Publisher's Weekly Review
Probing traditional ``old ways'' of enhancing one's looks, Harris (The Welcome Table) explicates the beauty secrets of a ``worldwide sisterhood of non-Western women of color.'' Her historical overview cites earliest evidence of cosmetic use (in body painting) in cave paintings found in Algeria and the consistent reference to cosmetics in ancient Egyptian records. Underscoring the spiritual component that has historically informed the pursuit of beauty and stressing the need for patch tests, Harris offers preparations, treatments and rituals designed to enhance a woman's hair, face and body. Recipes include Carioca Hand Cream, made with ripe banana and unsalted butter, and Mayo Conditioner (commercial or homemade mayonnaise) for dry hair. Other chapters touch briefly on jewelry (Malian Scented Waist Beads), remedies for menstrual cramps (from Chinese Ginger Tea to Granny's Not-Quite-Legal Ganja Tea) and sachets and homemade incense. Although specifically aimed at women of color, Harris's exploration of this strand of folk wisdom is likely to intrigue any woman. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Beauty, it is said, is in the eye of the beholder, yet American definitions and images of beauty often overlook women of color. Harris has included tips on beauty from women of color around the world--Senegal, Mexico, India, Haiti, Brazil, Benin, Guyana, China, and the U.S.--who all share their traditional beauty secrets learned from friends and family. Harris' coverage is broad: the history of non-Western beauty, life stages of beauty, hair, face, the body, ethnic dressing, fragrances. And she is thorough, with suggestions on ways to enhance living and work spaces and life in general. Lists of mail-order resources and suggested readings make up the appendices. The value of this collection is the inclusion of recipes for achieving the long-treasured beauty secrets along with a discussion on why and how that tip is useful and important to overall health and beauty. Readers will feel as if they had acquired a new circle of friends from around the world who share their beauty tips and secrets. --Lillian Lewis
