Perfume bottles, with their chiseled glass designs and shiny caps, sure are pretty. But they’re not always practical. (Try squeezing one into a clutch handbag and you’re doomed.) As an alternative — especially if you like taking your fragrance on the road — give solid perfumes a try. With a slew of new ones by makers such as Sonia Kashuk and Stella McCartney, you just might convert to compacts. Q nosed out six and put them to the test.
In Fiore’s Bois d’Ete, $58 at infiore.net.
The compact: Brushed gold case has a mirror inside — bonus!
The fragrance: Scent of grass and blossoms hits as soon as the case is opened. We wanted to leave it open all day to permeate the air.
The verdict: Besides the slightly greasy feel, what’s not to love? Luckily, In Fiore makes six other solid perfumes.
Benefit’s Maybe Baby, $12 at Benefit Boutiques and counters, and benefitcosmetics.com.
The compact: Black circular case is the lightest of the bunch.
The fragrance: The apricot-ginger scent, while pretty, is too subtle to turn heads.
The verdict: Powder formula is unbeatable, but cake it on, because a lot will go a little way.
Philosophy’s Falling In Love, $18 at philosophy.com.
The compact: See-through plastic canister could slip into a purse’s side pocket.
The fragrance: Flowery and innocent-smelling. (He’ll call you “baby doll” instead of “sex kitten.”)
The verdict: We didn’t fall in love; however, the price is right and so is the portability.
Sonia’s Solid Perfume Palette from Sonia Kashuk Beauty in Ginseng Blossom & Tuberose, $29.99 at Target.
The compact: “Ergonomically designed” silver case fits snugly in your palm.
The fragrance: Three separate powders have their own light scent and beg to be mixed. (We clocked time playing chemist to get desired results.)
The verdict: Not a quick fix. Nonetheless, it smells like a winner.
Estee Lauder’s Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, $175 at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
The compact: Golden sliver-of-a-compact is encrusted with semi-precious gemstones.
The fragrance: Strong floral scent (think a garden of lilac, tuberose and gardenia) is long-lasting.
The verdict: At this price, it’s the luxury choice. But if you’re serious about fragrance, it’s worth the investment.
Stella McCartney’s Stella In Two Amber, $44 at Sephora and sephora.com.
The compact: Dusty pink case is tiny (a plus) and heavy (not a plus).
The fragrance: Musky and sexy, it can be layered with Stella In Two Peony, an eau de toilette.
The verdict: Score one for Stella. Now, if only the compact didn’t feel like a load.
