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The CH Blog
Caroline Hirons' expert advice, reviews and recommendations, all in one archive.
The function of the blog is to help you find what you do and don’t need in your skincare routine. From the core basics through to the spectrum of retinoid strengths and everything in between, the blog is an archive to breakdown jargon and present you with both my opinion and simple scientific facts.
Caroline Hirons, Founder and Qualified Skincare Expert
![Taking a stand against Photoshop.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Aimie.jpg?v=1715845924&width=533)
Taking a stand against Photoshop.
Following my post below on the still-can't-quite-believe-how-horrific-it-is photoshop job executed on Zooey Deschanel by Rimmel - I was contacted by Collin Resultime, who have featured previously on this site with...
22/02/2012
![DJV Beautenizer Mascara](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/beautenizer_202_20products.jpg?v=1715845613&width=533)
DJV Beautenizer Mascara
Just a quick one for the middle of the week! I was recently sent these mascaras - which turn out to be the best selling mascara brand in Japan -...
22/02/2012
![The Horror of Photoshop](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/PRODUCT_NewProduct_LastingFinishLipstick_UK_2.jpg?v=1715845612&width=533)
The Horror of Photoshop
Dear Rimmel. Zooey Deschanel is absolutely gorgeous. I imagine one of the reasons you wanted her as one of your 'faces' is that we girls see her as 'one of...
20/02/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Clinic on Thursday - Clinic is Closed.
Clinic is open for business! Remember that the more info you can give me, the better detailed, specific-to-you response I can give.
16/02/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Clinic Answers
Hi Everyone!As I'm visiting Mama Mouth for half term - the Clinic questions will be answered by Sunday this week.Thanks for your patience and for your support of the Clinic....
16/02/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Clinic on Thursday - Clinic is Closed.
Thank you for the amazing response last week! The Clinic is OPEN!
09/02/2012
![Beauty News Round-up](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Firming_20Cream.jpg?v=1715845614&width=533)
Beauty News Round-up
This week's round-up - starting with... Stop the Press! Next Friday - 10th, Emma Watson - Hermione herself, is doing a P.A. in Selfridges as part of her role as...
03/02/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Clinic on Thursday - Clinic is Closed.
Ok here's the thing: I'm stupid busy at the moment. All for amazing reasons - but still - ridiculously busy. After kids, hubby, parents, 12 clients and growing, Give and...
02/02/2012
![Aesop New Store Opening](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/iphone_20january_202012_20014.jpg?v=1715845615&width=533)
Aesop New Store Opening
Earlier in January I was invited to the opening of the latest addition to Aesop store outlets in London. Situated in Lexington Street bang in the middle of Soho,...
01/02/2012
![It's about time.....](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/L_20Plates.jpg?v=1715845615&width=533)
It's about time.....
My name is Caroline and I have a confession to make. Until a few weeks ago I had never sat behind the wheel of a car. Well, I am BRILLIANT...
31/01/2012
![The Civil Wars](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Barton_20Hollow_20album_20artwork_20low_20res.jpg?v=1715845616&width=533)
The Civil Wars
One thing I love more than beauty? Music. Live it, breathe it...obsessed. It's how I met the OH. Singing on stage. (4 kids and 40lbs ago but whatever..) Last...
26/01/2012
![STOP THE PRESS: SOAP & GLORY SUPER SIZE](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/image002-1.png?v=1715845618&width=533)
STOP THE PRESS: SOAP & GLORY SUPER SIZE
Holy Crapbags! One of my favourite body moisturisers EVER - and one of Boots best-selling items - Soap & Glory's Righteous Butter, is launching in a MEGA 1 litre-sized Limited...
20/01/2012
![My Daily](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/EH_20Moringa_20Cleansing_20Balm_20High-1.jpg?v=1715845617&width=533)
My Daily
Just a quick one - I'm over on My Daily today with my Hero Product.. No surprises for guessing what it is.... At least I'm consistent. MyDaily.co.uk
20/01/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Absorbency, medication and inflammation... a request from Twitter...and how to make the perfect cup of tea.
I've had a few questions on Twitter this week that take more than 140 characters to respond to! Firstly, medication and the effects on the body and skin -...
20/01/2012
![Paris - L'Opera](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_1279.jpg?v=1715845619&width=533)
Paris - L'Opera
I went to Paris last Friday for work meetings and with an hour to kill between meetings I decided that instead of walking around L'Opera and ignoring it completely -...
15/01/2012
![Beauty News Round-up](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/SparkleLiner_20Girl.jpg?v=1715845618&width=533)
Beauty News Round-up
A little round-up of stories this week - first up... A reminder. Invati - the new range from Aveda that I reviewed late last year is on counters now....
14/01/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Mineral Oil - a rant
I go on and on about mineral oil all the time and am always asked what I have against it. Here's the thing. It has no benefit to your skin....
14/01/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Marie Claire Best Beauty Twitter Awards
Well it would appear that shouting at people on Twitter about their incorrect/lame/wrong use of skincare is popular?! Yours truly has been longlisted for Best Beauty Twitter over on Marie...
