Okay, let’s talk about this “Vacation Gelee” thing. So, I’d heard some buzz about this sunscreen that’s supposed to be like a blast from the past, something called “Orange Gelee”. Apparently, it was a big deal back in the day, like the 80s and 90s. My mom used to use it, and let me tell you, the smell of that stuff just screams “summer” to me. It’s wild how a scent can take you back, right?

So this brand, “Vacation,” decided to bring it back, but with some modern updates. I got my hands on a bottle – couldn’t resist the nostalgia trip. First off, they nailed the smell. Seriously, it’s like they bottled up sunshine and memories. I opened the bottle, took a whiff, and boom – I was back on the beach as a kid. But here’s the deal, it’s not that old stuff with, like, zero sun protection. The old one had some paltry SPF, that is why people love it, but this new and improved version has SPF 30, so you’re actually protected from the sun.
I started by squeezing some out onto my hand. It’s this weird, kinda cool orange gel, just like the original. I slathered it on my arms and legs, and it felt surprisingly nice. Not greasy or heavy, just smooth and silky. And the smell, oh man, the smell. I spent the whole day catching whiffs of it and just grinning like an idiot. I did notice my skin had a nice little glow after I put it on, which was a nice bonus, I guess they’ve added some oils like jojoba and sweet almond to keep your skin looking good.
- Used it at the beach: It’s water-resistant for like 80 minutes, which is pretty decent. I went for a swim, came back, and still smelled like a tropical dream.
- Tested it out on a hike: Even after sweating a bit, the smell lingered, and I didn’t get burned. Win-win!
I also like that they say it is reef safe, and also care about the ozone layer. I’m not a scientist, but I appreciate the effort.
My final thoughts?
Look, if you’re looking for a basic sunscreen, there are tons out there. But if you want something that smells amazing, feels good on your skin, and gives you a little dose of nostalgia, this Vacation Gelee is worth checking out. It’s like a little time machine in a bottle, and it actually protects you from the sun. They have a bunch of other stuff, too, like some Chardonnay Oil and a Classic Whip, but the Orange Gelee is where it’s at for me. I think my mom would approve, this stuff is just pure summer vibes. They even have a 30 SPF moisturizing tanning lotion, that is really some 80s vibe.