RS Recommends: The Best Solid Colognes (and the Scents You Should Be Wearing)

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There’s a reason why solid colognes are quickly becoming more popular than the more “traditional” liquid colognes and aftershaves. You might not have even considered the range of benefits that come with swapping out your old cologne for a solid option; for starters, they’re travel friendly, and can be easily transported just about anywhere thanks to their small size without a risk of leaking. Additionally, they usually come packaged in a metal tin, so you don’t have to worry about it sustaining any damage; you can put it in your bag without a second thought.

What Are Solid Colognes?

As the name suggests, the best solid colognes are more like scented bars rather than a liquid perfume. Rather than spraying on your cologne, all you need to do is rub a little bit of it onto your fingers and then rub the solid cologne on your pulse points, such as your neck, wrist or behind your ears.

Because these areas of your body tend to be warmer, the scent is subtly activated, rather than attacking the noses of everyone around you. They are also much more nourishing for your skin compared to things like aftershave, which has alcohol in its makeup and can leave your skin uncomfortably dry.

The scent of solid colognes tend to be milder than their liquid counterparts, meaning they don’t pose a risk of you overdoing it. We all know when someone has put on too much cologne, and you never want to be that person.

What Are the Best Solid Colognes?

From classic brands to luxury picks, we’ve rounded up our favorite solid colognes on the market right now.

1. Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin 

This light yet fragrant scent by Jo Malone contains pure beeswax infused with warm lime basil and tart mandarin. It can be worn on its own or paired with another fragrance (or say, a scented moisturizer). Jo Malone recommends dabbing your fingertips into the solid cologne and then “swirling” it around your pulse points for optimal effect.

Buy Lime Basil & Mandarin Solid Cologne $20.00

2. Diptyque Philosykos

This solid cologne is made from an alcohol-free wax, and evokes the aroma of wooded areas found in the great outdoors. Diptyque is a French brand known for their line of luxe candles, but this popular scent is a great way to get into their fragrances as well. Fun fact: Philosykos means “friend of the fig tree” in Greek.

Buy Diptyque Philosykos Solid Perfume $68.00

3. Duke Cannon Supply Charred Oak Barrel

The reviews speak for themselves; people can’t get enough of Duke Cannon Supply’s Oak Barrel solid cologne. Revered for its long-lasting, but not overpowering, scent (choose from everything from a manly bourbon or lager to a more subtle vetiver), this tiny tin is also way cheaper than a bottle of cologne.

Buy Duke Cannon Supply Solid Cologne $21.39

4. Reuzel Wood & Spice 

Amazon’s Choice for solid cologne smells of wood, spice and everything nice, including a hint of lemon zest, cedarwood and clove, a singular scent that’s sure to last throughout the day.

Buy Reuzel Wood & Spice Solid Cologne $10.50

5. Cremo Bergamot & Musk 

This blend of citrus perfectly compliments its amber musk finish, and while it may smell like it came straight from a swanky boutique, it can be yours for a bargain.

Buy Cremo Bergamot & Musk Solid Cologne

6. Outlaw Leather & Gunpowder 

You can’t get much bolder than Outlaw’s Leather and Gunpowder solid cologne, which contains a pleasing combination of sandalwood and sagebrush that’ll give you an extra shot of confidence when you need it most.

Buy Leather & Gunpowder Solid Cologne $19.95