09/01/2012
![Guide to Paris - Part 1 - Travel and Champs Elysees](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/photo-4.jpg?v=1715845925&width=533)
Guide to Paris - Part 1 - Travel and Champs Elysees
Years ago, when I was working for a big brand in Europe, I was fortunate enough to 'have' to visit Paris once a month - for work. Paris is also...
01/01/2012
![Best of 2011 - The Best Reds](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DSCF3162.jpg?v=1715845925&width=533)
Best of 2011 - The Best Reds
I've never been someone to do things by halves. So when I rediscovered my love of lipstick earlier this year (having been a gloss chick for like..ever) there was only...
31/12/2011
![Best of 2011 - Hairspray](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DSCF3181.jpg?v=1715845618&width=533)
Best of 2011 - Hairspray
Finishing off my Best of 2011? I know. Hairspray? Really? Well, yes frankly. I use it every single day and am a bit obsessive so why not? So without further...
31/12/2011
![Best of 2011 - Fragrance](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DSCF3151.jpg?v=1715845620&width=533)
Best of 2011 - Fragrance
Pretty clear winner for me this year. Guerlain's Shalimar Initial is a gorgeous take on the original. Lighter, fresher and cleaner. A wonderful modern version of a true classic. An...
30/12/2011
![Best of 2011 - Mascara](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DSCF3160.jpg?v=1715845619&width=533)
Best of 2011 - Mascara
Although I have not yet been tempted to stray from my usual choice of Chantecaille Faux Cils - frankly one of the best mascaras on the planet, on a permanent...
30/12/2011
![Best of 2011 - Facial](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/suti_204.jpg?v=1715845619&width=533)
Best of 2011 - Facial
Kicking off the 'Best of' series of posts for 2011 is Best Facial. I know facials. You can usually get a really good facial or really good value for money....
28/12/2011
![Merry Christmas](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/tree.jpg?v=1715845620&width=533)
![Last minute Christmas loveliness (and a totally gratuitous picture of bloggers)](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Shiseido_20Creme_20Eye_20Colour.jpg?v=1715845621&width=533)
Last minute Christmas loveliness (and a totally gratuitous picture of bloggers)
Let's cut to the chase: time is certainly now of the essence. If you need help with your Christmas makeup get thee to John Lewis in Oxford St, Brent Cross,...
16/12/2011
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Happy Friday and a Merry Christmas from Harvey Nichols!
This video is exactly why I love Harvey Nichols. NO other department store would do this. It's been a long time since I did a Walk of Shame - but...
09/12/2011
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
This little blog named one of 4beauty's Best Skin Care Blogs
Very chuffed to receive an email from the lovely peeps at 4beauty today letting me know we've has been named one of their Best Skin Care Blogs. So I highly...
07/12/2011
![Eye Creams - Reviews and Recommendations](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Diopticalm_20-_20instant_20soothing_20eye_20balm_20and_20mask.jpg?v=1715845286&width=533)
Eye Creams - Reviews and Recommendations
Following on from the Cheat Sheet the below are just a few of my favourites. If you have any specific questions about a particular cream feel free to comment. Best...
05/12/2011
![Cheat Sheet - Eye Cream](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/187583201555009173_IMG_3167-1440x1440.jpg?v=1715845277&width=533)
Cheat Sheet - Eye Cream
There are two camps when it comes to eye cream: Those that definitely do Those that think it’s unnecessary and a waste of money Unsurprisingly I am very much the...
29/11/2011
![Hall of Fame - Darphin Purifying Balm](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Darphin_20Aromatic_20Purifying_20Balm.jpg?v=1715845286&width=533)
Hall of Fame - Darphin Purifying Balm
If there was such a thing as a 'Church of Beauty' - I would surely worship at the altar of this product. I first used this when I worked in...
26/11/2011
![CHEAT SHEET - WHAT FACIAL?](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_9867_2018-02_6122879a-bbb1-4fd1-80c3-d6b313e286e4.jpg?v=1715845277&width=533)
CHEAT SHEET - WHAT FACIAL?
Despite their popularity and the continued growth of spas and salons – the average woman in the UK has a facial ‘as a treat’ across three occasions, a birthday, Christmastime/celebration...
26/11/2011
![New Launch for 2012 - Aveda Invati](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Baldies.jpg?v=1715845623&width=533)
New Launch for 2012 - Aveda Invati
Let's set the scene. The picture above shows my brother, my father and my uncle. Oh and me. Spot the difference? I'm the one with hair. Well, not counting Dad's...
21/11/2011
![Heads Up! Elemis TSV - QVC 20th November](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/QVC_TSV_set_November_lowres.jpg?v=1715845622&width=533)
Heads Up! Elemis TSV - QVC 20th November
Attention all Elemis and QVC fans - Elemis's final TSV of the year is this Sunday 20th November and has 10 - yes TEN airings throughout the day. The Five...
