Why Solid Perfumes Are the Ultimate Long-Lasting Fragrance Hack
Small but mighty picks from Diptyque, Fenty Beauty, Jo Malone, and more.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The beauty of fragrance is that we’re not limited to just one strategy. Liquid perfumes are commonly used to envelop our bodies in a decadent aroma. There are also oils, used to enhance any scent profile or even candles for our most beloved rooms. However, the most underrated form of fragrance? Solid perfumes.
“Solid perfumes provide a portable, gentler, and more sustainable alternative to liquid perfumes. They’re designed for convenience and are a great option for those looking for a subtle fragrance that lasts throughout the day,” says Karl Neale, fragrance expert and founder of Rebel Aromas. Just as we sometimes use an oil base to extend the life of a fragrance, solid perfumes pack a punch and allow you to skip the extra step, thanks to their concentrated formulas. “When it comes to performance, the reason solid perfumes tend to last longer is because most are made from concentrated oil- or wax-based formulas that gradually release the scent as your skin warms up the perfume over time,” Neale explains.
Ideal for those who love to travel or keep a scent in their everyday bags, solid perfumes are also “more sustainable, because they tend to use less packaging than traditional designer perfumes, and they’re also gentler on sensitive skin as they don’t have a high alcohol content like liquid perfumes,” he adds.
Solid perfumes are a great starting point for anyone looking to discover new scents, which is where we come in. After polling experts, perusing our personal perfume stash, and combing through customer feedback, we landed on the eight best solid perfumes, below, to help you find your new favorite.
Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Refillable Solid Perfume
Pros
- Refillable
Cons
- People note it leans more powdery than the actual candle
Displaying Diptyque candles in your home is guaranteed to spark conversation. Imagine the compliments you’ll receive when guests discover the gorgeous scent filling the air is actually the one kissing your pulse points. The balm combines sultry woods, spices, and florals to evoke the smell of Diptyque’s 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain store in Paris.
Key notes: amber, patchouli accord, rose, cinnamon, blackcurrant
Size: 0.11 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “It’s a warm amber fragrance with spicy top notes of clove, cinnamon, and black currant. The heart notes of rose and geranium are rounded out with wood and eucalyptus base notes.”—Karl Neal, founder of Rebel Aromas
Pros
- Perfect for travel
Cons
- Projection isn’t that strong
For those who love intimate, soft skin scents, Love Club and Unmute from Noyz are two great places to start. Bright florals and woods mark Love Club’s delicate scent, while Unmute takes a creamier twist with vanilla, cashmere, and pistachio.
Key notes: Love Club: Sichuan pepper, Italian mandarin, bergamot, Tuscan leather, Turkish pink rose, ebony woods, patchouli; Unmute: black plum, clary sage, pistachio, cashmere woods, Somalian incense base, Madagascar vanilla
Size: 0.24 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.8/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Love Club eau de parfum was the first Noyz perfume I ever fell in love with, so the next step was to build out a stronger layering plan to make my favorite scent last all day. This perfume solid duo, which also features Unmute, is what I use first before topping it with the eau de parfum. With Unmute added to the mix, I’ve developed a soft, sexy signature scent so addicting I can’t stop sneaking whiffs throughout the day.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eau de Parfum Solid Perfume
Pros
- Sexy, sophisticated scent
Cons
- Can be too strong for some
We all wanted to smell like Rihanna, so she released the Fenty Eau de Parfum. If you already have the fragrance and wish to enhance its longevity, or you’re a Fenty newbie and want a clever way to sample it, this solid perfume takes the rosy, spicy notes of the original and refines them for everyday wear.
Key notes: magnolia, musk, Bulgarian rose
Size: 0.11 fl oz
An ELLE editor says: “Those who have the Fenty Eau de Parfum understand how bold and captivating it is, especially for nighttime wear. The solid version has a lighter, more versatile scent that’s just as alluring and sexy, but with a more second skin finish.”—Nerisha Penrose
Glossier You Perfume Solid
Pros
- Comforting, warm scent
Cons
- Could last longer on skin
Few brands create skin scents as good as Glossier’s viral You perfume. Small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, a quick swivel unfurls a sweet caress of amber, musk, and pink pepper.
