Skin Care Books

Do you have a muffin recipe that you love? This book is like having a favorite muffin recipe with many variations. I guess if it is your favorite don't argue with it. But, this book is full of variations of a basic recipe.
It is a nice book, but I had hoped for more variety.
But, I do love muffins.

I liked Caseys recipes but..it was almost tiring just reading her instructions,like...start with this pan,then put the mixture in that pan...then stir both pans at the same time.I make and mix my soap in one pan,it's really not that difficult.I agree with another reviewer who said it does'nt have to be a team effort.The best soapmaking book I have ever bought is "The Everything Soapmaking Book" by Alicia Grosso. This book has all the information you will ever need to make really beautiful handmade soap.

I had taken intrest in soap making and so I bought this book off of Amazon.com. It helped me a lot and had some awesome recipies in it.

If you are an inexperienced soapmaker and you read this book, I think it is probably going to scare you to death. You'll drop the book and run away screaming and never give another instant of thought to making milk soaps. MILK-BASED SOAPS was an informative book and I feel that it taught me some useful things (I have my own soapmaking business), but I was making goats' milk soaps long before I read this book and it just isn't as hard as she makes it sound, I promise.

I was really, really puzzled by Makela's instruction to cool the milk/lye mixture down to 80 degrees F while having the fats/oils at 120 degrees F and THEN mixing the two together. She says in the book that the milk/lye mixture will want to keep separating and falling to the bottom of the pot while you stir -- there's a reason for that, you know. It's because there is not enough 'synergy' between these two substances that are being combined at such wildly disparate temperatures. You know what? I bring my milk/lye mixture and my fats/oils mixture both to 110 degrees F for a 6 pound batch of soap and I have NEVER had any trouble. And I do NOT use all the multiple pots and blenders to scoop the raw soap back and forth, etc. I use one heavy stainless steel pot, one sturdy plastic Rubbermaid pitcher for the lye/milk and one stick blender. This does not have to be a group effort. Makela tends to make this sound as if you need a tag team of willing friends dressed in Haz-Mat suits standing at the ready to assist you in your time of need.

Truly. I make this soap all by myself. I do it all the time. It only has to be a big hairy deal if you intentionally make it that way.

One part where Makela is dead-on right is when she says to put the milk (in its pitcher) into a cold bath -- I stop up one side of my sink and add cool water and ice cubes -- and then pour the lye flakes slo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-owly into the milk. She is correct when she says that this should be AT LEAST a fifteen minute process, which is one of the reasons why I charge more for my goats' milk soaps. I owe Makela a thanks for the cool water bath idea -- it's a great one and I have never had trouble with the goats' milk overheating since I've done that. I appreciate that advice immensely. When you stir rhythmically, add the lye slowly and keep the milk nice and cool, you'll always have a sunny yellow milk/lye mixture that will easily combine with the fats and oils to make a really beautiful, creamy, buttery beige-colored soap.

There were some nice recipes in this book and some worthy advice for marketing your handcrafted creations. All in all, it was a good book. Buy it -- and don't let yourself be intimidated by what is not really a difficult process at all.

I was initailly intimidated by this book and I owned it for a while before I attempted her methods. But if you want to make soap with real milk (not powdered as an additive) this is a great resource. Making whole milk soap is not easy. This methods works. I admit I use a stick blender and keep it in one pot but my milk has never curdled due to her cold bath method. Her recipes produce gentle, silky soaps and are made with readily available ingredients. My main complaint with some of the other books is that you cannot get many of the ingredients unless you go online and pay shipping. I agree with another reviewer that she does not explain the why behind some of her methods. I think the glycerine and the sugar are for more lather but I'm not positive. I know the amount of honey is limited due to the risk of the soap overheating in the mold. My only other concern about her recipes is that they do not produce much lather and I like bubbles. However, now that I know the method and have had a lot of success I can experiment with the recipes to customize the soap.

