Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World cover art

Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World

A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World

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Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World

By: Sali Hughes
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About this listen

Over 200 iconic products that are among the best and most influential in the beauty world – past, present and future.

‘Sali Hughes has created a universe filled with galaxies of beauty secrets’ Charlotte Tilbury

Packed full of beauty wisdom, Pretty Iconic takes us from the evocative smell of Johnson’s baby lotion through to Simple Face wipes, NARS Orgasm and beyond, looking at the formative role beauty plays in our lives.

Considering which much-hyped beauty buys are worth the buzz, and who they might be best suited for, in Pretty Iconic Sali Hughes uses her witty, inclusive and discerning style to look at some of the most significant products in beauty – from treasured classics such as Chanel No 5, to life-changers such as Babyliss Big Hair, and the more recent releases from Charlotte Tilbury, Sunday Riley and others that are shaping the beauty industry today.

Delving into the products that are simply the best at what they do, the inventions that changed our perception of beauty and the launches that completely broke the mould, Pretty Iconic is a treasure trove of knowledge from Britain’s most trusted beauty writer.

 Art Beauty, Grooming & Style Personal Development Physical Illness & Disease Women

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Critic reviews

‘Sali's new book is a wonderful mix of beauty nerdery, know-how, nostalgia and memoir’ Lauren Laverne

‘Beauty writing of the highest order’ India Knight

‘Funny, witty and wonderfully engaging, it’s more than an edit – it’s an encyclopaedia of beauty knowledge from one of the most trusted voices in the industry that should take pride of place on any beauty fan’s bookshelf’ Get the Gloss

‘Hughes corners the market in lively, practical advice, remaining as in touch with high-street as high-end brands’ Guardian Guide

‘Compulsive reading’ Alexandra Shulman

‘This book gives me serious nostalgia! Inside this beautiful book you’ll find 200 of the most iconic products to ever grace the world of beauty. It’s full of beautiful photos of some of my most loved lotions and potions, all of which Sali describes and discusses in her signature witty tone of voice. I love this book and I have no doubt that you will too’ Estee Lalonde
All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to Pretty Iconic again? Why?

Good grief yes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pretty Iconic?

Every moment was memorable.

Have you listened to any of Sali Hughes’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't yet, but I shall.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book was incredible. Absolutely joyful and also in one part a little sad.

Any additional comments?

I am a complete beauty and product nerd. This book brought not only the history of well-beloved products to my mind again, it also brought absolute joy at Sali's recollections of iconic products, all of which are recalled by her with a charming delivery and a clever anecdote. Without question MY book of 2016. Possibly, the greatest book of my beauty nerd life. If you have even an interest in products, please listen to this. It will be truly enjoyed by those aged 40+, but the true nerd will just enjoy the pure joy that Sali's reminiscences bring. I wish you knew how fabulous this book is.
Thank you Sali, you've brought me great happiness.

The Greatest Beauty Book I've EVER Found.

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Sali Hughes is always right. Her writing is fantastic and this book is a must!

A must for beauty addicts

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So many products that I have used and enjoyed. Find this book so interesting, am listening again and again as each time some are missed. Her comments are the same as my thoughts of the products I really know.

Lovely hearing all the known products

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I thought this was about branding but it's a bible to beauty products, cult classics & an intro to others I'm about to run out & buy! It includes a brief history of where products originated & which brands started trends & how it was done. Really fantastic insight & obviously the author completely loves what she does as it's contagious her excitement about a scent or product packaging. I plan on telling everyone I know to buy it 😀 if you are into beauty, fashion, branding, marketing, social media, a blogger -read this ASAP! I listened to it but also have the book which is great as you can see the products she is talking about but hearing it read by the writer is always a must!

I bloody loved it!

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This was so wonderful that I’ve recommended it to several friends and downloaded the Kindle edition to have on hand for easy reference. I was tempted to start over almost as soon as I finished it. Having followed Sali on a number of platforms for several years, her narration feels like having drinks with one of your best girlfriends. Lovely.

Completely delightful

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