Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion

If I were to type a full review of this book, I would end up typing a book myself. As a licensed esthetician, a beauty obsessed woman, and someone who is quick to question all of the wild claims made by companies on their beauty product labels and advertisements, this book has been the next best thing to arrive into my hands since Paula Begoun's "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me". I love this book to pieces...candid, humorous, delightful, informative, and more! It is a fun and easy read, and it is one that makes me want to stay awake in bed and keep reading for hours. I don't know if one would consider that a good or a bad thing. ;) This book is what I consider a must-have for anyone in the business of beauty, or those looking for straightforward information on reality versus all of the beauty hype and BS out there. Before you potentially waste any more money on highly priced beauty products, spend on this very worthwhile book so you can purchase your following products with fresh eyes, whether you turn that first page clueless or you are needing a renewed perspective. I have easily dived into the beauty vortex that includes mesmerizing, beautiful colors and containers, and this image of lovely gilded and decorated items on display on my vanity. If that is what one desires, I totally understand and respect that, and I even applaud it, as we should all spend our money as we choose to have beautiful items in our possession. I have countless proof on Instagram that I am speaking of myself as well. But, if you think that a $300.00 face cream is going to work miracles, at least know the truth about what your money is going to, which would possibly be just slip agents, thickeners, petrolatum, castor oil, silicones, some typically added fragrance that smells luxurious, a coloring agent or two, and maybe a drop of some touted essential oil from some faraway magical forest at the end of the ho-hum ingredient list. *As a quick side note, my recommendation for the universally appealing eye shadow set mentioned in the book, which is surprisingly not a cheap spend but very much worth it if this will be your daily go-to, is Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Cocoa Mirage...you're welcome. ;) Get this book! It is truly one of my favorite beauty books that I will refer to over and over again. And, the cover is so pretty and feminine, I am about to purchase a second copy, one for display, and one I will likely "destroy" with dog-ears and my little scribbles, which will show plenty of wear over time. Enjoy!

I love Sali's writing style: honest and articulate, and sometimes funny! I follow her columns in The Guardian and on her website, and am always anxious for the next one. This book is fantastic: practical, comprehensive, and fun to read. I've read my copy three times already. I bought it on Amazon.co.uk, to get it a couple of weeks earlier than it was available in the US---that's how much I was looking forward to it! It did not disappoint. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in makeup and skin care, no matter what level of "skill".

Sali Hughes may come off as prim and proper, but her writing is imbued with dark, sardonic wit. It's not difficult to spot, and you can tell each word, piece of advice, and product endorsement comes from an authentic place.

When or if you're obsessed with cosmetics and parfums, then you'll have found your best friend in Miss Hughes.

The book covers EVERYTHING related to beauty and wellness.

I’m a huge fan of Sali Hughes. Even though I had the e-version of the book, I prefer reading it at night so I bought the hard cover version (and wrapped it as the pink cover gets easily dirtied)

I purchased this book bc a vlogger I was following from the Anna Edit, had recommended it and I'm so glad that I did! I love that it answers a lot of the questions that I asked the internet (and came up with a lot of different answers) and things that I didn't even think about. It also reassures you that you weren't the only one to have these questions. I wish this book had been available when I was a teenager, I think it would have helped me so much. I think this is a book that I will definitely be sharing with friends and their daughters. It gets me thinking, shaking my head ruefully, and laughing out loud.

nothing new just boring self marketing

Good, but nothing new. A good source for building a regimen from the ground up.

Great read!

Sali is AMAZING! She breaks through all of the BS and gives honest to goodness LIFETIME advice on how to take care of your skin, hair, and many grooming habits. There is something in here for EVERYONE!

love it