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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
![Lancome and Alber Elbaz Collaboration](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Lanc_C3_B4me_x_Alber_Elbaz.jpg?v=1715845566&width=533)
Lancome and Alber Elbaz Collaboration
This just dropped in to my inbox and is too cute. Mother - the Lancôme addict - will be beside herself. 'La Maison Lancôme is pleased to announce a unique...
14/01/2013
![Michelle Roques O'Neil's tips for a healthy mind and body - and her new Therapie range](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/8_main_image.jpg?v=1715845566&width=533)
Michelle Roques O'Neil's tips for a healthy mind and body - and her new Therapie range
Never quite getting the recognition she so deserves - Michelle Roques O'Neil has been an industry stalwart for over 30 years. Cited as one of the Top 10 aromatherapists in...
06/01/2013
![An afternoon in Brighton.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Brighton_202013_20Jna_20007.jpg?v=1715845566&width=533)
An afternoon in Brighton.
*no beauty in this post!* We popped to Brighton for the afternoon on Thursday. I'm so glad I took my camera - the light was like something from a film...
05/01/2013
![pureDKNY A Drop of Rose and a possible dupe for Chantecaille's Darby Rose](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/pureDKNY_ROSE_100MLEDP_carton_20Low_20Res.jpg?v=1715845917&width=533)
pureDKNY A Drop of Rose and a possible dupe for Chantecaille's Darby Rose
So DKNY have a new addition to their 'pure' line. A Drop of Rose follows A Drop of Vanilla and A Drop of Verbena. And it has a lovely back...
04/01/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Responding to your Q's
Hi All, Just a quick note to say if you have emailed me recently I will be doing my best to respond to you over the course of the weekend....
04/01/2013
![New Year Skincare - Daily Beauty AM](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/End_20Dec_202012_20024.jpg?v=1715845914&width=533)
New Year Skincare - Daily Beauty AM
If you follow me on twitter or Instagram you'll have already seen pictures like this - this is my morning routine of the moment. I thought I'd try and put...
03/01/2013
![MARNI fragrance launch](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/MARNI_Bottle_Shot_20low_20res.jpg?v=1715845567&width=533)
MARNI fragrance launch
This February sees the launch of the Marni fragrance collection. I'm enjoying fragrance much more these days and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised by this. I genuinely...
02/01/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
New Year, New Plans
2012 was an amazing year for me. For the first time in my life I made a list of things I was determined to achieve by the end of the...
01/01/2013
![Jimmy Choo launch FLASH](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/HD_PR_Packshot.jpg?v=1715845567&width=533)
Jimmy Choo launch FLASH
Earlier in December I found myself at the top of the Gherkin tower in the City of London for the launch of Jimmy Choo's new fragrance Flash. Being Jimmy Choo...
01/01/2013
![A final Instagram of the year and a massive thank you.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DECEMBER_2012_12_20008.jpg?v=1715845900&width=533)
A final Instagram of the year and a massive thank you.
Almost 2013. Another year on the blog. I just want to say a huge, massive thank you to all of you for reading, commenting and supporting me for another year..........
31/12/2012
![SpaceNK Sale. Heads up.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Space-NK_Web.jpg?v=1715845568&width=533)
SpaceNK Sale. Heads up.
Brace yourselves. After you've enjoyed the festivities of Christmas Day - if you're awake at midnight you might want to check out spacenk.com which goes live with its SALE for...
21/12/2012
![2012 Awards. Best Fragrance Launches. Jo Malone, Robert Piguet and Michael Kors.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Velvet_Rose_Oud_00162_103160_RT1_V4QC_CMYK300_LR.jpg?v=1715845569&width=533)
2012 Awards. Best Fragrance Launches. Jo Malone, Robert Piguet and Michael Kors.
I have had a bit of a love affair with fragrance this year. There was no choosing between these three. All of which I have worn consistently since receiving...
18/12/2012
![2012 Awards. Best New Makeup Launch. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Chubby_20Stick_20Intense.jpg?v=1715845570&width=533)
2012 Awards. Best New Makeup Launch. Clinique Chubby Stick Intense
The criteria for this one? This is the only new item of makeup that made it's way into my everyday-permanent-usage bag. A step up from the original Chubby Sticks, these...
17/12/2012
![Candle of the Week. Timothy Dunn Arabian Fig - and a special mention to Mr Hirons](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/17_20DEC_202012_20035.jpg?v=1715845569&width=533)
Candle of the Week. Timothy Dunn Arabian Fig - and a special mention to Mr Hirons
Four score and twenty years ago - a woman in red married a cute floppy-haired musician in West London. OK - 18 years ago. Just setting the scene. I...
17/12/2012
![2012 Awards. Most Missed Brand. Kate Somerville.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/kate-somerville-interview.jpg?v=1715845918&width=533)
2012 Awards. Most Missed Brand. Kate Somerville.
Yes its all good and well smiling down on me looking all peachy-skinned and fabulous - but its really all a big wind-up ISN'T IT KATE?! That's it - turn...
