Six reasons you should swap to this trending way to wear perfume (2025)

Whether it’s an earthy musk, fruity floral or herbal green scent, we usually think of a typical bottled perfume when we think about being enveloped in a scent. But now, we’re seeing a solid alternative to the spritz. In recent months, fragrances in a solid form have become a trending beauty topic, with a host of new on-the-go balms arriving on the shelves of our favourite perfumeries.

It may be a booming area on Google search and #PerfumeTok, but Lee Howes, Lush’s fragrance category lead, sees it as something of a second wave. While solids over sprays feels like a new-season refresh, and a challenge to our standard perfume practices, the concept is actually age-old. ‘Versions of solid perfumes have technically been around for a millennia – it’s rumoured that Cleopatra favoured a scented balm for her skin,’ says Lee.

Nevertheless, since 2025 got the memo, we’re seeing a new generation of solid perfumes not only take the industry by storm but strive to change the way we wear a scent.

Intrigued? Us, too. We turned to the innovators behind two of the leading brands exploring solid fragrances, to learn exactly why they’re the next big thing.

Lee tells us that solid perfumes are simply fragrances that sit in a wax or balm-type base, rather than alcohol. Think balms, roll-ons and perfume pens.

‘At Lush, we use the same fragrance blends in our solid perfumes as our liquids, but at a milder concentration for those looking for a subtler scent,’ he explains. ‘Our base of organic jojoba oil, candelilla wax and castor oil (which offer the perfect melting point when in contact with the skin) is melted, and the fragrance materials are carefully blended in, before being poured.’

They’re ideal for on-the-go

When packing for a weekend away, or looking for a scent to live in your handbag, the last thing you want is to lug around a full-sized bottle of perfume. For that reason, says Lee, solid perfumes are excellent for travel as they’re space-savers.

‘They’re often pocket-sized, so can be taken anywhere easily. I often apply a liquid perfume before leaving the house, but like to carry a solid version around with me to top up my fragrance throughout the day.’

Sophie Beaumont, founder of solid perfume brand Tenth Muse, says that in terms of portability, the chance of accidentally staining said handbag is also minimised when you opt for a balm rather than a spray. ‘Solid perfumes are compact and spill-proof, making them perfect not just for travel and on-the-go touch-ups, but for carrying in a handbag without the risk of leaks.’

They’re also easy to top up without blasting everyone in the vicinity with your fragrance, which can feel like an invasion of space. ‘Feedback from our customers shows that solid perfumes appeal to those who prefer a more discreet way to refresh their scent throughout the day,’ adds Sophie.

They’re long-lasting

A key element of solid perfumes is being long-lasting – they tend to survive throughout the day, often for up to six to seven hours, requiring less frequent touch-ups than their liquid counterparts. Sophie explains that ‘the wax and oil-based formula allows each fragrance to linger on the skin for longer, as it’s absorbed, rather than evaporating quickly’.

Chances are, solid balms will keep you going for longer, meaning you’ll likely need to go back and repurchase less often as well. Even better, many of our favourite options (read on for those) even come in refillable packaging.

That being said, Lee suggests that layering is always the best way to ensure longevity. ‘One tip I always give is that if you can get the same fragrance in a solid and a liquid version, this can really help make the scent last longer,’ he explains.

‘Skin that’s moisturised will always hold perfume for longer, and applying the solid version on to the skin first gives a strong base as a fixative, and then the liquid on top provides a great balance between projection and longevity.’

Clever formulas mean they’re kinder to skin

Through the way that they’re formulated, the majority of solid perfumes are alcohol-free, which makes them ideal for individuals with sensitive skin that’s prone to irritation.

‘Many traditional perfumes contain alcohol, which can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin,’ says Sophie. ‘Solid perfumes are gentler and often infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter or jojoba oil.'

Sophie, herself, decided to create her range as a more natural alternative to sprays, as following Covid, her prolonged symptoms made traditional liquid perfumes irritating to her sinuses.

They’re eco-friendly

From a sustainability standpoint, opting for a solid perfume can also be a more environmentally-conscious decision. ‘There are several reasons for this – first, solid perfumes often come in reusable or recyclable packaging, which reduces plastic waste compared to conventional spray bottles,’ Sophie tells GH.

‘Additionally, because they usually don’t contain alcohol or aerosol propellants, they have a smaller environmental footprint. At Tenth Muse, we also use refillable vessels to house our solid perfume balms, further helping to reduce packaging waste.’

They have wellness benefits

Lee says that with aromatherapy-based blends, solid perfumes can also have wellness benefits when it comes to sleep and winding down in the evening. ‘I like to apply a solid perfume on my wrists before bed, as the fragrance can be gentle, but really pleasant to fall asleep to,’ he says.

‘My favourite for this is Lush’s Shade, £12, which is super relaxing, with its clean blend of sandalwood, frankincense and a subtle lavender note.’

They’re accessible, in several ways

According to Lee, solid forms are a great gateway into fragrances, especially for young people, or those who are still searching for their signature scent. ‘They’re a perfect way to try a fragrance out if you’re unsure, because they’ll typically be less expensive than their liquid counterparts, allowing the wearer to try a new scent out in the wild,’ he explains.

‘Younger customers may find that solid perfumes are a great place to start – I recently bought my 10-year-old niece Lush’s American Cream solid perfume for Christmas as she was stealing her mum’s – and she loved it!’

Balms and roll-ons also offer greater freedom when it comes to layering, and avoiding an overwhelming scent. Sophie says: ‘Unlike sprays that can be overpowering upon application, solid perfumes allow for a more subtle and buildable fragrance experience.’

Lee agrees, especially in situations where you’d like to try a range of scents to figure out your taste. ‘There will be times when you want a fragrance that’s subtler (like in the office), and solid perfumes can be perfect for those situations. But it’s all about trial and error – some solid perfumes can still be punchy!’

And with solid perfumes looking to be a leading trend in the world of fragrance at the moment, we’ve put together our pick of new and bestselling launches to help you decide where to start.

Step 1: Warm the fragrance

Sophie says: ‘Use your fingertip to rub the surface of the solid perfume to warm it slightly. This helps melt the wax and release the scent.’

However, Lee explains that with Lush products, the packaging can do the work for you, making them even handier for on-the-go. ‘We’ve recently switched the packaging on our solid perfumes so they’re in push-up tubes and can be rubbed directly on to the skin before gently pushing the product back into the tube using the wrist.’

Step 2: Dab it on to your pulse points

Lee recommends targeting your solid perfume in the exact same places where you’d apply a liquid. ‘Consider the places where our blood vessels run closer to the skin, or anywhere where the skin runs a little warmer,’ he says. These include the wrists, neck, décolletage, even the backs of the knees.

Sophie adds that by applying the fragrance to areas where the skin naturally generates heat, it helps to diffuse the scent throughout the day.

Step 3: Reapply as desired

When it comes to periodically refreshing your scent, Sophie says that ‘since solid perfumes are subtle and personal, you can reapply throughout the day without overwhelming those around you’.