Straight-talking advice from the Skincare Queen Caroline Hirons is the authority in skincare – and for the first time, she’s sharing her knowledge with the world. With over 100 million views of her blog and over 13 million views of her YouTube videos, she cuts out the jargon, tells you want you do and don’t need, and is finally going to get the nation off face wipes for good!
Skincare is the go-to book for people of all ages and skin types who want to feel and look fantastic. It explains the facts, the myths and the best way to get good skin – on any budget. With everything from Caroline’s signature cheat sheets, simple tips and tricks to glow (inside and out!) understanding ingredients lists, and advice on how to choose the products that are right for you, this is the ultimate guide to healthier, brighter skin.
I borrowed this as an ebook through my local library and will be buying a physical copy for myself in the very near future!
I am a skincare newbie and I know I will have to read this through a few times to really understand it all. I also know I will be needing to dip in and out of it at times in the future as and when.
It’s full of information presented in a readable and pretty simple way. However there are a few repetitions and I’m not sure on the order of things, for example acid toner were talked about before they were really explained what they were. But with a book like this you can always go back or forward.
I appreciate this as a well executed, readable reference guide from Queen Caroline. I particularly enjoyed her emphasis on helping consumers see through dubious claims & greenwashing, and her shade in the section on brands is worth the price of admission by itself
I somehow managed to grab a copy of this in Ireland before it’s official release date and (as a devoted skin care freak) have devoured it since. I had extremely high expectations for this book and it has exceeded even those.
This book is quite simply exceptional. The detail is astounding; despite being just over 300 pages long each page is jam packed with information and there is simply no fluff! It covers quite literally every element of skincare imaginable and yet makes it extremely accessible and easy to navigate.
While the book contains some specific brands references (in the typical no nonsense Hirons manner!) it also provides the reader with the tools to understand inki lists and make informed decisions on skincare products they may not be addresses in the book.
This combination of information and advice, as opposed to simple product recommendation, is what makes this book stand out from the myriad of other skincare and beauty books and makes it a truly exceptional reference book for the ages. It’s no exaggeration to say Caroline has written the truly definitive bible of Skincare!
For 99p this was worth it. But I wouldn't have paid full price for it. From reading reviews a lot of this info is available on Caroline's blog. I've definitely flicked back and forth re-reading her info on acids and skin types, but I'd like to have seen clearer and more examples, of what products to use. I also wasn't a fan of the 'I don't believe in the term clean eating but avoid all sugar, alcohol, white bread' messaging.
Caroline Hirons is a British skincare guru. Unlike some other skincare gurus, she doesn’t look like she’s got a painting in the attic. She looks like a normal middle-aged woman with good skin. Her no-nonsense style, focusing on understanding and layering ingredients, makes you feel like better skin is achievable. I’ve had this book for over a month and my skin looks pretty much the same. I like the book though.
I’m shocked this book rated as high as it did. It was a painful read. Personally, go to the bookstore and spend 15 minutes reading the sections that apply to you. I think she goes over like 12 times how to wash your face. The information is redundant and you could make a drinking game out of each time she repeated herself. This is a short article written as a book with bursts of personality. This book is for someone with zero, I mean literally zero knowledge of basic skin care. Book didn’t include information of cosmetic treatments; facial treatments ie. microdermabrasion; information on ecocert products, the science of our skin. That may be because she is not qualified to speak to these as she’s not a qualified professional.
⭐️3 Stars⭐️ No nonsense skincare advice from Caroline Hirons (aesthetician/blogger) who shares her knowledge about the elements of a good skincare routine in this guide, it’s written for a UK audience mainly as it references many specific branded products.
Good basic tips and lots of what not to do. Laced with humour but also repetitive in some areas. The amount of info was a bit too overwhelming for me but would be handy as a reference. I think those that are absolutely obsessed with skincare will love it more.
Three of my favourite tips and things I will change after reading this book!
1. I will no longer use wipes on my face unless there is no access to water - emergencies only! 2. A clean flannel per day then change it (I usually keep mine a few days 🤭 3. 'Applying your eye product last is like wearing your knickers over your trousers.'
