Most users are accustomed to splash and spray when it comes to cologne. Moisture particles fly everywhere, adding haphazard though pleasant fragrances to your wardrobes. Unfortunately, liquid colognes rarely survive travel adventures. If you have trips coming up but still want to smell your best, cut the mess and half the fuss with the best solid cologne for travel.
If you’re looking for a strong scent with a no-mess application, try the Duke Cannon Supply Co. Solid Cologne Balm, Bourbon for your next trip.
One of the best ways to boost your aromatic confidence is with quality cologne. However, liquid cologne doesn’t travel well on airplanes with strict restrictions or road trips with continual bumps and bounces. If you don’t want to end up with your expensive cologne confiscated by the TSA or spilled all over your suitcase interior, solid cologne is your solution. Delivering fragrance with waxy bases — typically from oils, beeswax or even shea butter — solid cologne eliminates fragile glass containers and sticky sprays. Not only is solid cologne easier for travel, but since the packaging is simple, it tends to be more eco-friendly.
While a quality solid cologne offers plenty of benefits — especially for frequent travelers — they do have some drawbacks. One of the main downsides is they don’t last as long as typical spray cologne. You can expect a solid cologne to keep its fragrance for two to four hours. This is more effective (and affordable) than your average aftershave and not a problem as long as you remember to top off a couple of times throughout the day.
The market for solid colognes is growing but not currently overwhelming. That means you may not have as wide of options as you’re accustomed to with your spray cologne. Your favorite spray scent may not be available in solid form. Check with your favorite company to see if it offers solid fragrances.
Solid cologne tends to be small and lightweight. This helps increase their portability since you don’t have a bulky bottle or spray top with a pump. They’re easy to throw in a gym bag, carry-on or even a pocket to use throughout the day. You won’t need to worry about glass breaking or liquids spilling.
It’s easy to go overboard on fragrance when you’re using a bottle with a spray pump. Solid cologne helps you apply your scents precisely. It’s easy to apply without being overpowering.
Any product that irritates your skin isn’t worth using, no matter how good it smells. Many aftershaves are high in alcohol while spray colognes are mostly made of fragrance materials. Both of these ingredients can be drying or irritating to the skin. Solid colognes don’t contain alcohol and are made with naturally moisturizing components. Shea butter and essential oils are common ingredients in solid cologne, making them far gentler on most skin types.
There’s no need to take out a cumbersome bottle and spray yourself in the middle of the day. Simply rubon a tiny bit of solid cologne without drawing unnecessary attention.
On the cheaper side, you can get solid cologne for $10-$25. Some of the best, highest-quality solid colognes are $30-$60.
A. Solid cologne is easy to use. Simply open the container and rub your fingers lightly over the surface a couple of times. When you have a satisfactory amount of fragrance on your fingertips, apply it where desired — usually the wrists, neck or bends of the elbows.
A. Solid colognes tend to have a fragrance that lasts two to four hours. If you want a more lasting scent, apply your cologne more than once throughout the day.
Duke Cannon Supply Co. Solid Cologne Balm, Bourbon
What you need to know: A tiny tin case makes this solid cologne perfect for travelers.
What you’ll love: If you enjoy woodsy, warm smells, this solid cologne will quickly become your favorite. As a bonus, this U.S. company donates a portion of its proceeds to U.S. veterans and never tests its products on animals.
What you should consider: Some users were disappointed with the scent of this cologne, finding it a little too woodsy.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Cremo Bergamot & Musk Travel-Friendly Solid Cologne
What you need to know: If you’re on the hunt for a small, travel-friendly solid cologne that’s affordable and easy to use, look no farther than this.
What you’ll love: Enjoy a citrus blend of pleasant fragrances mixed with an amber musk finish. This small solid cologne case fits in your pocket or a carry-on bag.
What you should consider: Some users were not impressed with the scent, while others claim the case is so small that it’s easy to lose.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Walton Wood Farm Solid Cologne, The Musician
What you need to know: If you’re a fan of vanilla scents with musky accents, then this handmade solid cologne is your top choice.
What you’ll love: Dye-free, cruelty-free and paraben-free, you can use this solid cologne with a calm conscience. It has a natural base and freshness.
What you should consider: A few users complained that the scent of this solid cologne is too faint for their preference.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Abbey Ryan writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