I just recently started the Flexeffect program by Deborah Crowley which I just love. She encourages us to be inventive and so with this book I've been able to combine some different and extra exercises.
The pictures (in this book) of each exercise are very clear and the explanations concise so that you don't have to wade through heaps of information first.
Diligence and patience is the key and with any facial exercises you definitely see a difference. As with most exercises it's best to cover if not all, then most of the them, as each muscle is connected.
I highly recommend it!

I bought this book for someone who I know has a strong interest in this kind of thing, after reading the good reviews for it here, but I felt bad about giving it once I'd received it and had a chance to look inside.
The text was small and very faint, (if I recall correctly, a light mauve on a white background. - If I'm wrong then hopefully someone will correct me) and the pictures inside were all in black and white and not easy to see what one had to do. The main thing that came across to me though is that most of the models used looked young enough not to have to worry about doing facial yoga (presumably the book is aimed at people over a certain age whose faces have become old-looking in some way) and the older models looked old and not conducive to giving anyone confidence in the techniques being advocated, especially the author herself who looked her age and really one would have expected her to look a lot younger than her years if anyone is expected to have any faith in this technique.
The person I gave the book to, thanked me very much at the time, before looking at it, but has not mentioned it at all since, and this speaks volumes to me, as they normally would mention something they feel pleased with. All I can say to anyone thinking of purchasing this book, is try to get hold of a copy to look inside before you buy as it may not be what you are looking for. Quite apart from the disappointing content, the book was very cumbersome and awkward to hold owing to the shape and size of it.

I am very impressed with Marie's approach, which addresses the concerns I have with most facial exercise programs. Exercise does work, but it has to be the right kind of exercise, and not the sort that causes the skin to wrinkle even more. Since I've begun doing these exercises I have been very happy with the results and changes I see. I have also noticed a marked improvement in my wife's face. Great book to get you thinking about how, if you don't like the way you look, you can become proactive about it.

This otherwise great book fails to get five stars for only 2 reasons: 1) the neck exercises didn't produce noticeable results for me personally (I'm going to try Carole Maggio's book for that reason alone); and 2)the author dismisses the importance of aerobic exercise, and in fact, calls it aging.
That may be true for aerobic enthusiasts who overdo it, but imho, it's a critical component of good health and looking youthful. I'm 47 and still get carded so I vouch for the importance of exercise.
Having said that, I started noticing areas of my face that I wasn't thrilled with. Lip lines that were getting worse rather than better, lines on the side of my nose, and upper lids that could use some lift.
Bam! Immediate improvement. I agree with some of the other reviewers: it's very cool to have full, voluptuous lips. My eye area is tighter, brighter (no crow's feet whatsoever, but in fairness, I didn't have that many to begin with) and my nose lines (from squinting) are gone. My cheeks are full and my jaw line is tighter.
Why my neck didn't reap the same benefits, I'm not sure. I've been doing these exercises since June 2007 and that area is the least improved.
Just my two cents, hope it helps.

This book was a big disappointment and I do not recommend it. Get it from the library if you are curious, but don't waste your money. I did!

I think this book is terrible. These exericises "might" tighten some muscles of your face, but the way they are done would no doubt cause wrinkling. The descriptions of the exercises are vague such as "position your tongue and jaw". Huh? The pictures are not very good at showing you exactly which muscles you are supposed to be working either. In addition, they look ridiculous and not as though they would work the intended area. The pictures look like an out of work actress who enjoys looking at herself make faces in the mirror. I was totally disappointed.

