Caroline Hirons' skincare essentials to add to your beauty routine

When Caroline Hirons takes to her Instagram feed to recommend a new product, you can bet that we (and the entire beauty industry) take note. The latest must-buy to gain this accolade is Isle of Paradise's Sunny Serum, an instant bronzing product that promises to deliver the perfect glow for spring.

Alongside a selfie, the Skin Rocks founder wrote: "Not since the Curél mist have I used something (non-SR!) and thought, ‘My Giddy aunt you absolutely need this...’ But you absolutely need the @theisleofparadise Sunny Serum." Caroline went on to praise the serum for delivering an "immediate healthy glow".

The buildable bronzing formula can be used under or over makeup to make skin look instantly sun-kissed and luminous. Plus, it contains a trio of hydrating actives (niacinamide, squalane and jojoba oil) that work to improve the tone and texture of your skin over time. Sign us up.

We've regularly spotted the Curél Deep Moisture Spray on Caroline Hirons' Instagram feed, so it's no surprise this cult product regularly sells out.

Caroline first posted about the product on Instagram back in 2021, where she wrote: "I have used this every single day since I got it in my hands. You need this. I do not say that lightly. Trust me."

The cult product promises to deliver instant hydration, leaving skin feeling replenished and soft. The perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

This silky illuminator from the experts in SPF is a sheer serum that instantly creates a gorgeous, hydrated glow. It leaves skin looking so fresh, you might not want to put any makeup on top of it. Oh, but the best bit? It protects the skin from blue light, pollution and the suns harmful rays.

Caroline Hirons previously told Red: “This protects your skin with SPF 30 whilst giving you a gorgeous glow. Works well under makeup or alone for a dewy look. Double win!”

Caroline Hirons declared Aussie brand Ultra Violette as her Brand of the Year 2021 on her blog. The skincare expert praised the brand's SPF credentials. On the Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, she wrote: "This is probably my favourite face SPF in the range. It is hydrating, without being sticky and gives your skin a gorgeous glow."

Caroline Hirons previously told Red: "Gentle self-tan in a hydrating base, which won't leave your face looking a different colour from your neck."

Caroline Hirons previously told Red of this hero Paula's Choice exfoliator: "Try BHAs for spots and acne."

This creamy cleanser from Caroline Hirons' Skin Rocks range is perfect for you if you're on the hunt for a gentle but effective product that won't strip your skin.

"A great all-rounder for first, second or morning cleanse, The Cream Cleanser is suitable for all skin types and conditions," says Caroline Hirons. "The formula contains eight amino acids, squalane and jojoba seed oil to hydrate and protect the barrier without leaving any residue."

Read our beauty writer's full review of Caroline Hirons' Skin Rocks The Cream Cleanser here.

Caroline Hirons' Skin Rocks moisturiser promises to promote long-term skin health and radiance, as well as delivering a much-needed shot of moisture.

Caroline Hirons says: "This is my go-to staple moisturiser for all year round and is suitable for all skins. Opt for the fragrance-free version if your skin is sensitised or if you do not like fragrance in your products.

"With ingredients such as pro-vitamin D3, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane, this deeply hydrates whilst the whipped texture feels lightweight on the skin."

Retinoid 1 from Caroline's Skin Rocks is an entry-level Vitamin A serum for those who've never used a retinoid before. It has an active level of 0.2% hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and is enriched with bakuchiol and soybean extract, as well as squalane and vitamin E.

On the Skin Rocks website, Caroline Hirons says: "Your skin will look brighter, smoother and more even, whilst fine lines, breakouts and dark spots will appear reduced."

For experienced retinoid users, Caroline's Retinoid 2 has an active level of 0.5% hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR) and 0.05% retinal - as well as all the nourishing ingredients in Retinoid 1.

On the Skin Rocks website, Caroline Hirons says: "This is an intermediate strength, so perfect for you if you have already tried and love retinoids. This is my maintenance retinoid." Working in a similar way to Retinoid 1, it will help skin look smoother and brighter, while fine lines and dark spots appear reduced.

Think of this hard-working face oil as a quick fix solution to help support your skin's barrier and calm the complexion.

Caroline Hirons says: "I literally call this a fire extinguisher for the skin. If you have sensitised, uncomfortable or dehydrated skin, this nourishing, gentle oil is for you.

"Containing jojoba, macadamia and sunflower oils blended in a 100% plant-derived pure squalane-based formula, your skin will feel calm, hydrated and plump after use."

After previously selling out, the Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream for Dry, Sensitive Skin is a real winner, which Caroline Hirons has waxed lyrical about on her Instagram Stories.

"The Curel Intensive Moisture Facial Cream is now back in stock at Boots – get it while you can!" she wrote, adding: "You need this if you have dry or sensitive skin, leaving you with a healthy glow whilst still feeling lightweight."

Caroline Hirons has previously taken to Instagram to share her love for Tata Harper's Softening Cleanser. She wrote: "The woman does not make a bad cleanser. If her cleansers were Bon Jovi singles they’d be off of Slippery When Wet and New Jersey. If her cleansers were trainers they’d be Adidas Stan Smiths. And if they were colours they’d be neon. There is no wrong here."

High praise, indeed!

Caroline Hirons told Red: "You can't go wrong with La Roche-Posay. This hydrating mist is a no-brainer; full of hyaluronic acid."

Caroline Hirons previously said to Red of this product: "A gorgeous moisturiser, loaded with actives. A desert-island staple and one of my all-time hero products."

Caroline Hirons previously told Red: "Acid toners are the first step in the moisturising process – as well as resurfacing the skin, they destroy bacteria, boost collagen and improve the absorption of products.

"Mainstream acid toners were unheard of when I started out. It took me a couple of years to find this one.

"As a rule of thumb, AHAs are better for dryness, ageing and dehydration..."

Caroline Hirons previously told Red: "Everyone over the age of 30 should be using retinoids. Other than SPF, this is the only ingredient the American FDA (Food & Drug Administration) allows brands to claim has an anti-ageing effect. I’d rather be without my dishwasher.

"[Medik8] is a serious and science-led brand that does retinoids incredibly well."

Caroline Hirons previously told Red: "If I’m ever looking dull or sluggish, or my skin needs a quick boost, leaving this on for 10 minutes puts the radiance back."

Caroline Hirons has previously said of the sell-out Curél Foaming Facial Wash on her Instagram Stories: "It's no secret how much I love Curél and their Foaming Facial Wash.

"Designed to replenish, protect and promote the natural ceramide moisturisers in the skin – making it perfect for those who have dry or sensitive skin and are looking for a dewy, luminous glow."

Speaking in an IGTV in 2021, Caroline Hirons hailed Korean beauty brand Then I Met You's Living Cleansing Balm, £37, as her "product of the year," and couldn’t say enough good things about the ‘brilliantly formulated’ product.

Founded by Charlotte Cho (of Soko Glam), the product has been available in the US for some time now, garnering a cult following, so we're very excited that it's now available in the UK.

"I didn’t expect to fall in love with a cleansing balm in the way that I did," said Caroline, who praised the seaberry and persimmo cleanser as "brilliantly moisturising, nourishing," and claims it "destroys makeup".

She added that it’s safe for acne-prone skin and that she could find "nothing wrong with it" — high praise indeed.

Caroline also flagged two other Then I Met You products: the Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel and The Giving Essence — both of which she calls "amazing".

Then I Met You Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel, £36 SHOP NOW

Then I Met You The Giving Essence, £51 SHOP NOW