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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
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Beauty Trends Conference - September 2013
Just a quick one for industry bods. I'm speaking at the Beauty Trends and Innovation Conference this September. It looks like being a really good day if you fancy joining...
15/05/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Thank you Pixiwoo.
So its been a couple of weeks since I did the video with Sam and Nic for BodyTalk Daily. I was then unexpectedly mentioned in this Summer Makeup Favourites video...
13/05/2013
![Decleor Aroma Sun Expert SPF 50 and 30 Protective Anti-wrinkle Creams](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/NEW_20Protective_20anti-wrinkle_20cream_20SPF_2050.jpg?v=1715845911&width=533)
Decleor Aroma Sun Expert SPF 50 and 30 Protective Anti-wrinkle Creams
Next up is Decleor - which is hands-down my favourite suncare packaging - they nailed it with the pinky/red. It's pretty perfect - and so easy to spot in your...
08/05/2013
![Clarins SPF 50+ and SPF30 Sun Wrinkle Control Cream](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Clarins_20UVB_2030_20Cream_20for_20Face.jpg?v=1715845911&width=533)
Clarins SPF 50+ and SPF30 Sun Wrinkle Control Cream
Available in three strengths: SPF15 SPF30 SPF50+ There is a wider selection available - I'm just focusing primarily on the face. One size: 75ml (nice big fat size) 'UVA' symbol...
08/05/2013
![Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm - a rant and a review. - RE-REVIEWED 16.07.13](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Pro-Collagen_20Cleansing_20Balm_20_1-2MB.jpg?v=1715845270&width=533)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm - a rant and a review. - RE-REVIEWED 16.07.13
Let me say this about this cleanser. It comes with a flannel. Yes. A flannel (washcloth for my confused US readers). Amen, praise the maker – praise whomever you choose...
08/05/2013
![EX1 Cosmetics Giveaway](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/EX_20GROUP-1.jpg?v=1715845552&width=533)
EX1 Cosmetics Giveaway
Straight up from the get-go: EX1 are one of my clients. I wanted to work with them because infuriated by the lack of colour cosmetics for Asian skin tones, Farah...
30/04/2013
![Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25 and SPF40 Face Cream](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/CB_20Sheer_20SPF_2025_20-_20Intl.jpg?v=1715845271&width=533)
Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25 and SPF40 Face Cream
It's all about the C word today. Those of you who know me of old will remember that is what I used to call Clinique - the 'C' word. Well,...
30/04/2013
![Shiseido Expert Sun Aging Protection SPF30](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/768614104742-Expert_20Sun_20Aging_20Protection_20Cream_50ml.jpg?v=1715845912&width=533)
Shiseido Expert Sun Aging Protection SPF30
I thought I'd keep the reviews of the SPF's as user-friendly as possible - i.e. not let the brands overwhelm with the science and marketing blurb and just give the...
26/04/2013
![Sue Devitt is no more](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/aboutsue_headshot_2098d425-a807-45b3-9193-e34c5cc8d9c2.jpg?v=1715845272&width=533)
Sue Devitt is no more
I don't know how it passed me by but I found out today that Sue Devitt folded in February. Such a shame. Especially after Jemma Kidd also went under recently....
25/04/2013
![Cheat Sheet - SPF](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/UVA_20logo.jpg?v=1715845271&width=533)
Cheat Sheet - SPF
I used to get my SPF from my make-up during colder months, but since I’ve gotten older and have been using more retinoids, I’ve stepped up my SPF usage through...
25/04/2013
![Georgia Louise launching in SpaceNK](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Georgia_20louise.jpg?v=1715845554&width=533)
Georgia Louise launching in SpaceNK
Launching this June in SpaceNK is the Georgia Louise skincare range. Initially opening with 4 products - Georgia Louise is a British -born facialist now based in New York and...
23/04/2013
![Aveda skincare - it's not all about the hair you know!](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/exfoliant_20500ml.jpg?v=1715845913&width=533)
Aveda skincare - it's not all about the hair you know!
My recent stint in Liberty reminded me of how much I used to love Aveda skincare and what a gem it is.. The counter is opposite the Queen Mary room...
17/04/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Jo Malone Limited Edition Red Roses - going going...almost gone...
I readily admit, when I first heard that Charlotte Stockdale was going to be Jo Malone's 'Style Editor' I raised my eyebrow (For a change? How rude.). Now? Now I...
16/04/2013
![Kai - too much gorgeousness for one post.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/kai_group_300dpi_RGB.jpg?v=1715845555&width=533)
Kai - too much gorgeousness for one post.
If you haven't smelt Kai yet, just imagine being smacked upside the nostrils with a large bouquet of white florals - the main component being gardenia. Gardenia on crack. Kai...
15/04/2013
![What's in my Handbag?](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_4754.jpg?v=1715845554&width=533)
What's in my Handbag?
