What was a gourmand girlie in need of a new wardrobe, accessories, and a hair treatment to do? My day job at the time was Research Ninja (ok, maybe only I called myself that), so I put those skills to use in finding a solution.

Turns out alcohol isn't the only solvent used in scented products; oils and waxes have been used for thousands of years to capture fragrance and release it when warmed. They are naturally hydrating, good for the skin (and hair), and hold fragrance molecules stable for incredibly long periods.

I had come across solid perfume and perfume balms before but not many smelt gourmand. After consulting with the International Fragrance Association, I got a hold of some dessert-inspired ingredients and started experimenting.

A huge revelation awaited! These creations smelt good enough to eat, had no underlying booziness, no cloying sticky sweetness and no over-projection issues. Just a purer, cleaner scent profile and no leaks or spills.

Swipe-on scent is a different wearing experience I really enjoy. You can still apply plenty of product to your hot spots and others will notice it, but the scent is undeniably more intimate. Scent for you, not everyone else. It's also perfect for blending. There's no messy "scent-soup" or one scent cancelling the other out; different scents maintain their integrity and co-mingle well on the skin.