Triple Dry Nourish

RRP: £6.45

--What does the promo say?--
"The new formula offers advanced protection against heavy sweating with the added benefits of Jojoba oil to nourish the skin, making this the perfect solution for those who want to care for their under arms, but still benefit from added protection. The new, high performing, anti-perspirant is clinically proven to work around the clock, keeping you sweat-free for up to 72 hours and working with your body to provide extra protection when you need it most.

The secret to its performance is in its unique blend of three active ingredients, giving you peace of mind so that whatever life throws at you, perspiration isn’t an issue.

• -Jojoba oil nourishes skin
• -Skin is left feeling soft and smooth
• -Clinically proven 72 hour wetness protection
• -The first ever anti-perspirant roll-on tube for better application."

--Packaging--

The grey and yellow packaging manages to be both cheerful and unisex, and the tube is practical too, as is the rollerball mechanism.

--Application--

Apply at night before going to bed before washing as normal in the morning. There is no need to reapply after showering, swimming or sports. There is nothing tricky about this, even if it involves a small alteration in your daily hygiene routine.

--Appearance--

The deodorant glides on invisibly and crucially leaves no white marks on clothes.

--Texture and consistency--

The smooth liquid dries powder-light, with no resulting stickiness.

--Effects on the skin--

As well as deodorising effectively, and reducing the amount of perspiration, it perhaps most importantly does not irritate underarm skin - which some 48 hour+ deodorants can be wont to do as they are so strong.

--Value for money--

This is priced in keeping with other 48h deodorants, being in the same bracket as high street brands Driclor and Mitchum, as well as some more luxury or pharmacy brands such as Neal's Yard and Vichy. Triple Dry's effective results and moisturising qualities mean that even though I was sent this for free, I would spend my own cash on it too.

Native Unearthed Natural Crystal Deodorant

RRP: £6.49
# of varieties available: 4 (mangosteen, aloe, curcuma and natural)

--What does the promo say?--
"How do our Crystal Deodorants prevent odour?- By leaving an invisible layer of natural minerals on your underarms which works around the clock to prevent the build up of odour causing bacteria. Better still, whilst preventing odour, our natural deodorants don’t clog pores like normal deodorants. Instead, our deodorants still allow your body to continue it’s normal course of eliminating toxins from the body whilst providing round the clock protection. Choose Native, Choose confidence."

--Packaging--
The pinky-purple packaging of the mangosteen deodorant that I was kindly sent gives the product a delicate feel as well as perfectly reflecting the colour of the mangosteen fruit itself. It capitalises mainly on strong lettering and a modern, edgy spiral design that simultaneously seems to reflect the idea of plants growing abundantly, making it seem new and different to other deodorants on the market. The twist-up mechanism is of course familiar to users due to its usage in existing mass-market products, and the clear lid shows you exactly how the product looks before buying.

--Usage--
Run the crystal under some water before rubbing it underneath your dry underarms. No need to rinse off. Wait until it dries (no more time than your usual deodorant) before getting dressed.

--Appearance--
The crystal itself is a pale off-coral, pinkish colour, although the other varieties reflect their ingredients with their respective colours (green for aloe, yellow for curcuma and white for natural). When applied wet under your arms, it goes on invisibly and this does not change when the deodorant dries. Bonus: no white marks on clothing, either!

--Scent--
Surprisingly, none. This, along with the invisible appearance, can make you question whether or not it is really working! But stick with it :-)

--Texture and consistency--
Goes on smooth and wet and dries smooth too, with no graininess resulting once the deodorant dries.

--Effects on the skin--
No irritation, and it works as effectively as, if not more so than, high street deodorants. Great work!

--Value for money--
At £6.49, this is clearly more expensive than high street deodorants (similarly-priced deodorants can be purchased from brands such as Davidoff, Christina Aguilera and Pierre Cardin). However, it competes well with the natural deodorant market, with deodorants by Weleda, lavera and Green People all retailing similarly. I was also sceptical initially as I had tested another natural deodorant in the past, to poor results. However, with this I was pleasantly surprised: not only does it work very well, and leave no white marks on clothing, but there isn't the wastage that you would get with a spray (or even some roll-ons, where you seem to get more on your clothes than your body). Would definitely recommend :-)

Sure 0% Aluminium Soft & Gentle Deodorant

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay fresh and confident all day with Soft & Gentle aluminium-free anti-perspirant deodorant. Scientifically developed with natural plant extracts, our unique complex provides effective sweat and odour protection whilst allowing your skin the freedom to breathe. Suitable for all skin, including very sensitive, and all the family."

