Ditch the spritz for a solid scent
Handbag friendly. Kind to the planet. And often cheaper, too
FROM shampoo bars to facial cleansing powders, waterless beauty is fast becoming the environmental — and travel-friendly option.
When it comes to holidays, a solid formula won’t make a dent in your in-flight liquid allowance or a mess in your handbag if it leaks. And leaving out liquid means a lower carbon footprint because it’s less bulky to transport.
The latest way to do ‘solid’ is with your scent. Cult US beauty brand Glossier has revived the solid version of its Glossier You fragrance, launched in 2018 as a limited edition. It’s now back for good and, like others, can be refilled for less.
As these fragrances are made of oils and wax instead of alcohol, they’re less drying and easier to dispense.
The balms warm up on your skin so give off a more subtle scent than their spritzable counterparts. Here are some favourites:
A BARGAIN BESPOKE BLEND
Jo Malone Solid Scent Duo Palette (€27, brownthomas.com) A MAGNETIC metal ‘forever’ swivel case that can be filled with two of ten solid scents, which include Jo Malone classics such as Pomegranate Noir and Lime, Basil & Mandarin (€18 each). WHAT’S IT LIKE? I dialled down the Basil, Lime & Mandarin by combining it with the earthier Wood Sage & Sea Salt. Rubbing these into my wrist with a bit of warming friction gave a burst of unique fragrance that would cost a small fortune if I had a blend made from scratch. VERDICT: Playful and unique.
4/5
THE BOUTIQUE BEST-SELLER
Diptyque Philosykos refillable solid perfume (€52, spacenk.com) THE boutique French perfumer is selling one of its top-sellers in a refillable metal compact (refills cost €32 for two). WHAT’S IT LIKE? The meltingly soft balm has a fresh, fig-leaf scent inspired by the Greek islands and is almost as lasting as the twice-the-price eau de toilette. A more affordable entry into this chic brand, where it’s rare to get change from €100. VERDICT: Power-packed and very stylish. 4/5
SURPRISINGLY SUBTLE SMELL
Lush Solid Perfume in Shade (€12, lush.com)
THIS is one of 12 solid versions of Lush scents in a recyclable glass pot and is made with responsibly sourced sandalwood and frankincense on a base of organic jojoba oil. WHAT’S IT LIKE? Whenever I pass a Lush store, the scent overload brings on a sneezing fit. This subtle, although not terribly long-lasting scent balm, was a pleasant surprise. VERDICT: Calming and pleasingly eco-friendly. 3/5
FRAGRANCE-MEETSFIDGET TOY
Glossier You Solid (€28, glossier.com) SMELLING of freshly washed linen with a sexy undertone, this fragrance is universally adored. Newly reformulated to be vegan and refillable (at €18) the solid scent arrives in a recyclable paper carton. WHAT’S IT LIKE? This pink lacquered oval tin (see above) is curved to fit your palm and thumb and the swivel opening is addictive as a fidget toy. VERDICT: A sensory delight. 5/5
SCENTED CANDLE YOU CAN WEAR
Neom Organics Real Luxury Intensive Skin Treatment Candle (€48, neomorganics. com) NEOM’S Scent to De-Stress range is a best-seller. Now the brand has created a new ritual with this blend of six conditioning oils and 21 essential oils. WHAT’S IT LIKE? Before taking a bath, I lit the calming candle, which produced a good three tablespoons of subtly scented liquid oil (wait a minute for it to cool) to moisturise with. Good for very dry legs. VERDICT: Relaxing and great
for conditioning. 3/5