John BenosTable of Contents
Although colognes are doing a great job making your smell awesome when you apply them, still, many have been left dissatisfied with the longevity of their savor throughout the day.
And there’s only one good reason for this. Cologne tends to wear off after several hours while soap and deodorant become far less noticeable, often, much sooner.
For many, a bottle of cologne has been kept in the car for a refresh squirt later on -which is also something that I’m guilty of. However, this is not ideal for several reasons.
- For one, when cologne is left in a hot car, the molecules of the fragrance begin to separate and break apart. This changes the scent and drastically reduces the lifespan of the cologne.
- On top of that, cologne bottles are often inconvenient. They can’t, easily, be placed in a pack intended for mobility such as a gym bag or briefcase. If placed in one of these bags, the bottle, which is often glass, can break.
- Often the bottles leak out the liquid and waste the expensive contents, or it just hits the wrong way on the nozzle and decides to evacuate its substance all over the bag. These bags are often leather or high quality and unable to be properly cleaned. This cologne backup bottle, quickly, became a far more costly mistake as the cologne was wasted, spoiled, or the bag must now be replaced.
This problem, that needed solving, led to the development and growth of a fast growing alternative, solid cologne. A great perfume that lasts long and it’s easy to transport.
And that’s what this article is all about. A great fragrance that meets the expectations of a man and at the same time, it normally costs a fraction of a regular cheap cologne.
That said, we did the hard work for you so you don’t have to and we found some of the best solid colognes for men out there that will leave no man smelling nothing less than perfection. Upon narrowing down our choices, we found The Adventurer and Drifter to be the top men’s solid colognes. The Excalibur Solid Cologne for Men by Taconic Shave, for a high end musky, woodsy scent is a great one to try out that is a trusted choice and lastly, one that I particularly like, is the O Doud’s Natural Solid Cologne (try the Heritage scent for a woodsy, citrusy scent and Tobacco Rum for a deeper, rum and cigar, scent).
The 10 Best Solid Colognes For Men
| Sir Hare Solid Cologne for Men | Drifter Men’s Solid Cologne by Ulio & Jack | Blazing Saddles Solid Cologne | Duke Cannon Men’s Solid Cologne | The Adventurer Men’s Solid Cologne | NZ Fusion Botanicals Australian Sandalwood Solid Fragrance | Stingray Bay for Men, Bay Rum Solid Fragrance | O Doud’s Natural Solid Cologne | Solid Cologne for Men by Taconic Shave | Otter Wax Spruce Cologne Solid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Country | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA | USA |
| Size | 0.25 oz | 0.5 oz | 1 oz | 1.5 oz | 2.5 oz | 0.9 oz | 0.9 oz | 0.5 oz | 0.5 oz | 1 oz |
| Price | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
| Scent | Sandalwood, Bergamot, and Musk | Cardamom and mandarin with hints of sandalwood, clove, and leather undertones | Leather, gunpowder, sandalwood, and sagebrush | Sandalwood, amber, citrus, rosemary, and clove | Grapefruit and bergamot. Followed with green leaf, neroli, and rosemary notes. Finishes out and lingers with spruce and cedar | Sandalwood, woodsy, clean and rich | Jasmine, nugget, lemon, and rum. Follows with floral, lilac, rose, carnation, lavender, cedarwood, and balsam. Ends with patchouli and vanilla | Citrus with sandalwood. Accented notes include Neroli, Vetiver, Bergamot, and Lime | Musky, woodsy fragrance with fresh and clean undertone | Sandalwood, vetiver, and Douglas Fir. Follows with bergamot, lime, and valencia orange |
| Ease of Application | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Value for Money | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
To give you a quick idea on what you should expect on this men’s solid colognes guide.
- Our list of top men’s solid colognes
- Criteria to choosing a top notch solid cologne for men
- What’s solid cologne
- Why solid and not a regular spray cologne?
- How to use a solid perfume for men
Let’s get to it, shall we?
What is a solid cologne
Solid cologne is a portable, often natural, moisturizing, long lasting, usually less expensive product.
More specifically, solid cologne comes in solid state rather than the typical liquid mix of alcohol and water in standard colognes. The substance that gives the product its solid texture comes from a form of wax (often beeswax) that is initially melted. After melting the wax, the scent profile is added.
