Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Review: Get Positively Beautiful & Giveaway

Summary: According to a recent study, only 2% of women describe themselves as 'beautiful.' The media instructs women how to 'look ten years younger,' 'cover up wrinkles,' or 'get fuller, plumper lips.' And even makeup products play off womens' insecurities, promising to conceal perceived flaws, define cheekbones, or make eyelashes fuller and longer. The underlying message? That there's something inherently wrong with the way women look and that they have to spend time, money, and energy keeping up with all the ways they should 'fix' themselves.

In GET POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL, makeup artist Carmindy from TLC's hit program What Not to Wear shows you how to change your mindset from negative fault-finding to a positive beauty philosphy. You learn how to find and focus on your best features and how to combat negative thoughts about your appearance. Carmindy demonstrates easy makeup techniques for eyes, brows, lashes, lips, cheeks, and skin, and how to adapt looks to different weather conditions and 'beauty moods.' -- Center Street

I love this time of the year because publishers are releasing so many wonderful books. GET POSITIVELY BEAUTIFUL by Carmindy is another great book about all things makeup. (Yesterday, I reviewed BOBBI BROWN MAKEUP MANUAL -- with a giveaway.) This book is also full of great makeup tips, but Carmindy's bottom line advice is "looking good starts with feeling good."

If you don't already know this, Carmindy is the makeup artist for TLC's show What Not to Wear. She has a beautiful website where you can sign up to receive her newsletter. Make sure you check out all of her "tips and techniques" while you are there. Carmindy also writes for the blog Daily Makeover; and she has partnered with Sally Hansen for her own line -- Sally Hansen Inspired by Carmindy.

One section of the book that I enjoyed looking at was the section on makeovers. I am always amazed by how different the before and after shots are. I love how Carmindy points out the "Carmindy Vision: What I See" in each of these women. Each of the women also talk about what they think their beauty strengths and weaknesses are. What I wouldn't give for one of these makeovers!

I am always on the lookout for new products, so I especially liked the Shopping Guide section in the back of the book. For each type of makeup, Carmindy gives two options -- one expensive and one less expensive. I know I'll be getting some of the cheaper options the next time I'm at the drugstore.

I have up to five copies to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Book Group USA! All you have to do is leave a comment, with your e-mail address, telling me why you want this book. For every 15 comments I get, I will give away one book. If you'd like to double your chances, please blog about this post with a link back here. This contest is open to U.S. and Canadian mailing addresses only -- no p.o. boxes please. This contest will be open until Monday, December 16th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will announce the winner the following day.

36 comments:

silverhartgirl said...

I am always amazed at makeover. I wish I could do that. I could use a little more beautiful

RAnn said...

I need some new makeup and would love to win. ruthjoec at aol dot com

Gwendolyn B. said...

I need all the help I can get! Thanks for the chance to win this.
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

Mom of 5 Boys said...

I love Carmindy on What Not to Wear. I would love to read her book!

Marie said...

I could use a little help...a lot of help actually. Please enter me. Thanks. mparke[at]shaw[dot]ca

Anonymous said...

I've seen Carmindy on The Early Show and loved her tips. This would be a great book to have. Thanks for the chance to win!
rocket_kay AT hotmail DOT com

ruth said...

I would enjoy this book since I could use all the advice and help in this area. Thanks for this lovely giveaway.

Rose said...

I love Carmindy! And, like I said, I am such a makeup junkie.

Rose said...

I'm entering twice because I blogged about your giveaway!

http://veggout.blogspot.com/2008/12/tis-season.html

(Be sure to scroll down to the last paragraph of my entry)

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Thanks for the e-mail, my friend. I've got this posted at Win a Book. As usual, no need to enter me unless you need to for your entry count. *grin*

darbyscloset said...

I love that to be beautiful it starts on the inside! Such a refreshing book! I always like to explore my true self and this book sounds like that is the self that will receive the make over!
Thanks so much,
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Anne said...

