No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products--and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics [Paperback]

Siobhan O'Connor (Author), Alexandra Spunt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 13, 2010

It started with a harmless quest for perfect wash-and-go hair. Every girl wants it, and Siobhan O’Connor and Alexandra Spunt finally found it in a fancy salon treatment. They were thrilled—until they discovered that the magic ingredient was formaldehyde.

Shocked, O’Connor and Spunt left no bottle unturned. If it went on their body (and thus, was absorbed into their skin and bloodstream), they researched it. As it turns out, many of those unpronounceable ingredients in your self-tanner and leave-in conditioner are not regulated and the “natural” on your face wash doesn’t mean what you think it does.

Now, with the help of top scientists, dermatologists, and makeup artists, the authors share their compelling findings and the easy way to detoxify your beauty regimen. No More Dirty Looks also reveals the safest, most effective products on the market and time-tested home recipes. Finally, you don’t need to sacrifice health for beauty—because coming clean is the best look yet.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Kim Barnouin, coauthor of the #1 New York Times bestseller Skinny Bitch
“This book is a wake-up call for all women who think that what you put on your body is not going to hurt you. O’Connor and Spunt offer an in-depth glimpse into the dangers lurking within the beauty industry, in a quick and engaging read that is tough to put down. No More Dirty Looks will arm consumers with knowledge, opening their eyes to products they should avoid and safer, healthier alternatives. Every woman I know is getting a copy.”

Eric Schlosser, bestselling author of Fast Food Nation
“When it comes to good health, what you put on your skin can be as important as what you put in your mouth. Here’s a useful book to help you look better and feel better—without poisoning yourself.”

Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, New York Times-bestselling author of The Fat Flush Plan
“I loved this book! No More Dirty Looks is a fabulous and enlightening guide to the cleanest skin, body and hair care products. It belongs in every woman’s library and should be required reading for all skin and hair professionals!”

Ralph Nader
“No More Dirty Looks can save you from many toxic ingredients in cosmetics. Authors O’Connor and Spunt open a wide window to a world where personal care products and safety can co-exist and give you a better result with less pain and danger. The book reads as if the authors are talking with your body—from head to toe.”

Jenny McCarthy, author, actress and activist
“As a mom concerned about my own health and that of my child, I consider No More Dirty Looks essential reading.”

 

Style.com, 7/29/10

“Unlike some other green beauty guides, Looks is refreshingly free of preachiness or judgment…Instead, the book lays out all the facts and leaves it up to the reader to decide what next steps to take…No More Dirty Looks might not be your typical beach read, but it’s got enough real intrigue to keep you turning the pages.”

 

New York Magazine, 8/1/10

“A shocking investigation of the carcinogens, formaldehyde, brain-melting animal botulism, etc., found in many beauty products.”

 

Experience Life, November 2010

“An indispensible resource if you’re looking to clean up your body-care routine while still claiming the glamour that’s rightly yours.”

 

Audrey Magazine, January 2011
“The book is a Fast Food Nation for the beauty industry, listing all these no-no ingredients for your face, hair, and body—and why.”

 

NW (Australia)
“Look fabulous without hurting yourself or the environment thanks to this fun and informative investigation into cosmetics…A must for ethical beauty junkies.”

 

About the Author

Siobhan O’Connor is the features editor at GOOD magazine. She lives in New York.

Alexandra Spunt is a freelance journalist and the former brand director at American Apparel. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books (July 13, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738213969
• ISBN-13: 978-0738213965
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (51 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,214 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Beauty & Fashion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life, July 11, 2010

By 

Erika Tal - See all my reviews

This review is from: No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products--and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics (Paperback)

This book is a must-read for anyone who cares about health, beauty and the environment. I was shocked to learn about the cosmetic industry from up close and how little they are protecting my health. This book gave me all the info on the cosmetics I was using that were bad for me and then I got a bunch of ideas about how to change my attitude and my products. I have been using clean and natural beauty products since and my skin feels amazing and I feel better about the industry I am supporting. Great read, I'm giving it to all my loved ones.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Read This for Truth about Beauty Products, November 30, 2010

By 

Green Interior Designer (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products--and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics (Paperback)

No More Dirty Looks The Truth about Your Beauty Products--and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics will be a real eye-opener for many readers unfamiliar with the dangers lurking in so-called beauty products.

The journey for the authors starts when they go to get a Brazilian Blow-Out and discover that formaldehyde is an active ingredient in the product. (Formaldehyde is used to embalm dead people, FYI and is considered a carcinogen.) From there, the authors begin research into all kinds of health and beauty products.

They discover that the FDA doesn't do a very good job in protecting the health of people. One of the most disturbing truths discovered is that endocrine disruptive chemicals are found in baby products and products pregnant women use.

What many people do not realize is that the skin is the largest organ and that it is porous. when you apply a products, it goes through the skin and into the bloodstream. All those chemicals found in makeup and perfume and inside your body! And there are literally 1000's of them.

The best art of the book is that safe and effective alternative beauty products are suggested. Ones that are also not tested on animals.

I have been using safe, chemical beauty products (and safe stuff for home, etc) for years now. I am familiar with many of the products suggested and YES they are effective! (Like anything else, you have to test and see for yourself.) Once you get used to these products, you will not miss the chemical-laden ones with their fake smells!

The reason for 4 stars? I was not pleased with the way this book was written at times, with way too casual words--as if these were two girls writing about some silly subject instead of the very serious subject matter that it is. It only serves to make one question their credibility....that said, I have done enough research to know they are on to the facts.

I also recommend IN DEFENSE OF FOOD by Michael Pollen to learn about healthy food( or any of his books,)HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT: BEAUTIFY, DETOXIFY & ENERGIZE YOUR LIFE, YOUR HOME & YOUR PLANET to discover how to detoxify all products you use AND find great, healthy alternatives, and HOW TO GROW FRESH AIR to clean your home of toxins.

Highly recommend!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading, July 16, 2010

By 

Ivy - See all my reviews

This review is from: No More Dirty Looks: The Truth about Your Beauty Products--and the Ultimate Guide to Safe and Clean Cosmetics (Paperback)

I've read this book twice already and consider it essential reading for anyone who wants to take more control over what they're putting on and into their bodies. We blindly assume that cosmetics must be safe if they've made it onto the shelf of our local drugstores, and as O'Connor and Spunt make clear, nothing could be further from the truth. I've been gradually switching my products over to clean ones, but this book helped me complete the transition with concrete tips and amazing suggestions. If you care about your health, the environment, and your looks, then carry this book in your purse whenever you go shopping for products until you've memorized which chemicals to avoid! And make it a gift for any moms (and dads) you know so they can be better informed when they shop for sunscreens and soaps for their babies and children. Thanks to the authors for putting together such a groundbreaking and fun read!! (They also host a fab blog with daily posts and recommendations that will help you stay on top of your health and beauty regimes: [...])