This is a fantastic book - combines informative & very in depth information about what to avoid in cosmetics, beauty & body care products; there's a reference section where you can look up ingredients to check out how safe they are (by no mean an exhaustive list); it recommends a few off the shelf products BUT the main attraction to me was the huge section of DIY recipes.
Many natural or green books have featured recipes before, but in my experience they've been for nothing more exciting than bath oils or an oil/salt body scrub! This amazing book covers everything from top to toe - hair volumisers, sunscreen, self tanner, cuticle softner, all of which can be made at home with a few ingredients - a fantastic idea, considering the price tags on some natural beauty products. There are even recipes inspired by not-so-green cult items (such as Eve Lom cleansing balm) but without the chemical nasties or hefty price tag, along with really clear step by step instructions.
This book is jam packed full of interesting & useful information and is great value for money in my opinion; I can see mself using the recipe section time & time again. Would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone who is interested in saving money on beauty products, not just those who want to go 'green'.
The only slight niggle (and my reason for awarding 4 rather than 5 stars) is the 'where to buy' section at the back is very much targeted at readers in the USA; but an excellent purchase all the same.