Have you ever considered leveling your grooming game with a solid cologne? I’m not talking about your typical spray-on scent but a compact, wax-based fragrance that’s just as potent. Solid colognes are gaining popularity, and for good reason. Not all solid colognes are created equal; some are creamy and light, like Duke Cannon’s Birchwood, while others are firmer and hold up better in high temperatures, like The Beach by Woodies.
The best part about solid colognes? They’re more stable than their liquid relatives. According to fragrance enthusiast Dave Johnson, solid colognes aren’t susceptible to light, heat, and oxygen perfume killers. So, you can expect your favorite notes to stay intact. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even layer your fragrances to create a custom scent. So, let’s dive into solid colognes and discover the best ones.
The Top 10 Best Solid Cologne Brands for Men
Let’s consider exploring some of the top performers in the solid cologne industry. These unique concoctions are not only efficient and functional, but they are also an absolute sensory delight. Here is a comprehensive look at the best solid colognes available today for men:
- LS Colognes Ultimate Gent
- Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
- Duke Cannon Supply Charred Oak Barrel Solid Cologne
- Santal 33 Perfume Solid by Le Labo
- Aromi Outdoor Guy Solid Cologne
- Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Cologne
- Juniper Ridge White Sage Solid Perfume
- Outlaw The Gambler Solid Cologne
- Fulton & Roark Ltd Reserve No. 16: HWY 190
- BaseLight Nightfall Solid Cologne
LS Colognes Ultimate Gent
So, first up, we have a dupe for the scent that was voted the sexiest cologne for men last year, Creed’s Aventus. And yes, our test group couldn’t tell the two apart. So much so we were wondering if it was produced using aventus (because of the nature of solid cologne, you can stretch the perfume oils further, although when we ran the math, the price didn’t make sense, but it is just that good of a match).
Considering the price point of LS, coming in at about $30 for a block that works out at a month’s supply, it’s a far better deal than the $300 head-turning original that we do very much love.
Regarding staying power, we gave LS the night-out test, meaning that we popped a bit on before we went to the office and checked how well it lasted by the time we went out for a couple of jars after work. And it held up pretty well. You could still tell it was there, although, after 8 hours, it could use a small reapplication; out of all the solid cologne options we tested, it held up with the best of them, and considering the price point, it’s a no-brainer. The projection was also one of the better options, even outperforming the far more expensive Jo Malone solid cologne.
We tested a couple of the other LS cologne dupes; they were all dead ringers for the original. So, this is the place to go if you want your favorite cologne in a solid version.
Pros
- Exact matches for significant brands
- Good price point
- Great staying power
Cons
- No original fragrances
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin
- Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Price: $30 (small amount)
The Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Solid Cologne carries a unique, refreshing scent, an amalgamation of citrusy notes juxtaposed with more earthy undertones of basil. This balance creates a scent that lasts long but evolves, imparting an air of elegance and sophistication that you’d be hard-pressed to find in a traditional cologne. It’s important to note that this solid cologne is an original from a major manufacturer. If the brand is essential to you and you want to be associated with a specific brand, this may be worth considering. However, it’s worth noting that the scent is one of the lighter ones we reviewed. It’s much more of a summer daytime wear than a night-time event sort of scent. So, if you’re out and about from spring onwards, it could be the solid cologne for you.
Pros
- Unique and Refreshing Scent
- Best for longevity
Cons
- Projection was limited
- It’s pretty expensive for how much you get
Duke Cannon Supply Charred Oak Barrel Solid Cologne
- Duke Cannon Supply Charred Oak Barrel Solid Cologne Price: $27
Next on our list is the Duke Cannon Supply Charred Oak Barrel, a solid cologne that exudes sensuality with its potent explosive mix of spicy and smoky notes. Distinctive and memorable, the scent stays with you, creating a backdrop to those significant moments in your life. But this can be a bit too much on the smoky side for some people. Think tobacco vanille; it is a solid cologne for older guys but can be a musty. The projection was very heavy, and it was easy to overdo things. It could be a good one for the gym bag, though.
