Sali Hughes (The Guardian)

[Methenyouplus4]

Just discovered her reviews, she seems very honest (in that while giving high praise to some, she is critical of others). Am I being naive in thinking her recommendat ions are genuine? Once upon of time would have believed them no questions asked but after reading on here about how sponsorship works in beauty blogs/ journalism, should I take it all with a big pinch of salt?

[MeAndTheMajor]

I trust Sali's reviews implicitly. She's been quite clear about the fact that The Guardian don't make her write 'reviews' of products sold by advertisers and that she's free to write what she wants.
Her book 'Pretty Honest' is a brilliant read too.

[YouCantCallMeBetty]

Absolutely, I'd second that. Great reviews and her book is awesome.

[heritagewarrior]

Absolutely agree with both PPs....her book is a great read!

[Methenyouplus4]

That's good to know. I felt they were honest as she didn't seem to have obvious brand loyalty and is happy to say 'X from whatever brand is good but don't bother with rest of range' or whatever.

What sort of thing does her book cover?

[SewSlapdash]

I used to really like her, but since she started her own website everything she recommends is very, very expensive. She used to give a lot more budget recommendations.

[Tate15]

I prefer her to Caroline Hirons who I despise.

However, none of them are truly transparent and will receive backhanders from companies in one form or another.

[Kennington]

I think she is transparent about where she gets paid which is fair enough.
Her recommendations have crept up in price. But she knows what she is talking about.
The Sunday riley oils are a barmey con, looking at the ingredients.
As with all these bloggers a little more knowledge of chemistry - and skin biology - would help them understand how similar many products are. and how badly we are being ripped off in some cases. It isn't as if you need a PhD to understand it!

[HairsprayQueen]

To be fair, in her book she says that although the Sunday Riley Luna oil is good she's found the Ren oil about as good for half the price.

[Lottapianos]

Why do you despise CH, Tate? Honestly interested

[OttiliaVonBCup]

I would take all recommendations with a pinch of salt TBH, whether SH or anyone else.

What works for her might not work for you for many reasons, different skin, lifestyle, preferences.

And then of course sponsorship/consultancy deals and so on.

I feel very when I see the same products all over all blogs/instagram with gushing reviews.

[PollyPerky]

I think her opinions are as valid or as invalid as anyone's!
She may not receive money for promoting products but she's only giving an opinion- she's a beauty journalist not a dermatologist!

I know she raves about certain products and shades but they are what suit her. eg she did a foundation video using Bobbi brown; well, I've yet to find a BB foundation that I really like despite buying and using 4 of them (right colour but not right texture.)

Ditto Revlon Lip Butters- she chose s 'gorgeous' shade which is red and may look good on her as she's dark but won't suit everyone.

These people are self appointed 'experts- they are journalists at the end of the day.

[PollyPerky]

The won't receive backhanders but they will receive lots of free samples in order to try the products, or as a thank you for mentioning them.

[Hassled]

I do like her lots - she writes well. Someone on MN said a while back that Sali Hughes is only very good at recommending products for people who look like Sali Hughes, and that's true - but then I guess that probably applies to all the beauty journalists.

[Melonaire]

She's brilliant.

[Lndnmummy]

I am a big fan! Her recommnedations have really helped me

[TurnipCake]

I prefer Sali's writing in places like The Pool, as her beauty recommendations have never worked for me (but she loves perfume as much as I do, I loved her perfume video)

[IdentityRequest1]

Hairsprayqueen - which REN oil???

[CaptainWarbeck]

She's good if you have similar skin to her ie dry and sensitive. Not as good for oily skin. I think unless you've experienced a totally different skin type (eg medication) it's very hard to give out good advice about it.

She's bang on about face wipes and foaming cleansers though!

[variousthings]

Unless you're 12 and have never washed your face before I don't understand why anyone rates her book. Thought it was crap.

[Judydreamsofhorses]

I really like SH and think while she obviously gets tons of free stuff, she is generally candid in her reviews. That said, I didn't really rate her book, which while nicely written didn't tell me anything I didn't already know. It was more a "nice thing to give as a present" book than particularly useful.

[OttiliaVonBCup]

It's the Retinoid Oil. Very similar the Sunday Riley, without the hype and the price tag.

I'm on my second bottle myself, M&S carry them. I love Ren.

[HumboldtFog]

I got overtaken by hysteria and behaviour when I read her page about the new REN eye product yesterday.
Ordered it from REN immediately (even though she said February launch date) and am now kicking myself for being a sheep. Again.
After sleeping on it, I can't see it doing what was promised, so that's another £30 wasted.
If it's great I'll come back and update so any other sheep can join me

[IdentityRequest1]

REN Bio Retinoid?

BAAAAAA

[OttiliaVonBCup]

Haven't tried the eye one, I never use eye creams so not bothered.

[GiraffesAndButterflies]

I really love some of her older columns about things like makeup brushes, makeup for glasses wearers, waterproof makeup etc. She's a bit more specialist/high end these days, more relevant if you're really into skincare.
"How to look a bit less shit" is more my level than "How to go from good to flawless"

I do trust her reviews though.