I recently read The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource to Organic and Natural Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup, and Fragrances by Julie Gabriel and was very inspired by her unique view on safe skincare and cosmetics. As a writer and editor of beauty and fashion, Julie has experienced both sides of the beauty world -- the safe and the not so. She not only advocates buying nontoxic beauty products, but also reminds us to pare down and simplify our beauty regimen itself.

This handy guide provides information, in plain English, on the toxic ingredients in conventional beauty products and why they are so damaging. Julie navigates through this often controversial subject (she was offered money from an unknown source to drop the book) with the straightforwardness and enthusiasm of a motivational speaker. You simply cannot read this book and go back to your cupboard of chemical cosmetics.

Though beauty products of the make-it-yourself variety have never really been my thing, this book has totally gotten me hooked! I have whipped up several of Julie's recipes and even come up with some of my own creations. The recipes are all very do-able (you won't need any crazy tools or ingredients, for the most part), simple to follow and the ingredients are easy to get a hold of, if not already in your kitchen. My personal favorite is the "Sugar Mommy Scrub". My skin, seriously, cannot get enough of this stuff!

Of course, there is a time and place for the more elaborate skincare products and Julie lists several of her favorites in each skincare category along with her own rating system. She also advises you on purchasing certain ready-made skincare staples and adding to them different oils and herbs for custom made beauty products.

Another fabulous thing about this book -- food for beautiful skin. How great an idea is that? Eating healthy = Looking healthy! The book lists several yummy recipes to get your glow on inside and out.

A Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Julie is also a mother and has recently created her own safe organic product line, Petite Marie Organics, with moms and babies in mind. You may view Julies blog at www.TheGreenBeautyGuide.com.

A big thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for getting the book to me!

I am giving away a copy of The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel. Want it? Just leave a comment below and I will draw from a hat. You could be the lucky winner!

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