20150616

Essential Blogger Read | Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes


I usually opt for coffee table books when I'm busy and don't want to commit to a narrative, which has definitely been me recently! I generally find them easy to dip in and out of, picking them up when I fancy without having to lose the thread of a story. However I have to say I'm finding Pretty Honest surprisingly more-ish.

For those of you who didn't know, Sali Hughes has a weekly beauty column in the Guardian (which I am now reading religiously). She's also a (seemingly-ageless) mother and all-round person-I-would-like-to-be-one-day... Pretty Honest is a guide to all things beauty based on her years of experience. It isn't alienating to beauty newbies but at the same time the certified junkies among us will still get so much out of it. I must say that I find a lot of beauty guides nice enough but as someone who is part of the blogosphere, I feel some of the advice is a little obvious. However not with Pretty Honest! 

The book is divided up into chapters focussing on a different beauty topic (e.g. Skincare, Foundation, Eyebrows etc.) They're snappy, to-the-point and I tend to find them the perfect length to read just before bed in bite-sized chunks. Each opens with a photograph and an often-amusing quote relating to the topic.

As for the writing; I found it honest (as the name might suggest), witty, helpful and de-mystifying. Sali cuts straight to the point and I often find myself nodding vigorously at her advice, so when she suggest something I hadn't thought of before I pretty much take her word as law! I think the reason why blogging is so popular is that we often think of beauty editors as being in the pockets of brands, telling us we need every product on the planet. Sali's book isn't like that at all; her approach is no-nonsense and I really appreciate someone who can tell it like it is.

Finally, I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but this book has a rather lovely one! If I had one tiny criticism of this book it would be that the texture of the cover catches dirt quite easily. Yes, I'm really reaching here...

I'm rapidly making my way through this book and I'll be sad when I finish it shortly, but I know it's one I will reach for over and over again. It has all the basic beauty rules to live by, helpful tips and makes simple what can sometimes be terribly confusing. All in all this is a must read for bloggers, beauty fans or even just people who want to understand the world of beauty.

Buy it here from £4.99.


Have you read Pretty Honest or do you think you will? Thoughts?

 


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43 comments

  1. Ouuu this looks like it would be a great read!! :) definitely one to add to my list

    Dorky-and-weird.blogspot.com

    Xoxo Jessy

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  2. I adore Sali Hughes! She's so honest and to the point, and definitely not afraid to talk about things other people steer clear of, I'm sure her book is brilliant as her column is just that :)

    Blushhx

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  3. I've heard so much about this book and it's definitely on my wishlist. I really need to pick it up!


    xo, alison*elle

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  4. I will definitely be buying this! x
    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave

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  5. I've heard so much about this, need to give it a read!

    Sara - She Who Is Short

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  6. Ah I've been wanting this book for a while, but definitely think I'm going to have to get one now, it sounds great!! x

    emily x ❤ | emilyloula

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  7. This sounds really interesting, will have to keep a look out for this! x http://www.coffeeatmidnight13.blogspot.co.uk/

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  8. I love the book - I've bought it ever since Rebecca (From Roses) recommended it and it's the book I never put down! xx

    www.angerawrs.co.uk | A DATE WITH THAT GRACE GIRL

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  9. This book is my favourite read in a long time :) even though it is one you can dip in and out of, I couldn't put it down! So much great info.

    Kat | www.kathorrocks.com

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  10. This book sounds great, I'll have to pick up a copy!


    xo, Liz
    http://lipstickandconfetti.com

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  11. I find the thought of reading a book quite daunting (yay for dyslexia haha!) but this sounds like something I would definitely love to read. I've added it to my Amazon wish list and I'll be buying it soon :) Thanks for sharing Jasmine!

    Emily // Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

    xx

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    1. I think you'd enjoy this as it's in bite-sized chunks so isn't overwhelming :) xx

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  12. I've never read it but I think I'd love toobecause I'm really into those kind of book!

    http://www.notesofglam95.blogspot.it/

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  13. I will definitely look out for this, I love her column when I read the guardian.

