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

A love letter to Beauty Departments

A love letter to Beauty Departments

After the atrocious 'service' (and I use the word loosely) I had the misfortune of experiencing at Boots recently, I've been even more aware of customer service - or lack...

09/09/2016

Saturday Giveaway - Murad Hydro-Dynamic Giveaway

Saturday Giveaway - Murad Hydro-Dynamic Giveaway

One of my favourite releases this year, Murad's Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence and Ultimate Moisture are pretty perfect in many ways. Between them they are suitable for all skin conditions from...

09/09/2016

Chanel Fall 2016 - Le Rouge Collection 1

Chanel Fall 2016 - Le Rouge Collection 1

So this went on counter while I was on holiday, hence the late posting, but for someone as obsessed with red as yours truly, I couldn't let it slip under...

07/09/2016

PIXI Skintreats Anniversary and the return of Glow Mud Cleanser!

PIXI Skintreats Anniversary and the return of Glow Mud Cleanser!

This time last year Pixi launched their Skintreats range to instant sellout success. To celebrate the anniversary they are holding an open event at the Foubert's Place London Flagship on...

06/09/2016

Bobbi Brown City Collection

Bobbi Brown City Collection

It's one thing when your kids make you feel old, it's quite another when you realise that Bobbi Brown is 25 this year. The brand, not the woman. Obvs. The...

06/09/2016

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder First Thoughts

Victoria Beckham x Estee Lauder First Thoughts

  Prepare yourselves for an onslaught of all things Beckham/Lauder next week as Victoria Beckham launches her new Limited Edition range with Estee Lauder. Safe to say, from what I've...

06/09/2016

Le Metier De Beaute launches in SpaceNK

Le Metier De Beaute launches in SpaceNK

Le Metier De Beaute relaunches back into the UK tomorrow via SpaceNK. To celebrate they've produced a UK-only Kaleidoscope called Exquisite - four brilliantly wearable shades to contour, highlight and...

05/09/2016

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion

Apologies for the stock photo. I'm not at home. Well you did ask. :) Describe the brand in five words. Affordable. Recognisable. That's about it. What is it? 'Cetaphil Moisturizing...

03/09/2016

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Describe the brand in five words.Cheap. Foam. Over-rated. Drying. Over.What is it?‘A gentle, non-irritating daily cleanser for sensitive and dry skin.’ Well it’s a ‘cleanser’ of sorts, but it’s certainly...

02/09/2016

Eve Appeal Announcement

Eve Appeal Announcement

As September 1st officially launches GCAM - Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month - I am thrilled to announce that I am joining the brilliant Eve Appeal as an Official Ambassador. The...

01/09/2016

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Autumn treatments

Autumn treatment times are open. More information is on the dedicated page here: www.carolinehirons.com/Treatments

30/08/2016

Instagram Update

Instagram Update

Where does the time go? It's over a month since my last update and although it's been typically quiet in the beauty industry, I still have some lovely updates for...

27/08/2016

Hall of Fame - Skincando - the products you didn't know you needed

Hall of Fame - Skincando - the products you didn't know you needed

Back in January when I was in LA, I went to meet May Lindstrom in her LA office. There was a pot of Combat-Ready Balm in the bathroom and I...

25/08/2016

Happy Birthday Glossybox!

Happy Birthday Glossybox!

I cannot believe it's five years since Glossybox launched in the UK. There are now multiple monthly box subscriptions, but back in the day, Glossybox were the first out of...

25/08/2016

SPF: the post-holiday breakdown

SPF: the post-holiday breakdown

After the recent City SPF video I had quite a few questions about what products I would use to actually sit on a beach/go on a sunny holiday, so just...

24/08/2016

FAVE FIVES: BB/CC/SKIN TINTS WITH SPF | August 2016

FAVE FIVES: BB/CC/SKIN TINTS WITH SPF | August 2016

    Hi Everyone, Last in this month’s series, hence me saying ‘end of July!’. Just back from hols so I’ll answer comments on all the previous videos first, then...

