What do you think?
Rate this book
The Problem with Pretty: Beauty, Bias and the Surprising Science of Good Looks
What is beauty?
Who gets to determine who is beautiful?
What happens when you fall outside of beauty norms?
Most of us have been tricked into believing beauty is about how we look, but Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks reveals the real problem isn’t your appearance—it’s how you’re trained to see it. Blending science-based research and personal experiences, The Problem with Pretty dismantles beauty myths from their roots and dissects what it really means to be beautiful. She exposes how our brains take shortcuts, latching onto tiny visual cues, filling in the rest with socially constructed ideas that have nothing to do with reality.
The Problem with Pretty rewires how we perceive beauty. Drawing on women’s stories, Dr. Ally breaks down the biases that shape our self-worth. She sheds a much-needed light on the systems that profit from our insecurities as well as how understanding our lineage can help us reclaim our power. With humor and her signature straightforward style, Dr. Ally offers the practical tools you need to stop chasing pretty and start living free, whole, and connected to who you really are.
Who gets to determine who is beautiful?
What happens when you fall outside of beauty norms?
Most of us have been tricked into believing beauty is about how we look, but Dr. Allycin Powell-Hicks reveals the real problem isn’t your appearance—it’s how you’re trained to see it. Blending science-based research and personal experiences, The Problem with Pretty dismantles beauty myths from their roots and dissects what it really means to be beautiful. She exposes how our brains take shortcuts, latching onto tiny visual cues, filling in the rest with socially constructed ideas that have nothing to do with reality.
The Problem with Pretty rewires how we perceive beauty. Drawing on women’s stories, Dr. Ally breaks down the biases that shape our self-worth. She sheds a much-needed light on the systems that profit from our insecurities as well as how understanding our lineage can help us reclaim our power. With humor and her signature straightforward style, Dr. Ally offers the practical tools you need to stop chasing pretty and start living free, whole, and connected to who you really are.
- GenresNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of those books that makes you pause and think about what you believe about beauty and if it is truly real after all.
The author takes something we’ve all been conditioned to obsess over, which is being “pretty”, and gently but firmly pulls it apart. She asks big questions like who actually defines beauty, why we’ve accepted those standards, and what it costs us when we don’t fit into them. But even though the topics are deep, the writing feels simple, clear, and very approachable.
As someone with a degree in psychology, I really appreciated how grounded this book is in research. The way she explains cognitive shortcuts, bias, and social conditioning isn’t fluffy, but instead, it’s rooted in real science. I found myself nodding along because the framework makes sense academically. But at the same time, I’m also just a woman living in this society, and I absolutely feel the pressure to look a certain way. Knowing the psychology behind it doesn’t magically erase the impact. That’s what made this book hit on two levels for me, both intellectually and personally.
What stood out most is how she explains that our brains are wired to latch onto tiny visual cues and then fill in the blanks with culturally constructed ideas. We’ve essentially been trained to see beauty through a Western standard and then internalize that as truth. It’s not that we’re shallow or insecure for no reason, but it’s learned. And once she breaks that down, it’s hard to unsee.
She also shines a light on the systems that profit from our insecurities, which was eye opening without feeling preachy. There’s accountability there, but not blame. She doesn’t shame women for caring about appearance; she helps us understand why we care so much and how to loosen that grip.
The personal stories woven throughout make the research feel real and relatable. You see how these beauty standards affect self-worth, relationships, and even mental health. It’s not just theory but it’s lived experience.
The tone is straightforward with touches of humor, so even when she’s tackling heavy topics, it feels empowering rather than overwhelming. And I loved that she doesn’t tell you to reject beauty entirely. Instead, she encourages redefining it on your own terms and stepping out of the exhausting cycle of chasing “pretty.”
This book feels validating, intelligent, and freeing. It speaks to the part of you that understands the psychology, and the part of you that still feels the pressure anyway. I highly recommend this read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Allycin Powell-Hicks, and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC of this book.
The author takes something we’ve all been conditioned to obsess over, which is being “pretty”, and gently but firmly pulls it apart. She asks big questions like who actually defines beauty, why we’ve accepted those standards, and what it costs us when we don’t fit into them. But even though the topics are deep, the writing feels simple, clear, and very approachable.
