Solid Perfume Is the Key to Long-Lasting Scent—Shop Our Top Picks, Tested by Cosmo Editors
Bonus: They're always so cute.
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Fragrance is getting stronger. We already know this. Rich gourmands, smoky woods, heavy musks—perfume performance is at the top of everyone's minds. It makes sense: Toting around a big bottle of juice just to reapply all day just doesn't work. But that's why solid perfumes have emerged as the chicest way to carry (and control) your scent. Compact, spill-proof, and designed to live in your bag, they make reapplication feel deliberate rather than disruptive.
Don't get me wrong, solid perfume isn't going to replace your extrait. They're not strong on their own, but help build your scent throughout the day. Usually, solid perfumes are made of waxes combined with fragrance oils, allowing you to dab on your fragrance exactly where you want it—wrists, collarbone, behind the ears—without filling the room. They also happen to look very good while doing it: think sculptural cases, refillable compacts, and packaging that act like a status symbol every time you pull one out of your bag.
I've been collecting solid perfumes to fill my scent collection for a few years, and more and more are launching as the fragrance craze continues. Ahead, the best solid perfumes that make reapplying your signature scent feel effortless, chic, and completely of-the-moment.
The best solid perfumes we've tested:
Keep scrolling for reviews of all of my favorites. Then, I'll get into why solid perfumes are so helpful and definitely not something to overlook for your fragrance wardrobe.
Pros
- Layerable skin scent with depth
- Non-greasy, skin-softening application without any residue
- Strong magnet cap makes it perfect for travel
Cons
- Projection isn’t super strong
All of NOYZ’s solid perfumes are stellar—the packaging is perfect for on-the-go use, thanks to the conveniently strong magnetic cap, and the formulas glide across the skin and soften without leaving behind any grease or oily residue. But with its unique vanilla skin scent, Unmute stands out in particular. Crisp amber and sage offer a woodsy warmth, while cassia, pistachio, and plum add a subtle hint of fruitiness. There’s a dash of spice from the cinnamon, and a musky smokiness from the incense. The notes create an elegant, rich vanilla that’s as beautiful on its own as it is layered alongside other scents. It’s potent without overwhelming the senses, leaving behind a creamy swirl that lasts for hours.
One Cosmo editor says: “This perfume smells like the elegant 30-something-year-old woman I hope to become in a few years. It’s got a little bit of everything—juiciness from the plum note, spice from the cinnamon, musk from the amber, warmth from the sage, and sweetness from the pistachio—all wrapped in a cozy, comforting vanilla base. There’s something sexy and self-assured about the scent, without feeling too put-on or artificial.” — Danielle Cohen, contributor
| Notes | Vanilla, amber, incense, clary sage, cinnamon, pistachio, black plum, cinnamon, Indonesian cassia |
Pros
- Strong scent that isn't overwhelming or cloying
- Gorgeous packaging
Cons
- Could easily be mistaken as lip balm (woops)
Miss Dior Mini Blooming Bouquet Solid Perfume somehow smells like a mix of freshly showered skin and perfectly bloomed flowers. It’s gloriously simple yet complex in its nuanced layering. The packaging is equal parts durable and beautiful—the solid fragrance is housed in a luxurious couture-inspired case that honestly looks like a chic lipstick. It makes for the cutest midday touch-up on the train, at the office, on a date—wherever.
One Cosmo editor says: "I've been keeping this in my bag to layer with practically every scent I own since the weather started to get a bit warmer and I wanna smell spring-y. The compliments have been nonstop, since this really offers a great sillage that isn't too powerful or overwhelming." — Beth Gillette, beauty editor
| Notes | Italian mandarin, peony, white musk, bergamot, damascus rose |
Pros
- Great for layering throughout the day
- Refillable compact fits into the palm of your hand
Cons
- Can be a little heavy to carry in your bag
Glossier You’s compact solid perfume pebble is so iconic fans quite literally begged the brand to bring it back after discontinuing the product in 2019. And in 2022, Glossier did just that, relaunching the Glossier You Solid Perfume with an updated vegan formula and newly refillable compact. It’s the perfect scent to reapply and layer throughout the day—the musky skin scent smells a little different on everyone, making it a truly one-of-one fragrance for every wearer. It’s perfectly sculpted to fit the curve of your palm and thumb, and there’s even a hidden smile wave embossed in the packaging.
