Beauty: The New Basics

One reviewer suggested that it was a fault of the book that you could pick up any issue of "Cosmo, Glamour, or even YM" and find similar information to what's in this book. Maybe that's true, but how many issues would you have to go through? And how much product-hawking on the part of the beauty editor would you have to sift through first? (I, for one, cancelled my subscription to the beauty magazine Allure because I was tired of the way they seemed to push primarily expensive products, ones that could easily be purchased only in NYC boutiques, or the favorites of this year's "it" girl.)This is a no-nonsense guide by a down-to-earth, sensible woman who simply has an interest in beauty. I trust her research and advice more than I do that of most of the shallow, celebrity-loving beauty editors out there. Beauty doesn't have to be silly and expensive.

This is the most complete, fun, practical and informational book about beauty that I have ever read. If the author's knowledgeable-without-being-patronizing and pleasant tone doesn't make your reading fun. If the great illustrations and paper quality doesn't make you fall in love with this book. If the easy-to-use index and cross-referencing doesn't make you come back to it for endless checkups and casual browsing. Then the information contained in the book, the author's use of personal experiences to illustrate particular points and the vast amount of practical advice for you to try out will. The book is divided in three sections that cover: The Face, The Hair and The Body. The Face includes information on the basics of cleaning and caring for your skin, the benefits of facials, advice on aging-skin and techniques for choosing and applying makeup. The Hair section deals with the basics of hair care, coloring and styling (from cuts that fit the shape of your face and body to styling solutions for perfect hairstyles). In the Body the author explains the many rewards of bathing and the care of hands and feet, and gives you the inside scoop on spas. Every section tells you everything you need to know to create and customize your own beauty regimen for each part of your body. Includes special advice for different types of skin and skin tones, different hair colors and textures, eye shapes and colors, body types and beauty techniques (from cleansing gel to surgery). The accurate and up-to-date product recommendations let you easily find tried-and-tested products and worthy splurges without having to go through innumerable tryouts, and her explanations on product ingredients allows you to make a preliminary elimination of harsh or unfavorable new products. Interesting fun treats are the timelines in beauty development at the end of each section, where a lot of interesting and curious tidbits about beauty abound. The only problem the book has is the soft cover binding. At around 400 pages of heavy graphic paper and after a few months of browsing and night table reading, the covers are somewhat worn at the corners and the side is a bit creased. Buy this book if you want to start enjoying the benefits that the knowledge of the basics of beauty can offer, and want to have fun at the same time. Get it in hardcover if you can afford the price. --Reviewed by Maritza Volmar

I think this is a very underrated resource guide! It covers everything from skincare-to-haircare-to-makeup. There are great recommendations for cosmetics from every price range. It describes the necessary tools that should be in your makeup bag. There are even quotes from some of the more famous makeup artists describing their own makeup philosphies. I also enjoyed the "recipies" for natural facial masks, etc. you can create at home that will work just as well as those found in the store.In general this is a well-rounded resource that touches on every aspect of beauty.

I am over 30 and just starting to use makeup. I found that magazines did not have enough practical tips for me and I wanted to get better informed about product ingredients, cosmetic companies and to find basic "how to" tips. This book is perfect. It gives you the "how to" AND it also gives you the "why". I found it so informative that I have been returning to it each day, for a week. I compare it to "The Joy of Cooking" because you can return to it again and again for different topics, techniques and references. Berg's writing is direct, and practical, and it is beautifully illustrated, with tips for many skin types, hair types, ages, etc. The author also gives great recommendations for products, in a wide range of prices. The historical timelines are also really fun.

For those of us who do not read "magazines like Teen, Seventeen, YM " this book is absolutely fantastic. It is comprehensive, easy to read, includes great tips on all aspects of beauty and even gives some insider info what beauty products should you spend money on and which ones are a waiste of $$$. I loved her common sense advise on investing in your own manicure kit and taking it to your manicurist and how to choose a spa. Great historical information on the beauty industry overall and candid info on individual beauty lines (Aveda, Stilla etc.) This book is fun to read, is loaded with great tips and advise Buy it, you will not be disappointed.