--Packaging--
The pastel colours are pleasing and despite not having a separate lid, the spray mechanism is both secure and easy to use. 

--Application--
Hold a safe distance away, in a well-ventilated area, when spraying onto the underarm. Pretty easy really.

--Appearance--
Unlike most deodorants, no white marks! WIN.

--Scent--
Quite powdery, but truthfully, despite the three different scents available, any variations proved indistinguishable.

--Texture and consistency--
Not thick or grainy, but sprays invisibly onto skin, blending in immediately.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to have a gentle and moisturising effect, but does not deodorise for as long during the day as stronger deodorants (such as my tried and tested favourites, Driclor and Mitchum). I accept, however, that as a hyperhydrosis sufferer I will have a more difficult job than most in terms of finding something that I can truly rely upon. Nonetheless, the inclusion of sage and horsetail in the ingredients fits well with Soft & Gentle's promotion of seven steps to a healthy, natural lifestyle - #sgsteps - which consists of not only advising further use of more natural products, but also exercise, healthy eating, motivation, positive mental attitude, and conscious breathing.

--Value for money--
I was sent my deodorants for free, but £2.99 is worth it to me for the lack of white marks alone (and Superdrug has it on offer already, so you can even end up paying less). It's also very competitive with current market prices, so even if you switch from your current brand to give this a try, chances are you have nothing to lose. 

Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.39

--What does the promo say?--
"Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant Roll On gives 24 hour protection without leaving any white marks on a remarkable 100 colours of clothing.  It contains 0% alcohol so is gentle on skin whilst being an effective deodorant."

--Packaging--
The roll-on that I was sent by Dove's PR is tiny - a real tapered bullet that's perfect for hand baggage! The silvery screw-on plastic lid adds a touch of sophistication, too.

--Application--
Just roll under your arms after showering or bathing. Easy peasy.

--Appearance--
I was a little worried as it visibly rolls on white. However, it quickly dries clear, and, as promised, leaves no white marks on a variety of clothing colours.

--Scent--
Cotton-like and fresh.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and dries quickly.

--Effects on the skin--
Does not irritate and provides effective anti-perspirant protection - and all without white marks on clothing or body.

--Value for money--
Even though some will prefer natural deodorants (an increasing trend these days), there are plenty of people who just want something that will do the job fast without staining their clothes. With this, you can stay dry and fresh all day for under £3, and without having to scrub off white marks either. Thanks, Dove.

Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant comes in a variety of formats - spray, stick and roll-on - and sizes (40ml to 250ml).

Nivea Pearl and Beauty Spray

RRP: from £2.29

--What does the promo say?--
"NIVEA Pearl & Beauty Deodorant – for beautiful, smooth underarms. Together with NIVEA’s 48-hour protection against underarm wetness and odour, its caring formula with precious pearl extracts leaves underarms feeling soft and looking beautiful. It’s the perfect combination of NIVEA‘s mild care and reliable protection."

--Packaging--
Mine is actually in a tiny mini format (so would have cost less than £2.29 too), so it's great to have all these different size options depending on your needs. There's also no lid to worry about losing: instead, you twist the deodorant open and closed to reveal or hide the spray hole respectively. The pink and navy colour scheme is pleasant, moving it just that little bit away from the usual cliché.

--Usage--
Once you are clean and dry after your bath or shower, just spray onto your underarms, holding the aerosol of course at a safe distance from your mouth and nose. I tend to open the bathroom door as well when using sprays, just for better ventilation (though I guess whether you want to do this depends on how sensitive your fire alarm is!).

--Scent--
Powdery and soapy. Not too floral or chemical.

--Appearance--
No white marks on clothes or skin. Yay!!

--Effects on the skin--
It's mid-June and yet skin was kept dry and smell-free all day. Admittedly, it wasn't terribly hot today, and it was a quiet day at work too (a day of invigilation is hardly comparable to tearing around the classroom checking student work or supervising interactive quizzes). Nonetheless, a solid performance.

