Sol de Janeiro's Jelly Perfume Balms: A New Twist on Solid Fragrances
Solid perfumes are currently dominating the beauty scene, with social media feeds and Google searches showing a significant surge in interest for swipe-on fragrance sticks. In response to this trend, Sol de Janeiro, a leader in the scent category, has introduced its inaugural Jelly Perfume Balms, available exclusively at Boots from today. These balms mark the brand's entry into the solid fragrance market, offering a unique alternative to traditional sprays.
Three Beloved Scents in a Translucent Format
The Jelly Perfume Balms launch in three of Sol de Janeiro's most popular Cheirosa fragrances: 62, a blend of pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla; 68, featuring Brazilian jasmine and pink dragon fruit with a fresh twist; and 40, a deeper mix of black amber plum, jasmine blooms, and vanilla woods. Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing layering routines, these balms are ideal for fans of the brand's creams and mists.
Each balm boasts a translucent, non-sticky texture that glides smoothly onto the skin. The compact, alcohol-free stick promises up to 1,000 swipes and up to 10 hours of scent, making it a travel-friendly option. Priced at £25 per unit, they are notably more affordable than competitors like Glossier's You Solid Perfume, which retails for £35 and helped popularise the swipe-on trend.
Performance and Longevity: A Detailed Review
After extensive testing over several weeks, the Jelly Perfume Balms prove excellent for on-the-go touch-ups. The stick format allows for discreet reapplication during commutes or daily activities, and its liquid-free composition makes it perfect for travel, gym bags, or avoiding liquid restrictions on flights. Application involves swiping directly onto pulse points, resulting in a clear, immediate scent payoff that feels slightly softer and creamier than the brand's body sprays, with less of a chemical edge.
However, longevity presents a challenge. While Sol de Janeiro claims up to 10 hours of fragrance, on skin, the scent tends to sit closer to the body and fade more quickly than traditional sprays. This means it may not project as strongly or linger as long, necessitating reapplication throughout the day. For those viewing it as a supplementary product rather than a primary fragrance, this might not be a deal-breaker, but it's an important consideration for consumers.
Value and Practicality: Weighing the Pros and Cons
At £25, the Jelly Perfume Balms are priced £1 higher than Sol de Janeiro's 90ml body sprays, which can make the value proposition feel slightly less compelling. Despite this, they serve as a chic, portable fragrance companion for specific situations. Below is a summary of their advantages and drawbacks:
- Pros:
- Travel-friendly and handbag-sized design
- No liquids, ideal for flights and gym bags
- Creamier, softer scent compared to body sprays
- Easy and discreet reapplication
- Strong initial scent payoff
- Cons:
- Does not project or last as long as traditional perfume
- Requires reapplication throughout the day
- Pricier than the brand's 90ml body and hair mists
In conclusion, Sol de Janeiro's Jelly Perfume Balms offer a convenient and pleasant fragrance option for on-the-go use, but they are unlikely to replace traditional perfume bottles entirely. Their performance and value depend on individual needs, particularly for those prioritising portability over longevity.
