February 1, 2011
The average American spends approximately $588 on personal care products each year. People would like to know whether these expensive items work and whether they are safe to use. Cosmetic chemist Romanowski and the creators of thebeautybrains.com have compiled the most frequently asked questions from that website along with information about the history of cosmetics, how they work, and how cosmetic companies advertise. The Q&A format offers brief explanations with basic information about topics such as how hair dyes work, why lip balm seems to be addictive, and the pros and cons of products with fragrance. The authors include a list of other useful websites for further information, an explanation of cosmetic labels and how to read them, and references for each chapter. VERDICT This useful book will answer many of the common questions that people have about beauty products. Recommended for general readers seeking consumer health info.--Barbara M. Bibel, Oakland P.L.
Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 15, 2011
Women who subscribe to such magazines as InStyle and Self will devour this question-and-answer guide to cosmetics, shampoos, and nail polishes. A former senior scientist at Alberto Culver, Romanowski covers a fluffy topic in a fun but reputable way, referring frequently to studies. Readers will find an array of topics on the 106 pages of questions posed by first-name-only women like Maggie and Patty preceding the answer to the catchy title question. (So, can you get hooked on lip balm? Sort of. But no spoilers here.) The book will make readers swear off lip plumpers (they work by irritating the skin) and do-it-yourself electrolysis (its more painful and harder to shoot a mild electric current through your skin at home). Its also full of great trivia. For instance, Egyptians used charcoal to create mascara back in 4,000 BCE, and men who estimated the weight of a heavy woman thought she looked thinner when she was wearing perfume. So spritz away, and enjoy this informative read.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)