FAQ???
🌿 Wildfolk & Whimsy Solid Perfume FAQ
For the curious, the nostalgic, and the everyday romantics. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about our handcrafted solid perfumes—made with intention, layered with meaning, and blended in the heart of Appalachia.
What is solid perfume?
Solid perfume is a fragrant balm made from natural waxes and oils—designed to be worn close to the skin. At Wildfolk & Whimsy, our solids are blended at parfum extrait strength (up to 35%) and made to order in our North Carolina studio in the heart of Appalachia. It's a scent ritual for the soul—quiet, intimate, and beautiful.
What is the point of solid perfume?
Solid perfumes are for those who crave something more personal than a perfume cloud. They’re alcohol-free, travel-ready, and skin-loving. For us, they’re also about ritual, memory, and story—a little moment to pause, apply, and connect with your senses.
How do I apply solid perfume?
Use clean fingertips to dab a small amount onto your pulse points—wrists, neck, behind the ears, inner elbows. These warm areas help the scent bloom softly throughout the day. You can also apply to your hair ends or clothing edges. Want it to last longer? Start with a layer of our Tallow Balm—it acts as a natural fixative and softens the skin beneath.
How long does solid perfume last?
Our solid perfumes typically offer 8–12 hours of intimate wear. Deep, resinous and spicy scents tend to linger longest, while delicate florals fade a bit faster. Solid perfumes wear close to the body—they’re meant to be noticed by you and those lucky enough to be close.
How do you make solid perfume last longer?
• Apply to moisturized skin
• Use our Tallow Balm as a base to hold the fragrance longer
• Target warm pulse points
• Layer with a matching perfume spray or oil
What are the disadvantages of solid perfume?
• Solid perfumes have less projection (sillage) than sprays—perfect for intimate wear, but not for those who want to “announce” their scent
• They’re not refillable, although they come in low plastic, reusable packaging
• The scent may fade slightly faster than alcohol-based perfumes, especially lighter florals
• Shelf life peaks around 18 months, though many last for years (Aurelia still has her Avon lady granny’s vintage collection from the ’70s!)
What makes Wildfolk & Whimsy solid perfumes different?
• Parfum extrait strength (up to 35% fragrance)
• Made to order in small batches in our Appalachian studio
• Skin-nourishing base of coconut oil, beeswax, almond oil, and avocado oil
• Reusable packaging with old-world charm
• Optional layering with our Tallow Balm and the coordinating spray or oil.
• Inspired by Applalachia, folklore, memory, and the poetry of scent
• Created by hand with intention and a little wild-hearted whimsy
Can I travel with solid perfume?
Yes! Our solid perfumes are TSA-compliant, spill-proof, and beautifully compact—ready to tuck into your pocket, purse, or suitcase. They’re made to go where you go.
Can I layer solid perfume with spray or oil perfumes?
Absolutely. In fact, we encourage it. Our solid perfumes layer beautifully with our matching extrait sprays and perfume oils. You can even apply tallow underneath to help extend the wear and hold the top notes longer.
Is solid perfume good for sensitive skin?
Yes. Our alcohol-free formula is especially gentle and includes skin-nourishing ingredients. If you’re extremely sensitive to fragrance, we recommend patch testing first—but many of our customers with sensitivities find our solids to be a lovely fit.
How should I store my solid perfume?
Store your solid perfume in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat. These balms are happiest in stable temps. Expect a shelf life of 18 months at peak, but they often last years longer. They will melt in a hot car. Treat them like you would lip balm.
Is your packaging refillable?
No, our solid perfumes are not refillable—but they are low plastic and designed to be reused or repurposed. We’ve seen customers use their empty tins and jars for hair pins, earrings, tiny keepsakes, and even herbs.
Is solid perfume eco-friendly?
Yes. We use low-waste practices and offer everything in reusable packaging. Our small-batch process means less waste, less overproduction, and more care in every item.
What is the best solid perfume?
We believe it’s Wildfolk & Whimsy.