As someone with a degree in psychology, I really appreciated how grounded this book is in research. The way she explains cognitive shortcuts, bias, and social conditioning isn’t fluffy, but instead, it’s rooted in real science. I found myself nodding along because the framework makes sense academically. But at the same time, I’m also just a woman living in this society, and I absolutely feel the pressure to look a certain way. Knowing the psychology behind it doesn’t magically erase the impact. That’s what made this book hit on two levels for me, both intellectually and personally.
What stood out most is how she explains that our brains are wired to latch onto tiny visual cues and then fill in the blanks with culturally constructed ideas. We’ve essentially been trained to see beauty through a Western standard and then internalize that as truth. It’s not that we’re shallow or insecure for no reason, but it’s learned. And once she breaks that down, it’s hard to unsee.
She also shines a light on the systems that profit from our insecurities, which was eye opening without feeling preachy. There’s accountability there, but not blame. She doesn’t shame women for caring about appearance; she helps us understand why we care so much and how to loosen that grip.
The personal stories woven throughout make the research feel real and relatable. You see how these beauty standards affect self-worth, relationships, and even mental health. It’s not just theory but it’s lived experience.
The tone is straightforward with touches of humor, so even when she’s tackling heavy topics, it feels empowering rather than overwhelming. And I loved that she doesn’t tell you to reject beauty entirely. Instead, she encourages redefining it on your own terms and stepping out of the exhausting cycle of chasing “pretty.”
This book feels validating, intelligent, and freeing. It speaks to the part of you that understands the psychology, and the part of you that still feels the pressure anyway. I highly recommend this read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Allycin Powell-Hicks, and Grand Central Publishing for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Really enjoyed this book. It’s part “self-help,” part pop psychology, though “self-help” is in quotation marks because it isn’t really trying to improve you or optimize your life. Instead, it’s more like a clear-eyed, accessible unpacking of what prettiness does - and what it costs - especially in a world where social media constantly reinforces a narrow beauty ideal.
One of the lines that stayed with me is the idea that beauty norms have always been about control - and that you can tell who’s in control by how women’s beauty is portrayed on your screen. The book connects that to a much longer history: centuries of objectification shaping how women are perceived by others, and how we learn to perceive ourselves, consciously or otherwise. That framing made a lot of the book feel less like “personal insecurity” and more like a system you can actually recognize and name.
The book is largely centered on Eurocentric beauty standards versus Black beauty (which makes sense given the author’s perspective), and I appreciated how clearly it mapped those tensions in the present day. The author also briefly acknowledges that Eastern Asian beauty ideals can operate according to different principles, which I immediately understood as an Asian reader. And yet, even across Asia, Eurocentric features still get treated as aspirational in so many ways, which made the book feel more relatable than I expected.
I read this as an ARC ahead of its June release, and I thought the discussion of current social media culture was especially strong, though I can also see how some parts might date quickly as platforms and trends shift. My main reason for a 4-star rating is that it sometimes feels repetitive, and I found myself wishing it went deeper into the psychology behind these patterns rather than circling the same points. Still, I highlighted a lot: passages I related to, advice I want to remember, and observations I wish more people absorbed.
What I walked away with most wasn’t a new beauty routine or a “confidence hack,” but a sharper question: when I want to feel “pretty,” is it for me - or is it about wanting to be seen a certain way? For an easy, thoughtful read (especially for teenage girls, but also for anyone who is chronically online or struggling with body image) I think this book is genuinely useful.
One of the lines that stayed with me is the idea that beauty norms have always been about control - and that you can tell who’s in control by how women’s beauty is portrayed on your screen. The book connects that to a much longer history: centuries of objectification shaping how women are perceived by others, and how we learn to perceive ourselves, consciously or otherwise. That framing made a lot of the book feel less like “personal insecurity” and more like a system you can actually recognize and name.
The book is largely centered on Eurocentric beauty standards versus Black beauty (which makes sense given the author’s perspective), and I appreciated how clearly it mapped those tensions in the present day. The author also briefly acknowledges that Eastern Asian beauty ideals can operate according to different principles, which I immediately understood as an Asian reader. And yet, even across Asia, Eurocentric features still get treated as aspirational in so many ways, which made the book feel more relatable than I expected.
I read this as an ARC ahead of its June release, and I thought the discussion of current social media culture was especially strong, though I can also see how some parts might date quickly as platforms and trends shift. My main reason for a 4-star rating is that it sometimes feels repetitive, and I found myself wishing it went deeper into the psychology behind these patterns rather than circling the same points. Still, I highlighted a lot: passages I related to, advice I want to remember, and observations I wish more people absorbed.
