I’m calling it: some of the best fragrances can’t be spritzed. Solid perfumes have been in my fragrance wardrobe from the moment I first tried Jo Malone London’s solid perfume years ago. Whilst they might not be the most popular perfumes, this unique fragrance category deserves a place in your collection.
They're small, compact and undeniably stylish. At any given time, I've got a few solid perfumes stashed away within arm's reach - on my desk, in my handbag, and even one in my car. And of course, they're the first thing I pack when flying.
If that's not enough, solid perfumes can also be a slightly more sustainable fragrance option as the waxy balm is refillable, meaning you keep the compact forever replacing the used-up scent when you're finished.
Have I peaked your interest? I've rounded up the very best solid perfumes out there, plus everything you need to know about them, straight from a master perfumer.
What are solid perfumes?
Solid perfumes are exactly what the name suggests: fragrance in a solid formula. They often come in a beautiful sliding compact with a scented wax inside. Although it seems like the formula would be completely different to your spritz perfume, they’re both formulated in a similar way. “The strength in the solid perfume depends on the fragrance character and the dosage levels, so the strength can vary,” explains master perfumer, Ruth Mastenbroek.
Solid perfumes are made from a combination of natural materials like beeswax and almond oil with fragrance added to it. “The fragrance needs to mask any base odour created by the waxes—this could give an impression of the fragrances not being as strong, but it is very individual,” Mastenbroek adds.
Do solid perfumes last longer?
Let’s be real, the one thing we all really want to know when it comes to fragrance is “how long does it last?” The great news is that solid perfumes can last for hours. “If you wear them on your pulse points the fragrance will emanate from the warmth of your heartbeat (just as with a regular alcohol-based fragrance),” Mastenbroek says.
So pop the balm on your wrists, behind your ears, the base of your neck and inside your elbows. It also works very well on your décolletage.
What’s more, since alcohol evaporates more quickly than waxes, you might find that the solid version of your perfume actually lasts longer. As with many perfumes, though, it’s all down to the ingredients as to how long it’ll linger on the skin. “Take patchouli oil, which can last more than 24 hours on the skin,” adds Mastenbroek.
How to use solid perfumes?
There are a few ways to get the most out of your solid perfume. The first is keeping it handy in your bag when you’re out and about to top up your scent. It’s particularly great to apply when in public spaces or in close quarters when spritzing isn’t particularly courteous.
It’s also a great way to layer up fragrance. “Applying a solid perfume as a layer before spraying a regular perfume can work really well,” says Mastenbroek. “The effect could be similar to using a body lotion before applying perfume because the [oils] of solid perfume stick to your skin and provide a substrate for the perfume to latch onto and gradually release from,” she adds.
“The convenience and versatility [of solid perfumes] mean you can wear them individually or layer together, travel with them (especially flying), and create different effects with your regular perfumes,” Mastenbroek says.
The best solid perfumes, reviewed by a beauty editor
1. Diptyque Eau Rose Refillable Solid Perfume
In my opinion, it doesn't get more beautiful than the weighty Diptyque solid perfume cases. This is my go-to gift idea when I want to get someone something rather special and unique that won't break the bank. There are seven iconic Diptyque scents to choose from — my favourites are always Eau Capitale or Eau Rose — each with their own individual decorated case. The fragrances themselves are long-lasting and creamy, making them easy to apply without having to reapply to often. Although I've had a Diptyque solid perfume for years, it always feels special using it.
2. Glossier You Solid Perfume
I love this one for its iconic pink packaging alone, but the scent inside is just as stunning. Glossier's You is a simplistic and familiar skin scent, making this one ideal for layering up with your existing perfume. It's a fantastic fragrance to apply while travelling or in close quarters as it smells fresh and clean without being overpowering.
3. Miss Dior Eau De Parfum Mini Miss Solid Perfume
“I’d never given huge consideration to solid perfumes until I spotted one of my favourite fragrances of all time—Miss Dior—going viral earlier this year thanks to this new iteration. The jelly-like formulation means it’s made to share on social media, but this solid scent is way more than a fad. I actually love this new format as it’s so travel-friendly it means I can apply it in enclosed spaces without feeling like I’m overwhelming those around me (I just took it on a weekend break to Edinburgh and it was perfect for the airport) and it makes an undeniably chic addition to my handbag. Plus, of course, it smells amazing—a beautiful musky floral with staying power.” — Mica Rickets, Freelance Beauty Editor
4. Tenth Muse Solid Perfume
Tenth Muse is a fantastic small business with solid scents housed in beautiful sage, refillable packaging that is 100% recyclable. The founder Sophie created Tenth Muse after experiencing long COVID, where she found traditional perfumes caused irritation. The four scents to choose from offer a beautiful alternative to spritz perfumes.
5. Lush Solid Perfume
Pioneer of solid beauty products, of course Lush has nailed solid perfume too. These little pots might not be the most chic, but they've got everything you'd expect for a solid perfume. They're long-lasting, easy to apply and you get a really good amount of fragranced balm for your money. With 12 scents to choose from, there's a Lush solid perfume for everyone, but beauty editor Mica Ricketts rates Karma as her favourite.
6. Shiro White Lily Solid Perfume
Made with shea butter and beeswax, this solid perfume is creamy, minimalist and beautiful in its simplicity. It's not as long lasting as other scents but that actually works in its favour - it's a wonderful base for layering. Because of its moisturising ingredients, it can even be used on your cuticles.
7. Unifrom Maghrib Solid Perfume
Perhaps the most stylish solid perfume on the list, this is like a piece of art in your pocket. Although the weighty metal casing is worth it alone, the inside is just as nice. A beautiful traditionally masculine scent with spicy notes of cinnamon, clove and pepper this alcohol-free formula will linger and last the entire day.
8. Jo Loves Paintbrush
Okay, okay, I know this isn't technically a solid perfume but it really does deserve a mention. These Jo Loves paintbrushes are unique; they have a gel-like texture that dries down quickly leaving a beautiful, long-lasting scent. There are plenty of fragrances to choose from, but I particularly love Jo by Jo Loves, an easy-to-wear citrus blend. This is the perfect travel companion and handy to keep in your bag for on-the-go, especially if you're big on your hygiene and don't like the idea of putting your fingers into a waxy pot of fragrance.
9. Fenty Parfum Solid Fragrance
“Celebrity perfumes can be a bit divisive, but I think when it comes to beauty we can all agree that Rihanna absolutely knows what she’s doing. This perfume is a bold and expensive-smelling scent that I have long loved as a night out fragrance. It’s sweet, spicy and warm and lasts for ages on the skin—and the solid version really lends itself to being the kind of perfume that demands to be smelt up close and personal. The compact itself is beautiful—a vibrant copper colour that will be easy to find if you’re in a dimly lit cocktail bar—but the perfume inside is pure gold.” — Mica Rickets, Freelance Beauty Editor