The Blog
From Caroline Hirons’ expert advice, product reviews, myth-busting honesty and original blog posts, find all you need to know in one curated archive.
Welcome to the archive: Caroline Hirons’ unique library of original blog content, product deep dives, expert recommendations and science-first facts. Sharing her unique perspectives and extensive expertise on products, brands and the fundamentals of skincare, this is your destination for honest, educational content from The Most Powerful Woman in Beauty.
Caroline Hirons, Founder and Qualified Skincare Expert
Cheat Sheet - Where should I spend most of my money in my routine?
Shop the full Skin Rocks Range Shop now The answer is always, always serums. The rise of serums has definitely, in my opinion, bumped moisturisers off of the top spot...
01/02/2015
The Month in Skincare - January
I can't believe January is at an end already! Those of you that aren't on Instagram will be unaware that I've been keeping a daily record of the products I'm...
31/01/2015
FAQs - Alcohol
After yesterday's post, alcohol was the most-requested topic in the comments... As you would expect, there are mixed views throughout the industry (and it may well be clear as mud...
30/01/2015
FAQs - Parabens
source I am asked almost on a daily basis for my views on parabens. I am met with outrage by some commenters who are mortified that I am recommending something...
29/01/2015
Sunday Riley Good Genes
*This review refers to the Good Genes Lactic Acid, not the Glycolic. What is it? 'A brightening, multitasking, radiance treatment and mask.' 'Naturally brightens and improves radiance, texture and circulation.'...
28/01/2015
First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser
What is it? 'A complete facial cleanser that removes makeup and impurities as it nourishes and conditions skin, lashes, and brows.' Ergo: a milky/emulsifying cleanser for everything. What's in it?...
27/01/2015
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask
After yesterday's (and last week's) video, this latest product from The Body Shop's Nutriganics range was among the most-requested for a follow-up review. I thought I would do this first...
26/01/2015
What's New this month?
Hi Everyone! Back in the land of the living albeit looking roughhhhh. It's a long one - but if you are borderline/full-on obsessive about all things beauty you may make...
25/01/2015
FAQs - Exfoliating
How do I know if I'm over-exfoliating? Proper exfoliation leaves the skin refreshed, invigorated, smooth and soft. The aim is a radiant, glowing skin. Not blistered, red, dehydrated and sore...
24/01/2015
Migraines 2015
Me, once the worst was over... Big throbbing veins either side of forehead still evident So this week was FUN. I say 'FUN', I mean 'STAB ME IN THE HEAD...
23/01/2015
Choice Books - Business: The Glitter Plan
I read as many books as possible from people who have started their own businesses - even if one of them is married to John Taylor from Duran Duran. How...
22/01/2015
FAQs continued...teen years
Firstly, thank you to the teacher that tweeted me to point out hat it was FAQs, not FAQ's. Doofus alert. :) And thank you lovely readers for your response. Some...
21/01/2015
FAQs
As the blog nears the end of it's 5th year - a lot of lovely new readers *waves* are joining the ranks and I am now regularly being asked a...
20/01/2015
Empties January 2015
Ah relief! I can finally throw the empties I've been collecting the last couple of months in a big bin and crack on with everything else... There's some old favourites...
18/01/2015
The Body Shop Nutriganics Softening Cleansing Gel
How I missed this sitting on the shelf of The Body Shop until recently I do not know. It's right up my alley. What is it? 'Smoothing, refreshing gel-to-oil cleanser'...
17/01/2015
Jo Malone Just Because
Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water your money was safe in your wallet. Nope. Jo Malone again. The new Just Because campaign/offering is...
16/01/2015
Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil
Cheeky Clarins. This review was originally going to be in time for the launch in February - but this was released across Clarins counters and online on Sunday and is...
15/01/2015
Iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase
As all of you have demolished the stocks of the GingerLily pillow I talked about last week (please do let me know what you think!), I thought this may be...
14/01/2015
Lush Valentine's Day
I don't cover 'Valentine's Day' as such, but I know I have Lush fanatics reading this - and you have a month to go if you want to pick up...
14/01/2015
Choice Books - Food: Elizabeth David French Provincial Cooking
Not ALL of my book shares will be food - I swear. This one is just too good to hold off on. I read Elizabeth David's cookbooks and connected immediately...
13/01/2015
Sunday Riley Luna - World Exclusive
What is it? 'Next generation retinoid oil reduces pore size, improves appearance of damaged skin, and helps fight wrinkles.' Aka a nighttime vitamin A treatment oil. Who is it for?...
12/01/2015
Best of 2014
Howdy! I finally managed to film my 'Best of 2014' complete with nose itching, noisy children, scrambling for products and playing with autofocus. Should be a breeze. *eyebrow* My intention...
11/01/2015
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
The Charlotte Tilbury line was easily the most exciting launch in recent years. I love the makeup and have written about it on numerous occasions, but what of the skincare?...
10/01/2015
Silk Pillowcases
I love the saying 'You have two lives. The first one - and the one that starts when you realise that you know nothing and can never stop learning.' I...