This book really works. She explains the exercise by saying which emotion to imitate...i.e. looked surprised, or she might say show skepticism, or prissy, or humorous smile...etc. My face not only looks better (it actually was slightly sore even though I had been doing a different face routine religiously with Judith Olivia's "face aerobics"--I still like that one too, but feel this is more muscles worked in shorter time )
This is a book, which is the only downside for me. If this came out on DVD I would buy it in a heartbeat. Then again having the book is more portable, we just got back from a camping vacation and I could still do the exercises every day even without a dvd and tv. She shows a great pic of her face doing each exercise and gives tips on how to do it, and also tells you what muscle you are using and gives an optional accupressure spot to gently massage (very easy to do and feels great)
It really works. What surprised me most was my face felt less frozen...Iam only 31 and didn't even know my face had become "frozen" but i feel like emotional reactions come easier now for me. Again, Ididn't even know that had become a problem either. It really opened up my palatte of facial expressions! Meaning I feel like an artist with more colors to chose from.
I love how my face looks also!
I usually do this in the mornings, I keep the book on an end table near my favorite chair, and do this while my 4 year old watches sesame street.
At first it took me about an hour to read threw and really do correctly, but now I fly threw it in only 30 minutes....and I still have time to clean the floors before sesame street is over.
...It would also be easy to do at night while watching a favortie show...just do it on the commercials.
Your mirror reflection will thank you! ( I also do the eye bag excercise additonally while brushing my teeth since I want to work on my eyes most)
This is a great book, and I hope I look as great as the beautiful author at her age!!!! it makes old age sound fun if I could look like that!
Stephanie Thiess
Cincinnati, OH

I value the Maggio book for it's precision but find the exercises confusing and tedious and so don't do them often. This book is more easy going but still fully details which muscles are being worked, offers more than one photo of the exercise and, if you're into it, lists the emotions causing those muscles to need to be rehabilitated.

I do wish there was a picture detailing the accupressure point on the pages of instructions accompanying every exercise but a sticky bookmark makes it easy enough to flip to the graphic when necessary. And, the thought she gives to help explain the movements are excellent. For instance, the Expression given for the Eye Crunch is, "I'm not peeking!" and it really helps one 'get' the movement far better than any other explainations I've read.

I've read that stretching the skin is to be avoided but no longer think this is cause for concern unless one is in the habit of wrecklessly distorting the face with one's hands for the mere fun of it. I notice on the instruction sheet for Frownies that one is required to stretch the skin in order to place them and many, many women have sworn by them for decades so it can't be a bad thing to *carefully* move to skin to rehabilitate it.

As an esthetician I have found this book amazingly helpful for my clients. I often reccommend it to those clients worried about losing muscle tone, and unable (or unwilling!) to get a face lift.
Do the exercizes...they're fun (!) and you'll get results! Immediately your skin with look healthier (rosier glow, less sallow) and over time you'll notice a difference. Taking pictures of yourself before and after ( after at least a month) will help you truthfully track your progress. Since we look at our face every day...it can be easy to miss gradual changes.
Pictures don't lie :-)

Timeless Face is an exercise program that goes much deeper than just skin care. The exercises also help emotionally. I suffer from depression and found in the past nine months of regularly doing both the facial and acupressure techniques that I feel better afterwards. I feel less tension in my face.

Just as exercise shapes and contours the body, exercise for the face can shape and contour the face. What happens when specific exercises are used for the face? The muscles become stronger and the skin becomes resilient. The user looks refreshed because the droopy skin has been revitalized.

Resistance exercise has proven to tone and lift the muscles in your body. Facial muscles are no different. They, too, firm and lift with exercise. The nine-week program introduces two easy-to-perform exercises per week that target fifteen areas of the face and neck.

This highly effective program will improve your upper eyelids, your brows, your upper cheeks and double chin, jaw line, turkey neck, wattle, vertical forehead lines and much, much more.

After seeing a dermatologist, an allergist, and two estheticians for my "adult onset acne" and spending way too much money but getting no results, I bought this book. The three day plan noticeably cleared up my skin and I'm continuing with a modified version with fantastic results. I'm a believer in the diet-skin connection and so happy I purchased this book! Plus, I'm feeling healthier and more confident, all the way around. :)

For someone already obsessed with their complexion, finding ways to control their life through a complete change of diet is probably not the healthiest method.

