Beauty, The New Basics
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Consumer Rating: 
By: Rona Berg
Format: Paperback
From: Workman Publishing Company
Pub. Date: December 2000
From: Workman Publishing Company
Pub. Date: December 2000
Product Details:
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2001-01-01
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 416
Ean: 9780761101864
Isbn: 0761101861
Upc: 019628101860
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 2001-01-01
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 416
Ean: 9780761101864
Isbn: 0761101861
Upc: 019628101860
ABOUT THE BOOK
EDITORIAL REVIEW
Big, ebullient, brimming over with know-how and passion, BEAUTY by Rona Berg is the only beauty book you'll ever need-a one-size-fits-all, 500-page guide of information, anecdotes and attitude. Illustrated throughout in two-color and featuring a 96-page full-color section, BEAUTY is filled with step-by-step how-tos, professional techniques, brand and product comparisons, and inside tips gleaned from a pro's pro who's covered the world of beauty for The New York Times Magazine, Elle magazine and other national publications.
The book tackles all three major categories-The Face, Hair, The Body. The emphasis is on simplicity and a healthy, natural approach, and the range cuts across all ethnicities and ages. There are five minute skin regimes, facials, makeup tricks and health tips. How to reduce stress in the bath and pamper yourself with an easy home spa. The long and short of hair care-including what to do on bad hair days. Remedies for beauty emergencies (eyes puffy from fatigue? do what the models do and use a dab of Preparation H). Plus make-overs, recipes, historical lore, stories, time-lines, and an extensive glossary and list of resources. It's a knock-out.
The book tackles all three major categories-The Face, Hair, The Body. The emphasis is on simplicity and a healthy, natural approach, and the range cuts across all ethnicities and ages. There are five minute skin regimes, facials, makeup tricks and health tips. How to reduce stress in the bath and pamper yourself with an easy home spa. The long and short of hair care-including what to do on bad hair days. Remedies for beauty emergencies (eyes puffy from fatigue? do what the models do and use a dab of Preparation H). Plus make-overs, recipes, historical lore, stories, time-lines, and an extensive glossary and list of resources. It's a knock-out.
USER REVIEWS
"I bought this book about a year ago and refer to it often. I agree with other reviewers that it contains a wealth of information about beauty and the beauty industry.
However, in going back and rereading this book I have noticed a few things that I disagree with. Berg mentions in a few different places that mineral oils clog pores and should not be used by people who are prone to breakouts. This is debateable; there are plenty of dermatologists who believe that mineral oil is not comedogenic. Berg also discusses the anti-acne drug Accutane in a brief paragraph and writes, "although it works, its potential to do harm far outweighs its potential to do good." Accutane can cause harsh side effects in some people, which is why it should be used a last resort when other medications have not been been effective, but it can also work wonders. Although of course Berg is entitled to her own opinion, I think she could have provided a more balanced view of the drug; it can cause harsh side effects but can also be extremely effective.
I also found some of her advice regarding head lice a bit odd. On page 203 she advises that to prevent head lice one should "spritz hair with a mixture of lavender and water". Since lice are quite hardy and regular shampooing doesn't kill them, I don't know why a combination of lavender and water would prevent them. To treat lice, she writes to "coat hair with olive oil (lice slip off) or spray generously with hairspray". Hairspray?
Despite my own difference of opinion on a few topics I do feel like I've learned a lot from this book, and would definitely recommend it. It's easy to read and well-organized, and quite comprehensive. I like Berg's product recommendations; since there is no revenue from advertisers involved (unlike with magazines), I put more faith into her opinions. Although the title of the book is "Beauty: the New Basics" it covers much more than just the basics."
~ Written on 2007-09-30
However, in going back and rereading this book I have noticed a few things that I disagree with. Berg mentions in a few different places that mineral oils clog pores and should not be used by people who are prone to breakouts. This is debateable; there are plenty of dermatologists who believe that mineral oil is not comedogenic. Berg also discusses the anti-acne drug Accutane in a brief paragraph and writes, "although it works, its potential to do harm far outweighs its potential to do good." Accutane can cause harsh side effects in some people, which is why it should be used a last resort when other medications have not been been effective, but it can also work wonders. Although of course Berg is entitled to her own opinion, I think she could have provided a more balanced view of the drug; it can cause harsh side effects but can also be extremely effective.
I also found some of her advice regarding head lice a bit odd. On page 203 she advises that to prevent head lice one should "spritz hair with a mixture of lavender and water". Since lice are quite hardy and regular shampooing doesn't kill them, I don't know why a combination of lavender and water would prevent them. To treat lice, she writes to "coat hair with olive oil (lice slip off) or spray generously with hairspray". Hairspray?
Despite my own difference of opinion on a few topics I do feel like I've learned a lot from this book, and would definitely recommend it. It's easy to read and well-organized, and quite comprehensive. I like Berg's product recommendations; since there is no revenue from advertisers involved (unlike with magazines), I put more faith into her opinions. Although the title of the book is "Beauty: the New Basics" it covers much more than just the basics."
~ Written on 2007-09-30
"I found this book to be very informative and comprehensive. It is a must read for anyone who wants to learn how to take care of herself. The only problem I have with this book is the product suggestions are outdated. Many of the products are no longer on the market. But it teaches enough for you to be able to use it as a guide in selecting similar products."
~ Written on 2007-08-01
~ Written on 2007-08-01
"So many times it seems beauty editors are overly influenced by the hordes of free samples they get from obscure/expensive make up/hair companies and they forget about us real folks. Not everyone can spend $$$$$ on Creme de la Mar although I'm sure it's completely worth it--but so is my car!
This books uses the faces of everyday folks--warts, wrinkles and all so you can clearly see that makeup is an improvement--it won't fix many years of bad decisions and wear and tear. Many good suggestions on products (by name) and techniques, but the homemade products were less successful for me. I made three of the masks and they were awful--just a waste of food. One of the best books out there for all purpose beauty/hair/makeup info."
~ Written on 2007-07-14
This books uses the faces of everyday folks--warts, wrinkles and all so you can clearly see that makeup is an improvement--it won't fix many years of bad decisions and wear and tear. Many good suggestions on products (by name) and techniques, but the homemade products were less successful for me. I made three of the masks and they were awful--just a waste of food. One of the best books out there for all purpose beauty/hair/makeup info."
~ Written on 2007-07-14
"This book is unique in that it's one of the first books on the subject that does not touchup the photos used for "The Looks" section. You'll find the pictures different--most of us are conditioned to touched up photos. Kudos to Workman Publishing and Rona Berg for this. We need more realistic expectations of what beauty is. On top of a brave move with the photos, this is an excellent book. The overall tone of this book is nonjudgmental and it has more depth than the other forty-three books I own on the subject. Rona not only gives you, the reader, advice that will contribute to your beauty, she names some good products to try in a plethora of budget ranges. I'm an insider in the beauty industry and this book is one of the few I recommend you own. There are only aspects of the skin care chapter that are a little out of date since it was published in 2001, and new technology has replaced some of her recommendations. The book is worth your time to read. It's sure to be a classic that will help you out if you choose to read it. "
~ Written on 2006-12-25
~ Written on 2006-12-25
"Great reference book. I keep it with me, so I can check for products recommended in the book when I shop and I can check the chemicals in products that aren't specifically in the book. Great book to give as a gift, too."
~ Written on 2006-12-17
~ Written on 2006-12-17