Each one is made intentionally, with deep respect for scent as a lived experience. Our perfumes are personal, rich in story, and handcrafted right here in Appalachia. We don’t chase trends—we make perfume for the poetic soul. Whether you love soft florals, smoky woods, or something nostalgic you can’t quite name, there’s a scent here that’ll feel like home.
Can I use Wildfolk & Whimsy solid perfume every day?
Absolutely. These aren’t perfumes to “save” for a special occasion. They’re meant to live with you—to be worn on ordinary days that deserve a little beauty. Whether you're making sourdough, rocking a baby, writing a poem, or going to the farmer’s market... wear the scent. Make the memory.
Is this your artwork on all of your perfumes?
I’ve been an artist and (retired) graphic designer for nearly 25 years, so my workflow blends deep experience with modern tools. I create my pieces digitally—painting in Photoshop, sketching in Procreate, and sometimes incorporating elements generated in Midjourney. But everything is reworked by hand, layered, and brought to life through my own process. These are my works—crafted with intention, and fully my own.
🕯💐 Wildcrafted Perfume 101: A Gentle Guide to Artisan Fragrance 🌼🌙
Wildfolk & Whimsy Edition
For the scent lovers who want something real. Something rare. Something with a soul.
First, a little something from the heart…
When you buy artisan perfume, you’re not padding the profits of a faceless company—you’re helping a real person keep the lights on. You’re supporting a small family in a tiny North Carolina studio where everything is made by hand, one batch at a time.
Every time you purchase a solid perfume, a little bottle of oil, or one of our “itty bitty” samples, you’re helping pay for groceries, homeschool supplies, and your perfumer’s daughter’s dance lessons. You’re saying yes to small business, slow living, and meaningful work.
We make perfume because we love it. Because scent tells stories and carries memory. Because we believe there’s beauty in the handmade, the heartfelt, and the humble.
Thank you for being part of it.
Now, here’s everything you might want to know about indie and artisan perfume, Wildfolk-style.
What is artisan perfume?
Artisan perfume is made slowly, by hand, and with intention. It’s usually created by an independent perfumer or a small studio (like ours) in limited batches. There are no mass production lines, no boardrooms—just passion, craft, and a whole lot of care.
At Wildfolk & Whimsy, every scent is made to order in our Appalachian studio by artist and aromatherapis, Aurelia Corvinus. She creates each scent and all of the artwork you see on the packaging. Each one is a story in scent, crafted with natural ingredients, deep concentration, and just the right amount of creative magic.
How is indie perfume different from designer or mainstream perfume?
Indie perfume isn’t trying to be for everyone—and that’s the beauty of it.
It’s made outside of the big fragrance industry, often using rare or unconventional ingredients, and designed to be worn close and loved deeply.
Designer perfumes tend to follow trends and appeal to the masses. Artisan perfumes are made to be remembered—not just smelled, but felt.
Why choose handcrafted perfume?
Because it’s more than just a scent—it’s a soulprint.
When you wear handcrafted perfume, you’re wearing something made with intention and care. You’re choosing a scent that wasn’t tested on a marketing panel, but dreamed up in a quiet moment. You’re choosing slowness over speed, depth over drama, and something real over something flashy.
Are artisan perfumes more expensive?
They can be—but with good reason.
You're paying for small-batch production, premium ingredients, creative artistry, and personal attention to detail—not for ads, packaging gimmicks, or celebrity endorsements.
At Wildfolk & Whimsy, we price fairly so that you get rich, long-lasting scent without inflated markups. We believe beauty should feel accessible and meaningful.
How do I find the right artisan perfume for me?
It’s a personal journey.
Your perfect scent might not jump out at you—it might unfold slowly over a few days of wearing and wondering. That’s why we offer itty bitty sample sizes—small but mighty, and perfect for testing before you commit. They’re great for layering, too.
Pay attention to what stirs something in you. What feels like home on your skin. What lingers in your memory hours later.
We use mostly natural, skin-loving ingredients, but also a few luxury-grade professional accords when a note (like espresso) doesn’t exist in nature. Each blend is made with care—and a little wild whimsy.