For me, I found that my skin finally cleared up on its own once I started accepting myself for who I am and for the skin that I am in during this instance.

I did notice that my skin appeared a bit better while eating these foods, but I would really urge people to enjoy life and not become obsessed with their skin to the point where they feel the need to control everything they eat.

I think the biggest complaint or criticism of Dr. Perricone's recommendations is the excessive cost of supplements and creams. With regard to the supplements, Dr. Perricone gives recommendations on the vitamins and supplements you should take. I spent some time looking at all the ingredients listed and realized that you can get those same supplements, vitamins, and minerals at your local health food / vitamin store (GNC carries a lot of them (get DMAE here) and so does Trader Joe's (you can get the Complete EFA (essential fatty acids), Alpha Lipoic Acid, but does not have DMAE), and Costco (good price for CoEnzyme Q10)! The prices are much more reasonable. (In fact, on the nvperricone website, the vitamin packets list all the ingredients and the amount of product included in the packets. In his book, he makes dosage recommendations too.) I hope this helps.

I used to have acne scars, zits and skin that was showing signs of aging. I used the perricone program for a while and did like have some positive results. But then after hearing about Microdermx on beauty forums, I tried it and the Microdermx has completely changed my bad skin into skin that I looks beautiful to me. I have about 85% less acne scars, no acne, and my skin is firmer with a glow. The price is better too than say Dr. Brandts.

It hasn't been clinically proven that Perricone skin products work. My mom (age 46) tried them anyway, and they didn't work.

His advice to stay away from grains (and whatever comes from them, of course) is great, but not new. Yes, farm-raised salmon is screwed up, eat the wild one, but again, I knew that already.

And I disagree with his complicated "system" of taking supplements. If you just eat normal food, like vegetables and fruit, NOT grains and soda, you won't need supplements. The only supplement you need is fish oil, since farm-raised animals that we eat lack necessary fatty acids.

Book is great source for identifying possible medical or allergic reasons behind common and not so common skin problems. Also provides recommendations for off-the-shelf products that really work.

I got a lot of useful information about why I look older as I get older, and understand what I can do to help my appearance. I liked the explanations of how different products really work, and felt the author was candid, and although she clearly approves of cosmetics, knows the field thoroughly. I think this is a kind book, and psychologically cheerful. It is refreshing to read something positive about looking older, in this youth oriented society.

I purchased this book hoping that this would contain basic skin care info, and additional info regarding various skin treatments. I found the info on the light side, and the philosophy that we all have inner beauty not something I wanted. I bought this specifically to find information on skin peels, and PSR. I did not find this information adequate enough go make a solid judgement with. Go to your public library for this one.

I read this book just before a session wirh my dermatologist and it helped focus our discussion tremendously. I knew specific questions to ask, knew specific brand names and their potential side effects. Also it was most helpful to finally have a list of brand name cosmetics, soaps and creams that the good doctor uses and recommends...not as a paid spokesperson but as a skin specialist and consumer. A great reference guide for any woman, any age.

The most useful part of Dr. Newburger's book was her "Top 50 Products": a review of products incuding AHA's, retinoic acids, moisturizers, sun screens, etc. that she found to be particularly effective. Also helpful was her description of her OWN nightly and morning routines - it gave me a better sense of the mix-and-match possibilities in OTC preparations.

The book contains good information; unfortunately, the "case histories" she provides, while meant as "object lessons" to the reader on the value of one's inner self over exterior beauty, get pretty tedious after a while. After all, Dr. N. is a high-priced skin specialist in Scarscale. Not everyone will relate to the woeful tales of these pampered beauties obsessed over pore size and, frankly, the repetition of the theme she harped on in these episodes was boring.

This is one of my favorite makeup books -
the illustrations in the book were quite impressive -
I agree though, with previous reviewers that a lot of
the photos in the book ARE quite dated... goes way
back to the days when Issey Miyake was the God (80s?).

