5.0 out of 5 stars See Beauty in a New Light

A.G. · November 27, 2013

This book starts from an excellent premise: love your body and treat it well. The author said that if your skin is red and itchy, or you have dark circles under your eyes, or you look bloated, don't focus on covering these problems up. Get to the root of the problems and fix them. These problems are ways that your body is communicating that it doesn't like something you're doing, and you should love your body enough to listen to it.Next, Kat James offers some reasons your body might have adverse reactions, and goes on to suggest ways that you can replace your unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives. She writes both about products you put inside your body (i.e., food, drink, and supplementation), and products you put on your body (i.e., shower and beauty products). She sites countless studies to back up her claims.The final section is full of products that James recommends, as well as additional resources people can use to educate themselves further.I have not taken so many notes on a book since I graduated from college. I actually learned how to use the highlighting feature on my Kindle specifically because of this book. This is not to say that I bought what she was selling hook, line, and sinker. James is a proponent of natural ingredients over synthetic, pretty much without exception. While that may be a good mantra to adopt if you want to keep things simple, I believe the actual reality is much more complex than that. While I am no chemist, I think some natural ingredients are great for you and some aren’t so good, and likewise, some synthetic ingredients are probably pretty unsafe, but others are relatively harmless. In fact, some of the products James recommended contained natural ingredients (such as menthol or citrus) which I have read (in other sources) are harmful to skin.However, I give James tremendous credit for inspiring me to take a closer look at what I am putting in and on my body. Furthermore, I applaud her for researching this as thoroughly as she has, because she supports her claims with studies that the reader can look into further. This book has transformed my thinking, and helped me to be a better informed consumer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Transform your looks!

L. · November 20, 2003

Over the years I have read a number of beauty books that have taught me how to look my best using makeup. Kat's book is unique. It teaches you how to achieve greater health so you transform your looks, need minimal makeup and have a radiant glow.I stumbled across Kat's website using an internet search. Intriqued by what she shared I ordered her book. I am so glad I did. The information it covers is totally unique and is helping me make changes in my life that have greatly improved my health and appearance.Kat begins by telling you to focus not on looks but on health. She suggests you change your diet, exercise and the products you use. Not through willpower or discipline, but by making "upgrades" that you will enjoy.Many of the changes she suggests are simple but have enormous positive consequences. For example she says to use a water filter in your shower to filter out the chlorine and other contaminants. I picked up a $20 filter at a local hardware shop.After the first washing my fine blonde hair was fuller, and shinier than it had been in years. And this has continued from one wash to the next. This tip alone has totally transformed my hair.The book is packed with information on the best and gentlest ways to treat your whole body so that you become healthy and as a delightful side note as gorgeous as possible!The book includes 3 parts. Part 1: Uncovering Your True Radiant Potential which includes chapters on overhauling your dawn to duks routines and the process of shedding. Part 2: Feeding and Cultivating Beauty with chapters like drink yourself beautiful, and reclaiming the joy of eating. Part 3: The Makeup-less Makeover including the bathroom-cabinet makeover and how to purify your potions and paints. Kat's book also includes a comprehensive living beauty resource section and a bibliography.If you are ready to make lasting changes and capture your glow, "The Truth About Beauty" will help you uncover your personal best!

Excellently Comprehensive Reference Book

A. · April 22, 2013

Although this has a definite American slant (in terms of product recommendations & writing) I still find it an informative and inspiring read. Definitely more of a reference book to dip in and out of than a read through cover to cover tome.I found it a little frustrating that the author seemed to take an age to get to the crux of the matter, the heart of her message and more importantly the solutions she suggests to deal with the multiple identified problems with our current mainstream product usage. Nevertheless, if you persevere in reading on, the background build-up read is useful in setting the stage if a little lengthy.I'm not sure all the recommended alternatives are available to British consumers in the UK. I'm guessing many have to be found & purchased online only; which causes me a bit of concern over things like transit handling and shipping costs.I only wish I could get to one of her workshops and buy all the stuff suggested locally.

Une mine d'information qui aide a eliminer chaque problem de peau,de poid,de sante et plein d'autre ...a relire et relire encore

d. · December 25, 2017

meilleur livre de sante jamais lu,le seul livre pour bien vivre et longtemps ,un grand merci pour la liste complete des produits et suplements.. au revoir docteur

interesting

M. · May 27, 2013

i think she took too long to get to the nitty gritty although once there it was really informative reading.

Four Stars

L.B. · March 8, 2016

Some interesting gems of information on skin care!