BEING BEAUTIFUL: The Story of Cosmetics from Ancient Art to Modern Science

by Carolyn Meyer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 5, 1977

A puff job which contents itself with questionable generalizations, a few facts about cosmetic use through the centuries, and recipes for homemade concoctions. Although ""What really matters is what you think of yourself,"" being beautiful (via cosmetics) is important ""to attract the admiration of other people, particularly the opposite sex."" Whatever happened to character and talent? With that assumption, Meyer moves on to a description of types of cosmetics--moisturizers, astringents, bath oils, deodorants--touching on historical trends and offering kitchen equivalents: mashed cucumber as moisturizer, witch hazel in the armpits, parsley as breath freshener. Another section gives a once-over history of make-up, including some of the glossier aspects (advertising budgets, high markup) and tossing in cosmetic surgery (facelifts, breast enlargement) with no sign of success rates or overall riskiness. Hardly an essential subject for pubescent girls, and the text reflects this muzzy focus: ""unless you're a lady of leisure, your hands take a daily beating."" Your head will too.

Pub Date: Oct. 5, 1977

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1977

Categories: NONFICTION