However interestingly enough, some of the other photos
especially regarding eye make up are very current! I am
thinking that it was the author's intent to share the old
photos to give an account of the history she's had with the
industry?

Anyhow, it was the first time I heard of the concept of
having a "basic four color palette" to create four
new colors - (p.67 a brown shade in cream texture,
a gloss in yellow, a pale shade such as coral-pink,
a bright color such as vibran red) - and also the first
time I realized how much money I had wasted on all my
makeup products I have been amassing!

And this concept totally gave me the insight that it's
not about those blues, greens I need for my eyeshadows -
it's all about the skin tone colors working together!!!
(Although it was Bobbi Brown products and salespeople
that yellow-base was good for the skin... this isn't the
same thing!)

Some of the very fashion-editorial type photos didn't
really help me on a practical level... but it was quite
fun and liberating to view makeup as an extension of
expressing oneself, almost like a fine-art painting using
your face as canvas. For most everyday people looking for
sensible application of makeup probably won't get much out
of the Freestyle makeup chapter though... They look like
clowns or Picasso's women from bathers of Avignon, ie. African
mask-like...

But I decided to buy the book because I was so eager to learn
about the different ways of dressing the eyes; I felt this book
had more to offer than Kevin AuCoin's book on treating the eyes.
I especially love the distinctions made for... The Sultry Eye (p.85),
The Doe Eye, The Cat Eye, The Smoky Eye. The book includes many
versions of the smoky eye (soft&simple, a little more, deep smoky,
strong&sexy, and neutral smoky layers). This was also the first time
I ever saw of a makeup book include a very very clear illustration
of how to do the Marilyn Monroe's eyeliner -- the drawing on p.87
is quite helpful for beginners like me to see how the line is achieved.

Unfortunately, this is not the definitive book on contouring...
Contouring is explained on pages 94-95, but it's mostly text,
and only 3 photographic sources are given using one model. So if you're
a beginner who wants to learn more about contouring, I suggest you
check out Rober Jones's website and books and DVD.

The latter section of the book deals with practical advice for professional
makeup artists - things like working on location, working on
location in the city, in hot climates, in any weeather,
fashion shows, advertising and other commercial work are covered,
including makeup for brides (unfortunately, the photos are not that
up-to-date nor inspiring) and fees and compensation. Chapter 6 is
devoted to newbie makeup artists.

Thanks Linda for sharing your wisdom!
Namaste~
fan in Korea...

Linda Mason is a top international makeup artist and here provides an outline of techniques and how-to tips that are used to achieve high glamour and modern results. Mason served as a makeup artist for many Hollywood shoots, so her expertise comes from tested techniques under the most rigorous of conditions, yet translates well to the everyday woman's needs. General-interest libraries with beauty sections will welcome a basic primer packed with color photos, step-by-step application tricks and tips, and a knowledge of bone structure, color, and makeup for different ethnic groups. Very highly recommended.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

...Not for little kids or conservative types wanting to do the same old hackneyed thing. If you're a secret little superfreak in the making, get her makeup book for teens. Linda Mason is an artist and painter and at times there are few boundaries between the face, body, and canvas. Her covers are actually quite modulated compared to what you'll find inside. I almost didn't buy her books at first because of the covers, but I'm so glad I took a chance. She makes your mind take leaps beyond. That's what good art books ought to do. Her range is amazing--she can do uber glam and fun and girly and smouldery and crazy. I've referred to her books multiple times for day time ideas on myself, as well as for theatrical or film ideas.

This is really a beginner text. Great for people who don't own any Kevin Aucoin books and who have never read an issue of Allure magazine in thier lives.
It does have some interesting information on period makeup from the 1920's-1990's. A couple good techniques.
On the whole I was pretty disappointed. Oh well, it was only $10

I usually enjoy most makeup books and give them 5 stars. I found this one dated, the pictures are old looking, very costumey or imagey, not real. I was oo bored to read it in detail. It has some valid points which is why I still gave 3 stars

This book is very informative and the techniques really are amazing. Worth my money.