I became a fan of Caroline recently through Instagram - I love her sense of humour and she actually reminds me of my late mother-in-law, who I miss lots.
I found some parts of the book pretty handy, especially as someone who basically had great skin until I hit 30 but now has problems with dryness and hormonal spots. However, most of the info is already available on Caroline's site or her videos, so I didn't learn as much as I hoped to.
I’ve followed Caroline for many years and honestly put her down to clearing my painful adult acne. So I kind of knew the majority of the info in this book. However, I did still learn things and it’s such a good book to have to be able to grab for any reference and if any one ever asks me for skin related advice! Really lovely design throughout the book too.
Caroline Hirons is such a queen! This is the ultimate skincare guide for everyone out there, whether you’re as skincare obsessed like me or a beginner. I learned so much, it’s like listening to a girlfriend sharing her knowledge on what to do and what not to, what you need and what you don’t. I didn’t expect anything less than brilliant and was not disappointed. I absolutely love this book. Hirons has a way to share well-known information in an eye opening way.
She doesn’t only talk products (like where to splurge and where to save) but routines (the foundation for everything), ingredients and advice on improving your skin from within. “Dairy takes a cute calf into a cow in under a year”, it’s not good for you and you need to take your supplements.
The combination of information, from basics to insider tips and tricks, product recommendations, advice and fun, all while easy to read and understand, makes this the perfect guide to seek advice from and reach for all the time.
I finished this book in about two sittings. And no, I don’t mean that it was gripping nor informative. I was just desperate to get to the “good stuff”. This book is a regurgitation of Caroline’s blog posts. It doesn’t flow. I didn’t learn anything new. I still don’t know what order to apply multiple serums in. And I was expecting a lot more scientific knowledge. Aside from one basic skin diagram at the start, this was full of more jokey “get in the sea” banter than actual information. I also noticed numerous editing issues including sentence repeats and spelling mistakes. Overall, disappointed and would recommend you read her blog instead.
Best skincare book I have read in a long time! It is inclusive in a way few makeup or skincare books are, and Caroline Hirons writes in a fresh and decisive way about a subject she is the absolute expert in. This is a fantastic read for anyone, whether you are just starting out learning about how to take care of your own face, or you have been working in the biz for a long time. Read it, you’ll love it and your face will too!
Honestly, for a non-fiction book it was pretty readable. I found the book informative without being too dull with all the science and chemicals behind it. Her personality shined through making it more enjoyable. She also hits on skin care myths and marketing ploys. Get this, expensive isn't always better. Great guide to get into skin care for all ages.
Some good advice, but overall, what this book really needed was an editor. The information here is unorganized and written like a very long blog post, making it a tough read. I don't think Caroline wrote this with the novice in mind. There's a common pattern across the internet to overcomplicate skincare, which is ultimately what turns so many away. Skin doesn't need all that much to function well. Technically, all you need is a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Those are the basics. Everything else is optional. There tends to be an overemphasis on things like acids, and while I love using them myself, using them too often can lead to a compromised moisture barrier.
This book helped inform me on various topics such as the effect of sugar on skin, tretinoin usage frequency as we age, and the ability of certain ingredients to penetrate the skin and therefore be effective. It even sent me down a rabbit hole to look for a better sunscreen, which I loved. Ultimately though, I don't want to hear Caroline's ramblings on antibiotics or certain brands that don't like her because of her reviews of their products. She has a lot of expertise, but the overall tone of this book is arrogant and sarcastic, verging on bitter, which is another reason I won't be going to her for advice very often.
A great book for anyone and everyone, whether you’re a skincare fanatic or someone just starting to get to know your skin. Caroline writes the book as she uses social media - it’s friendly, chatty and even funny in places. Her personality definitely shines through. It’s informative without being condescending or dull. I know a lot about skincare, but still found this an enjoyable read. Not sure why so many negative reviews from people acting like the book is below them.