--Value for money--
Despite my usual general contempt for these (suspiciously?) cheap high street brands, I probably would buy this again for its sheer efficacy. The baby travel sizes are also great ideas for stocking fillers (thanks, Mum!).

perfect partners
Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes, £4 for 40
Cashmere Moments Shower Cream, £1.89 

Sure Compressed Deodorant

RRP: £2

--What does the promo say?--
"Sure Compressed with motionsense™ system delivers long lasting protection in a little can. Use Sure Compressed just like your normal 150ml Sure aerosol and it will last just as long. 48-hour protection against sweat with a light fresh fragrance. We’ve re-engineered the spray system, thus reducing the amount of gas needed to deliver the same level of antiperspirant ingredient with each spray. This allows us to deliver as much protection as a 150ml with a smaller pack. Alcohol free and dermatologically tested."

--Packaging--
As mentioned above, it's like a normal spray can, but dinkier. Perfect for keeping in your handbag or for travelling light.

--Application--
Just spray onto clean dry skin. Happily doesn't pack the same punch as the Dove compressed deodorant with each spray, so doesn't give you that choking feeling.

--Appearance--
Unfortunately leaves more white marks than the Dove one, so be careful before getting dressed.

--Scent--
The version I was sent (Cotton Ultra Dry) is clean and refreshing without being floral, chemical or cloying. Great for giving you the get-go to just get on with your day.

--Effects on the skin--
Deodorises very effectively: I'd quite easily believe that this one would stick out the 48 hours promised. It also doesn't irritate the skin.

--Value for money--
I don't normally like sprays, and it's a shame about the white marks. But due to the dinky packaging, dinky price tag, and effective deodorisation, I'd definitely buy this in future.

Dove Original Compressed Deodorant

RRP: £2.89

--What does the promo say?--
"New Dove compressed with ¼ moisturisers and Vitamins E. Effective protection plus care in a little can. Use Dove compressed just like your normal 150ml Dove aerosol and it will last just as long. Dove compressed leaves underarms visibly soft and smooth and feels gentle on your skin. Alcohol free and dermatologically tested. 48 hour antiperspirant protection."

--Packaging--
These are really dinky, making for perfect beauty packing, and have a great ergonomic design. The blue and green colour scheme also makes for a really fresh feel.

--Application--
Now, for some reason this deodorant comes out of the can with quite some force, even when you only apply normal pressure. So make sure you have a door and/or window open when you apply as I found that the atmosphere in the room became quite suffocating.

--Appearance--
No white marks. This seems to be something that deodorant manufacturers are getting better at all the time, which is great.

--Scent--
Clean and fresh. Nothing to write home about really.

--Effects on the skin--
As I mentioned in my Vaseline deodorant review, I'm not going to subject the claims about softness and smoothness to extensive testing - who needs that? However, it's non-irritating in my experience, and I like the fact that it contains vitamin E. It didn't keep my underarms dry and destinkified for as long as the Vaseline deodorant though, and as such, while I'd be willing to test Vaseline's 48-hour claim more thoroughly, I'd feel less confident about trying this with Dove's compressed deodorant.

--Value for money--
Most deodorant manufacturers jack up the price as soon as they're within smelling distance of a 48-hour claim, and this seems to have happened a little bit here, but it doesn't seem to fleece the consumer as much as some products I've seen. The slightly higher price tag is arguably justifiable as many people who want to travel light will be willing to pay for the privilege of being able to pack a 'smaller' deodorant when off on their travels. However, I wouldn't buy this once my free aerosol from Dove has run out - it just didn't keep me dry for as long as I would like.

Vaseline Derma Beauty 48h Antiperspirant Deodorant

 RRP: £1.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Beautiful underarms with New Vaseline Derma Beauty. Contains ProDerma, a skin caring complex that can help protect the underarm skin. Keeps you dry and fresh all day long with a soft, light fragrance. Alcohol free, non sting formula and dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
There's perhaps a bit too much pink on here for non-girly girls, but nevertheless the white, navy and pink colour scheme of this aerosol can provides a pleasant balance. The Vaseline logo is instantly recognisable and information is clear without overloading the user. No problems with the spray or lid.

--Application--
After washing, spray onto clean dry underarms. Easy as.

--Appearance--
This leaves no white residue on underarms or clothes - unusual for any deodorant.