What I walked away with most wasn’t a new beauty routine or a “confidence hack,” but a sharper question: when I want to feel “pretty,” is it for me - or is it about wanting to be seen a certain way? For an easy, thoughtful read (especially for teenage girls, but also for anyone who is chronically online or struggling with body image) I think this book is genuinely useful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advanced e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This book hit home in ways I wasn’t expecting. As someone who's spent time grappling with the academic research surrounding identity, culture, and colorism and it's impact on females. I thought I knew what to expect. But Powell-Hicks doesn’t just deliver theory; she lays bare the uncomfortable truth we all know but seldom say out loud: the pressure to be “pretty” is not only exhausting but also financially draining and purposefully stifling.
At a quick glance, it’s a short read, but oh man, it packs a punch! Every page is rich with insight while remaining incredibly accessible. What stood out to me the most was her ability to blend psychology, cultural critique, and genuine conversation seamlessly. She’s not here to preach or bog you down with academic jargon; instead, her voice shines through clear. It is direct, affirming, and refreshingly honest. She unflinchingly addresses how the weight of appearance-based expectations can mess with our minds, especially when race, gender, and identity enter the fray.
This book feels like a chat with a friend rather than a lecture. Powell-Hicks skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with clinical insights and cultural analysis, making it relatable and real. I found myself nodding, underlining key passages, and reflecting on my own experiences with beauty biases that I had internalized without even realizing it.
What I love is how the book challenges everything society has drilled into us about being “visually pleasing” in every facet of life from our work, relationships, and social media. Powell-Hicks encourages us to reevaluate how we define beauty and self-worth. It doesn’t merely dismantle outdated ideals; it invites you to consider what truly matters to you. It's the kind of read that makes you want to grab your friends and say, "We absolutely have to talk about this!"
This book hit home in ways I wasn’t expecting. As someone who's spent time grappling with the academic research surrounding identity, culture, and colorism and it's impact on females. I thought I knew what to expect. But Powell-Hicks doesn’t just deliver theory; she lays bare the uncomfortable truth we all know but seldom say out loud: the pressure to be “pretty” is not only exhausting but also financially draining and purposefully stifling.
At a quick glance, it’s a short read, but oh man, it packs a punch! Every page is rich with insight while remaining incredibly accessible. What stood out to me the most was her ability to blend psychology, cultural critique, and genuine conversation seamlessly. She’s not here to preach or bog you down with academic jargon; instead, her voice shines through clear. It is direct, affirming, and refreshingly honest. She unflinchingly addresses how the weight of appearance-based expectations can mess with our minds, especially when race, gender, and identity enter the fray.
This book feels like a chat with a friend rather than a lecture. Powell-Hicks skillfully intertwines personal anecdotes with clinical insights and cultural analysis, making it relatable and real. I found myself nodding, underlining key passages, and reflecting on my own experiences with beauty biases that I had internalized without even realizing it.
What I love is how the book challenges everything society has drilled into us about being “visually pleasing” in every facet of life from our work, relationships, and social media. Powell-Hicks encourages us to reevaluate how we define beauty and self-worth. It doesn’t merely dismantle outdated ideals; it invites you to consider what truly matters to you. It's the kind of read that makes you want to grab your friends and say, "We absolutely have to talk about this!"
March 31, 2026
I requested this because it overlaps with my interests in gender expectations and messaging, and was interested in the psych take. Reading it, I didn't get as much of that psychology perspective as I'd anticipated. While perceptions of beauty was the author's dissertation topic, and perception does fall under psychology, much of what was discussed was, to me (a communication PhD), about media messages, cultural norms, and visual rhetoric and persuasion - so content I'm already abreast of from a communication scholarship and women's studies perspective. I didn't find anything new here. So, in review, I am trying to think about this as more of an opportunity to reach a mass market reader who may not have considered the hegemony and Eurocentrism of beauty expectations previously. In that sense, I think the author does a nice job of conversing with lay publics in her text and she does do a nice job of speaking to non-white audiences about how whiteness is used as standard measure. In fact, I wish more of the book were about that as opposed to beauty overall. The best bits of the book, I think, were the discussions of colonization and beauty expectations. Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All opinions mine.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Problem with Pretty: Beauty, Bias, and the Surprising Science of Good Looks was an informative short read about beauty and psychology.