I particularly enjoyed the section on skin problems - having acne, eczema and keratosis pilaris and seeing these conditions completely normalised and not spoken about in a medical style was really comforting for me, and I’m sure other readers will have taken the same comfort in relating to other skin conditions listed in the book.
I’m a skincare obsessive through and through and even I have reflected on products I use and my routines - unfortunately Caroline also managed to talk me into ordering even MORE skincare through the pages of her book, which is the only negative for me!
Read it cover to cover after finally getting in the mail. First off, the book is beautiful. I normally am a kindle fan, but wanted the hard back version after seeing the cover reveal. The content is a thorough overview of all things skin, from routines to specific product recommendations, and advice for various skin concerns. I think you will love this book if you are a skin care junkie or are interested in the idea of skin care, but overwhelmed at all the different products and information out there. If you have seen Caroline’s Instagram, YouTube, or blog, you know her tone. I love her sense of humor and candor. Even as an avid fan, I learned some new information.
I cannot say enough good things about this EXCELLENT book. It truly is the no-nonsense guide to skin care.
It covers everything from teenage skin to menopausal skin, making sure to include skin with higher amounts of melanin; from how to truly wash your face to how to properly pop a zit; breaking down exactly what brands mean when they say things like “clean” and “nature” and why we shouldn’t be afraid to use chemicals in our skin care routine.
Buy it for everyone you know, INCLUDING the men. (For the love of Pete STOP using bar soap on your face, my dudes!)
Didn’t bother finishing this, the advice we are getting is repetitive (wash your face, don’t use wipes yeah yeah, mind blown!)
What really annoyed me is a small section where Caroline tells us not to whinge about our aging skin and embrace it, but at the same time throughout the whole book she talks about fillers and Botox. You should start with baby Botox in your twenties. Really?? It’s the complete wrong message to put out there.
kui aus olla, siis see raamat sai mult 5 tärni juba enne, kui ma teda nägingi. lihtsalt... suur osa sellest, mida Caroline Hirons nahahoolduse (ja üldse maailma asjade kohta) ütleb, on puhas kuld, ja ka seda, mis ei ole, väljendab ta ikkagi nii tabavalt ja meeleolukalt, et ma olen valmis kuulama... päris pikalt (koroona-lockdowni ajal tootsid kõik mu lemmikud sotsiaalmeediasse nii palju sisu, et ma sain aru, et lõputult ei jaksa ma kuulata isegi parimaid neist).
aga siis jah, Caroline Hirons, mu lemmik kõigist maailma ilublogijatest. kes on alustuseks piisavalt vana, et tõesti ollagi blogija (mäletate veel seda meediumi?), mitte instagrami-influencer või mis need praegusaja kahekümnesed nüüd ongi. mul ei ole Instagramiga mingit probleemi ja ka Caroline on seal nüüdseks väga aktiivne, sest publik on blogidest sinna ümber kolinud... aga ma mõtlen rohkem seda, et nahahoolduse teemal tahan ma 40-aastase naisena kuulda seda, mida on öelda 50-aastasel naisel, kellel on mõnikümmend aastat ilutööstuse kogemust, vastav haridus ja, khm, 50-aastane nahk. mul ei ole probleemi ka 20-aastaste naistega ja nende iluga, aga mul on vaja guru, kes teab, mis tunne on mitte enam olla 20.
ja mul on vaja guru, kes end niiviisi väljendab - "no-nonsense" raamatu alapealkirjas kirjeldab Caroline'i stiili tabavalt. ta on väga konkreetne, väga vaimukas, väga... britiliku keelekasutusega. kui ma suureks saan, siis ma hakkan temaks.
ahjaa, ma ütlen ilublogija, aga Caroline'i ala ja seega selle raamatu teema on tõesti just näohooldus. meigist kirjutab ta imevähe, kehahooldusest ka minimaalselt. see on ka üks põhjus, miks ta mulle nii istub - ma ei oska ega viitsi end meikida ja loodan sellele, et kui näonahaga hästi ümber käin, siis pole väga vaja ka. seni on see lähenemine hästi töötanud.
