In this day and age, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t grasp the appeal of travel-size fragrances. Solid perfumes, on the other hand, have more of a subdued following, though it is safe to say that it is no less devoted. Much like travel-sized scents, though, solid perfumes harbour a similar allure. It is just as—if not, more—portable than holiday minis; oftentimes serves as more of an economical option; and has just as much staying power as a full-sized variant. This, however, begs the question: What sets it apart from a spray-on?
Solid perfumes are able to distinguish themselves based on the sustainability factor alone, with most options being available in refillable packaging that doesn’t incorporate heavy glass vessels or pumps. The lack of alcohol within its formulation also means that it is kinder on skin. A keystone of fragrance-led labels such as Diptyque, Tamburins, and Lush, these balm-type scents are now slowly but surely making their way into the mainstream, offered up by luxury fashion houses in the vein of Dior and Givenchy.
Should the above sound like an intriguing concept, Vogue Singapore has you covered. Below, our curation of the best solid perfumes out there, ranging from deep, earthy fragrances to fruitier ones. Get ready to smell your best.
1 / 6
Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Refillable Solid Perfume
Amber, cinnamon, and patchouli accord fuses together to form this warm, velvety fragrance; a versatile scent that works across all occasions. To ensure optimal diffusion, melt the balm between your fingertips and apply it to your pulse points as well as on areas that gives off the most body heat—that is, the wrists, inside your elbows, at the base of your neck, and also the décolleté.
Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Refillable Solid Perfume, $103, available at Escentials.
2 / 6
Tamburins Perfume Balm in Pumkini
Talk about a perfect fall parfum. For a breezy fragrance that comprises a surprising amount of nuance and depth, look to the Tamburins Pumkini Perfume Balm which pairs decadent white pumpkin with fresh, citrusy hints of blood orange and verdant perilla leaves. The base notes of coconut milk and sandalwood serves as the cherry on top, dissolving into skin and scenting the air with a sweet, musky tang.
Tamburins Perfume Balm in Pumkini, $120, available at Zalora.
3 / 6
Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Mini Miss Solid Perfume Alcohol-Free Fragrance Stick
That’s right—the iconic Miss Dior is available in a solid format too. Get swept up in its soft, romantic notes which include Damascus rose, peony, and white musk; a formidable concoction which is both powdery and spicy in equal measure. What’s more, its pastel-pink jacquard case is sure to make a standout addition to any vanity.
Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet Mini Miss Solid Perfume Alcohol-Free Fragrance Stick, $104, available at Dior.
4 / 6
Lush Sun Solid Perfume
Sun-warmed skin smells like a potent amalgamation of Brazilian orange, sandalwood, and mimosa—according to Lush. This vibrant fragrance is described to be “bright and full of life”; the perfect pick-me-up on gloomy days.
Lush Sun Solid Perfume, $23, available at Lush.
5 / 6
Glossier You Solid Perfume
For those who prefer soft, powdery scents, look no further than the Glossier You Solid Perfume. This subtle fragrance encompasses earthy hints of ambrette, salty ambrox, sparkling pink pepper, and white floral to provide a crisp contrast.
Glossier You Solid Perfume, $55, available at Glossier.
6 / 6
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Solid Scent Refill
A fruity, musky fusion like no other. Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir sets out to intrigue by pairing exotic pomegranate with spicy pink pepper as well as sweet Casablanca lily.
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Solid Scent Refill, $36, available at Jo Malone.