I bought this book for the purpose of gaining new and insightful makeup tricks and tips. I didn't find them in this book. I own many makeup books and have learned many techniques over the years. Unfortunately this book didn't really impress me. Every make-up book explains what foundation is and why you need to pluck your brows, but I need something new! I wouldn't recommend it if you own at least one of the popular makeup books

This book starts with the premise that everyone has unique qualities that are beautiful. Rather than expend large sums of money, suffer the pain and risks and possible dissatisfaction of permanent surgical options, the author suggests using makeup. Sharing techniques she honed as a professional make-up artist, the author takes regular people, wrinkles and all, and transforms them. Each step is photographed and described in the text and the make-overs are impressive. The models include the author, her family and friends and she addresses everything from covering tattoos and age spots to enhancing the eyes, straigthening the nose and enhancing the bust line.

Scattered throughout the book are the author's "pearls of wisdom", essentially cheap and easy beauty tips. There is a section on make-up tools and how to buy makeup.

I enjoyed this book for its upbeat tone and simple and clear instructions. It is basic but the results can't be beat. I applaud the author for advocating a healthy approach to beauty. People should learn to feel good about themselves and accept that age and beauty are not incompatible. The models in the book represent a good cross section of the population including minorities, young girls, and seniors. All are refreshingly individual--no botoxed Barbie dolls here. This book is more than a manual, it is a mood lifter too!!

The techiques in this book will stop anyone from going under the knife for a small lift. Portrait style pictures and the stage pressence of my clients and self have never looked better.

I had the opportunity to attend a lecture/demonstration by Ms. Pearl at the International Makeup Artist Trade Show in Pasadena a few years back. She is an amazing artist and has lots to offer. While her methods echo methods found in other artists' books, I was pleased to see someone finally compile these techniques in an easy to follow format specifically for people considering plastic surgery.

Ms. Pearl not only describes methods for disguising flaws; she also outlines the risks and costs associated with the surgical option. As a makeup artist living in Los Angeles, I can't tell you how many people I have encountered who are suffering severe complications (and in some cases, disfigurements) from their elective surgeries - surgeries they didn't really need. You can accomplish so much with makeup; I would encourage anyone considering surgery to try makeup first.

Many of the reviewers have expressed concerns about "caking" too much makeup on. In some instances that's necessary (tattoo cover, raised freckles), but in most cases you don't have to cake it on as long as you put the right product in the right place, and blend it well. Good luck!

It has been several years since I wore makeup regularly, and lately I had gotten overwhelmed by all the different types on the market today. And I dont read Cosmo. So this book really helped make sense of the dizzying array of products to choose from, and now I'm not so intimidated by the hags at the makeup counter.

This is a great book, with lots of information written in it, but I guess I was expecting more photos, and there are none. There are drawings, drawings of colors, etc. I was looking for more of a "how to with full color photos" I guess, this is not it. I was looking for more pictures.

This book had very few colour photos, no application techniques, and often incorrect statements about hair and skin types. There were no insightful tips or "insider information" that would have been useful to back up my current knowledge. Everything was rather juvenile, with suggestions such as "wear sunscreen" and the use of a curling iron too often can "damage your hair." Who doesn't already know that? The "advice" is not worth your money!

I must agree to some extent that some (but not all) of the beauty instruction/info within this book is fairly basic. Yet I enjoyed this book much more than I did any of the other beauty books I've read. Robins makes this book special by sprinkling it with personal beauty anecdotes and reminiscences. For example, she takes the reader back in time to the "Fabulous Fifties," when she worked in a department store's cosmetics department. She recalls her childhood jealousy of her best friend's gorgeous hair, as well as her childhood fascination for her mother's beauty routine. She bemoans her teenage quest for the perfect tan.
Aside from personal stuff, Robins also includes some looks back at the cosmetic brands, campaigns, and fads of the past.
If you're a beginner, I think this book will provide good basic information for you. If you're a seasoned cosmetics aficionado with little patience or who is only out for new info, don't bother. But if you (like myself) can find delight in simply talking about cosmetics and beauty and don't mind sitting through related anecdotes and history, then this should prove an enjoyable read for you.

