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Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll- Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best – Expert Insider Tips for Skin, Hair, and Quick Daily Routines
Renowned beauty expert Nadine Haobsh has the answers to the world's really BIG Forget celebrity trends and complicated how-to books. In Beauty Confidential , Nadine names names and provides the inside scoop on the products that are worth it and those to forget. In this must-have handbook for the modern girl, she offers industry secrets and insider tips on everything beauty—from how to make a dye job last to finding the ideal mascara to creating the perfect ponytail—fearlessly debunking with wit, style, and smarts the common beauty myths perpetuated by the top magazines. With Nadine's expert guidance and priceless secrets, you'll learn how to put yourself together flawlessly in under ten minutes . . . and you'll have the best skin and hair at any age!
- GenresNonfiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
14 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 10, 2016
Take the advice, leave the attitude.
Courtney's book is a conundrum in that, despite its age, it is still useful and relevant for libraries to have. Many of the products she recommends are classics that can still be purchased today, and unlike most books from 2007, the majority of the URLs still exist and work (!). On top of that, the advice is quite sound, so that someone who didn't have, say, a beauty-savvy parent, older sibling, or other friend/relative to shepherd them through this topic would definitely benefit.
The problem for many collection developers will lie in the tone. Courtney has some notions about gender roles and stereotypes that played well in 2007, but sound like cats on a piano in 2016. Much of her humor is at the expense of other kinds of women (feminists, "crunchy granola" types, etc.). The effect of this is really uncomfortable, because you'll be reading along, having a good time, and then Courtney will make a snarky remark at the expense of other women, and you'll feel terrible. It almost goes without saying that all female readers are assumed to be straight, though, to be fair, her advice is definitely inclusive of women with darker skin tones.
Library-wise, this will play well in smaller communities and collections in mostly white, middle-class areas. Larger collections should weed this and replace with books with more neutral language and/or more inclusive definitions of womanhood/femininity. It's a damn shame, but, this is why we weed: the world moves on.
Courtney's book is a conundrum in that, despite its age, it is still useful and relevant for libraries to have. Many of the products she recommends are classics that can still be purchased today, and unlike most books from 2007, the majority of the URLs still exist and work (!). On top of that, the advice is quite sound, so that someone who didn't have, say, a beauty-savvy parent, older sibling, or other friend/relative to shepherd them through this topic would definitely benefit.
The problem for many collection developers will lie in the tone. Courtney has some notions about gender roles and stereotypes that played well in 2007, but sound like cats on a piano in 2016. Much of her humor is at the expense of other kinds of women (feminists, "crunchy granola" types, etc.). The effect of this is really uncomfortable, because you'll be reading along, having a good time, and then Courtney will make a snarky remark at the expense of other women, and you'll feel terrible. It almost goes without saying that all female readers are assumed to be straight, though, to be fair, her advice is definitely inclusive of women with darker skin tones.
Library-wise, this will play well in smaller communities and collections in mostly white, middle-class areas. Larger collections should weed this and replace with books with more neutral language and/or more inclusive definitions of womanhood/femininity. It's a damn shame, but, this is why we weed: the world moves on.
March 16, 2008
My sister bought this for me at Christmas. We had a week of 2 of my sisters hanging out at my house, and we digested this book from cover to cover amid too much food, way too many late nights - and just the right amount of shopping.
I love the attitude of the author. I love honesty and humour. It is light and readable - and if you believe it all, it will have you google-ing for some interesting additions to your beauty regime.
As for me and my sisters... we swear by NARS blusher, L'oreal True Match Concealer, the AHA Souffle cream and Olay Regenerist!
Yep.. hook, line and sinker come to mind ;)
I love the attitude of the author. I love honesty and humour. It is light and readable - and if you believe it all, it will have you google-ing for some interesting additions to your beauty regime.
As for me and my sisters... we swear by NARS blusher, L'oreal True Match Concealer, the AHA Souffle cream and Olay Regenerist!
Yep.. hook, line and sinker come to mind ;)
June 19, 2008
This is a nice reference, chattily-written ... I liked it.
Also nice, Nadine Haobsh refers products for every budget ... and tells what you can totally skimp on (and which products are woth the extra money).
Also nice, Nadine Haobsh refers products for every budget ... and tells what you can totally skimp on (and which products are woth the extra money).
January 30, 2008
I have to admit, I'm not a big beauty junkie, so I wasn't too excited about Nadine Haobsh's book, Beauty Confidential. I was, however, intrigued by the book's backstory - Nadine was a beauty editor about to start her dream job, when she was outed as the anonymous author of tell-all beauty blog, Jolie in NYC. The dream job offer was retracted ... after Nadine had left her current job. Fortunately, Jolie in NYC's popularity was such that Nadine got a book deal, plus the site is still going strong (although it's no longer anonymous).
Still, the backstory was summed up in a couple of pages and I worried the beauty stuff wouldn't hold my attention. Yep, wrong again. The thing about Beauty Confidential that distinguishes it from the generic beauty pages I flick past every month is Nadine's voice.
To read the rest of this review, please visit Trashionista
Still, the backstory was summed up in a couple of pages and I worried the beauty stuff wouldn't hold my attention. Yep, wrong again. The thing about Beauty Confidential that distinguishes it from the generic beauty pages I flick past every month is Nadine's voice.
To read the rest of this review, please visit Trashionista
October 29, 2013
My copy of this book is covered with highlights, underlines, and folded down pages. I return to it periodically when I'm wondering if I'm exfoliating often enough, if I should continue to thread my eyebrows instead of wax them, and if I need a recommendation for blush because mine just isn't showing up on my face properly.
