Vaseline is a real household name; astonishingly, it's been around for over 140 years. It wasn't until quite recently, though, that the brand became more than just petroleum jelly, which was used by families for the healing of cuts and burns, and for dry skin. In 1970, Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion was launched, and it was so successful that the range was expanded to include hand creams, face washes, body washes and deodorants, among other things.

With such an auspicious background, one would be forgiven for thinking that all their products would be effective and reliable, if a bit bland. They come across as your trusty walking boots - hard working day to day products - not your high heels, that you love because they make you feel tall and pretty.

Unfortunately, I didn't quite find this to be the case with my Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Fresh Anti-Perspirant Deodorant (phew!). It comes in two sizes, 150ml and 250ml - unsurprisingly, it usually works out better value to but the bigger one. Usually they're around £1.80 for the small size and £2.60 for the larger size, but I picked it up quite cheaply in Morrisons - 2 x 250ml for £3.50.

The packaging is fairly recognisable as the Vaseline brands: the base colour is white, with details in dark blue. There's also a little green leaf motif to demonstrate the 'aloe fresh' aspect of the product.

When you first spray it, the smell is honestly quite unpleasant. It's very chemically and gives a real kick at the back of the throat if you breathe too much of it - I assume that is the alcohol at work! I know that this is the case with most deodorants, but I've moved on to a Dove deodorant now which is much more pleasant, and I don't remember ever having one that smelt so strong before. The smell is not especially masculine or feminine, so although there is a dedicated 'for men' version of this product, I would imagine most guys wouldn't mind using this if theirs ran out.

I don't find that I get too much in the way of white marks on my clothes with this, which is good. Some deodorants are terrible for that but as long as you keep your distance from your armpits as you're spraying you can put plenty on and you won't have to worry. It also dries quite quickly as well, so you're not doing the birdie dance round the room before you can put your top on! The product claims to look after your underarms, even containing aloe vera which I assume is designed to soothe them. There's no stinging or pain when I use this, and the skin itself has remained in good condition - although I don't think it's any better than with any deodorant I've used.

I find that this product lasts well enough through a working day - when I'm sat in the air-conditioned office and not moving about too much. But unfortunately it just doesn't seem to be able to cope with anything more strenuous than that. If it's a particularly hot day, or crowded on the bus, or I have to run somewhere, or I have to climb more than 3 flights of stairs, then I so start to feel slightly damp underneath my armpits. [WARNING: gross discussion about sweat is about to commence!] I don't really notice any smell but I do get really paranoid about it! My husband insists that I smell fine when I make him take a sniff (under great duress) but the last thing you want during a busy day at work is to be stressed out about whether you smell okay! Also, the wet feeling under my arms is a bit unpleasant. And to clarify, I'm not in general a sweaty person at all. It's a shame that this huge, well-known, experienced brand just doesn't deliver on performance.

Unfortunately this product is a PMDL. It Promises Much, but Delivers far too Little.

Recommended if you: don't mind being a sweaty betty.

Not recommended if you: like to feel fresh and worry free all day!