Andrex Washlets

RRP: from £1 for 42 wipes

--What does the promo say?--

"These moist toilet tissues can be used for all manner of tasks from removing make-up to changing nappies and may even substitute normal toilet tissue. Each pack contains cotton fresh 42 sheets, which are skin pH neutral and dermatologically tested. Also, since they re biodegradable tese washlets can be flushed away after use."

--Packaging--

The blue and white colour scheme is appropriate for bathroom use and fits in well with the Andrex brand in general. While I don't really see the point of the display tub (as surely the plastic shield constantly being open on the main pack would cause the wipes to dry out more quickly?), I think the lightweight basic pack is great for bathroom display or for travel purposes.

--Usage instructions--

Just lift up the plastic shield and remove a wipe, closing the pack afterwards to prevent wipes from drying out. As the promotional material states, you can use it for all manner of purposes including makeup removal, general face and body cleaning, and as a substitute for normal toilet tissue. Use the wipe as you deem fit and then throw it away - either in a bin or by flushing it. All very simple, practical and hygienic.

--Appearance--

The wipes are white, and while a slight 'sheen' can be detected, they certainly don't leave any visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Clean and fresh-smelling without seeming artificial, although annoyingly I can't work out what the scent is due to ('Parfum' in the ingredients list tells us nothing, Andrex!).

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, soft and non-irritating to use, even when you're substituting them for regular toilet paper. Even though they are wet wipes, I didn't find the idea of using the wipes in this way as some of the users in the Dawn Porter/Andrex promotional videos, as I have used similar products before (such as these Avon ones, which are similarly priced). The wipes leave a fresh and clean feeling during and after use.

--Effects on the body--

I found these to be great especially during my period - at the time when you're feeling at your messiest and gunkiest, they're excellent in helping you to feel normal! However, I can see how they could help people freshen up in a variety of other situations, from camping to long aeroplane flights, and sleepovers to working days. Equally, while I haven't yet used them as a makeup remover or for general cleanup (even though I am possibly the world champion of hand-to-mouth coordination failure when it comes to eating food), I would consider using them for this.

--Value for money--

There are lots of promotional offers on at the moment, with some retailers selling them for £1, and others selling them at the full price of £1.95 but on a buy-one-get-one-free scheme. You get a lot more wipes for your money than many Andrex competitors, the wipes are definitely effective, and I love that they're multi-purpose. While they're perhaps a little pricey to make a permanent substitute for toilet tissue (not to mention that my husband refused to use them; I reckon they're definitely more of a girl thing), I'll definitely be taking them on our trip to New York later this month (because aeroplane toilets are generally disgusting) and keeping them on standby for the time of the month. A fantastic buy that should be in every girl's handbag and on display in every bathroom. In fact, I reckon they could even bring out shower washes (as Avon has done) to extend even further into the beauty market, tallying perfectly with this reach into everyday hygiene.

perfect partners

On The Go Coreless Roll (55 sheets), £1.05

On The Go Antibacterial Spray, £1.99

Kleenex Cotton Touch Facial Cloths

RRP: £1.99 for 30

--What does the promo say?--

"These gentle, cotton sheets are not only larger but softer, and are designed to be more effective at cleansing than cotton wool due to their quilted texture and natural fibres. They are soft and strong when wet or dry, so you can use them not only while applying cleanser and toner, but also while removing facemasks and even nail varnish."

--Packaging--

Not as robust as the packaging used for the wipes and blotting sheets: this cardboard box was falling apart by the time it reached me in France (although to be fair, I suspect that this was La Poste's fault, and not Kleenex's). Nonetheless, the setup seems both handy (with openings on various sides for easy access) and attractive (with the same masquerade mask theme being used here as on other products).

--Usage--

As mentioned in the promotional material, this is a very multi-functional product. I used them to remove makeup by soaking them in my usual makeup remover, and my husband and I both used them to apply toner after cleansing. However, the notion of being able to use them to remove cleansers, face masks and nail varnish is equally believable.

--Appearance--

Each cloth looks like a very thick standard white tissue that's folded over a couple of times. In short, it's not quite a tissue, flannel or wipe, but something in between. 

--Scent--

None...it is basically a tissue, after all.

--Texture and consistency--

Soft, thick and luxurious; not at all irritating. They hold liquids well without absorbing them so quickly that they're gone before you're able to get them to your face. In short, perfect for the purpose.

--Effects on the skin--

The cloths perform multiple tasks without irritating skin in the least. However, they are passive facilitators rather than active agents, so don't have an effect on the skin per se in the way that the wipes in the same range do.

--Value for money--

May seem initially expensive, but are so soft, strong and large that they can be used not only for loads of things but also over a day or two if you desire (use one side for toner in the morning and evening, then the other edge for makeup removal at night for instance). So even though you only get 30 in a pack, you could easily make it last more than 30 days. Would definitely consider buying again.

perfect partners

Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes, £2.99 for 24

Sensitive Eye Makeup Removal Wipes, £2.99 for 24

Shine Absorbing Sheets, £2.99 for 50