As a beauty expert, I’ve got an ever-evolving roster of products on the go at any one time, from hair oils to skincare. But a good silk pillowcase is a mainstay of my nightly routine that I’ll never go without.

Having laid my head on quite a selection of silk pillowcases, (around 10 within the last year), I’m something of an expert. I’ve seen how soothing to the skin they can be, and how they can help to tackle frizz. There are many options I’d recommend in a heartbeat for anyone looking for an effortless way to upgrade their beauty routine.

However, with prices ranging from around £30 to £100 or more, they’re no small investment, My favourite, from Blissy, is a whopping £81. So, when I saw that Amazon Haul (the low-cost section of Amazon) was offering a silk pillowcase for less than £8, I was, quite honestly, stunned. Costing the same as a budget face wash, I was a little wary of the quality.

But I reminded myself that every so often, a budget product surprises you. Curious to see whether this could be one of those rare exceptions, I put it to the test. From reducing hair breakage to helping minimise sleep creases, I compared its feel, finish and performance to the premium silk pillowcases I've reviewed over the years. I’ve found out whether it really delivers the hair and skin benefits silk is renowned for – or if the rock-bottom price comes with too many compromises.

Read more: The best Amazon Haul deals to have on your radar this week

Read more: Amazon Haul explained – from delivery times to pricing

• Material100% 6A mulberry silk
• Silk weight22 momme
• FasteningZip
• SizeStandard – 50.8cm x 66cm or queen – 50.8cm x 76.2cm
• ColoursCream gold, pearl white, rose pink, silver gray
• Why we love it- Heavyweight, luxurious feel that rivals some of the most expensive pillowcases I've tried
• Perfect fit on standard pillow
• Easy zip closure means no gaping, like with envelope style

• Hair felt less matted upon waking

• Take note- Long delivery, up to 10 days

• Delivery isn't free, even for Prime members

I'll admit it, I was expecting for there to be a catch. At £7.28, Amazon Haul's Bedelite silk pillowcase is priced well below what I'd usually expect to pay for real silk, yet the specifications immediately looked promising (if not outstanding). It's made from 22 momme, 6A-grade mulberry silk. Not only is 6A the highest silk grading available, meaning you’ll benefit from longer, stronger fibres, but the 22-momme weight is thicker and more durable than the 19-momme silk commonly found in many premium pillowcases (including those from Soak & Sleep and John Lewis). It's also Oeko-Tex standard 100 certified, meaning it's been tested for harmful substances. The only compromise on paper is that it's shipped from China, which means you can expect longer delivery times of up to 10 days

My first impressions were excellent. Unlike many budget buys, it arrived beautifully presented in a smart gift box wrapped in tissue paper, which made it feel far more premium than you’d expect for less than a tenner. Out of the box, the fabric felt reassuringly weighty rather than flimsy and, once on my standard pillow, it fitted perfectly with no awkward overhang or overly tight corners. The concealed zip closure also gave it a neater finish than envelope-style designs.

Over three nights in the ongoing UK heatwave, it felt noticeably cooler (from 9.00 pm through 8.00 am) against my skin than a cotton pillowcase and I woke up with fewer tangles and kinks in my hair. While my straightened hair wasn't perfectly poker straight by morning, it looked every bit as smooth as it does after sleeping on my Blissy and Slip pillowcases, and I was happy to leave the house after nothing more than a quick brush.

Three nights isn't long enough to judge its long-term anti-ageing benefits, but I consistently woke up without the sleep creases that often linger after a night on cotton and my eyes felt less irritated, too. Like every silk pillowcase, it does require careful washing and prompt line drying to keep the smooth, glossy finish looking its best, but that's true whether you spend £7 or £80. Aside from the delivery fee and slightly longer wait for it to arrive, I struggled to find any serious difference between this and the luxe silk pillowcases I've relied on for the past 18 months.

I started this test as a sceptic, but I finished it wondering why anyone would spend ten times as much.