Vanity fare: Ensure you smell gorgeous on the go with a compact of solid perfume

Published on Sunday 27 December 2009 10:46

1 Modern classic Aromatics Elixir £35, Clinique, at Harrods (mail order 0207 730 1234).

This little flower-embossed compact is heavy enough to feel rather expensive, and comes in a cute suede pouch. The product itself softens on contact, so is easy enough to transfer on to pulse points with your fingertips. For those who like modern scents, this one might smell a little too old-fashioned, with its top notes of rose and jasmine. However, the scent lasts longer than most solid perfumes.

2 Floral tribute Noix de Tubreuse solid balm 34, Miller Harris (www.millerharris.com). Made from 100 per cent natural oils, the scent has the intensity of the tuberose flower at its heart, with top notes of mimosa, violet and wild green, and tonka bean, orris and amber at the base. This is a wonderfully exotic fragrance that lasts well, but compared to others featured here, lacks attractive presentation.

3 Chain gang Sensuous solid fragrance pendant 100, Este Lauder (0870 034 2566). A warm, woody aroma with a heart of rich florals, this luxurious scent is housed in a fluted rose gold pendant that can either hang around your neck – making touch-ups easy – or stay in its silky smooth pouch.

4 Bling it on Very Hollywood gem ring 39.15, Michael Kors (0870 034 2566). This is a tiny dollop of solid white gardenia scent encased in a glamorous pink cocktail ring. It all comes packaged in a gorgeous gold box, making this a fabulous gift.

5 Absolutely fabulous Lola solid perfume ring 30, Marc Jacobs (0800 652 7661). The design for this rather gorgeous ring – multi-coloured enamel pieces shaped like a flower – comes straight from the designer's latest perfume bottle. With opening notes of pink peppercorn, pear, ruby red grapefruit, the base notes of vanilla, warm tonka bean and creamy musk create a warm dry-down.

6 A touch of sparkle Ta'if Parfum d'or Naturel 46, Ormonde Jayne (www.ormondejayne.com). Okay, it's not strictly a solid perfume but this luxuriously intoxicating perfumed gel is peppered with gold flecks and infused with top notes of orange flower and a base of amber and vanilla. The gold means this is less a product for the wrists, and perhaps more for a glamorous dusting on the decolletage.

A version of this article first appeared in Scotland on Sunday on December 27