This book was fun to look at, but not really usable. Lots of stylized drawings and self-aggrandizing tales by the author and not a lot of realistic how-to. Also, the explanations about skin care were clearly not written by anyone with a science or medical background.

It's a great book. I got it from the library first, but it has lots of amazing recepies - both masks and food, so I am buying it now...

The Ciminelli Solution: A 7 Day Plan for Radiant Skin is just that! The book describes ways on how to have healthier more beautfiul skin from the inside out. It seems like such a simple idea, but when it comes down to it, many people never think to take care of there skin from the inside. I have been doing the plan for a while now and have seen extensive results. Not only is the book a beautiful, enjoyable read but the recipes included are top notch. I have made most things and have like everything better than the next. Who ever thought healthy cuisine could taste so good? If eating like this keeps my skin and body looking and felling the way it does than I'm a devotee for life! Why wouldn't I be? Eating 5 star food and reaping all the benefits from the inside out you would be a fool not too! Though not mentioned much in her book, her product line is like nothing I have ever used before. So get the book, without a second thought, you will live a much happier, healthier, more beautiful life. Kudos to you, Susan!

The Ciminelli Solution at first glance seems very basic. We all know what we should be eating and how to take care of our skin. Right?
However reading this book and following her methods do bring results.
There is a step by step for detoxification of your skin. How to alleviate fatique is my favorite topic. I have a demanding job and decided to try her suggestion of using organic milk, egg, an organic lemon in my bath. I followed her instructions and after a 7 minute soak, wrapped myself in a warm blanket for a half an hour. I felt wonderful!
If you would rather rely on over the counter cleansers and bath salts, this book in not for you. If you would like to try detoxificatin and learn how to release impurities, I would say to buy this book.

There is nothing to learn from this book. NO new concept here.
She talks about detoxification and acidity of the body.
It reminds me of the Fat Flush book, by Ann Louise Gittleman, but this one is really good.

The book has very large margins, so the reading material is not that much, and in addition to that, half of the book
is about recipes, which are for ex: "Millet Casserole with Tempeh and Arame Seaweed"..Please !!!
"Mashed Celery Root"....."Eggplant Tofu Roliatini".....

Also there are some masks recipes for the face like avocado and lemon juice, pineapple pulp mask, etc, but this is not new.

Better buy Dr Perricone's book if you want to have a great skin.
Also "Eating for Beauty' by David Wolfe is a great book.

This woman and her book were worthless, basic and a waste of my time and money. I was very dissapointed with her information and recommendations, they were no-brainers and for beginners who don't know what to think or do. Also, I find her credentials and style to be below par. Skip this book and find something from a professional.

Just to note, this book was written in 1996. Since some of Kevyn Aucoin's books were written around the same time I was going to discriminate based on age. The focus is on makeup & skincare (face & body). Instructions come with amazing visual aids, some of the best I've seen. Unfortunately, the makeup colors are dated, as are several of the products (cake foundation, eye foundation, etc). There is also a lot of emphasis on correcting, like using shading to downplay your face shape. And please don't follow the eye makeup recs for Asian eyes on page 95.
Skip it. It would be great if DK came out with an updated version because the style does seem very user friendly.

I had actually been searching for this book forever...back in like 1997 I found it at Barnes and Noble but my parents wouldn't let me get it since it was Christmastime. Well, being young, I hid it in the travel section, so no one could buy it. My parents went back to buy it, and it wasn't there. So no book. I finally found it through Barnes and Noble but they wanted so much for it! I found it here and I couldn't be happier about it. I LOVE the styles and designs she puts in this book. Fabulous fun!