23/08/2016

The Eve Appeal launch Bubbles & Bush - come see us!

The Eve Appeal launch Bubbles & Bush - come see us!

To celebrate the launch of their new fundraising initiative, Bubbles & Bush, The Eve Appeal are hosting an exclusive event on the fabulous Benefit Good Ship this Friday 26th August,...

22/08/2016

Huda Beauty Liquid Mattes

Huda Beauty Liquid Mattes

I'm not even sure there will any left of these by the time I have posted this, but if you like a good lip product, and aren't keen on the...

17/08/2016

FAQs from the Fave Fives

FAQs from the Fave Fives

If you're a regular reader you will know that I am currently stopping my kids from killing each other daily on a really peaceful holiday in Greece and so haven't...

17/08/2016

Disappointing Products | August 2016

Disappointing Products | August 2016

Hi Everyone, A little change of direction for me. I’m not a huge fan of ‘disappointing’ videos, but these deserved a mention. In the case of Goop, as I say...

17/08/2016

Fave Fives: City SPFs - August 2016

Fave Fives: City SPFs - August 2016

Hi Everyone! Some city SPFs for you. All my previous SPF videos/blog posts are here: SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIxMaRj9z6U SPF with Dr Marko Lens Part 2:...

14/08/2016

70 Million Page Views

70 Million Page Views

Somewhere in the last 24 hours my blog hit 70 million page views. Over 4 million of you have read an awful lot of pages in the last six years....

12/08/2016

Fave Fives: Retinols (Vitamin A)

Fave Fives: Retinols (Vitamin A)

Hi Everyone! A much-requested start to the retinol discussion. I’ll try and answer as many comments as possible but am about to go away for a week so please bear...

11/08/2016

Where the hell have you been? Part 453

Where the hell have you been? Part 453

Guys I took my computer to Cornwall last week with the full intention of editing and uploading the videos in the current Fave Fives set, only to find we had...

09/08/2016

Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask

Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask

OK I know you've seen this picture a hundred times but I'm busy and it serves a purpose. Bear with. What is it? A clay mask or in the brand's...

09/08/2016

Bobbi Brown Instant Detox and Skin Nourish Face Masks

Bobbi Brown Instant Detox and Skin Nourish Face Masks

Earlier this year Bobbi Brown launched additional face masks to their range, which already offers one of the better selections of skincare from what is essentially a makeup brand. The...

03/08/2016

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion vs Clarifying Lotion 1.0

Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion vs Clarifying Lotion 1.0

There was a moment of panic earlier this year when Clinique very quietly stopped restocking Mild Clarifying Lotion, and equally quietly, slipped 1.0 Clarifying Lotion out with the standard 'we've...

02/08/2016

A quick one-two for Summer from January Labs

A quick one-two for Summer from January Labs

After the recent Fave Fives videos, I had so many comments asking about skins that are combination/oily/acne/sensitised/dehydrated and budgets that needed to be well under £40, that it made me...

31/07/2016

FAVE FIVES: OIL CLEANSERS July 2016

FAVE FIVES: OIL CLEANSERS July 2016

Hi All! Thank you for watching. First person to guess the quote wins ;) See you soon with Retinols. WHAT I’M WEARING: Nails: OPI Alpine Snow Gels: http://amzn.to/2a5WFgV Foundation: Smashbox...

30/07/2016

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture

Describe the brand in five words. Doc. Water. Derm. Acne. American. What is it? 'A luxurious, yet lightweight cream that provides 24-hour hydration to restore suppleness and visibly reduce the...

23/07/2016

Hall of Fame - Makeup Atelier Paris Waterproof Liquid Corrector & Concealer

Hall of Fame - Makeup Atelier Paris Waterproof Liquid Corrector & Concealer

A few months back I attended IMATS and did a tour around the room with my great friend Kevin James Bennett. He walked me over to the Love Makeup stand...