mulle kui Caroline'i pikaajalisele jälgijale on siin raamatus vähe päris uut, pigem kenasti ootuspäraselt kokku võetud kõik ta olulised põhimõtted, lendlaused ja seletused selle kohta, mida teevad nahahooldustooted me nahaga ja kosmeetikatootjad me ajudega.
nagu öeldud, puhta kullana ma kõike, mis ta soovitab, ei võta (ei ole mul aega mingite niisutavate spreide jaoks ega selleks, et duši all nägu kuivaks jätta), aga ma arvan, et ta ei solvuks, kui ta seda teaks. igas asjas on ta juhtmõte see, et iga inimene teeb oma välimusega (ja oma rahaga), mis tahab, aga et meil on õigus teada, mis tegelikult kuidas töötab, ja mitte lasta brändidel endale maha müüa mingeid asju, mis ei saagi töötada. see kõik on värskendavalt teaduspõhine. jaa, meil on tegu kosmeetikaraamatuga, kus tsiteeritakse Neil deGrasse Tysonit: "The good thing about science is that it's true, whether or not you believe it."
raamatu ülesehitus on mu jaoks veidi ootamatu - kohe alguses (noh, pärast väikest enese, inimnaha füsioloogia ja oma tähtsamate põhimõtete tutvustust) hüpatakse üle pea sisse ja alustatakse igapäevasest nahahooldusrutiinist, mis päris algajale nahahooldajale tuleb võibolla kerge ehmatusena; ikka tükk aega tuleb edasi lugeda, et hakata aru saama, milleks (ja kas üldse) kõik need seerumid ja happetoonikud ja retinoolid vajalikud on. aga pikapeale see kõik selgub ja lõpupoole sain isegi mina, kes ma end edasijõudnud kasutajaks pean, teada uusi asju päiksekaitsekreemide ja 500 daltoni reegli kohta. veidi hüplik on see kõik, vahel on tunne, et mingist teemast ei räägita piisavalt, ja siis selgubki, et pärastpoole räägitakse veel. aga see on pisasi.
mis siin siis veel on, kummutatakse müüte ("kuulsused ei pese nägu", "tselluliidikreem töötab", "detox" jne), käiakse läbi igasugused eriolukorrad - reisimine, festivalid, kuidas pigistada punne (jah, kõik teavad, et seda ei tohi, aga kõik teevad seda ikkagi), akne jm keerulised nahakonditsioonid. kuidas lugeda toodetel olevaid termineid ja koostisosade nimekirju. tootekategooriate kaupa see, mis peaks inimesel (vanusegruppide kaupa) olemas olema ja mida kindlasti ei peaks kasutama (Caroline vihkab kirglikult niiskeid salvrätte näiteks).
ilus raamat! sama sisu saaks edasi anda ka nii, et ta majapidamises vähem ruumi võtaks (kasvõi fotode ja leheküljesuuruselt trükitud ühelauseliste tsitaatide arvelt), aga selgelt on ühtaegu tegu ka CH fännitootega, mille ostsin rõõmuga kõvakaanelisena ja panen oma riiulisse aukohale teiste tähtsate teadjanaiste kõrvale.
This is a great first step into understanding how to protect your skin!! Very happy to report that I did not learn anything new which means at least I know I'm trying my best with my skin LOL
To everyone reading this: PLEASE I BEG OF YOU, WEAR SUNSCREEN. thank you.
Best book I’ve read on skincare. Comprehensive, straightforward, solid advice. I also took photos of her essay against the rampant greenwashing in the “natural”/“clean” beauty movement, which I plan on forwarding to all of my friends who ask me for “clean” or “toxin-free” skincare recommendations.
My friend lent me this book as I’m brand new to skincare - an absolute newbie despite being in my mid-30s. On the upside, I learnt a lot from the book and discovered some things that I’m doing wrong and many things that I’m not doing at all. I took plenty of photos of key points in the book and am inspired to start a skincare routine (as it turns out that my current no-wash but tone and moisturise isn’t sufficient, who knew?).
