A Brazilian’s Guide to the Best Local Brands and Products
This is a guide written by a Brazilian about what to buy in Brazil as a tourist, focusing on national brands and local products. I highlight items that are more unique, harder to find, or much more expensive outside Brazil, so you can make the most of your trip.
In general, I recommend buying these brands in shopping malls, since they are private environments with security guards. This makes it safer and more comfortable, especially when it comes to your phone (but never fully lower your guard).
If you want to avoid crowded malls, go during the week, avoid weekends, and try to shop during the day. In the evening, malls tend to get busier because people arrive after work.
Podcast format
Clothing
Farm Rio
Farm is a brand known for women’s clothing and accessories with a tropical and beach-inspired style. The fabrics are light, colorful, and very Brazilian.
In Brazil, Farm is considered a bit expensive compared to the national average. However, in the United States (and likely in other countries as well), the brand is treated almost like a luxury label, with extremely high prices. If you like this aesthetic, buying Farm in Brazil is a great opportunity.
Hering
Hering offers a line called Super Cotton, which consists of basic T-shirts made from thicker, high-quality cotton. Simple pieces, excellent durability, and very good value for money.
Footwear
Havaianas
Brazilians love flip-flops, especially in coastal cities. Havaianas is a national classic. Outside Brazil, they are often quite expensive, so it’s worth buying a few pairs while you’re there.
Ipanema
A direct competitor to Havaianas, with the same purpose: flip-flops in different designs and styles.
Melissa
Melissa is a controversial brand. Some people love the designs, others hate them. Still, it’s worth checking the store to see if their bold and creative styles match your taste.
Makeup and Cosmetics
Natura
Natura is known for using ingredients from the Amazon and for its commitment to environmental protection. If you want to try products inspired by Brazilian biodiversity, this is a great brand to explore.
oBoticário
A national perfumery brand offering body mists, perfumes, makeup, and skincare. I personally like their skincare products a lot. The brand frequently releases limited editions, usually with sweet and cheerful scents.
Granado
Granado has a more classic and elegant tropical vibe. The packaging is beautiful, making it a great option for gifts or souvenirs.
L’Occitane au Brésil
Although L’Occitane is a French brand, this line was created to represent Brazilian identity. The products are usually lighter and fresher, inspired by Brazilian ingredients.
If You Want to Save Money: Avoid Shopping Malls for Food
Ice Cream
Ice cream shops inside malls are usually much more expensive than neighborhood ice cream shops.
Açaí
Açaí bowls in malls also tend to be overpriced. Local açaí shops (açaíterias) are cheaper and usually offer more toppings and larger portions.
Meals
Food in malls is more expensive. Some places are reasonable, but if you want to eat more and spend less, eat in local neighborhoods and visit malls mainly for shopping. If you do eat at the mall, fast-food options are usually cheaper.
Pharmacies: Surprisingly Cheap in Brazil
In recent years, Brazil has seen a massive increase in pharmacies. Because competition is high, many personal hygiene products are cheaper in pharmacies than in supermarkets.
Large pharmacies often have promotion sections where you can find great deals. Avoid pharmacies inside shopping malls, as they tend to be more expensive than street pharmacies.
In the U.S., I see many people obsessed with Skala. In Brazil, it’s widely used because it’s cheap, similar to Americans buying Suave. A large Skala hair mask in Brazil costs around US$2, but there are also much better treatment options available locally.
Lola Cosmetics
My favorite brand of all time. The Morte Súbita hair mask works incredibly well for my hair. I highly recommend testing this brand.
Bio Extratus
It doesn’t work well for my hair, but I constantly hear great reviews, so it’s definitely worth trying.
Eudora
A more premium brand from oBoticário. Many people love their products, and you can find some items in pharmacies.
Salon Line
A very popular brand in Brazil with many options for curly and coily hair. Despite past controversies, it remains widely used.
Carmed
Extremely popular, especially among teenagers. It’s basically a sweet-scented lip balm/gloss. If you want to understand the social media hype, try it. If your goal is just hydration, plain cocoa butter works just fine.
Other items that are cheaper in pharmacies include sunscreen, cocoa butter for cracked lips, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and personal hygiene products.
Online Shopping in Brazil
Mercado Livre
Online shopping often offers better prices. If you’re staying only a few days, Mercado Livre is the best option. Their logistics are excellent, with fast deliveries.
If you have more time:
Amazon Brasil
Amazon is not as strong in Brazil as in the U.S., since Mercado Livre invested more heavily in logistics, but it’s still worth checking.
Insider Store
More expensive clothing with a tech-focused design: easy to wash, quick to dry, and wrinkle-resistant. Ideal for travelers.
Shopee
A more advanced option. Buy only from official stores. It works like a virtual street market: very cheap, very popular, but you must watch out for counterfeits.
Food and Local Products to Take Home
Coffee
Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, but ironically, the best coffee is often exported. Supermarket coffee is usually lower quality. To avoid mistakes, buy small-producer, 100% Arabica coffee, preferably whole bean.
Doce de leite
Try Doce de Leite Viçosa, widely known for its excellent quality.
Local Crafts
Look for local artisans and handmade products. Just be careful with places that don’t display prices. Unfortunately, some sellers may charge more if they realize you are a foreigner.
Final Thoughts
By researching these stores and brands, you can have a real Brazilian shopping experience. I’m always shocked that people think Sol de Janeiro is a Brazilian brand. It’s American, and pistachio has nothing to do with Brazil or a tropical climate. I always joke about that.
With this guide, you’ll experience authentic Brazilian products, not just marketing stereotypes.
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