Cosmetics

In this ground-breaking book, the author demonstrates not only camouflage techniques for hiding scars, birth marks, vitiligo, varicose veins and other dermatologic problems, but she has also developed practical solutions to problems faced by those who have experienced image changes caused by medication, illness, treatment or birth defects.

According to a recent study, only 2% of women describe themselves as 'beautiful.' (Dove Global Study 'The Real Truth About Beauty: A Global Report', 2004) The media instructs women how to 'look ten years younger,' 'cover up wrinkles,' or 'get fuller, plumper lips.' And even makeup products play off womens' insecurities, promising to conceal perceived flaws, define cheekbones, or make eyelashes fuller and longer. The underlying message? That there's something inherently wrong with the way women look and that they have to spend time, money, and energy keeping up with all the ways they should 'fix' themselves.

In GET POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL, makeup artist Carmindy from TLC's hit program What Not to Wear shows you how to change your mindset from negative fault-finding to a positive beauty philosphy. You learn how to find and focus on your best features and how to combat negative thoughts about your appearance. Carmindy demonstrates easy makeup techniques for eyes, brows, lashes, lips, cheeks, and skin, and how to adapt looks to different weather conditions and 'beauty moods.'

For women seeking complexion perfection, Dr. Nicholas Perricone is the name to know; actress Courteney Cox counts herself among his many devotees. In The Perricone Promise, he claims that his 28-day program will help stop and even reverse the aging process, making anyone who follows his advice "look and feel ten years younger." Perricone says the brain and the skin both start out as the same embryonic tissue, so it follows that any efforts aimed at improving one's complexion will also improve one's memory and overall sense of well-being. To this end, he recommends a three-pronged approach: a very specific 28-day diet; supplements taken morning, noon, and night; and his own line of "topical" cosmetics, all aimed at boosting the body's levels of "peptides and neuropeptides." These substances, according to Perricone, are not only the building blocks of the skin's collagen, but an integral part of the functioning of the immune system, and may prevent inflammation in the body that's associated with such illnesses as arthritis and heart disease.Perricone's diet sensibly includes a "rainbow" of fruits and vegetables and the liberal use of herbs and spices, and shuns any foods browned or cooked at high temperatures. But unfortunately, some of the food combinations sound less than appetizing (typical snack: "1-2 ounces sliced turkey or chicken breast, 3 olives, 3 strawberries, 8 ounces water"). His eponymous supplements and cosmetics are also pretty pricey, but as far as Perricone's fans are concerned, when it comes to putting the brakes on the aging process, you get what you pay for. --Erica Jorgensen

For women seeking complexion perfection, Dr. Nicholas Perricone is the name to know; actress Courteney Cox counts herself among his many devotees. In The Perricone Promise, he claims that his 28-day program will help stop and even reverse the aging process, making anyone who follows his advice "look and feel ten years younger." Perricone says the brain and the skin both start out as the same embryonic tissue, so it follows that any efforts aimed at improving one's complexion will also improve one's memory and overall sense of well-being.

To this end, he recommends a three-pronged approach: a very specific 28-day diet; supplements taken morning, noon, and night; and his own line of "topical" cosmetics, all aimed at boosting the body's levels of "peptides and neuropeptides." These substances, according to Perricone, are not only the building blocks of the skin's collagen, but an integral part of the functioning of the immune system, and may prevent inflammation in the body that's associated with such illnesses as arthritis and heart disease.

Perricone's diet sensibly includes a "rainbow" of fruits and vegetables and the liberal use of herbs and spices, and shuns any foods browned or cooked at high temperatures. But unfortunately, some of the food combinations sound less than appetizing (typical snack: "1-2 ounces sliced turkey or chicken breast, 3 olives, 3 strawberries, 8 ounces water"). His eponymous supplements and cosmetics are also pretty pricey, but as far as Perricone's fans are concerned, when it comes to putting the brakes on the aging process, you get what you pay for. --Erica Jorgensen