Holding true to the idea that less is more — solid colognes are a great alternative to their bottle counterparts. Whoever just does one spritz and heads out? (Not me at least). Solid colognes are known to be long-lasting due to their high concentration of fragrance ingredients. They also tend to be more natural, which can be a great option for those with sensitive skin or just want to avoid extra unnecessary chemicals but still smell amazing. While splash or spray colognes have long been the standard for most men’s fragrance wardrobes, solid colognes are becoming the new, no-muss, no-fuss way for a guy to add a little olfactory interest without creating a funky personal micro-climate.
By capturing fragrance in waxy bases made from oils, jojoba, beeswax, shea butter, and other foundations, these solid colognes are not only super easy for travel (no more worries about that ornate glass bottle breaking in your checked bag), they’re also TSA-friendly. Don’t just think about that weekend away or business trip, either — solid colognes are perfect to toss into a gym bag, backpack, or briefcase, or even to tuck into a pocket for a quick aromatic confidence boost (applied as needed). Ahead are some of the best solid colognes.
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Duke Cannon Light Musk + Neroli Special Issue
One of our solid cologne pioneers, Duke Cannon’s special issue comes in limited batches. Light musk and neroli provide a dash of the sea, with solid footing on land, featuring crisp greens and citrusy neroli, balanced with sandalwood, amber, and light musk. Each 1.5-ounce tin is hand-numbered.
Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Solid Scent
While the traditional containers for these non-traditional essences are small tins with lids that slide or rotate, several companies like Jo Malone are experimenting with new packaging that will give your old cologne decanter some design competition, which also makes them an awesome gift choice. Jo Malone’s solid offering features notes of lime and mandarin, which is a perfect masculine summer scent.
Juniper Ridge White Sage Solid Perfume
Like something from a Zane Grey Western, Juniper Ridge’s White Sage takes its inspiration from the desert, blending warm, sun-drenched earth notes with minty, spicy, resin, and herbaceous fragrances in an organic beeswax and jojoba base. A perfect fragrance to remember those warm summer days.
Fulton & Roark Ltd. Reserve #7 Mahana
Miss traveling yet? Us too, Fulton & Roark will have you feeling like you’re on the beach with one whiff. The cologne is inspired by the flora and fauna of Hawaii, creating a fragrance that’s evocative of a hike to Papakolea, a remote green sand beach tucked away on the Big Island. You’ll experience fresh air, verdant hills, and driftwood with its notes of pomelo, coriander, and green leaves. It’s light and crisp for warm days (hopefully) soon ahead. Mahana is also sold in a limited-edition matte white metal case.
Misc. Goods Co. Underhill Solid Cologne
Underhill solid cologne mixes fragrant oils with beeswax and jojoba oil for a light, easy-to-wear formula. Earthy and woodsy, Underhill has leather and rosemary elements for a fragrance that is both masculine and refreshing. It also comes packaged in an impressive cherry wood case with burned-in branding and a magnetic closure. Inserts can be purchased separately to refill or swap out for variety.
Alfred Lane Zeal Limited Release
Alfred Lane complements its existing range of Bravado, Brio, and Vanguard fragrances with its limited releases Zeal and Urbane. Based in concentrated balms of shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, the fragrance will be as good for your skin as it is for your nose. Zeal incorporates limewood, cinnamon bark, and sage, finishing with rich notes of vetiver and orange. Urbane includes spice, citrus, and lavender, complemented by sweet, woodsy notes. Each half-ounce tin is topped by a label that features a black-and-white photograph suitable for framing. Think of it as portable art for your pocket or toiletries bag.
Cremo Silver Water and Birch Solid Cologne
Cremo describes its solid cologne as “a sparkling, aquatic drive into a mountain lake surrounded by cool moss and clean woods.” We can’t think of a better way to describe the crisp, masculine fragrance we’d want to wear all year long, bringing Cremo’s no-nonsense barbershop approach to smelling clean and fresh.
Diptyque 34 Boulevard St. Germain
This French “Maison” is a longstanding legend in the fragrance world. Its colognes and scented candles have a cult-like following that started almost immediately with the brand’s inception nearly 60 years ago. Fragrance Gestures are a collection of products that Diptyque creates, inspired by the history of perfume and, in this case, the enfleurage technique, an ancient method of capturing the essence of flowers. Named for the brand’s Paris address, 34 Blvd. St. Germain includes amber, patchouli, rose, and cinnamon for a most exotic result.
Carthusia Mediterraneo
Break out the limoncello — it’s time for a trip to Capri (aka our backyard for now). Originally developed by Carthusian monks, the fragrances of Carthusia extend to the 12th century and are based on herbs and blossoms native to the Italian island. Mediterraneo is dedicated to the great civilizations of Europe, Africa, and Asia, blending lemon leaves with green tea for a truly light and fresh fragrance. The scent also includes wild mint, eucalyptus, jasmine, cardamom, and white musk in this sophisticated yet refreshing blend.
Le Labo Santal 33
The New York-based fragrance brand prides itself on being the “future of luxury,” and it certainly lives up to its mission statement with this new solid cologne that you can infuse your favorite Le Labo fragrance with. The perfume label is known for its hypoallergenic scents, and this wax-based formula is alcohol-free and paraben-free for people with sensitive skin.
Is Solid Cologne Good?
In addition to being super compact and convenient for quick use, there are numerous other reasons why men’s solid colognes are a great addition to your hygiene arsenal. Because these scents are stored in tin cans, it offers more durability than your average cologne or aftershave bottle. Car consoles, gym bags, you name it- you don’t have to worry about dropping your cologne and having the bottle shatter into a million pieces.
Another great benefit of making the switch is that it’s more difficult to overuse the product. While some may prefer the more robust carry of scent offered by traditional colognes, many men love the more mild nature of solid colognes, and those around you will thank you for it. Because of the waxy texture, you are forced to use less product, thus getting the most out of your cologne. As a rule of thumb, the only people that should be able to smell your cologne are those that are within your personal bubble; anything more than that is generally unwelcome in a public space.
If you’re more conscious about ingredients and how they react with your skin, you’ll be happy to know that solid colognes offer a more natural alternative to small good. Traditional colognes typically contain 80-90% alcohol which is oftentimes drying to the skin and can sting. Solid colognes are great for sensitive skin and can even provide moisture to the skin.
How Do You Use Solid Cologne?
Just as with liquid-based colognes, solid colones are best used on your pulse points. You gently rub your fingers across the wax and liberally apply to desired areas. Men’s solid colognes can even be used around your intimate areas for extra freshness without being overpowering or irritating your skin.
What is a Solid Cologne?
Solid cologne for men is exactly what it sounds like; a cologne that utilizes a natural wax, such as beeswax or shea butter as the base rather than water. The wax base enables the “dry” or “hard” cologne to be stored in a tin can for easy, subtle, and convenient everyday carry.