One Cosmo editor says: "The O.G. Glossier You will always smell beautiful and simple and fresh to me, so I love having the option to just dab it on my wrists wherever with this adorable lil compact." — BG
| Notes | Pink pepper, iris, ambrox, ambrette, iris root |
Pros
- Strong sillage, per testers
- Chic and practical packaging is easy to carry on the go
Cons
- Might be too strong for sensitive noses
Dior’s Miss Dior Solid Perfume applies as seamlessly as the swipe of a lip balm—probably because the packaging looks exactly like one. Rather than forcing users to dig their fingers into a tiny little pot, the brand houses its rose wax-based formula in a sleek tube with a quintessentially Dior houndstooth cover. It’s easily the best-looking solid perfume we’ve tried, with the most seamless application method. And of course there’s that classic fruity floral Miss Dior Parfum scent, with a generous dose of starry jasmine and ambery woods. It’s simple—not simplistic—in the absolute best way.
One Cosmo editor says: “The scent was that classic Miss Dior one I know and love. It wasn't as potent as misting it all over my body (because obviously) but the subtle floral scent lasted for hours on end. It's ideal to throw in my bag for the work day when I need a lil fragrance pick-me-up, but don't feel like spraying on something overly strong in the middle of the office or on the subway." — Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor
| Notes | Ambery woods, star jasmine, sparkly mandarine |
Pros
- Buildable fragrance that’s clean yet woodsy
- Elegant, minimal packaging that easily fits in the tiniest tiny purse
Cons
- Can be slightly difficult to open
Sidia’s Soaked fragrance—an olfactive, aromatic blend of woodsy notes with a hint of smokiness—might not come in a traditional eau de parfum, but the solid scent is so chic and enticing we don’t even mind. The solid fragrance is housed in a gorgeous compact that the brand encourages users to save as a keepsake once empty (imagine carrying a couple Advils in there—so cute). The scent itself is equal parts clean and woodsy, thanks to a blend of spearmint, thyme, juniper, jasmine, cedar leaf, sandalwood, and pine.
One Cosmo editor says: “This fragrance transports me to early mornings sitting on the deck of a cabin by the lake. I have a steaming cup of coffee in hand and a light blanket thrown over my shoulders. It rained last night, but my cozy rocking chair is miraculously dry. It smells comfortable and fresh and dewy and light.” — DC
| Notes | Patchouli, sandalwood, pine, fresh musks, jasmine, citrus, cypress, cedar leaf, grapefruit, spearmint, thyme, juniper |
Pros
- We love the warm, cozy scent
- Maze design on the lid acts as a great fidget toy in a pinch
Cons
- Tiny ball in outer packaging rattles around, which can be a lil annoying
Fenty’s Eau de Parfum is as delicious and sexy as you’d imagine Rihanna’s signature scent would be. The warm, slightly spicy floral fragrance is perfectly blended with a musky base for a sophisticated scent that envelopes you without overwhelming. The compact is weighty without feeling too heavy and features a unique ball-in-maze design that’s as fun to play with as it is mesmerizing to look at.
One Cosmo reader says: "This solid perfume feels like luxury. Heavy in weight and beautiful rich color—if there was a compact, I would buy it. The texture of this solid perfume is balmy and the scent is STRONG! Usually, solid perfumes wear close to the skin, but this one projects. I get more compliments on the solid version than my liquid perfume!"
| Notes | Magnolia, musk, bulgarian rose |
Pros
- Silky balm glides across the skin
- Sweet yet sophisticated scent
Cons
- Fragrance stick may break if too much pressure is applied
NOYZ’s Lost + Found Solid Fragrance comes in the same lipstick-esque packaging we know and love, with a scent that’s got a bit of everything. It’s a little sweet, a little fruity, and a little woodsy, but also with hints of florals and musk. With base notes of pink sugar, crisp amber, and cedarwood, Lost + Found is an elevated sweet perfume, grounded by the woodsy notes and elevated with Italian lemon and Australian pink pepper. The result is an intimate scent in a skin-friendly balm that won’t irritate the skin. And with that magnetic packaging, you can rest assured it’ll stay protected when thrown in a bag.
One Cosmo editor says: "I looove dabbing this on my wrists when I wanna smell comfy and cozy. But it's also a great scent for all-year-round, not just cold temps." — BG
| Notes | Cedarwood, crisp amber, pink sugar, Italian lemon, Australian pink pepper |
Pros
- Smells like expensive cashmere
- Beautiful illustration on the outer packaging
- Easily portable and refillable
Cons
- A few reviewers wished the scent lasted longer on skin
Each of Diptyque’s chic little solid perfumes come with a different colored illustration on the front of the case, inspired by the history of the scent. Do Son’s calls back to a memory of childhood summers in Vietnam. Inside, the fragrance centers around tuberose, with its sunny, hazy, creamy aroma, with notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and amberwood. With a high concentration, the solid perfume is ideal for smelling the complex layers that smell both fresh and rich.