My main issue was that as a newbie, I found the structure confusing. For example, she jumps right into morning and evening routines before explaining the skin types and conditions that would influence this routine. It would have been much clearer if she’d started with the skin types, then explained the stages of a routine, then suggested specific routines for each skin type.
Likewise, she goes very in-depth about some things (like explaining multiple times how to cleanse), while touching the surface of other things (such as the number, order, and combination of serums), meaning that some parts were repetitive while other parts were vague. The depth level could have been more consistent, rather than doing 20 laps round the shallow end then suddenly being chucked in the deep end with no armbands.
There were also some areas that I found lacking, for example, I would like to have seen a list of good cruelty-free choices and a price breakdown for the products she recommends. I would have liked more information on mixed race skin and a routine for those who don’t wear make-up.
As a nonfiction book editor, I felt that this book was quite obviously a series of blog posts originally, and it needed far more editing to delete the excessive repetition and create a logical structure. For example, she criticised foam cleansers a ton of times before explaining what’s wrong with them.
If your like me and my Grandma born with good genes and up to now used soap and water and nothing else, aren’t we bloody lucky. But now I’m heading towards my twilight years ( oh I hope they are as good as the books) I am being forced to learn about my skin because it’s changing mighty quickly. My near perfect treat it as bad as you want skin is rebelling and talking to me and showing me on some days that it’s clearly not happy. So step in Caroline Hirons she is an established industry expert and facialist and she seems to know what works and doesn’t. Reading through this book there’s tons of information, too much at this stage for this soap and water gal. BUT a start with a routine and ingredients to look for and what to avoid and it’s written here in this skin bible that I can go and worship when I feel the inclination. But it doesn’t overwhelm you. From what I can gather about Hirons, she knows her stuff and cares and uses language that us meer skincare virgins can understand. It’s straight to the point, no faffing and brilliant photographs showing you step by step instructions. I’m not feeling as intimidated now and have learn about the basics of cleansing and a whole host of other things that should keep my skin squeaky clean - oh apparently it shouldn’t be squeaky like mine is. I will be buying a few copies for some of my skin care loving friends for pressies. A good simple skincare routine that even I can follow. With tons of other info that I will maybe progress too one day. 5 Stars.
This was a really great base of information for me, especially since I was feeing incredibly confused and overwhelmed by the amount of information and strong opinions from brands, professionals, and general people. There are so many conflicting tips online, differing ‘must have products’ and techniques, that I always feel lost before I begin and either buy a bunch of stuff and not use it, or just fully give up.
This book was a bit overwhelming too, but since she has a good reputation and comes off honest and straightforward, I feel now I have a good foundation of reasonable information and suggestions to work from. I have decided to just put my faith in her and believe her way, just so I no longer have to sift through a zillion back and forward opinions / reviews every time I run out of moisturizer and look for a new one. Hirons is a bit over the top and extreme (the amount of products and steps were intense), but I am going to start with what I have one hand and buy one or two more products, establish a healthy routine and habits, and then build from there.
I am sure I will continue to reference this book over time. I read it all the way through once and skimmed back over my highlights and came away with a healthy understanding of skin, skincare, and the beauty industry.
Even if you are not a skincare fanatic, Caroline can help improve your skin without purchasing unbelievably expensive products. She is an amazing woman, and her book is just as I find her: knowledgeable, straightforward, accurate and real. Even a fanatic like I am, who follows Caroline on multiple forms of social media, learned so much while reading. I found it was best as a bedside read, just flipping through a few pages a night. I cannot recommend this one highly enough whether you are young or old - no matter what your skin issue is, Caroline knows what's causing it and what will help. Her index of favorite, hard-working products is worth the price of purchase on its own. A high recommend from me!
I pre-ordered this book back in January so I am extremely happy to finally have it in my hands after 6 months of waiting! This is basically a skincare “bible” by the skincare queen Caroline Hirons (one of my favourite bloggers). It breaks down every aspect of skincare in a easy to understand, no nonsense way and tells you what routine and products you should be using depending on your age and skin type/condition. I loved this, it exceeded my expectations and is a must have for anyone that loves and is interested in skincare (and the science behind it) as much as me!