Perfume is undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to transform your mood and your vibe. A sultry scent can take a look into after-dark territory, or a citrus perfume can give you a bolt of energy and freshness. The problem is no one wants to carry around a bulky bottle of perfume.
Enter solid perfumes, which are exactly what they sound like. “A solid perfume is a fragrance that sits in a wax or balm-type base as opposed to alcohol,” says Lee Howes, Fragrance Category Lead at Lush. “The recent rise in solid perfumes makes them seem like a new invention, but versions of solid perfumes have technically been around for a millennium. It’s rumored that Cleopatra favored a scented balm for her skin.”
The OG queen of fragrance, legend has it that Cleopatra would perfume the sails of her ship so that her signature scent would reach the shores before she did. Allegedly, it even worked to seduce Mark Antony. So, if solid perfumes are good enough for Cleopatra, why not give them a try? If you are ready to start dabbing, here’s everything you need to know about solid perfumes straight from the pros.
What Is Solid Perfume?
“A solid perfume is a type of fragrance formulated in a solid form, usually in a small container or compact,” says Jenine Guerriero, Givaudan’s Head of Marketing, Fine Fragrance North America. “They are typically made with a blend of waxes, oils, and fragrance compounds, allowing them to maintain their shape and be applied directly to the skin. Solid perfumes are usually free of alcohol. Users apply them directly to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, and behind the ears, where the skin’s warmth helps release the fragrance. With solids, the fragrance stays close to the skin while with traditional fragrance the scent projects and is more noticeable in the air.”
Solid perfume is pretty self-explanatory, according to Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, a medical and cosmetic dermatologist at Orentreich Medical Group. “Solid perfumes are just that—solid,” she says. “They offer a distinctive alternative to traditional liquid perfumes. They are a solid composition instead of the liquid perfume’s typical alcohol, water, and fragrance blend. The nice part about solid perfumes is that they are compact, leak-proof, and easily portable because of their waxy consistency. Solid perfume is considered environmentally friendly because the packaging is often more compact.”
How Does It Differ From Traditional Perfume?
The most obvious difference between these two fragrance categories is that one product is a solid, and the other is a liquid. However, the chemistry and formulation behind solid perfumes aren’t so different from traditional ones. “We use the same fragrance blends in our solid perfumes, at a milder concentration for those that are looking for a more subtle scent,” Howes says. “Our solid perfume base is then melted, and the fragrance materials are carefully blended in before being poured into the packaging.”
That being said, solid perfumes can impact the skin differently from a traditional perfume, depending on how they’re made and the materials used. “At Lush, we use a base of organic jojoba oil, organic candelilla wax, and organic castor oil, all materials that you’ll also find in our skincare and haircare ranges,” Howes says. “They offer the perfect melting point when in contact with the skin, and they’re incredibly gentle.”
Solid perfume is less drying than traditional liquid perfumes because they are free of alcohol. “Solid perfume is probably a better alternative if you have sensitive skin,” Dr. LoGerfo says. “Solid perfume clings well to the skin so the scent can last longer. They are also moisturizing and hydrating. Solid perfumes contain carrier oils, beeswax, and essential oils, which help to keep skin moisturized. Usually, solid perfume has fewer artificial ingredients, so they are kinder to the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergy.”
How and When to Use It
You can wear solid perfumes anywhere that you’d use a regular perfume—think pulse points like wrists, neck, or behind the ears. “This intimate application creates a personal connection between the fragrance and the wearer and adds a unique ritualistic moment, which is especially amplified if multiple layers/fragrances are being applied,” Guerriero says.
If the solid perfume is in a stick format, you can apply it directly to the skin. If you prefer not to get your fingers in the mix, Dr. LoGerfo advises that you can also apply it with a cotton square or Q-tips. They’re also perfect for trying a fragrance out if you’re unsure—they’ll typically be less expensive than their liquid counterparts, allowing the wearer to try a new scent out in the wild.
“There will be times when you want a fragrance that’s subtler, like in the office, for example, and solid perfumes can be perfect for those situations,” Howes says. “If you’re looking for a big bold hit of fragrance to get yourself noticed, then liquid perfumes are probably your best bet, but it’s all about trial and error. Some solid perfumes can still be punchy!”
You can even wear a solid perfume to bed.“The fragrance can be gentle but pleasant to fall asleep to when applied on the wrists,” Howes says. “My favorite for this is [our Lush fragrange] Shade, with a clean blend of sandalwood, frankincense, and a subtle lavender note; it’s super relaxing.”
How Long Will It Last?
As for whether solid or liquid perfumes last longer and are stronger, it depends on the wearer. “Typically, solid perfumes have really good staying power as the oils, butters, and waxes sit beautifully on the skin—but the projection is often lower than with spray fragrances,” Howes says. “Solid perfumes usually offer a more intimate fragrance experience—people will notice them up close, and they project their fragrance as the balm warms on the skin.”
If you want to give the perfume major staying power, you can use the same fragrance in a solid and a liquid version. “This can really help make the scent last longer,” Howes says. “Skin that is moisturized will always hold perfume for longer. Applying the solid version onto the skin first gives a strong base as a fixative, and then the liquid on top provides a great balance between projection and longevity.”
One realm where solid perfumes have the advantage is that they’re excellent for travel. “They’re often pocket-sized, so can be taken anywhere easily,” Howes says. “I often apply a liquid perfume before leaving the house, but carry a solid version of it around with me to top my fragrance up throughout the day.”
The Texture
Guerriero’s favorite solid perfumes are those that offer an innovative textural experience. “This is where a deep connection can happen with a fragrance and solids are paving a new way,” she says. “It is the power of scent combined with the power of touch. Solid perfumes create dimensions of luxury with their ultra-smooth formulas which can now offer so much—cool, warm, release a burst of scent through touch, and even transform from powder to oil upon skin contact.”
Products that tell a story through their texture are also a go-to for Guerriero—specifically ones that draw inspiration from cultural rituals and ignite our curiosity for discovery. “These are the creations that invite us to engage deeply, focusing on layering experiences, whether by blending different solid fragrances or layering them with other fragrances in your wardrobe,” she says. “They turn the act of application into a sensory playground, enriching both our connection to the scent and the story it tells. Each Diptyque solid perfume encapsulates a unique story or memory. Housed in elegant, refillable cases, their ritualistic application encourages mindfulness and personal expression, making each use a meaningful experience. Noyz is another brand that offers a modern twist on traditional scent rituals, emphasizing personal expression and convenience. Their refillable, bullet-shaped containers are portable and allow for easy scent layering.”
The Final Takeaway
Ultimately, the same rules apply when shopping for a solid or traditional perfume. “As with any fragrance, consider your personal scent preferences and the experience you want to have,” Guerriero says. “Do you want just one scent for quick on-the-go touch-ups? Or are you looking to create something special with a mix of a few? Look for the scent that makes you feel good! Scent, including solid perfume, is an expression of who you are. Choose products with high-quality ingredients and from a brand that shares your values and tells the story that you connect with.”
Another thing that makes solid perfumes a winner? Their cultural connection and historical significance. Cleopatra was on to something! “In some cultures, solid perfumes and balms have historical importance and have been used for centuries during traditional rituals,” Guerriero says. “Today we see it re-emerging in a new way with consumers taking moments to apply solid fragrances as part of their own mindful, intimate experiences.”