One Cosmo reader says: "I really like the Do Son perfume and now I can top it up easily without carrying the whole bottle and packaging is so lovely."
| Notes | Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, amberwood |
Pros
- Subdued minty, woody scent that I love
- Fully vegan (!)
Cons
- Least luxury packaging of everything I tested
Lush has some seriously impressive fragrances under its belt, and Dirty is no exception. The name is misleading, though, given its refreshing blend of spearmint, neroli, and sandalwood. Its herby, minty aroma is the perfect tiny pick-me-up. The solid fragrance is a bright blue color that mimics the soap-y clean scent, but applies onto the skin invisibly for easy wear.
One Cosmo editor says: “Despite its name, Dirty is one of the freshest, cleanest fragrances I’ve ever smelt. It’s perfect for the person who says they don’t like fragrance—simple and to the point, objectively good smelling, and relatively affordable.” — DC
| Notes | Sandalwood, mint, neroli |
Pros
- Comes with a lot of product (1.1 oz)
Cons
- Need to dig your fingers in to apply the fragrance
Jo Malone’s iconic English Pear & Freesia scent, inspired by an autumn-time walk in a pear orchard, is the only fragrance the brand offers in the convenient solid form. But it’s not just a solid cologne; the brand says it can “transform any small space with scent,” making it perfect for throwing in your gym bag or purse. That way, both you and your bag can emulate that signature blend of white florals and juicy pears.
One Cosmo editor says: "This scent is a go-to for me every spring and summer because it's so airy and bright, thanks to the juicy pear notes. But with this lil compact, it's easy to just throw it on my skin whenever I need a boost." — BG
| Notes | Patchouli, freesia, king William pear |
Pros
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Twist-up top can be hard to use
Described as an “homage to the experience of a summer rainstorm, and the intimacy of human touch,” Fulton & Roark’s Cloudland takes the best of the great outdoors and serves it up in a convenient solid balm. Although all scents are unisex, this one truly blends the traditional "masculine" and "feminine" with hints of woodsy, floral, and musky notes that interplay with body chemistry to create an intimate scent that’s a little different on each person. Plus, we’re a sucker for the refillable packaging.
One Cosmo reader says: "This smells amazing. It’s concentrated and definitely a solid so a little goes a long way. Love it."
| Notes | Ambrox, skin musks, moss crystal, ylang ylang, cashmeran, citrus zest, transparent jasmine |
What are solid perfumes?
“Solid perfumes are a semi-solid form of a fragrance consisting of a wax base with added fragrance oils creating a waxy, balm-like consistency,” explains fragrance expert Marcella Bijou. Traditional fragrances—yk, the liquid ones—use an alcohol or water base with added fragrance oils. This makes solid perfumes much smaller and easy to stow in your bag, pocket, etc. to apply on the go.
Do solid perfumes last longer than traditional perfumes?
Solid perfumes are more concentrated than traditional perfumes, so they last longer on your skin. “Due to the nature of the wax base for solid perfumes, the evaporation process is slower than alcohol-based liquid fragrances," says Bijou. "Since it’s applied directly to skin, it adheres more than a spray and releases gradually over time and as your body generates heat throughout the day,” she adds.
Meet the experts:
- Marcella Bijou is a fragrance expert and senior product development manager at SOS Beauty, a brand and product innovation incubator.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Danielle Cohen is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan with more than 5 years of experience researching, writing, and editing stories about everything from lip lifts and mini tummy tucks to the best body bronzers. She tests and analyzes hundreds (if not thousands!) of beauty products every year, and regularly works with key leaders in the beauty industry, from brand founders to leading makeup artists and hairstylists.
Danielle M. Cohen is a freelance beauty journalist with more than five years of industry experience and a lifetime of obsessing over beauty to boot. Her writing has appeared in Allure, Elle, Glamour, InStyle, Marie Claire, Air Mail Look, Well + Good, and Byrdie, among others. When she’s not doling out SPF recommendations, you can find her sifting through celebrity blind items, working on the daily crossword, or hanging with her French bulldog, Rollo. Keep up with her on Instagram @daniellemcohen.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
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