09/01/2015
OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo and Conditioner
Ever since I talked about removing SLS from my shampoos and the almost instantaneous positive effect that doing so had on my scalp, I am always asked about my current...
08/01/2015
Creme de La Mer - The Treatment Lotion
Here's the thing - regular readers will be aware of original and thus far, only post on CDLM (recap). The original cream, whilst very good for my eldest son's eczema...
07/01/2015
The Body Shop Pomegranate Softening Cream Cleanser
My reddish, reactive skin (see Sunday's post) pushed me towards products I knew wouldn't cause the same thing, When I pulled this out and realised it hadn't been on the...
06/01/2015
New appearance date - Belfast!
Courtesy Sunday Riley So next Monday - 12th - I am popping over to Belfast City Centre to help launch Sunday Riley into the Donegal Square Space NK store. It's...
05/01/2015
January's pillbox
I am frequently asked about what supplements I am using so thought a little update was due as I haven't talked about them in a really long time. Before I...
05/01/2015
Choice Books - Food: Nigella Lawson - How to Eat
I can't believe this book is 17 years old this year. When I was planning regular slots for the blog this year - I really wanted to keep talking about...
04/01/2015
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser - and a rant
Followers of my Instagram will have seen the below picture last week showing my face immediately after cleansing with the above product. I had high hopes for Grown Alchemist -...
04/01/2015
2015. The Clarification post.
I'm enjoying my time off WAY too much. I thought it would be good to start a New Year by clearing out cobwebs from last year(s). I received some comments...
03/01/2015
2014. A year in trialing products.
I don't Instagram everything I trial but I manage it more often than not. Here's a year's worth of playing with product... I'll be filming 'Best of' and 'Empties' etc...
03/01/2015
Hall of Fame - Tata Harper Replenishing Nutrient Complex
This post is written to you in the fading midst of a beauty panic. Upon doing research for this post - it became obvious that this product was not listed...
02/01/2015
2014. The People.
My year started off badly, then went stratospherically UP. Thank you to everyone who came to an event, queued up, snapped me in a toilet (I know), wrote in for...
02/01/2015
Clinic - Pre, During and Post Pregnancy - CLINIC IS CLOSED!
The Clinic is open. THE CLINIC IS CLOSED. Anything and everything pregnancy related this week. Please try and keep the questions short and to the point if at all possble....
02/01/2015
Beauty Myths No.10 - Detox
Detox products. Detox creams. Detox teas. Detox pads for your feet. Detox hair straighteners. Enough. If your body was 'full of toxins' you would at best, be very ill and...
01/01/2015
Clinic - Pregnancy and all its baggage
Hi everyone! As I have a little time (work won't get fully going until next week) and it is my most-requested topic recently, I'm going to hold a clinic tomorrow...
01/01/2015
Cheat Sheet - Hungover Skin/Parched weather-worn skin/Nurses/Teachers
Shop the full Skin Rocks Range Shop now Happy New Year! 'Tis the season to be jolly. And of over-indulgence. Even those of you that don't drink alcohol may have...
01/01/2015
Day 12 - Part 2 - Stocking Fillers - First Aid Beauty
My penultimate giveaway comes from the makers of my most-used acid pads this year. First Aid Beauty are offering.. The Face Cleanser.. TWO pots of Facial Radiance Pads...! Ultra Repair...
23/12/2014
Day 12 - Kate Somerville
It's the time of giving, so I won't start a rant about Kate Somerville, one of my favourite brands, not being readily available in the UK. That would be rude....
23/12/2014
Day 11 - Stocking Fillers - Dr. Lipp
Getting closer to the big day! Day 11's Stocking Filler comes from Dr. Lipp, the infamous nipple balm for the lips - or - well - anywhere really.. This Stocking...
22/12/2014
DAY 10 - Stocking Fillers - Glenogle & Bell Book Company
Glenogle & Bell Book Company are an ingenious subscription service that will deliver a surprise book choice to you - or even better - a loved one - every month....
21/12/2014
Day 9 - Stocking Fillers - Jordan Samuel Skin
Jordan Samuel Skin is a small independent brand based in Seattle, Washington and he's one of my husbands. Totally blackmailing my mates for you now people. Up for grabs is...
20/12/2014
Day 8 - Tata Harper
One of my favourite discoveries this year, Tata Harper continues Day 8 with her beautiful Regenerating Cleanser and... ...her amazing Concentrated Brightening Serum. These are just two of those 'must-have'...
19/12/2014
Day 7 - Sunday Riley
So Day 7 starts off with Sunday Riley. And now we're really kicking it in to gear... This amazing giveaway consists of some brilliant hero products such as... The infamous...
18/12/2014
Day 4 - Aromatherapy Associates
Today's Giveaway is Aromatherapy Associates Ultimate Bath Jewels Gift Box. It contains the following amazing oils perfect for this time of year...: Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, 7.5ml Light...
15/12/2014
Day 3 - Philip B
Day 3 is brought to you by Philip B and his beautiful haircare. The Holiday Set Forever Shine contains: Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo (7.4 fl oz), Forever Shine Conditioner...
14/12/2014