What's On reporter Alexandra Bullard writes: "Who needs to buy Molton Brown when you have this?"

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We’re no stranger to the effects of the ongoing and ever prevalent cost-of-living crisis, and as Christmas looms ever closer, buying expensive presents may be out of the question for some. In a bid to help my own financial struggles, I've been on the hunt to find cheap and cheerful beauty products that are substantially less pricey then their expensive counterparts.

One of the most highly-rated supermarkets that have been packing a mountain of dupes is Aldi. Unsurprisingly, these products sell out the fastest online so I always make the effort to go in store and buy them before they're gone.

Last week, I paid a visit to my local supermarket and saw a host of dupes on their shelves. One that caught my eye were a range of soaps that look distinctly similar to Molton Brown.

READ MORE: 'I tried all the Primark Charlotte Tilbury dupes and saved over £180 on makeup products'

Aldi's Lacura Rhubarb & Rose Luxurious Hand Wash 500ml is only priced £1.07, and the bottles were pretty huge. Meanwhile, Molton Brown sells an identical soap with the same scent for a whopping £22.

You can't go wrong with a giant tub of soap, so I immediately chucked it into my basket. It was time to find out if there were any disadvantages to this low-priced dupe with remarkably familiar branding.

First impressions: smell. Taking the bottle to my nose, the aroma was so strong I felt like I had been smacked in the face with a rhubarb stem. Hints of fresh rose also tickled my nose which was a nice, fizzy touch.

When it actually came to it's primary function, the soap did what any soap does: it lathered. One pump of the hand wash and my palms were drowning in irresistible bubbles.

I really didn't need to use much as a little goes a long way. It immediately created a gorgeous creamy foam and whenever I closed my eyes I felt like I was in a rose garden.

My hands felt soft, hydrated - and the best bit - they smelt amazing. I felt so relaxed and fragrant - and most definitely pampered. Who needs to buy Molton Brown when you have this?

I will most certainly be looking forward to using this during every trip to the bathroom. What's more, the soap is also going to last me ages so I feel very at ease that I know I am getting my money's worth.

If only I had discovered Aldi dupes earlier in my life, because I have now saved myself £20 that I know I can spend on my utility bills. Aldi, you do it every time.

To buy the hand wash from Aldi, click here.

Have a story you think we should cover? Email whatson@mylondon.news and alexandra.bullard@reachplc.com

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