I've seen Carmindy on What Not to Wear, and she has great tips. I'd really like to read the book.

traveler said...

What a great book which would be so useful and fabulous. Thanks.

cpullum said...

I would love to have this book. I love reading about all the tips!
Carla
cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am always utterly confused by the makeup aisle- all i've ever figured out how to use is mascara! I would love some guidance. bsbraver AT colby DOT edu

Anonymous said...

This would be a great book to have on hand for all women.

Anonymous said...

I love What not to Wear and think Carmindy does a great job. I would love to win this book.

djecse at yahoo dot com

Joy Bergmann said...

Carmindy's new book is AWESOME. First, it's smart and fresh. No more negativity, ladies. You're gorgeous---even more so when you play up your unique assets. Check it out!

Unknown said...

Ah, I would LOVE this book. I tend to get the whole negative outlook on beauty and I love how this book starts with the true beauty we all have within...and finding it within ourselves. THanks so much for doing this!!

Unknown said...

The Ultimate Guide to Looking and Feeling Gorgeous is the latest beauty book by the amazing makeup artist, Carmindy, and in it you will find not only beauty tips and tricks, but advice on how to change your mindset from negative fault-finding to a positive beauty philosphy.
------------
oliviaharis
Internet Marketing

Anonymous said...

I really enjoy Carmindy's makeovers on what not to wear.
linda [at] downes [dot] net

The Giveaway Diva said...

i lvoe carmindy!!
she's totally awesome!!

please enter me =)

Anonymous said...

wow what a great giveaway!! please enter me into win

papalum(at)hotmail(dot)com

thanks!

Anonymous said...

i love carmindy! she has the nicest natural makeovers! pick me please!

glittergurl04(at)hotmai.com

Anonymous said...

please enter me! i'd love to win this awesome book!!


swt_babe321(at)hotmail(dot)com

Wanda said...

I could sure use the help. I need an extreme makeover on me.
Love this book idea.
Sounds perfect.

Anonymous said...

Would help with putting on makeup

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I'm a 58 year old female just retired State Trooper. Help me transition back into the real world and look like a woman after wearing an "attractive" BROWN uniform for 25 years! I'm sure my hubby would appreciate it, too!

Anonymous said...

Whoops! GirlTrooper forgot to leave her address: moussehill@aol.com (sorry)

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the giveaway.
Blogged about it here:
http://c-alexis.livejournal.com/31072.html

Thanks,
Carmen
carmenalexistsang[at]gmail[dot]com

thebluerose said...

I love Carmindy! She's fabulous on What Not To Wear.

Now why I want this book: I really, REALLY want to give this book to my sister. Since she is a senior, she went to prom and homecoming. But the thing is....she doesn't know how to put on makeup at ALL. After putting on her dress, she hid herself in the bathroom for hours trying to put on makeup. When she came out, she put WAY too much. I made her redo the makeup.

This would be a wonderful book for her. I want her to look beautiful when graduation day comes around.

ttt1612 AT yahoo DOT com

http://etewxok.livejournal.com/11108.html

mgood222 said...

I love watching the make over shows. There is a show called "Makeover Ambush" - I keep wishing they'd discover me at the nearest mall. LOL
Maryellen
mgood222@hotmail.com

Ilissa said...

I'd love this book because it might help raise my self-esteem a bit. I am surprised that only 2% of women say they are beautiful. Thanks for the chance.

Beeb said...

I'd like to win this book, because feeling good and looking good sounds like a great way to start the new year! Thanks for the great giveaway. :)

-Beeb
supercoupongirl AT gmail.com

Luck Happens said...

I'd like to win this book because, although I'm not a big make-up wearer, I would like to know that I'm wearing the make-up I do wear to my best advantage. Thanks for the giveaway!

kellifrobinson2 AT gmail DOT com

Luck Happens said...

I promoted your giveaway on Luck Happens: http://www.luck-happens.com/december-16.html.