I was insanely excited about my final Superdrug prize – my Summer Insider Handbook promised a health and beauty goody bag, which was more than a little fabulous don’t you think?

And here’s what I got…

Now, I use all these big brand names but I have never used these particular products before. I like these companies’ products but would I like this lot?

Only one way to find out…

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo and Conditioner Travel sizes

Familiar only with the conditioning mask from this range, I was intrigued by these little tester bottles, and I’m a sucker for trial sizes as it leaves more room in my suitcase for shoes. Anyway, these were meant to leave my dry and damaged hair soft and smooth, and they actually did. Gone was the need for Frizz Ease before styling, and I could just use a Toni & Guy Heat Protector to get the sleek, polished look I was after. They smelt great – not too chemically – but the only thing that I didn’t like about them was the packaging. They looked like Pantene imposters, which was a real shame as the actual Aussie packaging is more Aveda-styled bottles.

Dove Supreme Cream Oil Body Wash in Luscious Velvet and a Bath Puff!

I’m a big fan of Dove deodorant and body moisturizers, but I have never bought shower cream from this brand before. The label describes a blend of rich cream and luscious softening oil that will leave every inch of my skin supreme – like velvet.

That’s quite a promise!

Anyway, I have to admit the smell was gorgeous – quite intoxicating in the shower and best of all, I could smell it on my skin afterwards. I have quite dry skin normally, but this definitely helped my skin feel and stay supple throughout the day. It was also fabulously bubbly and created a great lather on my new bath puff. I love bath puffs and use them all the time, although my current on is on its last legs and is almost unraveled, so this one came at a great time. It was also smaller than the one I usually have, which made exfoliating knees and elbows and whole lot easier.

RESULT!

Max Factor Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow in Coffee

Now, I must confess, I don’t own any make-up by Max Factor. It’s not that I don’t like it, I just don’t get drawn to it when I am wandering through shops feeling a make-up splurge coming on.

Anyway, Benefit have recently brought out some crease-free cream eye-shadow and I love it so this was what Max Factor Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow had to compete with. And it didn’t quite cut it for me – it wasn’t as easy to blend or layer and I seemed to rub it off more than smudge it.

Think I’d rather wait until payday and head to Benefit to be honest.

So, whodunit? Which brand has stolen my loyalty away from what I usually use?

Dove

While there wasn’t really anything wrong with Aussie, I was disappointed with the Pantene-style bottles because for me it’s such a different brand from Pantene – it’s an original brand and this is not original packaging.

Dove however – no complaints at all. This is sitting proudly in my shower and my usual Imperial Leather wash is banished to the cupboard for emergencies…