I find that NOTHING worked when I used to ride my horse in the woods. I would spray bug spray all over my body AND over my riding pants and would still get bit. Just accepted it would happen. Then of course...I never tried the match head thing.
I have had pretty good success with Repel Lemon Eucalyptus spray--it's plant-based and doesn't contain any DEET. I read an article in Backpacker magazine that rated bug repellents and this one was pretty high on the list for effectiveness; that's where I found out about it and decided to try it. It is pretty pungent-smelling though not a bad smell (think wicked strong citronella) so that might be an issue for you since you said you didn't want something too smelly.
2011 Surly LHT
1995 Trek 830
If I ate matches and then had a hot flash, wouldn't I combust?