The queen of skincare Caroline Hirons has launched a no-nonsense book about how to look after your skin, and these are the most important takeaways
Caroline Hirons is admired throughout the beauty world for her down-to-earth approach to skincare advice and beauty products. Her recommendations can make items sell out in seconds, so when she launched her first book, skinCARE: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide, we couldn’t wait to read it. We’ve summarised some of the most important tips within Caroline Hirons skincare book here, from which cleansers you should be using to make your daily cleansing routine more effective to how to get glowing, healthy skin.
Caroline Hiron's Skincare Basics
Caroline is a big fan of using flannels and washcloths to really remove your makeup well and cleanse the skin properly. She is strongly against face wipes of any kind unless it's an emergency or you’re somewhere without access to running water, like a festival. When it comes to cleansing, she suggests nothing with a foaming formula, as this will strip the skin of its natural, healthy oils. She also mentions avoiding anything that claims to be ‘mattifying’ as it will dry out your skin. She's a big fan of facial massage too, so be sure to read our guide to facial massages you can try at home.
Caroline Hirons' Top Skincare Tips
In her book, Caroline stresses that cleansing your skin every night and morning is non-negotiable. She suggests that if you’re tired from work, take your makeup off as soon as you get home and do your cleansing routine then. Caroline is an advocate of wearing SPF daily, and recommends you always use at least SPF 30—if not higher. Getting plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water are also two of her other biggest tips. Above all else, when it comes to investing in skincare, she suggests spending the same as you would on a handbag or a pair of shoes.
Caroline Hiron's Morning Skincare Tips
Each morning, Caroline believes you should start with a milk, balm or gel cleanser to wash your face. Some of Caroline Hirons' skincare favourites include Kate Somerville’s Goat Milk Cleanser, Emma Hardie’s Moringa Balm and OSKIA’s Renaissance Cleansing Gel. Follow it up by exfoliating using an acid toner and then hydrate your skin with an essence or facial mist. Apply an eye cream if needed, and then smooth a Hyaluronic Acid serum into the skin. Finish with a moisturiser and an SPF of at least 30. Not sure which SPF will work best for you? Read our guide to the best SPFs for use under makeup.
After you've completed your morning routine, your skincare shouldn't stop there. Be sure to choose the makeup that will care for your complexion too. The Day To Night Foundation is a great choice for those trying to improve their skin, as it contains Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and an anti-wrinkle agent to leave your face looking rested and glowing with radiance. The long-lasting formula gives medium coverage for up to 12 hours, while gently refreshing and hydrating the skin with a cooling effect.
Caroline Hiron's Evening Skincare Tips
At night, Caroline recommends double cleansing your skin. First use a cheaper cleanser to remove makeup and dirt, and then use a second, more expensive product to give your skin a deep clean. If you want to use Vitamin A, apply this every third night of the week to avoid irritating the skin and leave it to sink for 20-30 minutes. Follow up with your eye product of choice. Some of Caroline’s favourites include: Sunday Riley’s Autocorrect Eye Cream, Pestle & Mortar’s Recovery Eye Cream and Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream. Finish up your evening skincare routine with treatment products, like serums and masks. Not sure which serum to use? Discover our favourite facial serums for every budget.
Most people will use the same cleanser and moisturiser for years, but Caroline stresses the importance of mixing things up. Trying out new formulas can be good for your face and can even prevent your skin from getting too ‘used to’ a product. Another common mistake people make? Not using acids, or even really knowing what they do. Caroline says acid toning is like taking your face to the gym. Be sure to learn the difference between Lactic, Glycolic, Salicylic and PHAs, and work out which one is best for you. We've explained 10 of the most common beauty ingredients here.
If you haven’t yet read it, we highly recommend Caroline Hiron’s debut book, skinCARE: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide. It’s a good resource to understand your skincare routine in a simple, funny and informative manner, and would make a great gift for any beauty lover.