I'm over on the 'What's in my Handbag' site again with skincare must-have's. To see what made the cut go have a look..What's in my Handbag/Caroline Hirons
12/04/2013
![Michael Kors Beauty](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/michael-kors01.jpg?v=1715845554&width=533)
Michael Kors Beauty
Happy Friday People. I cannot TAKE this rain any more. So here, let's look at the new Michael Kors beauty coming in August....... Containing 3 new scents - Sporty, Sexy...
12/04/2013
![A nice combination. Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Oil and Aurelia Miracle Cleanser](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_4724.jpg?v=1715845914&width=533)
A nice combination. Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Oil and Aurelia Miracle Cleanser
So I'm using the Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Miracle Makeover Facial Oil (!!) pretty much every evening. What's not clear with her two oils, despite the inordinately overlong name,...
08/04/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Well I wasn't away THAT long....
I was up and wearing a bra by Tuesday - promise. I was just slammed last week in work which has led to a bit of a change in thinking....
08/04/2013
![Happy Easter!](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_4195-1.jpg?v=1715845557&width=533)
![elemental herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm - Review](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_4652.jpg?v=1715845915&width=533)
elemental herbology Purify & Soothe Facial Cleansing Balm - Review
Continuing recent cleanser reviews - I've been using this off and on in recent weeks. The jury is out to be honest. It's a perfectly lovely balm, very thick and...
27/03/2013
![Aurelia Miracle Cleanser - Review](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Aurelia_20Probiotic_20Skincare_20Miracle_20Cleanser_20_option_202.jpg?v=1715845273&width=533)
Aurelia Miracle Cleanser - Review
I recently posted about Aurelia's launch and the great promise it seemed to hold for those of us that like clear labeling and conscientious ethics. Well so far, by and...
26/03/2013
![Alpha-H Age Delay Cleansing Oil](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Age_20Delay_20Cleansing_20Oil.jpg?v=1715845556&width=533)
Alpha-H Age Delay Cleansing Oil
It was only when uploading this photograph that I actually READ the small print. 'For mature, dehydrated and delicate skin.' How rude. OK fine I KNOW I'm mature and...
23/03/2013
![Clarins Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Extra_20Comfort_20Cleansing_20Cream.jpg?v=1715845916&width=533)
Clarins Extra-Comfort Cleansing Cream
As promised I'm trying to review as many of my favourite (and not-so-favourite) cleansers pretty much consecutively. First up is Clarins Extra-Comfort. I've probably been using this on and off...
22/03/2013
![Where has this year gone? The year so far in pictures.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/EARLY_202013_20008.jpg?v=1715845556&width=533)
Where has this year gone? The year so far in pictures.
Honestly this year has gone so quickly that I don't know where to start. After the success of the events in Liberty last week and the equaled success of my...
19/03/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
What a week!
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone that came to Liberty this week for either the workshops or the one-to-one appointments. We had sunshine, sleet, rain and...
15/03/2013
![La Bella Donna Ultimate Pure Perfection Liquid Mineral Foundation](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Sophia_1_20liquid_20foundation.jpg?v=1715845558&width=533)
La Bella Donna Ultimate Pure Perfection Liquid Mineral Foundation
I'm not saying this foundation is amazing but if this were a beer commercial - it would be Heineken Carlsberg (thanks BBB :)). Probably the best foundation I've ever tried...
08/03/2013
![Linda Evangelista for Loewe](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/LE_Loewe._Only_for_online_use..png?v=1715845559&width=533)
Linda Evangelista for Loewe
Loewe have just announced that Linda Evangelista is their new face for their fragrance launching in September. I have no idea what it will smell like but isn't it nice...
07/03/2013
![Cruelty Free Collection by Leona Lewis and The Body Shop](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Leona_20Lewis_201_jpg.jpg?v=1715845559&width=533)
Cruelty Free Collection by Leona Lewis and The Body Shop
As mentioned last week - a further look at the Leona Lewis Cruelty Free Collection from The Body Shop.... White Musk Libertine EDP and EDT from £10.00 Lip Glosses in...
05/03/2013
![Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - MARCH](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/ovarian-cancer-ribbon.gif?v=1715845916&width=533)
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - MARCH
Whilst I obviously applaud the way that the beauty industry got behind breast cancer and the huge event that is Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, I do rather feel...
04/03/2013
![Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/lip_20stick_201.jpg?v=1715845559&width=533)
Estee Lauder Mad Men Collection
Mad Men is one of those series that I never got into. One of those that everyone-else-watches-obsessively but I never found the time... Well the top dogs at Estee Lauder...
04/03/2013
![Perricone MD Blue Plasma - Review](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Blue_20Plasma.jpg?v=1715845558&width=533)
Perricone MD Blue Plasma - Review
My love affair with Perricone MD products is well-known. I've never met a product made by Dr Perricone that I didn't like. Until now. *sad face* Regular readers will know...
04/03/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
How to use.....
Sorry! I post about a lot of products - I'll add usage to the reviews in the future - for the record: Cleanse/Tone/Pepta-bright/Hydraluron/Moisturiser SORRY!!!!
