This review is part of the Green Books campaign.Today 200 bloggers take a stand to support books printed in an eco-friendly manner by simultaneously publishing reviews of 200 books printed on recycled or FSC-certified paper. By turning a spotlight on books printed using eco- friendly paper, we hope to raise the awareness of book buyers and encourage everyone to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books.

The campaign is organized for the second time by Eco-Libris, a green company working to make reading more sustainable. We invite you to join the discussion on “green” books and support books printed in an eco-friendly manner! A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.

I’d like to thank Raz Godelnik for inviting me to this incredible event that speaks volumes on the importance of THINKING GREEN in life. Saving our environment one step at a time for the future generations to come.

So take a stand and celebrate this event by visiting the bloggers’ sites who have joined the movement today. Enjoy the reviews and THINK GREEN!

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Green Books Campaign 2010: Beauty: Pure + Simple
                A Holistic Guide to Natural Beauty
Author: Kristen Ma
Publisher:  McArthur & Company
Source:  Review Copy

Conclusion: Beauty 2.0 
Be Part of the Change

I believe that beauty, as an intangible feeling of being comfortable in our own skins, affects how we conduct ourselves. If we feel ugly or out of balance, we may not be in the right headspace to be open-minded, unselfish and positive. A change in the definition of beauty is a change is the way we view our world. We must commit ourselves to this responsibility. …
… I believe the Pure + Simple concept is not just a way to groom ourselves, but a lifestyle. This new cultural phenomenon is about respect for others, the environment and ourselves. It is about a world where ideas will be more valuable than goods, and where status will come through societal contribution, not an accumulation of wealth. It is not a change that I alone want, but a change that must happen if we are going to ensure the healthiness of our communities.

Excerpt from Beauty: Pure + Simple, page 169

Kristen Ma has compiled an amazing guide to what makes her company Pure + Simple such an incredible hit with clients in the Canadian beauty industry, a chain of holistic spas that incorporate alternatives to the standard products offered in skin products. She advocates the use of environmentally friendly products & applies a Green approach to her business. The endorsement of sustainable packaging that will not harm the environment: Ma uses glass bottles that may be returned and she avoids using box packaging for their wastefulness.  Case in point this book is completely printed on recycled - FSC certified paper.

Pure + Simple is a refreshing for its line of natural skincare  and mineral cosmetics.  Ingrained is the commitment to reaching our sense of beauty by looking at the integral elements that connect health: inner and out of the realm of the physical.

Ma explores the world of beauty by reflecting on her own experiences with problem skin and the harshness of the ascribed pharmaceuticals that damaged the skin despite the quick fix for acne.  The prescribed solutions with its consequential results can not be denied and Ma provides natural alternatives in this well written guide to “beauty”.

Pure + Simple explores venues for women and men to consider when reflecting upon  what is necessary for good skincare.  Chapters broached include following topics:  What is Natural Skincare , Skin Basics, Aryurveda, Ingredients to Avoid, The Importance of Calming Down, Glow, Protect Yourself, Beauty 911 & Skincare 101.   Each segment details the pros and cons with an indepth explanation of the element on hand.

Ma incorporates Aryuvedic and East Asian medicine in the promotion of reaching a healthy mind and body approach to beauty.  Aryuvedic concepts of 3 energies of Pitta (heat energy), Kaphar (water & earth energy) and Vata (air & space) are displayed with traits illustrating how profoundly they are interconnected to one’s physical appearance.

The Chinese Face Map (found on page 59) outlines how facial points are related integrally to our inner and physical well being. For example Ma denotes how under eye-circles are an indication of a weak kidney and frown lines between eyebrows are markers for an “overworked liver and spleen.”

Another bonus for the reader is the thorough look at proponents of beauty via simple products, surgical enhancements, non surgical facelifts, cosmetic acupunture, and botox. A particular segment of interest is Skin through the Ages where Ma breaks down skin in relation to age: 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

Kristen Ma’s Pure + Simple is an endorsement of beauty via body, mind and soul.  Well written and a pleasure to read.  I loved this book and will share this one with family & friends. 

For those who never contemplated reading a beauty guide, this one will surprise you. SO GET IT!