22/07/2016

Fave Fives Requests

Fave Fives Requests

Here's one I made earlier. Lovely People! Just checking in after facial day to say 'thank you' for the great response to the Fave Fives. I'm not filming again until...

19/07/2016

EMPTIES - July 2016

EMPTIES - July 2016

It's literally been six months since I did an empties, so if you need a wee, or haven't made a brew, I politely suggest you go take care of that...

17/07/2016

Instagram Update

Instagram Update

I know a lot of you aren't on Instagram (you should be, it's brilliant!). But: I spend so much time on there showing products and my routines that I thought...

16/07/2016

Fortune Favours The Brave Palette

Fortune Favours The Brave Palette

Blogging is a funny old thing. Those of us that have been around for a while have seen it go from a keyboard hobby to fully grown businesses for the...

15/07/2016

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FAVE FIVES: SPRITZS/HYDRATING TONERS

  Hi All! Spritzs/Hydrating Toners (liquid moisturisers) – with loads more in the planning. As I say in the video if you are on a budget, these are where you...

13/07/2016

FAVE FIVES | ACID TONERS | July 2016

FAVE FIVES | ACID TONERS | July 2016

Hi All! I hope you're enjoying the Fave Fives - keep sending your requests. :) WHAT I’M WEARING: J. CREW Save the Bees T-Shirt: http://bit.ly/29p0HNn Swarovski Celestial Pierced Earrings: http://bit.ly/29J3u8o...

10/07/2016

FAVE FIVES | Skincare | July 2016

FAVE FIVES | Skincare | July 2016

Today's Fave Fives is Skincare. All information is below the video and below the link below for your ease. See you tomorrow with acids! WHAT I’M WEARING: J. CREW Save...

09/07/2016

My Eye Surgery Story

My Eye Surgery Story

Hi All, The vids are back. All you need to know is in the video, happy to answer any questions in the comments. Another video will be up on Sunday....

08/07/2016

Five Facts about Give and Makeup

Five Facts about Give and Makeup

I know there are a lot of new readers who may not have read about Give and Makeup yet, or long-standing readers who don't mind a gentle reminder, so forgive...

07/07/2016

New thinking, newer practices - and skincare brands I'm loving

New thinking, newer practices - and skincare brands I'm loving

I have so much to blog about I honestly don't know where to start. I cannot tell you how much I am loving the industry at the moment. There is...

04/07/2016

Update - New Pages and Features

Update - New Pages and Features

Mortar & Milk - SW6 Hi All! OK - I know. Erm where have you been Caroline? I know it may seem like I've slipped off the face of the...

01/07/2016

BioEffect EGF Serum

BioEffect EGF Serum

Describe the brand in five words. Iceland. Barley. EGF. Serum. Cold. What is it? 'BioEffect EGF Serum is a ground-breaking anti-ageing serum that delivers visible, dramatic improvements to your skin.'...

27/06/2016

VLOG 29 | Behind the scenes at Showboat and other ramblings

VLOG 29 | Behind the scenes at Showboat and other ramblings

    Hi Everyone,   Long time no see. Thank you so much to the team at Showboat and the brilliant Gina Beck for giving me a peek backstage.  ...

26/06/2016

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Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palette back in stock at SpaceNK

Just a quick head's up. This was one of my most popular recommendations last year - and Space NK have just got more stock in of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting...

22/06/2016

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Appointments Update

I just wanted to say both a lovely big 'Thank You', tagged in with an equal share of apology. Thank you to all of you that enquired about having a...

22/06/2016

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb gets an update

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb gets an update

When I was in Amsterdam earlier this year with Viktor & Rolf we were given a sneak peek of the new Flowerbomb visuals that have just been announced on WWD....

22/06/2016

Cheat Sheet - Fannies, Flights and Festivals – Festival Skincare

Cheat Sheet - Fannies, Flights and Festivals – Festival Skincare

Some of these people belong to me. You're welcome world.    Shop the full Skin Rocks Range Shop now    I suppose there’s not much point in having a saying...

20/06/2016