01/03/2013
!['What's your issue?' Beauty & Skincare week at Liberty](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/307414_10151262953312471_1836591537_n.jpg?v=1715845561&width=533)
'What's your issue?' Beauty & Skincare week at Liberty
As part of Liberty's Beauty and Skincare week 'What's your issue?' I will be hosting two workshops and giving (finally) one to one skin consultations on 12th and 13th March...
28/02/2013
![Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Collection](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Lilac_Rose_CMYK.jpg?v=1715845561&width=533)
Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Collection
I'm a sucker for a good flower visual. This is for the new Bobbi Brown Lilac Rose Collection available nationwide from today. Hard to go wrong with Bobbi...
28/02/2013
![DKNY inspired by Keith Haring Collection in stores today.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/DKNY_FY13_HARING_PACK_WOMEN_50T6_20low2.jpg?v=1715845561&width=533)
DKNY inspired by Keith Haring Collection in stores today.
Today sees the launch of the DKNY Art for Men and Women in the UK. Those of us who were around in the 80's will no doubt remember Keith Haring's...
28/02/2013
![Leona Lewis announced as Brand Activist for The Body Shop](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/leona-lewis.jpg?v=1715845560&width=533)
Leona Lewis announced as Brand Activist for The Body Shop
Spring 2013 sees the launch of from The Body Shop of The Cruelty-Free Collection by Leona Lewis - a Limited Edition make-up and fragrance collection. Leona is well known for...
28/02/2013
![An interview with Poppy King](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/IMG_4409-1.jpg?v=1715845562&width=533)
An interview with Poppy King
Earlier this week I was invited to QVC to interview Poppy King – founder of Lipstick Queen. I tweeted that I was meeting Poppy and asked if anyone had any...
22/02/2013
![YSL Rouge Volupte Shine - Rouge in Danger](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/RVS_20Group_20Shot.jpg?v=1715845562&width=533)
YSL Rouge Volupte Shine - Rouge in Danger
What I lack in eye make-up appreciation, I more than make up for in lip gloss and red lipsticks. So when I was asked recently if I would like to...
15/02/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
Epidermal Growth Factors - EGF - Updated September 2014
EGF - short for Epidermal Growth Factor, is part of the family known as growth factors. They are used for stimulating growth and healing of damaged or dead skin. Which...
14/02/2013
![Aurelia Probiotic Skincare](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Aurelia_20Probiotic_20Skincare_20Cell_20Repair_20Night_20Oil_20_with_20box.jpg?v=1715845562&width=533)
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare
Just a quick word about this new range from Claire Vero and her team. Whilst I'm still trialing this new range - the favourite of which is (so far) the...
14/02/2013
![The Body Shop partners Teenage Cancer Trust](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/TCT_20Logo.jpg?v=1715845564&width=533)
The Body Shop partners Teenage Cancer Trust
Always known for their ethics and work for amazing causes - The Body Shop have this year announced their partnership with The Teenage Cancer Trust - the only UK charity...
13/02/2013
![Hampton Sun Privet Bloom Shower Gel](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/bath_1_pb_showel_gel_bg.jpg?v=1715845562&width=533)
Hampton Sun Privet Bloom Shower Gel
Just a quick one - I've just noticed that Beauty Bay have this on sale for £11.04 (I know - I don't know why £11.04?). This is my favourite shower...
13/02/2013
![Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate - Review](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Skin_20Beauty_20Repair_20Concentrate.jpg?v=1715845271&width=533)
Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate - Review
OK moving on from yesterday (please) - this little beauty is an example of what Clarins do really well. Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate should be in everyone's skin SOS kit....
07/02/2013
![Clarins Double Serum - the review that never was.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Double_20Serum_202.jpg?v=1715845272&width=533)
Clarins Double Serum - the review that never was.
So here's the thing - this is set to be Clarins biggest launch this year. It has already had rave reviews from BBB and Ree - both of whom also...
06/02/2013
![Article image](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/t/80/assets/article-default-image.jpg?v=23659543210088390711715771661)
The Lurg
Apologies for the lack of posts - my body appears to have given in to the non-stop round of germs brought in to the house by the children and I...
28/01/2013
![Paul Mitchell and Cruelty Free International unite against animal testing.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/Paul_20Mitchell_20009.jpg?v=1715845564&width=533)
Paul Mitchell and Cruelty Free International unite against animal testing.
Starting with $700 in 1980, Paul Mitchell and John Paul DeJoria launched 4 products under the brand name Paul Mitchell. 32 years later they are sold in...
22/01/2013
![P50 Newsflash - Liberty to the rescue.](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/p50v-new-1.jpg?v=1715845565&width=533)
P50 Newsflash - Liberty to the rescue.
I've just been informed by Liberty that they will be stocking P50 as of Friday - all because of this blog! Even more unusual they are only taking the P50...
21/01/2013
![Clarins Gentle Exfoliator](http://skinrocks.com/cdn/shop/articles/2168288.jpg?v=1715845565&width=533)
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator
Describe the brand in three words. French. Spa. Heritage. Who is it for? Anyone in need of liquid exfoliation. Who should avoid? Glycolic-intolerant, Fitzpatrick 6 would be better using other...
16/01/2013