16/12/2012
![2012 Awards. Hand Cream of the Year. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 15.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Even_20Better_20Dark_20Spot_20Correcting_20Hand_20Cream.jpg?v=1715845570&width=533)
2012 Awards. Hand Cream of the Year. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF 15.
I'm not going for an award-in-every-category this year. Just highlighting a few favourites that I've really enjoyed using in 2012. Regular readers of this blog will know that I haven't...
15/12/2012
![2012 Awards. Gadget Launch of the Year - ghd Air Hairdryer](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Hercules_above.jpg?v=1715845570&width=533)
2012 Awards. Gadget Launch of the Year - ghd Air Hairdryer
I have never been in on the ghd scene. I don't own the straighteners - and I didn't know that ghd stood for Good Hair Day. Makes perfect sense though...
14/12/2012
![The lovely Dr Tom Mammone from Clinique](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Dr__20Tom_20Lab_202_20_2009.jpg?v=1715845918&width=533)
The lovely Dr Tom Mammone from Clinique
Dr Tom Mammone. Executive Director of Skin Physiology and Pharmacology Clinique Research & Development, Worldwide So here is the blog post that almost never was. The charming Dr Tom very...
13/12/2012
![Backstage with Emma Hardie](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DECEMBER_2012_12_20073-1.jpg?v=1715845555&width=533)
Backstage with Emma Hardie
Just a quickie from last night's TSV launch. The perfect caught off-guard moment from Emma as she was getting felt miked up. I've worked with/met a lot of women in...
12/12/2012
![EMMA HARDIE TSV](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/EH_20TSV.jpg?v=1715845571&width=533)
EMMA HARDIE TSV
Emma Hardie has her final TSV of the year tonight/today. Here's a quick preview of what's coming up: Full size Moringa Cleansing Balm (100ml) Full size Professional Eye Serum (15ml)...
11/12/2012
![Candle of the Week. Aromatherapy Associates Fragranced Candle Duo.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/FRAGRANCED_20CANDLE_20DUO_20GRP.jpg?v=1715845571&width=533)
Candle of the Week. Aromatherapy Associates Fragranced Candle Duo.
Candle of the Week is this GORGEOUS duo from Aromatherapy Associates. Containing Relax and Comfort - both natural wax candles burn for 20 hours and are the absolute dogs...
07/12/2012
![Pixi Glow Tonic - a new find!](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/November_202012_20075-1.jpg?v=1715845918&width=533)
Pixi Glow Tonic - a new find!
(old packaging - updated 2013) I found this Glow Tonic at Pixi last week and my eyes immediately zoomed in on the ingredients. Although they are not incredibly similar to...
30/11/2012
![Thought for the Day: Stem Cells and Bollocks](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/10737793088_IMG_6974.jpg?v=1715845572&width=533)
Thought for the Day: Stem Cells and Bollocks
Stem Cell: noun - BIOLOGY plural noun: stem cells 'an undifferentiated cell of a multicellular organism which is capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells of the same type,...
28/11/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Liz Earle Official Statement
In the interests of full disclosure: I have worked for Liz Earle in the past. I used to joke that if you lived on the Isle of Wight you either...
28/11/2012
![Clinique Sweet Treats](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/clinique.png?v=1715845572&width=533)
Clinique Sweet Treats
Just a quick one. Clinique have a lovely ‘Sweet Treats’ online event this week with Limited Editions being released each day when you make your purchase. Clinique.co.ukwill be unveiling a...
26/11/2012
![Cheat Sheet - Winter Skin](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/10745802128_IMG_6002_7498b4e4-f5f5-480f-aa32-48a7a0d2565f.jpg?v=1715845274&width=533)
Cheat Sheet - Winter Skin
The change from warm to cold to central heating to cold to office to travel to central heating etc can really make your skin feel like it’s ‘burning’. Here are...
23/11/2012
![Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Private_20Collection_20Tuberose_20Gardenia_20Product_20shot_Expires_20June2013.jpg?v=1715845572&width=533)
Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia
Last month I was lucky enough to be invited to the British Museum to watch Estee Lauder Companies turn it pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Whilst there I was...
20/11/2012
![Three D's and Dont's with Ole Henriksen](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/olehenriksen_headshot-1.jpg?v=1715845573&width=533)
Three D's and Dont's with Ole Henriksen
My mantra of turning to a Dr or a Facialist when thinking about buying skincare has not altered since meeting Ole Henriksen. Since opening his first Clinic in...
19/11/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
One Billion Rising - V Day 14 February 2013
Eve Ensler is the inspirational woman behind The Vagina Monologues. If you haven't seen it, you must. As a woman, daughter, mother of a daughter, friend of more than one...
19/11/2012
![Give and Makeup's Shoebox Campaign 2012](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/gift.jpg?v=1715845574&width=533)
Give and Makeup's Shoebox Campaign 2012
Hi Everyone. I can't believe it's that time of year again. But it is. I KNOW how many of you are obsessive about shoes. I read your blogs and tweets...
