the human body. If it did, then it would be a huge breakthrough and it would obviate the need for plastic surgery for millions of people. Small improvements might occur but they could also be attributed to overall increase in smoothness of the skin.
- Packaging, seeing as it is in a jar, you need to dip your fingers into it all the time. But the Bum Bum Cream is so thick that I don’t see how it could be properly pushed through a pump. A squeezy tube maybe but then it wouldn’t look nearly so cute.
Conclusion
This is a multitasking body cream that moisturizes, nourishes and makes you smell good all day long. It is a popular product for a reason and makes you think of vacation and happy times even while you are toiling away at your job. I think it’s amazing as a present for people in your life or for yourself, especially when you need a little pick-me-up. That is, however, only if you like the scent. If you are not a fan of the scent then I definitely do not recommend it. It is quite pricey and you can definitely find cheaper body lotions which work well.
