Many months ago, this book, Be Beautiful: Ever Girl’s Guide to Hair, Skin and Make Up by Alice Hart-Davis and Molly Hindhaugh landed on my desk for my potential review.
Alice is a beauty journalist and Molly is her daughter and this book is a result of their conversations about hair, make up, skincare etc.
As you know I love beauty books of every single shape and form. This book though, is slightly different as its aimed towards the teenage market (aged 11+)
When I was aged 11 I was an avid library user and used to take out some cheesy make up application book by Usborne – it was all crusty blue eyeshadow and giant scrunchies back then. I didn’t have anything quite as cool looking as this book.
Well I’m not a teenager, so no point asking me. So today we have Miss Candy, aged 15 who read and reviewed this book for me. She’s had the book for months and months and dodged me until finally getting it together for me! I suggest a career in the civil service one day, my dear.
Name: Faye
Age: 15
What magazines do you read? Elle, Look, Grazia and You. [I used to read Garfield and the Beano at 15 - Ed]
What music/artists do you like? You Me At Six, Florence and The Machine, Dizzee Rascal, Rihanna, Ke$ha, 3Oh!3, 30 Seconds To Mars, The Killers.
What do you think of the way the book looks?
I think the front cover could have included more pictures to give a more inviting look. Although inside, there are a lot more which may balance the whole book out a lot more.
What did you think of the photos?
These pictures are clear, especially when it comes to, for example the eyeliner ideas. On the other hand, most of these ideas are too exaggerated and not suitable for everyday make-up.
Was everything easy to understand?
Yes, it explained everything I didn’t understand previously from various types of spots to blackheads to how to deal with them.
Did anything confuse you?
Everything was fairly easy to understand. There are bits here and there but no specific area that’s hard to confusing.
What were your favourite bits and why?
The ‘make-up’ section was a joy read and was a section with great images. Another section I enjoyed was the ‘face care’ area of the book, as I found it contained most vital information to keep skin clear.
Least favourite bits? Why?
My least favourite part of the book would have to be the ‘hands and feet’ section as it was a small part and contained more or less the same information throughout. Secondly, I disliked the ‘bodies’ area of ‘Be Beautiful’, possibly because the whole book is about the well-being of your body anyway. I felt most of the ‘bodies’ area could have been separated into the other sections of the book.
Anything else you’d like included?
Basically everything that’s relevant is already there, though I suppose they could to improve, at the end of the book have a week-planned routine. It would include everything in the book to give you the best to ‘Being Beautiful’.
Do you think this book is ok for your age group?
I think it’s best suited to my age group, because as a teenager our bodies are hormonal which may cause changes this book can help us understand. Such as greasiness, dryness of hair, greasy/dry skin, spots and the best way to keep healthy while our bodies are still growing.
What are your favourite tips?
I liked best the tips from the ‘spots’ and ‘teeth’ section as maybe these interest me or apply to me the most compared to the other sections.
Would you recommend this to a friend?
Definitely, I think it’s a good read and is lovely detailed.
Marks out of 10. 7/10
Thanks to Faye for a not too shabby book review!
You can buy the book for (as of today) about £6 from Amazon here.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
ah interesting.
faye is really mature at 15 huh?
Reply
Zenny –
Not really shes the most immature 15 year old I know. But she’s using her ‘book’ voice I think!
Reply