Squishmallows Launched a “Tropical Sunset” Perfume, and I HAD to Try It (Smells Like an Island Vacation!)

It only takes a quick scroll through #perfumetok to realize just how many fragrance options there are out there. But honestly, sometimes the bottles can all start to blend together. One unlikely maker of a line of fragrances that definitely stand out: Squishmallows. Sold at Ulta, Squishmallows Fragrances come in colorful animal-shaped bottles that resemble their big, plushie inspirations. As cute as they are, I’ve been so curious about how they actually smell, so I decided to try out the brand’s limited-edition tropical perfume just in time for summer. 

Modeled after the adorable, pillowy stuffed animals, Squishmallows’ line of fragrances is available only at Ulta, and they all come in bottles shaped like cute animals: the pink cow contains a strawberry and kiwi scent; the yellow cat holds a fragrance with notes of caramel and vanilla; inside the purple bat is a scent with lychee and wild cherry notes; and a brand new Bigfoot perfume container encases a blue raspberry scent. The 3.4-ounce fragrances come with bulb atomizers, so you can either spray it the traditional way or use the chic round attachment, and they also have a travel cap to keep it closed on the go.  

The Whisked Away Tropical Sunset Limited Edition Eau de Parfum is one of the newest Squishmallows Fragrances. It sells for $58 for 3.4 fluid ounces and comes in a sunset-colored bottle shaped like a cat, with a yellow bulb atomizer. Since it’s limited edition, it’s only available while supplies last, so I wanted to try it while I still could.

I was lucky enough to be sent the Whisked Away Tropical Sunset Limited Edition Eau de Parfum to try out. Before even spraying the perfume, I immediately loved the look of the bottle itself. It fades from orange, to yellow, to purple, mimicking a saturated sunset, and looks like an adorable cat smiling with closed eyes. Even if you’re not a big perfume person, the bottle would look so cute just sitting on your dresser as a trinket in between occasional uses. 

I also really appreciate that the bottle comes with a bulb atomizer attachment that you squeeze to apply the fragrance, which just makes the experience feel much fancier. And, of course, it comes with the other caps mentioned above: a traditional atomizer and a travel cap.

The scent is described as a “a fruity floral fragrance” and “a tropical vacation in a bottle” with a “blend of passion fruit mousse, beach jasmine, and warm driftwood.” When I first sprayed the perfume on my wrist, I immediately caught the passion fruit note. I also detected some mango. I decided to close my eyes while I inhaled, and for a moment, I did almost feel like I was on a tropical island with an umbrella-topped drink in hand. 

The fragrance is definitely on the sweeter side, and almost reminds me of a tropical fruit-flavored popsicle, which makes it feel perfect for the summertime. I prefer lighter scents in the summer, rather than the muskier notes I associate with the colder months, and this perfume definitely ticks that box. That said, I did find that the fragrance faded a bit throughout the day. I put it on in the morning, and by midday I noticed the scent had grown pretty faint, so I’d recommend reapplying if you want to keep catching whiffs of it into the evening.

When I wore this perfume, my mom, who’s from Brazil and loves anything tropical-smelling, commented that I smelled really good. She also thought the perfume bottle design was the cutest thing she’s ever seen, and honestly, I think she wants it for herself. 

I’ve noticed that in my 20s, I tend to gravitate toward perfumes with hints of vanilla and citrus mixed with a floral and woodsy aroma, so the fruit-forward fragrance of the Whisked Away Tropical Sunset Limited Edition Eau de Parfum isn’t something I’m likely to reach for as my signature scent. If I’d gotten this perfume when I was younger, though, I would have felt like the coolest girl in school. Especially since I loved all things animal themed, I would’ve held onto the bottle as a prized possession. 

I think this perfume would be perfect for Squishmallow fans who want a collectible, or anyone who loves a really bright, fruit-forward perfume that’s just fun to look at and smell.