Japanese hair and beauty book

The New Beauty: An East-West guide to the Natural Beauty of Body and Soul by Michelle Dominique Leigh

I have had this book in my possession for a number of years and keep going back to it for inspiration and ideas. It is chock full of good information - and it is a very pleasant read.

The author is an American woman who lives part of her life in Japan.
Ms Leigh has compiled an incredible compendium of traditional and modern health/beauty rituals and recipes. The book offers both a cultural insight as well as practical ideas.

The following topics (not exact chapter headers) are covered:

Skin
Hair
Body
Male beauty
Inner/outer beauty
Bathing rituals
Purification using botanical herbs
Beauty medicines
Scent
Make-up
Shiatsu

One of the most special things about this book are the sections that deal with Japanese aesthetic metaphors.
These are simply, yet movingly described: the beauty that is unfinished, the beauty that exists between the wrapping, the beauty that disappears

I lived in Japan for three years; I think those were some of the best years I ever had. Some of those girls were just the loveliest creatures; beautiful skin, figures, and the glossiest hair I've ever laid eyes on. Maybe your recipes are why they looked so good! I lived in an urban area, and do you know there was only one tanning parlor, which was mostly patronized by Americans! It was too funny!
They carried parasols on sunny days; much smarter than we Americans were! Your review brings back some happy memories.

Jean

I love the way Japanese women maintain their lean silhouettes and the way they carry themselves.
Well, the over-30s anyway.
The teenage Japanese girls who go to school near me are round-shouldered slouches with bad skin.
I wonder if they will transform into elegant beauties in a decade or so.

Jean, you are fortunate to have lived in Japan. I am fascinated by the culture, martial arts, history, art and food of Japan.

I really wish to travel there - later this year perhaps, but wonder about racism.
I have heard bad reports that the Japanese are disrespectful towards non-whites (I am of Pakistani origin).

I would appreciate your opinion on this, if you don't mind.

Thanks for your time.

I have heard the stereotype that most arab-ish people are called Iranians regardless.

I can live with that.

It's not getting served in shops and restaurants that would bother me.
And physical abuse.

That kind of overt discrimination wakes the demon in me and I am liable to totally lose it.

Uzma,

Thank you for the recommendation. I checked this book out of my local library. It is a nice, interesting read. I don't think I will have the time or warewithall to find the ingredients she lists in many of her beauty recipes. However, I enjoy reading about the Japanese holistic approach to healing and beauty. I like the parts where she discusses Buddhists' approach to beauty and inner beauty - looking into the mirror and calming/softening the face by getting rid of negative feelings, etc. That I can definitely practice.

Thanks again.
Caramia

Great Book!

ooooh, this book sounds really interesting.  I've always thought Japanese woman were just blessed with great genes.  Maybe their products can keep me looking young, and make my hair all shinny. LOL

Great Book
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imane2013-12-17 13:41:09