Pros
- Decent Price
- Very Strong Scent
Cons
- It can be a little overpowering
- Maybe a bit old-fashioned
Santal 33 Perfume Solid by Le Labo
- Santal 33 Perfume Solid by Le Labo Price: $99
The Santal 33 Perfume Solid by Le Labo is another splendid offering in the array of solid colognes. This solid cologne is composed of spicy and woody notes and provides a distinctively fresh and masculine fragrance that captures the essence of rugged nature and its inherent tranquility. We enjoy using Santal fragrance, and the solid cologne version is pleasing. The cedar and sandalwood notes still project incredibly well, making this a light yet musk-led scent.
The catch is, of course, the price point. This is far more expensive than all the other options, and all the marketing hype doesn’t get away from the price; it’s pretty hard to get hold of these days, and the only place we’ve seen the solid cologne recently is Nordstrom.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great all round scent
Cons
- Hard to find
- Expensive
Aromi Outdoor Guy Solid Cologne
- Aromi Outdoor Guy Solid Cologne Price: $14
Shifting gears to something more casual yet impactful, the Aromi Outdoor Guy Solid Cologne impresses with its swift scent transition from bracingly fresh to warmly comforting. It’s a cologne that radiates casual elegance and quiet confidence. Perfect for field trips and outdoor leisure situations.
This solid cologne embarks on a fragrant journey akin to nature’s transition from dawn to dusk. As you apply it, a burst of invigorating freshness awakens your senses. Crisp notes of citrus and herbs dance on your skin, like the morning dew on a blade of grass. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a brisk, early-morning hike.
It’s a solid contender, and we liked it; as the lesser-known brands go, it had that outdoor vibe they’re claiming. It may not be suitable for everyone, but it’s a delightful addition to your collection of solid colognes. Though the projection was too heavy, the staying power could be better. It’s also super cheap.
Pros
- Good quality
- Good projection
- Decent Price
Cons
- Poor staying power
Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Cologne
- Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Cologne Price: $84
Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Perfume: A captivating blend of citrus, spice, woods, and flowers that crafts a zest, vibrancy, and radiance around you. This sophisticated scent is your secret weapon for adding a layer of flair to your personality. We liked this one a lot; it gave off an air of Bleu (my go-to perfume), and although LS makes a better solid cologne dupe for Bleu, this would be an excellent second option.
In terms of staying power, it lasted well, probably coming in 4th after La Labo, Duke, and LS; the projection was excellent, and it’s a good, solid cologne for a fair price.
Pros
- Good scent
- Decent staying power
Cons
- High price
- It wasn’t the best at anything, so there are better options
Juniper Ridge White Sage Solid Perfume
- Juniper Ridge White Sage Solid Perfume Price: $20
As the name suggests, Juniper Ridge White Sage Solid Perfume carries an intimate and sophisticated fragrance with crisp, clean, refreshing notes of herbs and spices. It’s the scent that captures attention while remaining grounded and incredibly subtle. But there’s a bit more to this scent than first meets the nose. As it evolves, the perfume unfolds with a delightful complexity. Crisp herbs and spices, like a touch of rosemary and clove, add layers of freshness and intrigue. It’s the aromatic equivalent of a cool breeze rustling through the sagebrush.
As you can probably guess, we quite liked this solid cologne; again, it wasn’t the best at anything; it had an intriguing blend that changed quite nicely through the day as it mixed with our skin, but it was ultimately forgettable compared to some of the solid cologne brands on this list.