--Scent--
Smells clean and fresh without being clinical or chemical. Reminiscent of cotton.

--Effects on the skin--
This does as promised: while perhaps not a priority for most users, this leaves underarms feeling soft and smooth (although who goes around stroking their own - or other people's - underarms I'll never know). More importantly, it is non-irritating and leaves underarms feeling dry while warding off body odour effectively, even on real scorchers of weekends like this one. I'm not sure how far it would stand up to 48 hours between sprays, but it definitely will see you through the day and into the evening, which is what most people want, I think.

--Value for money--
Most manufacturers see a 48-hour claim as an excuse to jack up the price of a deodorant. This is the first one I've seen that's priced under £2, with most 48-hour deodorants being double this retail price. This works really well for all budgets and situations, whether you're trying to pack light for an overnight stay at a friend's place, or trying to get through the British summer free of wet patches. Would recommend. 

Dove Maximum Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Cream

RRP: £5.10

available in 3 varieties: Original Clean, Cucumber and Green Tea, and Lemon and Verbena

--What does the promo say?--

"Dove Maximum Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Cream Original gives you the maximum protection ever from Dove.  The strength you need combined with the beauty and care you expect from Dove:

• Provides scientifically proven protection against wetness
• Delivers all-day freshness through odour-fighting technology
• Cares for your skin with Dove 1/4 moisturising cream
• Features a significant fragrance to leave you feeling clean, fresh and beautiful.

The ultimate combination of protection and beauty for women seeking maximum wetness protection, whilst caring for thier underarm skin."

--Packaging--

For the original version (which I was sent by Dove along with the Cucumber and Green Tea version) the box is blue and white, with a couple of silver details (the drop around the "1/4" in "1/4 moisturising cream", as well as the Dove logo itself) and a blue and white band across the box which also gives the impression of sparkles. The dispenser itself is also mainly white with a few blue details. The opaque white plastic lid pulls off easily but closes securely and the click-wheel mechanism is easy to use.

--Application--

Dove suggests applying this to underarms before going to bed so that the technology used in the deodorant cream can be activated during the night, although it can also be applied in the morning, of course. Both methods work fine, with the recommended 2 clicks of the wheel being sufficient for each underarm.

--Appearance--

The white cream leaves no visible residue on skin or clothes. Result.

--Scent--

Original Clean delivers exactly that: a unisex scent that smells of freshly-washed laundry.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and absorbs easily. The days of sticky roll-ons and powdery sprays are gone!

--Efficacy--

Works extremely well across the 48 hours stated (discovered when I forgot to apply deodorant one morning because I was too excited about going to Disneyland. Erm...yay?) and all in the heatwave-style temperatures we're experiencing at the moment, as well as in the throes of copious sightseeing. Yay :)

--Value for money--

Once you hit the £5+ mark you really need to work hard to convince people to purchase your deodorant (my usual choice, Mitchum, is only just over half this and is frequently on special offer too). There's no question that Dove's deodorant works very well and that its price point is in line with other deodorants conforming to similar standards and values. However, I do admit to feeling a little flummoxed: this product is basically exactly the same as Sure's Maximum Protection deodorant, which I also tested recently. The design of the dispenser is the same, the boxes are extremely similar, the product itself seems to be made to a similar (if not identical) formula, and even the wording on the boxes has basically been copied and pasted between the two products. This is perhaps unsurprising, since both products are made by Unilever, but I do wonder why Unilever has not tried a little harder to differentiate between the two products. Are the general public really this stupid? I'd like to hope not. In this case, then, I'd recommend you buy Dove's - but only really because it's 20p cheaper than its Sure counterpart. Both are equally effective, and your money goes to the same guys anyway.

PitROK Crystal Roll-On Deodorant for Women

RRP: £4/50ml

--What does the promo say?--

"A Sensitive Skin deodorant based on pure natural mineral salts. PitRok For Women provides day-long protection without causing irritation. The PitRok crystal is a natural bacteriostatic agent – so it stops the bacteria that cause underarm odour from growing. Formulated with Aloe Vera, Grapefruit seed extract and our natural crystal it leaves your skin feeling fresh and revitalised. Like all PitRok Deodorants it includes only the ingredients needed to do the job. Nothing more. Dermatologically tested. Free from Aluminium Chlorohydrate or Aluminium Zirconium. Free from Parabens, SLS/SLES, Propylene Glycol, Silicone. Does NOT block pores. Not tested on animals by or on behalf of PitROK. Contains no animal derived ingredients. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans."

