5 Must-Read Books that Will Up Your Natural Beauty Game
These 5 passionate authors have done the hard work for you.
Let’s be honest, there’s a lot to learn when you green your beauty regime. Figuring out new brands you can trust, which ingredients to love or loathe, and safe homemade beauty recipes to try can be overwhelming. It’s enough to have you ditching the natural beauty and running back into the arms of toxic cosmetics. But don’t give up!
These five passionate and knowledgeable authors have done all the legwork for you. Learn about the best beauty ingredients nature has to offer, or try your hand at a little DIY with these must-read natural beauty books. And keep that natural beauty commitment going strong–for your health, for the animals, and for the planet.
5 Natural Beauty Books to Put on Your Reading List
1. “No More Dirty Looks: The Truth About Your Beauty Products”
By Alexandra Spunt and Siobhan O’Connor
If you pick up only one book on natural beauty, make it this one. Although published seven years ago when the green beauty industry was a shadow of what it is today, it’s still highly relevant and will change the way you think of your beauty products. In fact, this (plus the No More Dirty Looks website) is one of the reasons the eco beauty world is what it is today. All starting from their own terrible experience with a Brazilian blowout, the authors take you on a journey that covers everything from what’s in your lipstick to greenwashing, all with a healthy dose of humor that makes for an engaging and easy-to-digest read.
2. “The Nature of Beauty: Organic Skincare, Botanical Beauty Rituals and Clean Cosmetics”
By Imelda Burke
If NMDL was the first ultimate guide, this is the second edition which covers the green beauty industry in its present day form. Lovingly written by the UK’s leading expert in natural beauty, Imelda Burke, this book is a physical amalgamation of all the knowledge she has amassed since opening London’s world-renowned boutique, Content Beauty & Wellbeing, in 2008. Drawing not just from her own experiences, but those of her customers, brands, and bloggers she has worked with, the information within the pages is invaluable and well-rounded. Imelda gives the readers all the tools they need to make their own personal choices about their beauty regime, minus any preachiness. Framed by beautiful illustrations and imagery, this is a book you’ll come back to time and time again.
3. “Skin Cleanse: The Simple, All-Natural Program for Clean, Calm and Happy Skin”
By Adina Grigore
From diet to skincare secrets, this book will take you through everything you need to know about how to truly care for your skin. Founder of cult beauty brand S.W Basics, Adina’s approach to beauty is simple, refreshing, and perfect for those who align with the less-is-more way of life. Small enough to slip into your handbag, this read is brimming with tips that are easy to integrate into your everyday life, and will even help you figure out what your triggers could be when it comes to skin concerns. Plus, there are even a few homemade beauty recipes to try that won’t require more than your kitchen cupboard essentials. The biggest lesson you’ll learn? Sometimes going back to basics is the only way forward.
4. “Clean Beauty: Recipes to Manage Your Beauty Routine, Naturally”
By Dominika Minarovic and Elsie Rutterford
If you’re the kind of beauty addict who likes to get your hands dirty (or should we say clean), then this book of endless DIY beauty recipes will have you mixing your way to beauty heaven. The brains behind the book are Elsie and Dominika, the dynamic London-based duo of Clean Beauty Co. Having started out sharing their botanical beauty concoctions online, they’ve since begun to share their ingredients know-how with hands-on workshops. If you can’t catch a flight to London though, then this book is the next best thing. Whether you’re a DIY novice who will appreciate the simplicity of the Kitchen Cupboard Body Oil, or are up for a challenge with the After Eight Shampoo Cube, you’re bound to find a new favorite. Don’t delve in before reading the basics, though. In the first few pages you’ll find everything you need to know about the dos and don’ts of making your own beauty products, and what you’ll need to get started.
5. “The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty”
By Sunny Subramanian and Chrystle Fiedler
If you’re looking for both the quintessential DIY how-to as well as self-improvement tips for living a more compassionate lifestyle, Sunny Subramanian’s guide is a must-read. Packed with 125 recipes for vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free makeup and skincare products, there’s something for everyone. Sunny was the first vegan beauty blogger to hit the scene in 2007 with her hugely popular website Vegan Beauty Review,and she makes it easy and exciting to opt for vegan beauty no matter what your skincare type or need. You’ll love Sunny’s edgy style, inspirational tutorials, and easy-to-follow instructions for whipping up lux vegan beauty at a fraction of the cost of off-the-shelf beauty products. Check out fun recipes like the Pucker-Up Peppermint Lip Scrub, Fruity AHA Facial Peel, Refreshing Footloose Soak, Go-Go Jojoba Solid Perfume, or the Flawless Powder Fountain for truly unique, all-natural, and oh-so effective cruelty-free beauty goodness.
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