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.