If you’re growing a beard, the above might remind you of products such as beard balm or beard wax as they contain similar ingredients.
Solid colognes aren’t necessary “brand new” as most believe the Egyptians were the first to wear a solid state scent, though it was much cruder. Currently, there is a sort of renaissance and adaptations in these products.
New solid colognes are being developed daily and the options continue to expand.
Why you consider switching to solid cologne, if you haven’t already?
- It comes in a small container that fits in the pocket or bag and can easily be carried and reapplied throughout the day.
- While in the pocket or bag, it remains solid and won’t spill.
- It is easily applied to desired areas. It is often hard to squirt liquid cologne in specific areas.
- No cologne waste. As these cologne are solid you won’t have to worry about wasting any product like you do with spray colognes.
- It is TSA compliant. It can be legally packed in carry-on luggage. Remember, anything over 3 oz. does not
- It is often made from natural ingredients like essential oils, shea butter, and beeswax, often found in beard waxes or balms.
- It last longer than standard cologne because while liquid cologne evaporates over a few hours, solid cologne does not. As it stays on the skin it evolves throughout the day as the body heats up and cools down.
How do you apply solid colognes?
Solid colognes feel similar to a beard balm or chapstick applied by hand. First, apply this product following a shower, when the pores are open, and reapply when deemed necessary.
More specifically:
- To apply it, gently, slide the finger over the cologne. You don’t have to apply too much pressure on the cologne. Only a couple of strokes are enough.
- Then take the finger and apply to areas, often, called pulse points. The areas include the wrists, behind the ears, and the neck.
Since theses contain moisturizing wax and oils, it is ok to rub any excess on any part of the body such as hair and beard or skin. It usually doesn’t leave any residue or buildup.
How to buy your new favorite men’s solid cologne?
Several factors should be considered when buying a Solid Cologne such as:
Brand
Look for a brand that prides itself on being all natural and organic. Since it is worn directly on the skin, quality is important.
Many of the companies making Solid Colognes are fairly young due to Solid Colognes just resurging in the marketplace, but do the research to ensure quality.
Ingredients
Like stated above, look for natural ingredients (pure beeswax rather than artificial wax) if possible. Three natural ingredients that should always be in any good quality Solid Cologne are beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils.
Scent
Like in most things, men have different preferences when it comes to their smell. Some prefer a woodsy scent, while others prefer fruity hints, and others like sea themed odors. Look for fragrances that relate to the prefered odor and purchase accordingly.
There are a wide variety of products out there, some include manly scents like leather and tobacco. Other scents range to to rosemary and calendula.
Container Size
Remember if this is a purchase made to travel, look for small containers. It is recommended to purchase a product between 0.25 oz and 1.5 oz. If it will be kept predominantly in the pocket, it is best to look for a rectangular container at 0.5 oz or smaller.
Price
This product is normally cheaper that high quality cologne. Most prices range between $12-$90. A good price to pay is around $15-30 per container. Remember, this product does, typical, last a while so don’t be afraid of trying a scent on the higher end of that price point.
Reviews of Top Quality Solid Colognes for Men:
Sir Hare Solid Cologne for Men, Wing Man
Sir Hare claims to work with one philosophy, to provide high quality men’s grooming products and treat customers as if they were family. The company is rather young as it is only three years old. They began with a single shaving product and expanded to a full men’s grooming business.
Their products, now, include Shaving Kits, Safety Razors and Blades, Shaving Oils, Shaving Soap, Shaving Brushes and, of course, Solid Cologne.
All of Sir Hare products can be bought with confidence as they are all backed with a love in or get your money back policy.
The Wing Man Solid Cologne comes in a handy, easily portable, metal tin so it fits in the pocket for an anytime daily refresher. This great solid cologne for men is made in the USA and contains natural ingredients. It contains Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Avocado Oil for added moisture and lingering aroma as well has high quality BeesWax to keep it solid and hold onto the skin. This product does not include Shea Butter like other solid colognes do.
The fragrance is a unique blend of Sandalwood, Bergamot, and Musk that every man will love. As long as you appreciate this type of notes.
This is a product that is bought regularly after the first purchase by most men. The price is fair and the quality is great.
Drifter Men’s Solid Cologne by Ulio & Jack
This company prides itself on experiencing the world and creating products that complement their adventurous lifestyle. The company is named after the founder’s grandfathers. The product is hand poured and personally labeled in Austin, TX.