This is a great book. It covers everything and is written well with lots of colored photos of "how to"s. I bought this book used from "bythebook7 zShop", seller #971. This book was brand new. Fast shipping, excellent seller.

Gail Marlow

As a teenager I was intrigued by these types of books. This is a similar book and I would recommend it to teenagers who are leaning about body care and skin-care regimens. Mary Quant has created a step-by-step photographic journey to show how to apply all the essentials and make the most of natural features. There are self-analysis charts, detailed questionnaires (to identify skin type, face shape, and coloring), and paint-box palettes of eye shadows, lip colors and nail polishes.

A gallery of looks is presented from the natural everyday look to glowing evening glamour. You might even find some wonderful hairstyle ideas while learning about makeup. Active Aqua was intriguing since I never think about wearing makeup when swimming. Understanding your skin is a section to determine skin type. The characteristics of different skin types is essential to determine which beauty products you will buy. I can recommend the Onzedirect.com products because they are the best basic products I have ever used and seem to keep my skin the most clear. They have a unique hair mud mask, a face mud mask and a peeling mask I totally love.

They don't really mention brands but give an overview of the types of products to use. I can also recommend Proactiv cleansing scrub and daily oil control for teenage and adult skin. Darcy (drying lotion) products also are wonderful for teenage and oily-prone adult skin as they have sulphur masks, etc. They recommend a medicated liquid cleanser but don't give the product names. While some say to stay with one brand, eventually you learn what your skin likes best and you stick with the products.

A section on how to analyze your face shape is helpful for learning how to apply makeup effectively. If you look in a mirror and take lipstick and outline your face as you see it in the mirror, that is helpful. This book is geared for all races, so no matter what your skin color, you will find ideas.

The section on skin care helps to prepare the "canvas" so to speak and you can learn how to steam your face and use some fresh herbs in the water so you can also get in a touch of aromatherapy. You can then learn to give yourself a facial massage.

The actual makeup lessons are easy to follow. First you decide which foundation type you want to use. Then you learn how to conceal undereye circles or correct blotchiness with green base. Applying blush can be a bit tricky....blend, blend....blend. Shading and Highlighting adds a whole new dimension to your look. You can lift your cheekbones or soften a heavy jaw. Applying Eyeshadow teaches the basics of eye foundation (I never remember to use) and then how to apply shadows with all the special brushes.

Achieving the look is a fun way to see what you want your eyes to look like before applying the eyeshadows. Then onto lips. Can I say something? Burt Bees lip balm. It is the best thing I have ever found and works even in very dry climates. They also have Baby products you will want to use for yourself as they all smell like honey scented with flowers! Starting with just some basic cosmetics and then adding to your collection is good advice. Buy one lipstick and try it out first. You might be allergic to it and it might make your lips peel, etc.

Then, onto nails, If you have not discovered Nailtiques yet, you must try the formula for your nails. It is a coat of protein and I use it as a nail base. Estee Lauder nail polish is the best I have found, but if you find something that will "really" last a week...do write me. One of the best places to find makeup base is at your local "Acne" clinic. See what they have in regards to custom makeup they can blend to your exact skin tone. It also won't clog your pores! Very important. If you can find it...look for silk face powder.... What they don't really mention is that makeup can get old and you do have to toss it. So, Great Lash by Maybelline is a good choice and is not too expensive. Their eyeshadows also come in Expert Eye kits that have 8 colors each. They are fun because you can really play with all the shading.

The body-care program chapter will make you want to check into a spa. There is nothing like a good body scrub (they show how to slough off dull surface cells) or massage. Issues like exercise, relaxation techniques, diet and sun protection give a good basis for body care.

~The Rebecca Review

Update the book to this millinium. The book was printed
in 1996. Oh my, I may have been born in the 50's but I
would love to look like a refreshed 50's using old school and new school for todays look!!