2.5 Stars

If you’re looking for beauty and fashion advice, I think this would be a great book for you. Candis has had to figure all this stuff out on her own as she navigates an unfamiliar body in female form. Most of us that have grown up as girls are bombarded with the “correct” makeup, hairstyles, and clothing for their shape, face, etc. I did pick up a few pointers from Candis, given that she wasn’t so hard-set on things she had learned as a kid, like a lot of us. She was freer to experiment and really find what worked for her.

I think the problem for me is that I was hoping for more autobiographical content on Candis herself, which is probably my mistake. I just wanted to hear more about how Candis got from where to was, to where she is now. But, again, if you’re looking for some useful hair and makeup tips, I think this is a great book. She talks about all different styles and how and why they work with certain types of features and shapes. I don’t really style my hair (I keep it exceptionally short), and I never wear make-up, so a lot of this didn’t really interest me, and there was much more of that to this book than anything else. So, I ended up finding myself skimming a lot.

I would recommend this book, but only if you know what you’re looking for so that you can get you want out of it.

Copy received via Negalley in exchange for an honest review.

im sure this is a great book but on my kindle version lots of the picture s were missing and quite difficult t read - words seemed to be missing.

Although I completely understand the purpose of this book, I feel that for someone who doesn't truly struggle with body/beauty issues, it misses the mark. I can empathize, yes, and I can understand why people, man or woman, SHOULD read this book, however, for me, it felt as though I was being told to love myself and value myself when I already do that. The entire book, which I admittedly had to skim, is about staying true to yourself and not letting anyone rain on your parade or dull your sparkle.

I thought this would be more a style guide like most style guides are. With lots of bright photography and fun interesting short facts, demonstrations on how to do x or y. Instead it reads like a text book and I was quickly bored out of my mind. There are some photographs, but it is really not that much.

So sadly, I can't finish this one. Such a shame, I was looking forward to this one, even if I didn't know Candis Cayne, I do love reading style guides.

This is the type of book that you check out from the library and end up purchasing for your home collection. It's a book for all women and is a celebration of women. Cayne is beautifully candid, honest and funny. A truly lovely book written with the heart of an old soul.