<p>That’s where solid colognes come in. Not only are these scented balms ideal for travel (no liquids, smaller containers) but they can also fit in your pocket, gym bag, <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g39454332/best-mens-toiletry-bags/” target=”_blank”>dopp kit</a>, and really anything else so you’re never without your signature scent. They’re also way easier—and more polite—to reapply in public spaces. Solid colognes are typically going to be more subtle than their spray counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they’re less dynamic. The best solid colognes (i.e. the ones on this list) take all this into account: the type of elevated fragrance you’d find in a more traditional spray, but with the convenience of a solid.</p><p><strong><strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g34789245/best-cologne-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Colognes for Men</a></strong> | <strong><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a19536887/best-deodorants-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Deodorants</a></strong> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/a43264697/mens-health-2023-grooming-awards/” target=”_blank”>Best Grooming Products for Men</a> |<a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g43121329/best-long-lasting-colognes/” target=”_blank”> Best Long Lasting Colognes</a> | <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g31134888/best-body-wash-for-men/” target=”_blank”>Best Body Washes</a></strong></p>” />
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Best Fresh Solid Cologne
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Best Fresh Solid Cologne
Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt
Pros
- Luxurious scent
- Refillable
Cons
- Must buy case separately
One of Jo Malone’s most iconic fragrances, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, is a crowd pleaser in every format, but this solid version is ideal for traveling or layering with other fragrances. The case, sold separately, holds two different palettes for layering or switching up your vibe on the go.
| Size | 2.5 g |
|---|---|
| Base | Beeswax |
| Notes | Ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage |
Best Solid Cologne For Travel
JUNIPER RIDGE Desert Cedar
Best Solid Cologne For Travel
JUNIPER RIDGE Desert Cedar
Pros
- Small container is easy to travel with
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Scent does not last a long time
Inspired by desert nights, this outdoorsy scent is woody, but somehow also crisp and clean. The leather adds an earthy note that doesn’t overpower the subtle, airy vibes.
| Size | 0.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Base | Beeswax, jojoba oil |
| Notes | Resin, leather, cedar |
Best Traditional Solid Cologne
REUZEL Wood & Spice
Best Traditional Solid Cologne
REUZEL Wood & Spice
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Formula is slightly oily
Like all of traditional barber shop brand Reuzel’s products, this solid cologne has a nostalgic vibe to it. It’s classically masculine, fresh and woody at the same time, yet still subtle enough to keep from assaulting anyone’s nose.
| Size | 1 mL |
|---|---|
| Base | Safflower seed oil, beeswax |
| Notes | Lemon zest, cedarwood, clove |
Best Leather Solid Cologne
Outlaw Blazing Saddles
Best Leather Solid Cologne
Outlaw Blazing Saddles
Now 21% Off
Pros
- Bold scent
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Scent doesn’t last as long as you would think
Have you ever wondered what a cowboy would smell like after a gunfight? Well, we think it’s probably close to this cologne. The masculine scent is heavy on leather and sandalwood with a dose of nose-catching gunpowder (yes, really) to amp up the story.
| Size | 0.5 oz, 1 oz |
|---|---|
| Base | Cocoa seed butter, beeswax |
| Notes | Leather, gunpowder, sandalwood, sagebrush |
Best Sweet Solid Cologne
Walton Wood The Musician
Best Sweet Solid Cologne
Walton Wood The Musician
Now 15% Off
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Some might find the scent too subtle
The sweet, cozy vanilla and earthy musk of this scent are a welcome break from the woods and spices you usually find in solid fragrance. The scent is subtle but mysterious. Think of it as something you wear for yourself and only those who get closest to you will know you have it on.
| Size | 2.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Base | Sunflower seed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, beeswax |
| Notes | Vanilla bean, musk |
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients
- Fragrance comes from essential oils
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance wears off too quickly
If you’re into woody scents, this cedar, sandalwood and douglas fir infused wax made in Portland, Oregon is exactly what you’re looking for. One Amazon reviewer likened the scent to a sawdust-laden carpentry shop. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
What’s the Difference Between Solid and Spray Cologne?
Olfactory-speaking, there isn’t any difference. All wearable fragrance is created the same way—with top, middle and base notes working together to create a unique scent. But when it comes to solid versus spray, it’s all in the delivery system. Spray colognes are diluted with other ingredients, often alcohol, to cover your skin like a blanket. Solid colognes, on the other hand, are wax-based balms that sit on top of your skin in specific areas, but don’t offer as coverage or need a bottle to apply.
What’s the Benefit of Solid Cologne?
One benefit of solid cologne is that they tend to be a bit more subtle than their spray counterparts, so if you find traditional spritzes overwhelming, a solid might give you the scent you want without overpowering your nose. But really, what makes solid colognes so great is the portability aspect. These fragrances pack serious punch in small containers and don’t use any liquid, so packing them in your dopp kit, gym bag, briefcase or pocket is way easier than a bottle. They’re also easier to reapply on the go – no spraying involved.
How Do You Apply Solid Cologne?
First, you need to warm up the balm a little bit. Rub your fingers on the surface to let your body heat melt it a little bit. Once you have enough on your finger (a tiny amount should be good), apply it to the pulse points on your wrists and neck. The heat from your body on these specific points will help release the fragrance.
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
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