--Packaging--

The white and gold colour scheme and vintage swirls make this product seem glamorous, new, and different, allowing it to stand out on the shelves among the greens and blues that are so common in the deodorant market. The lid twists off easily when you want to use it and closes securely afterwards. At 50ml it's also suitable for travel, although the flip side of this is that the roller ball is perhaps a bit small.

--Usage instructions--

The PitROK website instructs that "it is essential that PitROK is applied to freshly cleaned skin, therefore always use immediately after your bath or shower.  Apply to underarms or feet.  Dries in about a minute." No quibble here - it's quick-drying and easy to use (although I've only tried it on my underarms, not on my feet).

--Appearance--

A clear liquid that leaves no white marks on skin or clothes.

--Scent--

A bit too muskily and heavily perfumed for me; there's a possibility that it could interfere with other perfume you're wearing and I prefer a cleaner, fresher smell in my deodorants in general. Others, however, may feel that this offers an all-in-one possibility, protecting from bad odours while acting as a perfume in its own right, meaning there is no need to add extra perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Rolls on over skin smoothly, sinks in and dries quickly and easily, and does not irritate in any way.

--Efficacy--

Unfortunately I didn't find this worked well on me; I preferred the Sure and Dove deodorants that I've also been sent recently in terms of keeping me BO-free. Strangely, I didn't experience much wetness with this product but I did feel that it just wasn't as effective at keeping me odour-free - but then again I do suffer with hyperhydrosis, so others may find they have a different experience.

--Value for money--

 Prices can vary for this one, because at present it's much easier to get hold of online than in physical stores (chains such as Boots, Superdrug, Waitrose and Lloydspharmacy mainly stock the spray - see below for more info). You can therefore expect to pay between £3.42 (One Click Pharmacy) and £4.99 (Goodness Direct) for this product. Either way, do I think it's worth it? While I like the concept and packaging, sadly this just didn't really work for me. I look forward to using the wipes that PitROK's PR also sent me to see if they work out any better.

perfect partners

Natural Deodorant Spray, £4.05/100ml

Deodorant Spray for Men, between £3.44 and £5.91/100ml (depending on where you shop!)

Natural Deodorant Stick, £6.59 for 100g

Organic Cotton Deodorant Wipes, between £3.34 and £4.18 for 20 (depending on where you shop!)

Dove Natural Touch Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.19

--What does the promo say?--

"Dove Natural Touch Dead Sea Minerals Roll-On 50ml is a anti-perspirant, anti-transpirant deodorant that gives up to 48 hours protection. Our only formulation with Dead Sea Minerals that helps keep your underarms moisturised, odour free and dry all day. 0% alcohol and with dead sea minerals renowned for natural skin moisturisation."

--Packaging--

While the whites and pastels used for this roll-on package are fairly endemic in the deodorant market, the Dead Sea minerals image and silver dove help it to stand out more on the shelf. The package is able to stand alone next to the sink or wherever you want to keep it, with the roller ball pointing down so that gravity helps the deodorant along, keeping the ball constantly lubricated (no constantly running the ball over your skin just to get a tiny amount of deodorant out!). The only criticism with this is that at times excess liquid can gather at the edges of the ball, so just be sure to wipe under your arms with the excess first.

--Application--

Roll over clean dry skin and allow to dry for a few minutes before getting dressed.

--Appearance--

A white translucent gel-cream which dries invisibly on skin. I did experience a couple of white marks on clothes while dressing (boo hiss) but I suspect I was not patient enough.

--Scent--

Clean, fresh - but funnily enough, not too salty.

--Texture and consistency--

Absorbs quickly into skin and is creamy yet light. The liquid keeps cool well and so is refreshing too. No irritation was experienced during use of this product.

--Efficacy--

I experienced a little more wetness with this deodorant than I did with Sure's newest deodorant (tested in March).  However, this was not too serious or visible (just slightly uncomfortable!) and it still seemed to prevent body odour effectively in spite of this, which is more important for me. So the claim that this deodorant "keeps you dry all day" perhaps doesn't stand up fully - but then again I have suffered from hyperhydrosis all my life, so I'm always going to be a tougher nut to crack and I'm sure most people won't have this issue. Underarms did feel moisturised though and as mentioned body odour is definitely prevented.

--Value for money--

This is over 50% less money than the Sure deodorant tested, so I am perhaps a little more predisposed towards it in this regard. One roller ball seems to last a long time, and the deodorant is mostly effective, so I would definitely consider purchasing from the brand again - even if as a hyperhydrosis sufferer I went for one of their heavier-duty lines, such as their Maximum Protection range (including their new and equally appealing Go Fresh scents).

perfect partner

Dove Anti-Perspirant Natural Touch Spray, from £2.49 

Sure Maximum Protection

RRP: £5.30 for 45ml

available in 3 varieties: Clean Fresh, Confidence, and Sensitive

--What does the promo say?--

"Sure Maximum Protection is an advanced formula specifically designed to provide scientifically proven wetness protection for women who need the very best. It is formulated with TRIsolid, innovative body responsive technology which contains three important components:

1) The maximum wetness protection ever from Sure.
2) Encapsulated odour-fighting technology.
3) Skin moisturising ingredient.

Why apply Sure Maximum Protection at night?
Research shows that body temperature is not constant throughout the day, rising during the day and cooling at night. Under normal conditions body temperature varies from a night-time low of 36.5°C to midday high of 37.2°C. The rate we sweat is affected by these temperature variations. At night while the body is at rest sweat glands are least active and skin is more receptive to Sure Maximum Protection. This gives the formula time to work and build a strong level of protection for the day ahead. The deodorant cream has a clean fresh scent and 48 hour wetness protection.  Anyone who does not want to be held back by perspiration will benefit from Sure Maximum Protection Cream."

--Packaging--

The boxes all have the same design in slightly different colours: razor-like sliver designs cut through the white box in blue, pink and purple respectively, while the info on the box tells you about the product concisely (although a little more information on the TRIsolid complex they are using would be nice). The dispenser itself is ergonomically designed and the click wheel is easy to use and control. The area from which the cream is dispensed consists of holes in a plastic surface, which is fairly standard for cream deodorants. The lid stays on and keeps the surface of the cream dispenser clean.

--Application--

With two clicks of the wheel you're ready to roll: before you go to sleep, run the dispenser over clean dry underarms. Rub with the end of the dispenser until fully absorbed. When you wake in the morning, shower as normal; there's no need to reapply the deodorant. While this entails a slight change in routine, it's not too tricky to get used to.

--Appearance--

A white cream that leaves no visible residue on clothes in the way that roll-ons and sprays can.

--Scent--
A very clean, fresh smell that's not too overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy without being greasy or sticky; absorbs quickly into the skin.

--Efficacy--

Works well in a number of different situations and environments, including hotter as well as cooler temperatures (which is great for this heatwave that we've been having lately) and situations in which you feel stressed or nervous (it certainly didn't let me down during an interview I had yesterday). The only claim that doesn't stand up is the 48-hour one: after I'd passed the 24-hour mark I felt distinctly wetter under the arms (although happily no smellier! Every cloud...!).

--Value for money--

I haven't had to buy deodorant for some time as a bottle of my usual choice, Mitchum, lasts aeons. So when the price of £5.30 popped up, it initially seemed expensive, but then I wondered if I was just out of touch. To be honest, a quick perusal of Google Shopping seems to confirm my first instinct: the only other high street deodorants in this price range all seem to be boosting the RRP on the basis of a 48-hour claim (Dove is doing this, for example, and so is Nivea). Other deodorants at this price point seem to be higher-end brands or even organic brands (such as Vichy, Weleda and Dr Organic). I would therefore suggest that Sure are being a bit risky with their pricing and may wish to lower it a little to attract a few more customers. It is an excellent product nonetheless, however, and I will certainly continue to use it.

--Other comments--

The lovely people at Sure sent me the Confidence version and the Sensitive version of the deodorant. All of the comments above apply to both variants.