Do artisan perfumes last as long as mainstream ones?
They sure can—especially ours.
At Wildfolk & Whimsy, we blend our solids and sprays at parfum extrait strength, which is the highest concentration of fragrance. Our scents typically last 8–12 hours, especially when layered with our tallow balm, which acts as a natural fixative and moisturizer.
Are artisan perfumes natural?
Many are—and we do our best. We use a high percentage of natural ingredients, especially in our bases, but we’re also not afraid to use a stunning professional man-made fragrance oil or accord when the story calls for it. Some scents simply don’t exist in essential oil form—so we work with trusted perfumery materials to bring the vision to life, safely and beautifully. We are always phthalates, paraben, sulfate and BHT free.
Can I layer artisan perfumes?
Absolutely—and it’s one of the best things about them.
You can layer our solid perfumes with matching oils or sprays, or even mix across scent families to create your own signature blend. Start with a balm base (like our Tallow Balm), layer a solid, and finish with a spritz for extra depth.
How should I store artisan perfume?
Keep it cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
Our perfumes are happiest away from heat—tucked in a drawer, cabinet, or perfume tray. Stored properly, they’ll hold up beautifully for years.
Is Wildfolk & Whimsy an artisan perfumery?
Yes. In every sense of the word.
We’re a tiny kitchen studio in Yadkinville, NC nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, making perfume the old-fashioned way: by hand, in small batches, with slow intention and plenty of heart. Each perfume is made to order. Each scent tells a story. Each package is touched by real hands and real gratitude with a lovely handwritten little love note thanking for your business.
🐄✨ All About Beef Tallow Skincare: Old-School Nourishment for Modern Skin 💛🌿
1. Is beef tallow actually good for your skin?
Yes—and not just “good,” but deeply restorative. Tallow is rich in skin-identical lipids and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it incredibly bioavailable. Our Whipped Tallow Balm is hand-rendered from grass-finished, pasture-raised cows on a family farm in Alleghany County, NC, then whipped with antioxidant-rich oils like rosehip, grapeseed, and olive-derived squalane to nourish even the most sensitive skin.
2. What are the disadvantages of tallow for skin?
While tallow is wonderfully compatible with most skin types, some may find it too rich without proper formulation. That’s why we blend ours with fast-absorbing grapeseed oil, balancing jojoba, and lightweight olive-derived squalane for a breathable, non-greasy finish. The main disadvantage? If it's poorly rendered or low-quality, it can feel heavy or smell off. Ours is whipped clean and light with just a whisper of frankincense.
3. Why did people stop using beef tallow?
Old-school skin wisdom fell out of favor with the rise of synthetic skincare in the mid-20th century. Big beauty sold us shelf-stable creams full of petroleum and preservatives. But many are returning to traditional care—simple, time-tested, and real. Whipped Tallow Balm is part of that return. Back to handmade. Back to skin you can recognize.
4. Is tallow better than coconut oil for skin?
For many, yes. While coconut oil is light and antibacterial, it’s notorious for clogging pores—especially on the face. Tallow, on the other hand, mirrors our skin’s natural sebum and soaks in beautifully without causing breakouts. Our balm is even gentler, thanks to jojoba and squalane oils that bring balance and clarity.
5. Why do dermatologists not like beef tallow?
Tallow isn’t taught in most conventional skincare paths—it exists outside the clinical lab and inside the kitchen of tradition. While it’s not mainstream, it’s time-honored. We let the results speak for themselves: soft, soothed skin, happy customers, and real, visible nourishment.
6. Is beef tallow pore clogging?
Our formulation is designed to not clog pores. Tallow itself is considered non-comedogenic when clean and balanced. We add squalane (a lightweight hydrator) and grapeseed oil (a fast-absorbing antioxidant) to support a breathable finish. Always patch test, but most skin types—including acne-prone—fall in love fast.