I enjoyed that it explored both the scientific and psychological reasons why we all want to be pretty. The author’s candid anecdotes make the book intimate and prompt us to reflect on our experiences. It’s well-written, and the author does a fantastic job investigating how the past, psychology, science, ourselves, and even social influences can impact our sense of beauty.
My favorite chapters were the discussion about how celebrity beauty standards and filters' popularity are now impacting women and how industries are still targeting women’s insecurities to this day.
Overall, this book is an empowering read with tools that encourage us to reevaluate how we perceive beauty. I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
I enjoyed that it explored both the scientific and psychological reasons why we all want to be pretty. The author’s candid anecdotes make the book intimate and prompt us to reflect on our experiences. It’s well-written, and the author does a fantastic job investigating how the past, psychology, science, ourselves, and even social influences can impact our sense of beauty.
My favorite chapters were the discussion about how celebrity beauty standards and filters' popularity are now impacting women and how industries are still targeting women’s insecurities to this day.
Overall, this book is an empowering read with tools that encourage us to reevaluate how we perceive beauty. I highly recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
April 19, 2026
Thank you for NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who adores psychology and self-care, I was intrigued by the title of the book. I mean, we all want to look pretty, right?
Truth is, I found myself initially asking: why do I want to look and feel pretty? Does it truly benefit me? Who decides that I'm "pretty"?
The author does an excellent job of examining the history, social influences, and human psychology of beauty and using narratives from her own life. I found myself relating to a lot of the topics discussed and wanted to learn how I can feel pretty without bringing others down.
Early on, the author brought up the fact that the reader might look at the back of the book to examine what she looks like in order to see how "qualified" she was to talk about being pretty. And while I was tempted to, I waited until the end so I could have an unbiased view while reading (but I mean, the author is pretty-- you can see her confidence if you search her up). That being said, the contents of this book are very important and I would highly suggest anyone to read this book so we can all learn how to feel pretty in our own skins.
As someone who adores psychology and self-care, I was intrigued by the title of the book. I mean, we all want to look pretty, right?
Truth is, I found myself initially asking: why do I want to look and feel pretty? Does it truly benefit me? Who decides that I'm "pretty"?
The author does an excellent job of examining the history, social influences, and human psychology of beauty and using narratives from her own life. I found myself relating to a lot of the topics discussed and wanted to learn how I can feel pretty without bringing others down.
Early on, the author brought up the fact that the reader might look at the back of the book to examine what she looks like in order to see how "qualified" she was to talk about being pretty. And while I was tempted to, I waited until the end so I could have an unbiased view while reading (but I mean, the author is pretty-- you can see her confidence if you search her up). That being said, the contents of this book are very important and I would highly suggest anyone to read this book so we can all learn how to feel pretty in our own skins.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was one of those books that I love so much that I forced myself to stop reading so that it would last longer. Ultimately, and unfortunately/fortunately, I finished it very quickly.
A deeply thoughtful book about the importance and power of physical appearance from a narrator with a delightful voice.
I truly appreciate the tenacity it takes to pursue a less typical academic pursuit, so first of all, thank you for that, it was worth it, and I hope the haters see what you’ve done now.
This book was glorious, so important, so nonjudgmental, and just an interesting read.
A deeply thoughtful book about the importance and power of physical appearance from a narrator with a delightful voice.
I truly appreciate the tenacity it takes to pursue a less typical academic pursuit, so first of all, thank you for that, it was worth it, and I hope the haters see what you’ve done now.
This book was glorious, so important, so nonjudgmental, and just an interesting read.
June 6, 2026
What if beauty has less to do with appearance than with the way we’ve been taught to see ourselves? Blending research, personal stories, and cultural analysis, this engaging and well-researched book challenges the myths and biases that shape our ideas of attractiveness and self-worth. The book offers a path toward rejecting harmful (especially European) standards of beauty, celebrating diversity.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 25, 2026
This is just fine, very very basic information on why we perceive beauty the way we do.
Seems like the author wants to blame fairy tales as the origin of beauty bias, but it's just a symptom of it?? Doesn't get into as much history as I would like, and what it does is very surface level. I would like more of an examination of how we are trapped into the beauty myth and more data on how being perceived as "pretty" or not affects people.
Seems like the author wants to blame fairy tales as the origin of beauty bias, but it's just a symptom of it?? Doesn't get into as much history as I would like, and what it does is very surface level. I would like more of an examination of how we are trapped into the beauty myth and more data on how being perceived as "pretty" or not affects people.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews