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. 

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.

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.