7. Can I use beef tallow on my face every day?
Yes. Our balm was specifically created to be gentle and breathable enough for daily facial use. Use a tiny amount on damp skin—especially after cleansing or showering—and let it melt in. Rosehip oil supports tone, frankincense calms the skin, and the texture is whipped just light enough to feel like a dream.
8. Is beef tallow safe for babies or sensitive skin?
Many people reach for our balm when they want something simple and skin-loving, especially for the most delicate skin.
For the littlest ones, we’re happy to make an unscented version by request—just email us: aurelia@wildfolkandwhimsy.com. Zinc oxide can also be added if you like. As with any new skincare product, we always recommend a patch test, especially on sensitive or baby skin.
9. What’s the difference between suet and tallow?
Suet is raw fat, usually from around the kidneys. Tallow is what you get after it’s rendered—melted down, filtered, and purified. We do this by hand in small batches, the old-fashioned way. The result is a clean, creamy balm that your skin can recognize.
10. Does beef tallow have a smell?
Ours is whisper-soft. Thanks to slow, traditional rendering and blending with jojoba, rosehip, and frankincense, you’ll get only the faintest natural scent—earthy, light, and almost undetectable. No fragrance, no funk.
11. Is beef tallow anti-aging?
Tallow supports long-term skin health and resilience. The vitamins and fatty acids help improve elasticity, soften fine lines, and reduce dryness. We added rosehip oil (a natural source of retinoic acid) for extra support in brightening, evening tone, and smoothing texture.
12. Is tallow good for acne-prone skin?
Tallow doesn’t clog pores the way heavy oils or synthetic creams can. With added grapeseed (high in linoleic acid) and balancing jojoba, our Whipped Tallow Balm helps soothe and restore while keeping things breathable.
13. Can I use tallow balm as lip balm?
Totally. It melts right in, softens dry lips, and sticks around longer than most chapsticks. Many of our customers dab a bit on lips, elbows, knuckles, and even split ends.
14. Is tallow good for eczema and psoriasis?
Many folks with chronic skin concerns find tallow soothing and supportive. It calms irritation, deeply moisturizes, and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. Our gentle blend was designed with these sensitive moments in mind.
15. Does tallow go rancid?
Eventually—but when rendered well and stored properly, it lasts 12 months or longer. Our jars are preservative-free but include ingredients like jojoba and squalane to help stabilize the blend. Just keep it cool, dark, and tightly sealed.
16. Is beef tallow ethical or sustainable?
Yes, especially when sourced mindfully. Our tallow comes from local, 100% grass-finished, pasture-raised cows raised on a family farm. It’s a byproduct of meat processing—so using it gives new life to something that would otherwise be wasted. It’s full-circle skincare at its best.
17. What skin types benefit most from tallow?
Dry, sensitive, mature, and reactive skin types tend to love it most. If you’re oily, start slow and stick with lighter layers. Our whipped formula is meant to feel airy, not heavy.
18. How do I apply beef tallow balm?
Always apply to damp skin—that’s the secret. After washing or misting your face, take a small amount (a dab goes far), warm it between your fingers, and press into the skin. It melts like butter and absorbs beautifully.
19. Can I mix tallow with other ingredients or products?
You can—but you might not need to. Our balm already includes a thoughtful mix of nutrient-rich plant oils. That said, it pairs beautifully with hydrosols, facial oils, or balms in your routine.
20. Does tallow help with scars or stretch marks?
The vitamins and fatty acids in tallow support healthy skin regeneration, while rosehip oil (a hero in scar care) helps brighten and smooth with regular use. Massage gently over time for best results.
🫙 Sizes for Every Need
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♥️ 9oz Jar – Best for full-body use or families. Long-lasting and cost-effective.
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💛 4oz Jar – Perfect daily balm for face, hands, and body.
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🧡 1oz Itty Bitty – Pocket-size for travel or first-time tries.
Crafted in small batches in Yadkinville, NC.
Hand-rendered, hand-whipped, and always held with love.
Got questions? Just holler: aurelia@wildfolkandwhimsy.com
Handcrafted in Appalachia. Held with love and shared by grace