18/11/2011
![Evelyn H. Lauder 1936 - 2011](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Evelyn-Lauder1.jpg?v=1715845622&width=533)
Evelyn H. Lauder 1936 - 2011
Source - Forbes 'In capturing a singular moment, photography has also helped me learn how to let go of things I want to hold on to so tightly. You can't...
13/11/2011
![L'Artisan Parfumeur](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/New_20Tubereuse_20image.jpg?v=1715845624&width=533)
L'Artisan Parfumeur
News reached me yesterday of the passing of Jean Laporte, the man who founded one of my favourite fragrance houses L'Artisan Parfumeur in 1976. L'Artisan was truly one of the...
11/11/2011
![Brilliant Reds - NARS and Daniel Sandler](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Impulse-v2.jpg?v=1715845623&width=533)
Brilliant Reds - NARS and Daniel Sandler
Having rediscovered the joy of a red lip recently, these two have moved swiftly to my everyday make-up bag and are beautiful, gorgeous reds. Impulse is part of Daniel Sandler's...
11/11/2011
![New Fragrance for 2012 - Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DSCF1262.jpg?v=1715845617&width=533)
New Fragrance for 2012 - Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang
Last week I had a sneak preview of new fragrances for Valentine's Day - the two stand out ones for me being Cheeky Alice from Vivienne Westwood and Vera Wang's...
11/11/2011
![Chantecaille Christmas - Updated](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/2MB_HOL11_RGB_ADV_crop_5B1_5D.jpg?v=1715845623&width=533)
Chantecaille Christmas - Updated
Some prettiness for Midweek. These are coming soon to a counter near you - and being Chantecaille, they are gorgeous. Limited Edition Evening Duo Palette The Evening Duo is a...
09/11/2011
![Cheat Sheet - Dry or Dehydrated?](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_1632-2.jpg?v=1715845278&width=533)
Cheat Sheet - Dry or Dehydrated?
Cheat Sheet – Dry or Dehydrated? Are you DRY or DEHYDRATED? (or both!) Dry and dehydrated skins have similar characteristics, but different underlying reasons. Dry Skin – normally a skin...
07/11/2011
![Aromatherapy Associates Christmas and Rose Skin Tonic - Review](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/ROSE_20SKIN_20TONIC_20GRP.jpg?v=1715845624&width=533)
Aromatherapy Associates Christmas and Rose Skin Tonic - Review
I'm a big believer in going to the experts in their particular field for product - i.e. don't buy your makeup from a skincare brand and don't buy your skincare...
04/11/2011
![Diptyque Christmas](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/JGALLIANO.jpg?v=1715845624&width=533)
Diptyque Christmas
I'm a Diptyque fanatic. I trained in the brand and sold them when I worked at Space over 10 years ago and it has stayed with me ever since. One...
04/11/2011
![Soap & Glory Cosmetics Launch](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Cosmetic_Group.jpg?v=1715845634&width=533)
Soap & Glory Cosmetics Launch
Marcia Kilgore is a genius. I don't throw that word around thoughtlessly - she just IS. The woman behind Bliss and Fit Flops is in a league of her own....
03/11/2011
![Product of the Week Giveaway Winners - balance Me and Beauty Works West](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/CLEANSE_20BOX_20RT.jpg?v=1715845625&width=533)
Product of the Week Giveaway Winners - balance Me and Beauty Works West
Firstly. Huge apologies. I was out of commission for a couple of days last week and then Max was sick for the following three days - and low and behold...
27/10/2011
![Hall of Fame - Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/GoatMilkCream-1.jpg?v=1715845291&width=533)
Hall of Fame - Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream
I love it when I stumble across a product that over-performs and becomes a staple in my skincare wardrobe. This is one of those times. I bought this in New...
27/10/2011
![DIOR SPRING 2012 - Preview](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DIOR_20022.jpg?v=1715845625&width=533)
DIOR SPRING 2012 - Preview
If ever a collection was going to slap you back into beauty blogging territory it's this one. Although yesterday's press preview was entitled Spring 2012 most of these products will...
19/10/2011
![Heads Up! NARS Christmas on counter early - and other NARS newness...](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/NARS_20Hanamichi_20Kabuki-Inspired_20Eyeshadow_20Palette_20-_20Hi_20Res.jpg?v=1715845625&width=533)
Heads Up! NARS Christmas on counter early - and other NARS newness...
I know it's unusual to post about Fall and Holiday together but: NARS Christmas (we're English!) Collection is on sale now in Selfridges. Two weeks earlier than advertised. Which means...
19/10/2011
![A fragrant arrival in Chiltern Street - Cire Trudon Boutique Opening](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Cire_20Trudon_20004.jpg?v=1715845926&width=533)
A fragrant arrival in Chiltern Street - Cire Trudon Boutique Opening
This week I was invited to the opening of the divine new Cire Trudon boutique in Chiltern Street. Cire Trudon is the oldest candle maker in the world, founded in...
15/10/2011