I was going to title this post About Face Book – but, it’s not about Facebook, it’s just about face. It’s the Smart Woman’s Guide to Beauty by Aisling McDermot with Laura Kennedy. A lot of beauty books can get very earnest – even if you’re the most serious person in the world about your skincare and makeup they can start to feel a little bit like ‘homework’.
Aisling is as cynical as me when it comes to claims from beauty brands; I love the way she tells it straight (for example, don’t bother wasting your money on expensive micellar waters when a cheaper one will do the same job) and cuts through the science to bring you the real de-coded versions of what ingredients do what. Basically, it’s a no bull beauty book. Aisling has spoken to plenty of experts, recommends real products for real issues and it’s funny too. Need to avoid the ‘foundation moustache’ or Radiator Face? Or discover what ‘buffing’ really is? It’s all HERE.
When I did a search on Amazon, for no reason I can fathom, a set of Del Boy Face Party Masks popped up – don’t muddle the two. You’ll learn nothing about beauty. The book is in stock in the link above, but not in stock currently on Amazon – they’re waiting on new stock, always a good sign when something sells out.
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16 comments
Looks great! Bonus that it’s an easy read…
Jane thank you so much for this lovely review! I didn’t expect it and I appreciate it so much – the next time you’re in Dublin the drinks are definitely on me!
Aisling xxx
I just noticed the line in the book about oil and moisturiser – surely oil goes on last as it doesn’t usually penetrate moisturiser?
I never let coconut oil near my face because of its high comodegenicity rating either, but I know that doesn’t affect everyone.
This made me think of the good ol’ times when I used to check Beaut.ie and Bjooti.se on a daily basis…
what happened to Bjooti??
If this is anything like the original beaut.ie website, I’m sure it will be a fantastic read. must keep my eyes peeled for this.
It has the same humour, definitely and the same no nonsense approach x
Read a few sample pages, not sure if it would be helpful for the Mature skin.
Would be great to see a book from you Jane.
Junie
I wrote two beauty books back in the day. they’re probably not still in print so I don’t think I’d do it again…
Will look for them.
Oh, but it would be fantastic if you did another, you know so much more, and are a great help to many women.
I can hope
Junie
Thanks Junie! But no plans right now… if you have questions you can always ask them on here or email me x
Thanks Jane
Junie
Jane, I too would love if you wrote a book (or shared more details on the ones you’ve written already). I don’t have mature skin (yet!) and am more of a lurker than a poster but there are very, very few bloggers I trust. You’re one of them. I see so many double back on their words, contradict themselves, not disclose sponsored posts and the like, and I’m just sick of it. I’ve removed almost all of my blogroll that I used to read religiously. I’ve just this minute clicked on an article on The Irish Times website, published today, written by one of the authors of this book. In relation to coconut oil: ‘…it is a terrible cleanser. It will sit on your skin and block your pores because it does not wash off cleanly.’ A different stance from the wonderful cleanser it’s touted as in one of your pics above. It’s disheartening and I think more likely to confuse readers when they come across advice like this.
Thanks so much for your comment- first, the coconut oil; I’d definitely use it as part of a double cleanse, because like a lot of oil based cleansers, it can be too heavy for your skin. I don’t think it’s a terrible cleanser but then again, you cannot use it like a ‘normal’ cleanser. It’s also heavily dependent on skin type. Some people love that ‘squeaky’ clean feel after cleansing, and others, like me, mostly prefer skin to feel supple after cleansing – which inevitably means residue. There are so many variables on products like this! My books aren’t even in print any more.. I wrote them when I was a freelance journalist many years ago. I don’t pretend to be a skin expert – I think I know more than average because it’s my job but I don’t think I have enough knowledge to put together a book, and heavy research is out because my site takes up all of my time. A lot of beauty is trial and error (one of the reasons I am so keen on sampling.. and hence my beauty boxes) and there is just no way around that one. But thank you for being so confident in my book ability! It’s made my day :-)))
Hi Jane, many thanks for your reply – I really meant it more as a remark on the author’s contradicting stance on a product rather than the coconut oil itself (although I’m not a fan…adult acne has made me nervous of reaching for anything new on my skin these days!). I did a little research, was this one of your books? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Compact-Book-Being-Beautiful/dp/1840244305/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1456101602&sr=1-7&keywords=jane+cunningham I’d love to read more, you have such a genuine style of writing that’s very pleasing to absorb!
Ah yes.. that is my little book! And, you’re really kind.. but I don’t think I’ll ever write another book.