    Tasha xxx
    sincereblonde.com

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  14. This is on my birthday list! I often find like with Bobbi Brown's makeup manual I tend to just read the bits I'm feeling a bit baffled with, like cleanser types and what skin type should go for what, etc. Thinking about it going from cover to cover could really open my eyes to things I have no idea about!
    cottonandcandie xx

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    Replies
    1. I really want to check out the Bobbi Brown books :) xx

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  15. Great review! I didn't realise Sali had a column in the Guardian, definitely checking it out!
    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  16. I'm currently reading this and I just love it. It's such a good honest book as the name suggests and I love Sally's writing style x

    Beauty with charm

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  17. I really need to get this book! I love the idea of it!
    fixmeinfortyfivex.blogspot.co.uk - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
    xx

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  18. I definitely feel like one of the only beauty bloggers out there who doesn't have this. I really need to get my hands on it, love that the advice isn't too obvious :)
    By the way, loving your new header & blog name etc - not sure if I've said already :)

    Style Sunrise☀

    :)
    x

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  19. This book sounds great. To be honest I don't know the author but I'll search for some articles online if she writes that amazing (;
    Nati xx
    www.simplyartdicted.com

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  20. I so need to pick this up, it's been so highly recommended by so many fellow bloggers, sounds like the perfect commute read :)

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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  21. I have been lusting over this book since it came out and I somehow keep forgetting to order it. You're review just confirms that I need to get myself together and order the book. It looks and sounds lovely! Wonderful post!
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  22. A light read that's "more-ish" sounds like a good deal. I can't remember the last time I picked up a book! Sigh. I often find much of the advice out there obvious as well and it leaves me so confused as how to approach my own topics. Sometimes I feel like I'm just stating the obvious but then other times I think, well what if someone wants to know? Anyway, sounds like a lovely read and I'll check it out. :-)

    Beauty Isles | An Island Girl's Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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  23. Love this book! Finished it a few weeks ago and I'm already reading it again! Great post xo
    SHEWOREWHAT

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  24. I've brought a few books in the past but was disappointed by the pages of common advice. This however sounds like a great read for something new :)

    Velvet Blush

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    1. Yeah this definitely doesn't rely on stating obvious advice :) xx

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  25. I haven't read this, but have heard so many great things about it, might need to pick one up. xx

    Julie
    www.rainingcake.com

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  26. This books sounds amazing! I'll definitely have to give it a look sometime, it sounds like it's really well written! Thanks for sharing this with us!
    xo Kiki
    https://colormekiki.wordpress.com/

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  27. This book has just landed on my wish list! It sounds ideal for a beauty blogger and for getting tips! I always read her columns so this would be perfect for me! & I love reading Beauty sections in magazines so having something to read all the time would be amazing!

    Jasmine | jasminehardingmakeup.com

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    1. It's just amazing, I'm sure you'll love it :) xx

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  28. I keep seeing this book everywhere and I think it's hi time I took the plunge and purchased it although I am torn between purchasing a paper copy or a virtual one....decisions!!...xx

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  29. Thank you for all the comments - I hope you love the book as much as me! xx

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  30. I have this book on my Kindle that I purchased for my travels to Canada, but have yet to pick it up. Everyone has discussed how great it isn't, but not in depth. I may just pick it up and read it now after reading you review. Thanks, love!

    Angie x | Chocolate & Lipstick || UK Beauty and Lifestyle Blog


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  31. I recently bought this as an eBook and I think I'm gonna start it tonight while I wait on another book to come in the mail. I've heard so many good things about it and your review just put the nail in the coffin for me lol. As a beauty blogger/makeup junkie beauty books can get repetitive pretty quickly and it's harder to pick up on new stuff. Thanks for your thorough review!

    Follow me to Fancieland

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    1. I'm glad this was helpful - I hope you love it :) xx

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  32. I have wanted this book for so long but never just got my hands on it. This review made me want to buy it even more! I love books where the writer goes straight to the point :)x

    Anu | My life as Anu | bloglovin

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    1. Sali definitely does that - check it out :) xx

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