Key notes: ambrox, ambrette, musk, iris root, pink pepper
Size: 0.11 fl oz
Glossier rating: 3.7/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Before I got my hands on the You eau de parfum, my introduction to the beloved scent was through its solid perfume. I remember using it every day, applying it to all my pulse points regardless of what other perfume I opted for that day. The light, peppery scent melded seamlessly with all of my daily fragrances (I prefer layering two to three at a time). When used alone, my skin warms it up to unveil a sexy, skin-like scent that makes whatever clothes it rubs smell heavenly.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Bright, invigorating scent
Cons
- Could last longer on skin
Lime, basil, and mandarin may sound like the perfect trio of tangy aromatics for a meal. In this composition, the luscious, zesty smells evoke images of sun-soaked beach days and boozy cocktails somewhere far away on the European coast.
Key notes: peppery basil, aromatic white thyme, lime
Size: 0.8 fl oz
Amazon rating: 5/5 stars
Our expert says: “Another one of my favorites, this one has a smooth, light texture and is a super fresh scent of citrus, peppery basil, and white thyme.”—Karl Neal
Pros
- Scent not too overbearing
Cons
- Can smell too sweet for some
A scent as sweet as its cake packaging, this perfume balm is fresh and bright, courtesy of delicate florals like lilies, white peonies, and jasmine. As it deepens, sandalwood and patchouli emerge to add a touch of sophistication central to the heritage beauty brand’s DNA.
Key notes: white lily, violet leaves, green accents, baie rose, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli
Size: 0.01 fl oz
Pros
- Initial projection is strong
Cons
- Scent doesn’t last too long
Musks can sometimes lean heavy and sharp on the nose, which isn’t the most inviting. But Derek Lam’s Silent St. solid perfume softens the musks with airy, sweet florals for a calming, light scent.
Key notes: white musks, florals
Size: 0.12 fl oz
Amazon rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Love how this smells on me. I have been obsessed with solid perfumes lately and I am so happy to have found this one. It smells clean and light. I want the actual spray perfume or body mist too now.”
Pros
- Soft dry down
Cons
- Herbaceous, earthy notes can be too strong for some
If you prefer your vanilla with a tinge of spice, Lord of Misrule is the gourmand scent to add to your collection. Sweet vanilla merges with patchouli and black pepper that opens with a spicy edge but settles into something sweeter and lighter for daily wear.
Key notes: black pepper, vanilla, patchouli
Size: 0.3 fl oz
Fragrantica rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Fragrantica reviewer says: “Wore this scent for a solid year and I absolutely loved it. It was comforting, enveloping but still delightfully clean and soapy.”
Does a solid or liquid perfume last longer?
Because solid perfumes are more concentrated, they’re formulated to last longer. “Solid perfumes are made with either a wax or oil base, which slows evaporation and helps lock the fragrance onto your skin. Liquid perfumes contain alcohol, which evaporates quickly, so although it creates a strong initial burst of fragrance, it tends to fade faster,” Neale explains.
How should solid perfume be applied?
“Solid perfume formulas are also usually more concentrated and are designed to be applied to pulse points where they can warm up and release fragrance slowly throughout the day,” Neale says.
“Start with clean, moisturized skin,” he adds, as a clean base will ensure a full, accurate fragrance experience. “Then warm up the solid perfume with your fingers and apply to your pulse points—behind your ears, on your wrists, the inner elbows, and the back of your knees.”
Are there any disadvantages to using solid perfume?
The pros of using a solid perfume outweigh the cons. However, it’s important to note that solid perfumes “tend to take a little longer to apply since you need to rub them into the skin to warm up and can’t just spritz it on your clothes,” Neale shares.
Just as you’d research the ingredients in your skin care, you should understand what’s included in your perfume’s formula, especially “if you’re sensitive or allergic to ingredients like essential oils, beeswax or shea butter,” which many solids contain. “Hygiene is a factor to consider since you have to use your fingers to apply it and can potentially transfer dirt or bacteria into the container quite easily. Lastly, if you live in or are traveling to a hotter climate, they can, of course, melt and leak, which means they can be quite messy,” he says.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty editor Nerisha Penrose polled a fragrance expert and combed through her personal fragrance stash to find the best solid perfumes on the market.
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