If your skin care shelves have been looking a little full of late, let Caroline Hirons come to the clean-out rescue.
The British blogger and skin care expert has never been shy when it comes to speaking the truth about formulas and has even revealed the products she believes have zero business being on our shelves.
In her debut book ‘Skincare’, the 50-year-old wrote: “There are so, SO many products that I would love to throw in the sea (metaphorical sea – remember the environment, people), and brands making them that I would give a good talking to.”
Citing unproven claims, buzzwords and scaremongers as some of her pet peeves, Caroline names no brand in particular but says these are the products she’d kick to the curb…
#1 Wipes
No real surprise from the glow guru here, who says that wipes should be reserved for emergencies only. “Remember: wipes are for fannies, flights and festivals only,” she wrote. “And never flush.”
#2 Foaming face washes that contain SLS/SLES
(sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulfate)
While some of us may love it when our skin feels ‘squeaky clean’, Caroline says, “no part of your body should squeak.” And that most definitely includes our faces. “These products are too drying. Full stop.” Case closed.
#3 Silly claims and extortionate pricing
Ok our wallets are really liking the look of this one.
“Products that cost silly money for a 30ml of something with a huge claim attached to it, but no clinical trials to back them up,” are not worth it, according to Caroline.
“If you can afford it and enjoy it, great. But if you can’t, you’re not missing out on anything that you can’t get somewhere else for a fraction of the price.”
Honestly, some supermarket skin care buys are just as good.
#4 Mattifying products
Skin is supposed to glow, so why would you hide it? “Unless you are a teenager and/or have oily skin, you do not need mattifying products,” says Caroline. Capeesh?
Do you agree with Caroline? Do you use any of the products she mentions?
I agree that wipes should never be flushed – oh our poor old world if we all did that!
Agree about the wipes but probably not for fannies either. Mattifying products are a lifeline for those with oily skin.
I really agree with #3!
I only use wipes when im travelling on a plane or if im unable to cleanse correctly such as being stuck in a hospital bed.
I rarely use wipes and never flush. Good advice.
I do use wipes sometimes because they are so convenient, especially for travelling. However, I never flush them and I am trying to limit using them.
Yes to all! I do have secret love of translucent powder though. My pores look way better, but skin still has that satin glow. Instead of my natural grease “glow”
Yes to all of these! Especially the wipes, I much prefer to take my makeup off with reusable facial wipes like Face Halo or Blush Off
I agree for the most part but would still use a powder to reduce shine if I know photos are going to be taken.
I’ve started to follow her routines
I totally agree with all these comments. I use Halos for my cleansing , I cant afford expensive products but do like to dream and that glow of youth is something I search for in my foundation and skincare!
Like to use Micellar Facial Wipes to remove my makeup but would never flush them at all.
Always put small amount of finishing powder on so my face isn’t shiny.
Hard to give up those handy facial wipes, but agree that exxy skin care is often just hype.
Agree with the wipes, i only use when I’m travelling
Agree about wipes never being flushed. I rarely use them on my face these days, but I do keep a packet in my handbag for when I need to remove makeup swatches or excess sunscreen from my hands post-application etc.
I’ve always found matte skin a bit odd looking, although it’s very much a personal preference. I love the contrast of dewy skin with matte lip color though. It’s like sweet and salty foods – the two opposites make something pretty special.
Thank you Caroline for these great tips.
I have a greasy nose so I need to take that shine off there but she sounds sensible with everything that she said.
I agree although I cannot use supermarket face care. I use moogoo and jojoba from priceline.
I use face wipes when I’m travelling and sometimes after I’ve cleansed to make sure I’ve removed all traces of make up. Would never flush them though.
Agree to all. I’m guilty of over using wipes. Emergency only! There are great water cleansers that are natural and more economical to use than wipes. I guilty of thinking the dearer the product the better it is. Although I do like the texture of some more lux brands they aren’t going to perform miracles. A good regime will keep the skin clean, protected and hydrated and reduce the effects of ageing. Matte to me can look unnatural and ageing. Dewy for the win 🙂
I disagree with her about mattifying products: I love ’em! – With a subdued hint of highlighter. I think that what’s usually called dewy looks sweaty & greasy.
I was thinking the same thing, I always go for matte.
I love Micellar Water Wipes for when I travel – no risk of spilling. Not sure why anyone would flush them when you have a perfectly good garbage bin in all accommodation not matter how cheap or expensive it is.
I like a matte look best and agree about the wipes however I agree with over using them but when extremely tired or that’s the only option better than not doing.
Yes, a bit of straight talk is always refreshing! I’m down with all of these words of wisdom, as there is so much hype in the industry, flooding poor women with things they’re convinced they need.
Not heard of her before, advice is common sense except mattifying products can be good in highly humid weather
Totally agree on the wipes, just a waste of resources.
Not all products with silly prices are all that bad.
Don’t really do most of these things anyway
“Wipes are for Fannies” that cracked me up!
I stopped using Foaming cleanser as a teenager because it would always dry my skin out to the point of pain! Same with the mattifying products.
So for the past 12 or so years, it’s been oil based cleansers and liquid foundation for me!
I’ve been following Caroline for years and have adopted some of her suggestions. I love her no nonsense advice.
Yes , I agree , especially the part with overpriced skincare.
I’m one of those who needs a mattifying product or else my skin shines
Lol, I like it.
I don’t buy wipes but I’ll use them if I’ve been given them and I certainly DON’T flush them. Plumbers are expensive and Mother Nature unforgiving.
I like her advice and I always make sure to follow her tips and tricks.
This made me lol
Ooops I used wipes all the time!
😀 had to giggle at the first one
Mostly common sense ! But I do think wipes are handy for more than just fannies, festivals and flights!
Lol @ wipes! I use them occasionally, but only for absolute emergencies, and I’d never flush them.
I usually use wipes when I am given them, they are good for holidays.
I spent a few good minutes trying to figure out which definition fanny had in England (as I believe America’s definition is a slightly different spot on the body).
I was also about to disagree with the last item, then I realised she continued to say excluding oily skin.
I agree with most points here
I definitely need my Mattifying products for my oily T-zone
That is so interesting!
Me too!
I don’t agree about her view on mattifying products as I don’t like the shiny look on me.
Wipes are handy to use when travelling or in hospital
Great points! I like her. I never knew what she looked like though. Great article.
Great read. I do use wipes when I’m feeling extremely lazy