Are solid perfumes actually better than liquid fragrances?

A quiet luxury is slowly making its way into mainstream perfume conversations through solid perfumes. Instead of the airy and explosive experience of spritzing a fragrance, some scent lovers are now embracing the slower and more intentional ritual of applying perfume in wax or balm form throughout the day. While solid perfumes are not exactly new, with brands like Glossier and Diptyque having introduced them years ago, more luxury fragrance houses are now joining the movement. Dior has its solid version of Miss Dior, while South Korean cult favorite Tamburins, China’s luxury fragrance label To Summer, Fenty, and even Victoria’s Secret with its Very Sexy Collection have entered the category. The latter is now available in the Philippines. But portability alone does not explain why solid perfumes are gaining attention again. More importantly, can they actually work in a tropical country like the Philippines? To better understand the growing fascination surrounding solid scents, we spoke with two Filipino perfumers: Renato “RJ” Lopena Jr. of Wren Atelier and Oscar Mejia III of Oscar Mejia Artisan Fragrances. Oscar holds degrees in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering from Ateneo de Manila University, while RJ trained in Grasse, France, widely regarded as the perfume capital of the world. While both perfumers view the category differently, they agree that solid fragrances offer a distinctly different scent experience. The appeal of skin-close scent For Oscar, liquid and solid perfumes are designed for different moments and lifestyles. Liquid fragrances remain the preferred option for occasions where projection and sillage matter most. He explains that sprays are ideal for social gatherings because they help establish identity and presence. Their flexibility also allows users to apply scent on clothes and hair. Solid perfumes, meanwhile, offer a more intimate experience. Since they are applied directly onto the skin, they...