Outlaw The Gambler Solid Cologne
- Outlaw The Gambler Solid Cologne Price: $20
Outlaw The Gambler Solid Cologne hits all the right spots for lovers of a bolder, more traditional scent. Its unique leather, tobacco, and bourbon marriage creates an intense, rugged, masculine fragrance that leaves a lasting and uniquely memorable impression. In case you were ever worried that you didn’t smell manly enough, outlaw has you covered. Leather, the smoky warmth of tobacco, and the rich, intoxicating bourbon aroma lead the way here, with a touch of spice to follow. So it’s very much an evening scent. It’s a good solid cologne, though.
Pros
- Super manly scent
- Good staying power
Cons
- There is nothing wrong with the Gambler solid cologne
Fulton & Roark Ltd Reserve No. 16: HWY 190
- Fulton & Roark Ltd Reserve No. 16: HWY 190 Price: $89
The Fulton & Roark Ltd Reserve No. 16: HWY 190 is more than just a cologne — it’s a work of olfactory art formed by combining several rich, captivating notes. It pulls you in from the first sniff, maintaining intrigue and depth throughout the experience. Top citrus, vetiver, and spice notes give way to cedarwood and other musk notes. Staying power was good, as was a projection; it wasn’t anyone’s favorite in the test group. Considering it’s the third most expensive on the list, that’s not great. However, it’s good quality if the smell suits you.
Pros
- Good quality
- Good projection
Cons
- It was a bit forgettable
- High price
BaseLight Nightfall Solid Cologne
- BaseLight Nightfall Solid Cologne Price: $20
The BaseLight Nightfall Solid Cologne concludes the list, but its quality remains unparalleled. This sensual, sophisticated offering has a depth and richness that lends itself perfectly to warm evenings and events of deep introspection. At last, that’s the sales pitch. It has a musky aroma with subtle leather notes, but it falls short of being intriguing. Again, it’s a good solid cologne if you don’t know what to go with. It may not be the best for any situation, but this isn’t bad if you’re unsure what solid cologne to leave in your office desk drawer. It could also make a decent gift if you have no idea what the other person likes.
Pros
- Good price
- Nice projection
- Inoffensive smell
Cons
- Quite forgettable
How We Chose the Best Solid Colognes
We’ve delved into the world of solid colognes and shared our top picks. From LS Colognes Ultimate Gent to BaseLight Nightfall Solid Cologne, each offers a unique scent profile to suit every man’s style. The rise in popularity of solid colognes isn’t surprising. They’re portable, robust, and an innovative way to smell amazing all day. Whether you’re drawn to the citrus notes of Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin or the earthy tones of Duke Cannon Supply Charred Oak Barrel, there’s something for everyone. Upgrade your game with solid colognes, the revolutionary trend in the men’s fragrance industry.
Solid Cologne FAQs
Q: What is a Solid Cologne?
A: A solid cologne is akin to a fragrant balm. Unlike a standard liquid cologne, it is a scented wax, incorporating the same core ingredients while offering a more portable alternative.
Q: How Do I Apply a Solid Cologne?
A: To apply a solid cologne, treat it like a balm. Dip your fingers into the wax, rub a bit between your hands to warm it, then apply to your pulse points. The heat of your skin will help release the fragrance.
Q: Which Solid Colognes Are the Best?
A: LS Colognes is by far the best solid cologne manufacturer.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Solid Cologne?
A: Solid cologne is crafted from natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils. Benefits include increased portability, discreet usage, and travel ease. A solid cologne won’t break or get confiscated at airport security lines, ensuring you always have your favorite fragrance to hand, which is a nice plus. The staying power for a solid cologne tends to be slightly better than an EDT or EDP, which are the most comparable sprays in price.
Conclusion: Who Makes the Best Solid Cologne?
Solid colognes have hit their stride, offering viable options for men who want a smaller, more portable, and overall more robust way to smell fantastic. It’s a unique market niche that’s taken the fragrance industry by storm, pushing boundaries and introducing new ways to experience scents and perfumes. And to get to the point, it’s LS Colognes, followed by Duke and Jo Malone if you’re looking for a major brand.