I grew up with a mother who was not at all vain, and as a result, I had to learn on my own that you don't brush curly hair, that an eyelash curler is only for the top lashes, that lip liner goes on before lipstick. I bought this book when I was 24 years old, and still feeling impossibly naive about many things related to beauty.
It was very, very helpful, and I look better as a result!
I grew up with a mother who was not at all vain, and as a result, I had to learn on my own that you don't brush curly hair, that an eyelash curler is only for the top lashes, that lip liner goes on before lipstick. I bought this book when I was 24 years old, and still feeling impossibly naive about many things related to beauty.
It was very, very helpful, and I look better as a result!
March 15, 2013
Have you ever wondered what designers were thinking about make-up, fashion and the stupid designs that come down a runway that NONE of us want to wear, nor even be subjected too!
But, have you always wanted to know the "in's" like how to get by not washing your hair an extra day without it looking greasey, flat, or being put in a ponytail! Than this is the best beauty, truely useful book I have ever read.
A fun trilling read, about the TRUTH! Which cheap cosmetics work like the exspensive stuff. When you SHOULD spend the money and when not too! Where to spend the money and where not too! And how to look your best even at the worst of times.
This is s GO GIRL, book! Thank You! Nadine Haobsh
But, have you always wanted to know the "in's" like how to get by not washing your hair an extra day without it looking greasey, flat, or being put in a ponytail! Than this is the best beauty, truely useful book I have ever read.
A fun trilling read, about the TRUTH! Which cheap cosmetics work like the exspensive stuff. When you SHOULD spend the money and when not too! Where to spend the money and where not too! And how to look your best even at the worst of times.
This is s GO GIRL, book! Thank You! Nadine Haobsh
May 1, 2025
Honestly, this was a bit of a letdown, especially after reading all the really positive reviews. First off, I didn't *really* enjoy Haobsh's über-informal voice; it felt like she had copied and pasted from her blog. Also, I felt like she writes a lot of fluff without much substance to back it up. It was more obvious in some sections than others, but she'd start with the amazing claim that she had the amazing secret to eliminate X, tell a long, almost funny personal story about the dozen ways not to eliminate X, and then in the very last sentence, squeeze in a quick almost-answer. I can see her as a blogger, even as a humorist... but as a beauty expert? Meh.
January 2, 2008
Nadine is a great writer with a relaxed, funny style, making her list of recommendations fun and easy to read. For everyone who ever stared at a shelf of beauty products and felt overwhelmed, this is an excellent book to point you in the right direction. Not to mention it's a blast to read. One warning, though, she does occasionally recommend items that are unhealthy, so cross check anything you are interested in with http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ to be safe.
February 14, 2008
Every girl has to admit that there is something fun about makeup (even if you wear little make to none at all). Nadine Haobush does a great job sorting out truth from fact and you can definitely trust her since she used to be a beauty editor until her demise over her anonymous blog her bosses weren't so happy about. It's an enjoyable read and I really reccommend it to everyone because you're bound to learn something new about make-up, hair, or the beauty industry.
December 13, 2008
This is to hair, skin, and make-up what Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style is to clothing and style.
Cute and fun read. Has me re-thinking some beauty routines (can it really be that simple???) and still appalled at others. (botox? no thank you!)
Cute and fun read. Has me re-thinking some beauty routines (can it really be that simple???) and still appalled at others. (botox? no thank you!)
September 11, 2010
I'm a late bloomer when it comes to fashion and style. I really found this book entertaining and informative. It made me want to run out and buy some products right away! In fact, thanks to the Internet, I was able to find some bargains online and I haven't been disappointed with any of the advice given which I've followed.
October 28, 2016
In this book, it gives a lot of tips about how to feel confident about yourself. There is a background story on the author Nadine Haobsh, she started off at a beauty Editor as her dream job, until an anonymous author outed her. She then started her way up the beauty industry. I found this book to be very interesting and helpful
January 6, 2019
Essential
Terrific book on all things beauty. Made me glad to be a woman! Didn't hurt that I like some of the same products mentioned. If love to have coffee with the author, she makes you feel like you're friends.
Terrific book on all things beauty. Made me glad to be a woman! Didn't hurt that I like some of the same products mentioned. If love to have coffee with the author, she makes you feel like you're friends.
February 5, 2008
A lot of really great advice about beauty and the beauty industry - I've been a long time reader of the author's blog, and she's really honest and well-informed.
March 1, 2008
This book is really fun!!! And....You will actually use the advice. The product info guide at the end of each chapter is also helpful.
March 31, 2009
I have already used some of her suggestions and loaned it out.
October 17, 2011
Packed full of great advice and I love her light writing style.Just wish there were some pictures.
October 16, 2012
This book is good for the basics. If you can get this book used its a great deal. I got this for a penny on amazon.
December 11, 2012
I enjoyed the book. I was a late bloomer in terms of using making and skin care so this book really explained a few things for me. I would say it's a nice to know kind of thing.
February 2, 2013
Not a fan of the author's writing style, but the book does contain some useful information.
January 7, 2019
I enjoyed this fun (nonfiction) romp through beauty and fashion. I got a few new tips and ideas!
January 9, 2019
Great advise and recommendations
A go to primer on beauty products although it could use an update as this was published in 2007...written in humorous and engaging style
A go to primer on beauty products although it could use an update as this was published in 2007...written in humorous and engaging style
January 17, 2020
Enjoyable easy to read book. I like Nadines's honest and witty writing tone of voice.
February 13, 2020
I was thinking this book would be a lot more informative, but I was a little disappointed.
Want to read
December 19, 2022""
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews