The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book: 100 Organic Beauty Products to Make and Use Easily at Home

"This is the first time I've been inspired to write a review of any book I've read, but for any lay person wanting to experiment with making their own products this book is a must! Initially a little daunted at the prospect of branching out into making my own products I found this book easy to use, beautifully laid out, and recipes very easy to follow. Having successfully produced my own face cream and toner within a matter of hours I can't wait to try out more of the recipies. The majority of the ingredients aren't difficult to get a hold of, and formulas are easily adapted to meet your own needs. If you buy one book on making your own products it has to be this one!"
~ Written on 2005-05-11

"I absolutely adore this book and recommend it wholeheartedly. The photography throughout is quite inspiring and once again Jo Fairley's no nonsense guide to wellbeing is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I am slightly sceptical about the assumption that the modern woman would have most of the ingredients for these recipes hidden away in her kitchen cupboard- this may not be the case when you live in a flat in central London with no herb garden to speak of!! However, most ingredients will be accessible to most people regardless of where you live. This book would make a fantastic gift for those with an interest in natural cosmetic products, however can be quite fiddly. A more practical starting point for the uninitiated might be "Natural Bath & Spa" by Coutts and Warren but Jo Fairley's treasure is certainly a joy nonetheless."
~ Written on 2005-01-09

"This book is great! Having never made cosmetics before, I bought a range of books and this one is by far the best. It has recipies suitable for face, body, hair, etc. and a good selection of facial products for different skin types. The recipies given are imaginative, unusual and effective. I'd also recommend 'Natural Health and Body Care' by Neals Yard Rememdies, but their recipies are (in my opinion) more basic than Ms Fairley's.

The book is also visually well designed, with beautiful use of colour and good layouts. Would make an excellent present for anyone interested in making their own cosmetic products"
~ Written on 2004-11-20

"I saw this book advertised and thought "ooh that could be interesting", and have just got round to treating myself. And I must say that I was not disappointed!

The book itself looks good sitting on my desk, and the recipes inside are even better! There are about 100 recipes all divided into different sections for face and then skin type, body, trouble shooters, hair and make-up, and I must say they all sound divine! Ingredients are not outrageously difficult to get hold of, or expensive like a lot of similar books are, and information is given about different herbs and plants that are used in recipes, and some of their uses. The back of the book also contains information on how to do certain processes, other various "natural wonder products" and equipment that could be useful for making your own cosmetics! There is also a great stockist list at the back of the book, where you can get almost all of the items required and various organic cosmetics that are readily available, most of which have great websites which the author recommends.

This book has inspired me to begin making my own cosmetics and has opened my eyes as to what wonders nature has in store. I have always been one to use as natural products as I can but this takes it one step further - organic DIY!

I would really recommend this book to anyone who is interested in creating their own cosmetics, and it would make a lovely gift for someone. Now I am off to make a delicious sounding face mask..."
~ Written on 2004-06-17