In 1967, Estee Lauder produced her first ‘solid perfume’, Boutique Oval, which back in the day sold for $10. Since then, they’ve come a long way in terms of design and technique but still use traditional hand enamelling and hand applied crystals. 
They’re labour intensive and the current prices reflect that. However, there is a rampant collectible market for these beautiful items: I have a few, but quickly got out-priced on the rarer solids such as the Ivory Series Imperial Foo Dog (now sells for in excess of $350 although in 1974 cost $13.50). Estee Lauder compacts, using the same decorative techniques are also collectables in their own right.
Collaborations with jewellery designer, Jay Strongwater, have sent sales stratospheric with a new collection each Christmas and solids becoming more and more flambouyant and intricate with each passing year. You name it, it’s been immortalised in crystals and gold; stetsuns, easter bonnets, Saks shoppers, coffee cups, cakes (lots of cake), kittens, poodles and pianos! 
A special set exclusively for Harrods is sold every year and the latest one celebrates 50 years since the first Lauder counter opened in the London Store.
Current collections include the Jewelled Lantern (£230) and on the compact side, Jewelled Blossom Lucidity Compact (£85).
Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
4 comments
Great post – I love these – they are bonkers! Who knew that any object in the universe could be replicated as a solid perfume compact?!
They make a great collectors item – I like the look of the pink one!
Brilliant post – these compacts are beautiful!
We’ve just posted a list of our favourite fragrances for spring. If only they were small enough to fit in our handbags!
http://www.handbag.com/beauty/Spring-Summer-Designer-Fragrances-2010/gallery
I just finished my new book and it is at the printer.
I wanted to let you all know that there is now a new book for Estee Lauder solid perfume collectors. It has information on every single solid perfume made by EL from 2002 to now. I picked up where the book by Roslyn Gerson left off. I have gathered all the information that I could find available on these solid perfumes and put it in one easy to use book.
My book will be ready to ship by May 8th 2016! I’m so excited.
Here’s the chance to get one of the first run copies. I will not be selling it in book stores but it is available on Ebay, Etsy and by direct order from me ([email protected]). Cost is $39.95 plus shipping.
I also have a powder compact book coming in a few weeks. It will have every EL powder from 1963 to now plus Katherine Baumann powder compacts.