It comes in a travel friendly, metal tin. It contains enough cologne for several months and is made with quality ingredients. This mixture contains jojoba oil, shea butter, beeswax, and phthalate-free fragrance oil.
Most men like the scent that is rather mild. It is a blend of cardamom and mandarin with hints of sandalwood, clove, and leather undertones. The fragrance is pretty light and some complain about its aroma not lasting long enough. If looking for less smell than most, this is a good option.
Outlaw Soaps, Blazing Saddles Solid Cologne
Outlaw Soaps calls itself a company for adventurous people, by adventurous people. They make products inspired by things they like such as campfire, whiskey, and ill-advised explosions. Their products include things like Fire in the Hole Campfire Soap, Hair of the Dog Whiskey Soap, and even a soap, simply, called Bacon Soap.
It comes in a rounded, still portable, metal tin. It contains beeswax, grape seed, cocoa butter, rosemary seed, and fragrance oil. Along with the cocoa butter, vitamin A and Vitamin E are included so that it feels nice on the skin and keeps it healthy where applied.
The people at Outlaw Soaps call this the “sexiest cologne ever.” While that isn’t a verifiable claim, the scent does have hints of leather, gunpowder, sandalwood, and sagebrush. This is a scent that smells like, one could imagine, a Wild West Legend smells like. Not for the faint of heart.
Some think it smells like old tobacco and and leather. It was described like a broken in baseball glove smell by others. If this appeals to you, try it out.
Duke Cannon Men’s Solid Cologne – Land
When going to the Duke Cannon to find out more about the company and clicking on, “Who is Duke Cannon?” It simply states the man you wish you were. This reiterates the slogan of the company, “it’s time for man to devolve, not evolve.”
They make unapologetically bold products from huge blocks of bar soap to pomade to beard oil. A portion of their proceeds goes to benefit veterans.
This comes in a larger rectangular metal tin. It is a little big for the front pocket but works well in any bag. This product is made in USA with natural and organic ingredients. These ingredients include Sunflower Oil, Beeswax, Sandalwood, Coconut Oil and Orange Essential Oil. It feels nice when applied and soft on the skin.
The scent called the Land scent and has hints of sandalwood, amber, citrus, rosemary, and clove. The scent is said to mirror the classic Bay Rum scent. It smells outdoorsy with heavy clove influence. If you like cloves, try this. And if you ask me, this is one of my favorites and certainly one of the best solid colognes for men I’ve tried so far.
Walton Wood Farm The Adventurer Men’s Solid Cologne
A company that prides itself on being SLS, paraben, and dye free in all of its products. It is also cruelty free. The company is just over three years old. It is a family business that has won multiple awards and considers itself on a mission to grow communities by bringing back jobs.
It contains product lines, cleverly called, Men Don’t Stink, Boys Don’t Stink, and Women Smell Pretty. This product, of course, falls under the “Men Don’t Stink” category.
The product comes in a larger than most 2.5 oz. circular container. It is not intended for pocket use but serves well in a gym bag or suitcase. This product like most is alcohol free. It contains soy wax, shea butter, hemp seed and castor oil. It goes on smoothly and provides decent moisture protection.
This scent should be considered sporty and aquatic. It begins with notes of grapefruit and bergamot. It is followed with green leaf, neroli, and rosemary notes. It finishes out and lingers with a musky, spruce and cedar scent. Still, this is a very mild scent. Some do not smell it like with most solid colognes.
The Adventurer
This company was founded on the concept of ethnobotany which describes a healthy relationship between people and plants. They make products from plant extracts that are sustainably harvested around the world. Most products are preferred by those with the holistic persuasion.
The company originated in New Zealand and Australia and now sources ingredients and ships all over the world.
This top notch solid fragrance for men comes in a round .9 oz. contain that can be used in the pocket or bag. This product is unique as it uses finely ground wood from the Australian Sandal Tree in its composition.
It has, what is called, a “buttery, sexy, long lasting fragrance.” This is largely due to the organic sandalwood essential oil. It smells woodsy, clean and rich. It does have a smell a little more potpourri inspired than other fragrances and could work for a woman as well. When thinking about this product’s scent, think floral sawdust.
