If you’ve ever had the misfortune to break a bottle of perfume, you know how dire it can be. Not only have you ruined a relatively expensive beauty purchase, but your signature scent is suddenly nauseatingly potent as it saturates everything in its wake. While you google how to rid your home of the overpowering smell, you curse the gorgeous yet fragile bottle that housed your favorite fragrance. Then you wonder why you hadn’t discovered solid perfumes sooner.
Sprays, rollerballs and even body washes tend to steal the fragrance limelight. But solid perfumes have been around for centuries. It’s thought that the ancient Egyptians complemented their kohl-rimmed eyes with solid perfume. In modern times, solid scents have gained cult popularity thanks to their clever and portable formulas.
Crucially, solid perfumes can withstand klutzy maneuvers because they are made out of a combination of waxes and oils that are hardened in containers. So even if the compact does break, it’s still possible to salvage the perfume. The spill-proof design means that the solid fragrance can be stashed in purses, carry-ons or even pockets for on-the-go touch-ups. Plus, it’s TSA-approved.
Dabbing on a waxy scent may initially seem strange, but you’ll find it’s the perfect alternative to spraying on perfume. What’s more, the solid formula often has more staying power than spray-and-they’re-gone eau de toilettes. And solid perfumes are buildable so they’re a fantastic base for fragrance cocktailing.
Ready to give solid perfumes a try? Read on for some of our favorites to try now.
16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #1
Jo Malone London The Energetic Pair Solid Perfume Duo, $76 at Jo Malone London
What’s better than one amazing-smelling solid perfume? Why two, of course. Zesty Lime Basil & Mandarin teams up with Tart Blackberry & Bay for this dynamic duo. You can layer them for a burst of fruity flavor or sport them separately.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #2
Glossier You Solid, $30 at Glossier
Glossier delivers another solid scent with this version of its You fragrance. Ambrox, ambrette, musk, iris root and pink pepper mingle to create a truly captivating aroma. The compact is refillable and perfect for slipping into pockets.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #3
Cartier La Panthère Parfum Solid Perfume, $56 at Cartier
You can now take Cartier’s panther-inspired fragrance everywhere you go. The aroma of gardenia warmed with apricot notes of osmanthus and intensifying chypre accord is the essence of luxury. Plus, the packaging is also pretty fancy.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #4
Givenchy L'Interdit Solid Perfume, $37 at Givenchy
This is one of those unique cases where the container is just as cool as the fragrance. Givenchy’s warm floral scent boasts sandalwood, orange blossom and tuberose. The formula melts instantly so go ahead and apply it on your neck, décolleté and wrists.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #5
Diptyque Paris Philosykos Solid Perfume, $68 at Diptyque Paris
Diptyque Paris may be best known for candles, but the brand's concentrated perfumes are just as lovely. Be transported to a forest without ever stepping outside thanks to this concentrated perfume with notes of white cedar, fig leaves and wood.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #6
Lorenzo Villoresi Teint de Neige Solid Perfume, $160 at Liberty
While the name of this fragrance translates to "color of snow," you can wear it all year long. A trio of jasmine, rose and ylang-ylang kicks things off. From there you’ll experience the warm heart of tonka bean transitioning into muted notes of heliotrope and musk. The metal compact is so sophisticated you’ll want to show it off every time you freshen up the aroma.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #7
Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Solid Perfume, $45.89 at Walgreens
With a sleek gold and white case, this is one of the chicest compacts around. It neatly houses a mirror and a floral musk scent that mixes lily of the valley, vanilla and peony. Stash the sleek package in your bag for a refresher before post-work drinks.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #8
Derek Lam 10 Crosby 2AM Kiss Parfum Stick, $48.86 at Amazon
It may look like a deodorant, but it's decidedly chicer. This solid fragrance smells of salted caramel and amber and lasts up to six hours.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #9
Tom Ford Black Orchid Solid Perfume, $102.99 at Walmart
Inside this chic black and gold compact is Tom Ford's heady Black Orchid solid perfume containing notes of black truffle, bergamot, black orchid, black plum, noir gourmand accord and patchouli.
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16 Solid Perfumes That You Can Take Anywhere #10
Lush Dirty Solid Perfume, $14.50 at Lush
Feeling dirty? Ironically, Lush's Dirty solid perfume will make you smell as fresh as a daisy — or make that an herb garden, thanks to thyme, tarragon, spearmint and lavender.
