I read this at a gallop, ordered when it first came out and absorbed in great chunks, racing through each page, eager for the next. Of course I ended up dissatisfied and am now absorbing this book at a more sedate and proper pace which is befitting, for this book deserves time and respect.
I liked Pretty Honest, but I love Pretty Iconic. I think it is because I recognise so many of the products and experiences. In Pretty Honest I felt a bit lectured, perhaps that is too strong a word because I am a very huge fan of Sali Hughes on so many levels, I admire her dress sense, her delightful instagram pictures of her rescue dog and her ability to write, proper write about beauty without resorting to fripps and frivs (or fripperies and frivolities). I mean she is a proper journalist after all and that should be a given, but to see it in print and read it aloud is a sheer and utter visual and aural treat.
I would buy this for anyone who is over forty. To read it, is to wallow in the fantastic world of beauty in all its guises. I really really love it.
I am not sure that this is still in publication, it was written in 2002.
Kathleen Baird-Murray is a journalist who was Beauty and Health Editor at Tatler and Acting Beauty and Health Editor at British Vogue, and Beauty and Health Editor for Australian Marie Claire, she has also written for Sunday Times Style and Elle and is a name that is very familiar to me from that era when I was trying to keep body and soul together whilst trying to balance bringing up three children born within three and a half years of each other and working, and recovering from a serious illness, beauty and its rituals were a constant in that at times confusing time.
It is a very easy read, and is written in the style of interviews and top tips from experts in their field, Bastien Gonzales (feet), Glauca Rossi (makeup school), Charlotte Tilbury (makeup before her own range), Eve Lom (cleansing) to name a few.
So rather than being a "how to" type of book, it is more a "tell me about..." and "you are an expert what would you suggest?" type of book. I find that style of journalism comforting and encouraging, in that I do not feel lectured to or hectored at, rather invited to eavesdrop in on a casual conversation between someone who knows their stuff inside out, and is being encouraged to talk in the knowledge that this expert will pass on not just the skills but those little extra nuggets of wisdom which make all the difference.
It is a book which I keep by my bedside to dip into, and each time that I do, I find something new to ponder over or to incorporate into what I am currently doing.
There is lots to recommend this book. It is informative and entertaining, I have read it start to finish but have also dipped into to it on a more random basis. There are chapters on skin care, hair care, makeup and manicures but set out in such a way that describes a scenario or a dilemma or problem with achievable solutions and options rather than a rule book.The size is perfect a sort of souped up fat A5 size, it is comfortably chunky and heavy in the hand, the pale pink paper and black print is pleasing and easy to read - I don't have to reach for my glasses because the print is a decent size.
The photographs are few and far between which is a slight shame because they are beautifully grainy and ethereal.
If I had a criticism it would be that there are not enough photographs and I would like more information about what other women of all ages use, but then I am nosy.
This is around £15 currently
