When I finished reading Beauty Confidential, I gushed to anyone who would listen to me gush about how much I loved that book. I carried it around in my bag. I showed it to the woman who rang up my purchases at Sephora (all bought on the author’s advice, of course). I sat at my laptop and dog-eared pages as I wish-listed all the items that I had to have.

And I started to feel kind of silly. After all, I’m no product whore, and it’s only a book - certainly not one that you’d find in a courtroom or hotel room night table drawer.

But after reading the reviews of Beauty Confidential from our parent bloggers, I’m feeling vindicated. At the very least, I’m not alone in my adoration. As one blogger wrote:

“Beauty Confidential by Nadine Haobsh is hands down the best beauty book I have ever read. I could kiss the ladies over at the Parent Bloggers Network for bringing it into my life. Also, I want to find Ms. Haobsh and make her be friends with me. Not just because she wrote this awesome book but also because we have the same favorite band and TV show. As soon I read, I don’t enjoy Pearl Jam casually. They are my favorite band in the history of the world and I am besotted by them and they will be the soundtrack of my life until the day I die, I knew I would follow this woman’s advice on just about anything.”

A large part of the book’s appeal is thanks to Nadine’s personable writing style. Our bloggers loved her spunk - “She won’t let a few beauty editors stop her, and I truly admire her for this.” - and her wit - “Who knew you could write about beauty and maintain a sense of humor?” Even more, her honesty resonated with the bloggers: “It’s a comprehensive guide that doesn’t cajole you into buying anything or believing a bunch of pricey products will change your life; it’s one woman sharing what she knows about the beauty industry and how to make the most of what you’ve got.”

All of the reviewers - with varying levels of product knowledge - learned something from Beauty Confidential. One blogger, who was already quite beauty savvy, commented: “As a teen I always wondered why my make up didn’t look just like the magazine’s cover model when I would go out and buy all the same stuff. Now that Nadine has come clean with the facts I now know this another magazine advertising trick.” Another blogger divulges those details along with twelve other tidbits, including the secret of Kiss Me mascara, the history of Creed Fleurissimo perfume, and the reason why a Mason Pearson hairbrush is worth the $XXX (yes, that’s the correct number of digits).

Mostly, our bloggers were thrilled just to have some advice that they could actually use:

• “The chapter devoted solely to giving me the best blow out actually worked.“
• “I finally figured out how to make my ponytail look chic!“
• “I’m still literally jumping for joy over the mascara section because to me, the search for the elusive perfect mascara is worse than the search for a great fitting pair of jeans.“
• “The price guides at the end of each chapter are heavenly and completely appreciated. That blush that I have to have isn’t going to actually bankrupt me…“

Even better, one suggested that the book would be a perfect gift guide: “Men, you need this book. It has a million and one gift ideas in it. I guarantee that you’ll find something that your wife/girlfriend/mother/great aunt Tessie will adore. The section of fragrances alone will keep you in steady supply of gift ideas for years.”

Although the book does cover skin sensitivities, one blogger noted that chemical-induced side effects (short- and long-term) were not given much thought: “She does devote a section to organic products – but she misses one of the basic reasons behind many organic products: they are here to provide some protection against many of the harmful, cancer-causing chemicals that are in many synthetic cosmetics. She is focused more on whether the organic products work better than their synthetic counterparts.”

Perhaps it seems frivolous for a bunch of mothers to concern themselves with finding a list of products recommended by a twenty-something beauty girl, but I’d say anyone who thinks so just hasn’t seen themselves in Lancome Definicils mascara and NARS Orgasm blush. Beauty is about feeling good - “On those days when I’m feeling bad about my post-partum belly flab or my lack luster social life, a good blow-out or sexy scent can make my day.” - and helping others feel good too - “If there is anything I like more than knowing what perfumes are hot at the moment, it’s being able to tell someone else about it. It’s a small pleasure for this not-too-hip-at-the-moment-sweat-pant-wearing-mom.”

To get your own copy of Beauty Confidential (and I assure you, you will not be disappointed), click here!