15/11/2012
![P50 and a lack of oomph](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/p50v-new-2.jpg?v=1715845919&width=533)
P50 and a lack of oomph
So I knew my readers were on the ball - little did I realise just how much. I bought a new bottle of P50 recently and being rather busy and...
26/10/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Also this: A call to arms - TONERS
Whilst I remember and have time to collate the info while Mum makes me tea, can you please let me know your favourite toners in the comments below? I'm updating...
26/10/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Clinic Lessons this week. The Recap.
I sometimes wonder after I've posted a Clinic if readers who just glance occasionally or have no use for the Clinic wonder why I disappear for a while. I'm still...
22/10/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
The Clinic is open. THE CLINIC IS CLOSED!!! SORRY!
I know I haven't done a Clinic in a while - but they are incredibly time consuming as I'm sure you can imagine and I have just been a little...
15/10/2012
![A few weeks in the life of ....Instagram August and September!](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/EARLY_20SEP_202012_20074.jpg?v=1715845575&width=533)
A few weeks in the life of ....Instagram August and September!
Bloody hell. I thought it was just September I missed out. No. Weeks and weeks. Hopefully work will steady out a little (Who am I kidding? Really?) and I can...
08/10/2012
![Candle of the Week - Diptyque Vetyver](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Iphone_205_20October_202012_20059.jpg?v=1715845576&width=533)
Candle of the Week - Diptyque Vetyver
When looking for this week's candle it did occur to me that I should possibly re-name this 'Diptyque Candle of the Week' such is the ridiculous amount dotted around the...
06/10/2012
![James Bond Day and all things Gold.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/gold_bottle_hero.jpg?v=1715845576&width=533)
James Bond Day and all things Gold.
Safe to say I'm a bit of a Bond nut. As in: obsessive. As in: Mastermind subject material. Months ago I was invited to the launch at the amazing Bond...
05/10/2012
![Breasts, October, all things Pink and a slightly uneasy feeling.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/WALK_20THE_20WALK_20043.jpg?v=1715845920&width=533)
Breasts, October, all things Pink and a slightly uneasy feeling.
Let me say this from the off: I wholeheartedly support anything to do with funding research into cancer, helping cancer sufferers, helping cancer survivors. Regular readers of this blog will...
04/10/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Make sure you trust who you buy from, skincare as an afterthought? A rant.
So Tom Ford has been around for a while now - I don't have the same obsession for him as some of my fellow bloggers - ultimately because my obsession...
24/09/2012
![Candle of the Week - Cire Trudon Spiritus Sancti](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Cire_20Trudon_20-_20Candle.jpg?v=1715845274&width=533)
Candle of the Week - Cire Trudon Spiritus Sancti
There are few things I love more than a candle. Especially a candle that smells of Church. A full-on Orthodox-incense-waving-everywhere Church. The turn of the weather for the worst last...
24/09/2012
![Current high-end skincare routine (some).](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Sep_202012_20015-1.jpg?v=1715845275&width=533)
Current high-end skincare routine (some).
I have a habit of posting my daily skincare regimen on Instagram - the above made my skin feel so lovely I thought it warranted a post of its own....
23/09/2012
![What's in my Handbag? (bathroom shelf)](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/HYDRANGEAS.jpg?v=1715845563&width=533)
What's in my Handbag? (bathroom shelf)
So last Friday evening the team from What's in My Handbag? raided my house and my shelving - again. Good job they are ridiculously lovely ladies - and also that...
21/09/2012
![I'll be back.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/373_43511211254_8129_n.jpg?v=1715845597&width=533)
I'll be back.
I'm currently on Day 9 of the busiest week of the year so far. And around 120 hours in. I'll be back on here later this week with a Clinic,...
18/09/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
French skincare winners!
Morning everyone, Thank you so much for all of your entries into the French skincare Giveaway - I'm so happy so many of you wanted to try it! The winners...
13/09/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Animal Testing, China and pussy footing around.
I received an email from PETA this morning stating the following: London – Is Revlon paying for tests that poison animals in China? The cosmetics giant has refused to answer...
06/09/2012
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Favourite Non-Beauty Websites and Blogs
I LOVE finding new websites and blogs - and I read a lot of sites that have nothing to do with beauty. Below are a few of my long-term faves...
20/08/2012
![La Prairie Award for Innovation in Marine Protection and the launch of Advanced Marine Biology Collection](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/april_204_202012_20034.jpg?v=1715845611&width=533)
La Prairie Award for Innovation in Marine Protection and the launch of Advanced Marine Biology Collection
Back in April I was invited to the press launch of the La Prairie Award for Innovation in Marine Protection in Monaco. Timed to coincide with the launch of their...
18/08/2012
![Daily Makeup](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/End_20July_202012_20016.jpg?v=1715845276&width=533)
Daily Makeup
A few posts ago I did a July round-up and one of the pictures featured was this (very rough!) picture snapped one morning of my Daily Face. I've been asked...
18/08/2012