Dove Hair Minimising Deodorant

RRP: £2.99
# of scents available: 3 (Silk Lily [exclusively at Tesco's], Wild Rose, Nature Fresh)

--What does the promo say?--
"Dove HairMinimising is a brand new range of antiperspirant products which gradually minimise the look and feel of underarm hair. They also care for delicate skin with Dove ¼ moisturising cream and provide the 24-hour antiperspirant protection women expect from Dove. Each Dove HairMinimising antiperspirant is designed to leave underarms looking and feeling smoother and hair-free for longer. Plus hair re-growth will feel softer, finer and may be easier to remove as a result."

--Packaging--
A very pleasing pale metallised pink colour (I reviewed the Wild Rose variant), and while the package does look a bit phallic (sorry, but it does!), it is easy to use and looks good in the bathroom too. The whole look is very understated and modern.
However, all it tells you is that the 'ProEpil complex' will help to thin and then minimise the hair, without any explanation as to what is in this complex or how it works (even the FAQs on the Dove Hair Minimising Deodorant microsite don't answer this).

--Application--
In the case of the roll-on, hold 15cm from the underarm and spray. I don't really like how it seems to leave a good amount of white dust around the place as the deodorant dries, but I've never really been a fan of spray deodorants anyway and since this also comes in a roll-on I'm prepared to forgive Dove for this.

--Scent--
Definitely correlates with what's advertised, and is certainly a very pleasant, not overbearing smell. Not frumpy; feminine, clean, and refreshing.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Smooth and moisturised, as you would expect from Dove. No problems here.

--Does it stop perspiration and body odour?--
While there are no unpleasant smells, as soon as this deodorant is even shown something resembling heat (say, 15°C) you'll be left wriggling at the damp patches that quickly appear under your arms. As a hyperhydrosis sufferer I knew I wasn't exactly a normal case and so passed a can of this onto my normal sister as a control subject. Sadly there was the same result (and we don't even use the same deodorant normally - I'm a Mitchum girl while she's a Palmolive customer).

--Does it do what it says it will, & ultimately retard hair growth?--
My sister and I have both been using this for over a month, and have seen little or no difference (for the record, she's olive-skinned with light brown hair, and I'm pale and blonde, but with darker body hair). However, as my sister correctly points out, women in Western cultures are so obsessed by the appearance of body hair that they will go for a shave or a wax as soon as almost *anything* is visible, so even if this deodorant does thin the underarm hair, that probably won't make much of a difference to the way women perceive it, particularly if like me they already have quite dark body hair to begin with.

--Value for money--
My usual deodorant is already quite expensive at £2.79 for a 100ml roll-on (which rises by almost 50p if you go for the trendy solid version). My sister's choice of Palmolive is cheaper than both Dove and Mitchum, at £2.65 for 250ml or £1.89 for 150ml, which indicates that £2.99 is perhaps a little steep for something that's not hugely effective. Perhaps try it once for the gimmick (and there's even a discount coupon here for you), and then go back to your normal deodorant. It is certainly an interesting product which, if Dove can develop it further and be a little more transparent about the science of it all, might be something to keep an eye on and see about again in the future if it improves.

Mitchum Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

RRP: £2.49-£2.79, depending on scent and whether it's a roll-on or a spray

--Packaging--
Dark green packaging with the name of the product in white writing. Quite unisex packaging - they do make different products for women and men, but the packaging is quite similar for both.

--What does the promo say?--
"So Effective You Could Even Skip A Day™.
ANTI-BACTERIAL PROTECTION.
Clinically proven to provide 48-hour protection. Quick-drying, Non-stinging, even after shaving."

--Application--
Unscrew the lid and roll the ball of the deodorant onto your armpits after washing. Leave to dry for a few minutes before dressing.

--Scent--
Depends on the one you buy, but I find that all of the Mitchum range has a nice fresh scent that's neither inoffensive nor overpowering.

--Does it leave white marks?--
Only if you don't leave it to dry properly before dressing.

--Does it sting?--
No, not even after shaving (unless you cut yourself, of course).

--Does it work?--
It's without a doubt the most effective off-the-shelf deodorant I've ever tried, hence why I'm reviewing it here, even though it's not really a beauty product per se. I suffer from hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating) so finding an effective deodorant was always slightly problematic, but I find that even one application per day stops you from smelling a bit nasty, and you're not having to reapply it throughout the day like with some deodorants.

--Value for money--
Truly excellent. One of these lasts quite a while and at less than £3, it's a steal. Perfect for hot sunny days (and any other day!).