Value for money

Tissues

Kleenex Balsam €1

When Pricewatch was a lad, noses were blown with toilet paper that had the texture of gravel and painful Rudolph-red noses were guaranteed at the first sign of a sniffle. Times have changed and we’re all about the balsam now. And it doesn’t get much balsamier than Kleenex, which is one company synonymous with its products. These mini Balsam tissues do not disappoint, particularly at this price – they are on offer in Tesco and won’t return to their full price of €1.69 until later this month. Each tissue is thick, durable and will not tear easily, which makes them great for a good weepy movie or a man-flu.

Verdict: Top quality

Star rating: ****

Tesco Luxury Soft Satin Tissues €1.59

Luxury? Soft? Satin? What’s not to love about that? Sadly, these do not do exactly what they say on the tin. They are soft but we’re not sure what makes them luxurious and they are definitely not satin. Anyway, they are soft and that’s a good thing, right? No, as it happens. These are too soft and tear easily and we really need a sturdier tissue, one which won’t disintegrate at the first sign of a sneeze. Maybe we were spoiled by scented tissues, but these smelled a little like cardboard. Grand for a sniffle but we wonder if they would stand up to a full-blown cold.

Verdict: Soft but weak

Star rating: **

Mr Men Printed Tissues €1.99

Hankies with Mr Men on them? Amazing. Yes, Pricewatch is five again and has fallen in love with a packet of tissues. This six-pack includes two packs of Mr Messy, two of Mr Happy and two of Mr Sneeze for serious blow-outs. Tissues do not come any cuter. You may ask why any tissues should be commended for being cute? Well, you clearly have never tried to get a five-year-old to blow their nose. They may not be as durable as other brands – and they are expensive – but they do tick the softness box.

Verdict: Ah would ya look!

Star rating: ***

Boots Ultra Balm Pocket Tissues €2.49

We’re impressed with Boots’ homage to the Kleenex Balsam tissue and while one man’s homage may be another’s thievery, we don’t think it appropriate to accuse Boots of such carry-on. It is appropriate to give out about the price, which when compared to its closest rival, is ridiculous. Each packet contains hankies which are soft and imbued with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. They are so similar to the hankies from Kleenex that we struggled to tell the two brands apart (except for the price). When it comes to texture, they might not be as soft as their rival (if we were being very picky).

Verdict: Awful dear

Star rating: **

Lotus Olbas Pocket Tissues 6-pack €2.19

Lotus has teamed up with the makers of Olbas to develop these tissues that release vapours when you crush them in your hand. The makers apparently captured the oil in tiny little capsules and sprayed them on to the tissue. They recommend that you breathe in the natural vapours to clear your head. Again it brings Pricewatch back to our childhood and days of Olbas oil on our pillow every time we had a blocked nose. It’s an eye-watering memory but one that did unblock our young nose. And while these may seem gimmicky they do work and clear a stuffed nose. Just don’t rub your eyes with them as they can really sting.

Verdict: A breath of fresh Olbas

Star rating: ****