Stingray Bay for Men, Bay Rum Solid Fragrance
This is a product made by NZ Fusion Botanicals as well (see above). The Stingray Bay line is specific for Men but follows the same mottos and philosophy of NZ Fusion. It is, of course, all natural and alcohol-free.
It comes in a nice sized metal tin container. It is a little bulking in the pocket but will work in most. It works well for a gym bag. It is made with quality ingredients and if the Bay Rum scent is a scent enjoyed. It hold well to the skin and applies really smoothly. This is a one of the best men’s solid cologne at this price level making it a great value for money option.
This scent has top notes of jasmine, nugget, lemon, and, of course, rum (hence the name). It follows that with the mid notes of floral, lilac, rose, carnation, lavender, cedarwood, and balsam. It ends with patchouli and vanilla. This smell takes one to the Caribbean Islands and leaves there for many hours until it wears off.
The big complain about this is that it loses its solid state quickly and feels a consistency to honey. This is not to be used if it will be left in a hot area for long periods of time.
O Doud’s Natural Solid Cologne – Heritage & Tobacco Rum
The founder of this company started it, in 2014, after being unable to find quality, well-sourced grooming products. Since then, the company has grown and offer products from pomade to solid cologne. It works with the highest quality ingredients possible. They guarantee that every item placed in their products is the best they could find. The products are all paraben and sulfate free.
This comes in a very handy metal, rectangular tin. It is perfect for throwing in any pocket, including tighter jeans. It is handcrafted and moisturizes the skin with Shea Butter and stays solid with Beeswax. It contains vitamin E and great smelling essential oils.
This product comes in two scents…
- Heritage which has deep, crisp notes of citrus with a woodsy odor of sandalwood. It is masculine, with the proper amount of musk, yet refreshing and smooth. It’s accented notes include Sandalwood, Neroli, Vetiver, Bergamot, and Lime
- Tobacco Rum smells exactly like one would think. It is crafted with high quality tobacco absolute. It is rich, dark, sweet, and smoky. It smells so much like rum and a good cigar, one almost tries to drink it
Excalibur Solid Cologne for Men by Taconic Shave
Taconic Shave makes a high end line of natural men’s grooming products. All products are handcrafted in small batches by artisans. They pride themselves on being all natural and creating products with oils and creams that moisturize and work on all skin types, even the most sensitive. All products are made in the USA and they consider themselves the “farm to skin” premier men’s skin care line.
It comes in a unique, convenient stick applicator (think chapstick). It fits well in a pocket or bag. Ingredients in this product include beeswax, coconut oil, mango seed butter, and safflower seed oil. The scent is obtained using natural essential oils.
It is a musky, woodsy fragrance with a fresh and clean undertone. It throws in a touch of sweetness so that the odor is strong, yet approachable. The scent is called masculine, sexy, and adventurous.
For a nice, easy to carry, top men’s solid cologne that smells great and was handcrafted, this is highly recommended.
Otter Wax Spruce Cologne Solid
This is a company from Portland, Oregon that hand makes fabric care, leather care, fragrances, and skin care products. They are environmentally responsible in every aspect of their company down to recyclable packaging.
They don’t use animal fats, fillers, or chemical preservatives in any of their products. It goes without saying, they uses natural, plant-based ingredients and humanely harvested beeswax. They never test products on animals.
This product comes in a circular metal tin. It works in the pocket in a pinch but is well suited for the gym bag or duffel. It contains beeswax, shea butter, virginian cedarwood, and quality essential oils. It feels great on the skin. It last on the skin for quite a while.
The scent can be described as woodsy. It begins with the smell of sandalwood, vetiver, and Douglas Fir. It follows that with bergamot, lime, and valencia orange. The scent develops and evolves through the day as the body heats and changes.
This is a scent a lot of men don’t love. It is described as smelling like pencil shavings with light cigarette smoke. If that is something enjoyed, it is worth trying.
Closing thoughts
Whether you are new to the solid cologne trend or been using for years, this article serves as a reference guide for your future purchase.
The convenience and portable nature of solid cologne has resulted in many new fans and the product options continue to increase. For this reason, find scents and aromas that suit your personal taste and that of people that you are in close contact and branch out from there.
Remember, you don’t have to go through the day smelling unpleasant any longer, there is a small container that fits in the pocket or bag that fixes that. Just a few dabs behind the ears, on the wrist, and/or on the neck can have you going about your day worry free in mere seconds.
