There's not many beauty books that have stuck with me. I often find myself left disappointed by the lack of usefulness contained within their pages. Let's face it, they're all pretty similar. Thankfully, Sali Hughes penned Pretty Honest nearly two years back because this is the only beauty book you'll need. 

It's a hefty book but don't let that intimidate you. Sali Hughes has penned the ultimate beauty resource in her no-nonsense, no-fuss manner and it's so engaging. I even found the sections on topics that weren't as relevant to me, e.g. beauty for mature women fascinating. I'll be honest, I haven't re-read this yet but I am going to asap because revisiting my review has reminded me how much I did enjoy it. With its release in New Zealand coming up as well it's the perfect time to dip back into its beauty goodness.

Speaking of New Zealand releases, today I have a bit of a giveaway for my Kiwi readers thanks to Harper Collins. You, or a friend, if you're feeling generous, could win a copy of Sali Hughes book Pretty Honest. It is the paperback edition but it has a snazzy cover with gold detailing. You know how much I love a metallic accent.. 

As for terms & conditions, you must be following Nana Wintour and Harper Collins NZ on Instagram. All the other choices are optional. Don't forget to leave your email address as I'll need to contact you if you win. Also, if you're under 18, please get permission to enter. Harper Collins will be mailing this direct to you so I need to pass your details on to them. Other than that, good luck and I will announce the winner on my Instagram next week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

*This giveaway has been made possible thanks to Harper Collins NZ. I was in no way compensated for this post. As always all thoughts+appreciation of Sali Hughes' fabulously crafted prose are my own. 

'Tis the season for more reading, and gifting of course, but you didn't need me to tell you that. I've done a couple of beauty gift posts but today I thought I'd bring it back to the books. Unless you're buying for someone who is really against the idea of reading, I feel like they're not the sort of gift you can go wrong with. Provided you have a general grasp of someone's tastes you should be safe with them. To make things extra easy for you, I've curated some of my book recommendations to suit a range of people. From foodies to fashionistas, we have you covered...

For the fashionista: The Sartorialist X by Scott Schuman*-Many a fashion savvy individual will be familiar with the original street style blog, The Sartorialist. Scott Schuman's released a number of books now collating his photographs into something you can hold and admire. This is the kind of book that's perfect for the coffee table, as a conversation starter or just something to flick through for outfit inspiration. 

For the comedy lover+memoir enthusiast: Yes Please by Amy Poehler-I'm the sort of person who loves memoirs and autobiographies and if I put in book requests at Christmastime, there's usually bound to be at least one of these on the list. Smart Girls co-founder and all round awesome woman Amy Poehler's memoir is brilliant. It's hilarious, inspiring and such a fun read. 

For the girl who likes a bit of everything: Frankie Magazine, issue sixty nine-A bundle of their favourite magazines would no doubt go down a treat, but this issue of Frankie is even more of a present. As well as all the usual Frankie brilliance, you get a bunch of rad extras like notepaper, postcards, gift tags and two calendars to tear out and make your wall look extra snazzy. It's like the present that keeps on giving. 

For the foodie: Bluebells Cakery: Sweet & Savoury by Karla Goodwin*-Bluebells Cakery is a very well-loved spot here in Auckland, more so now that they have two cakeries for people to enjoy. Karla's just released this new cookbook in time for Christmas. Combining some of their most-loved items and original new recipes from their sweet and savoury menus. As well as recipes for the amazing cakes Bluebells are known for, you'll also find tasty treats like lollipops containing edible flowers and even some brunch options. If they love cooking or making an abundance of sweet treats, they're bound to love this.

For the beauty lover: Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes-I feel like a lot of beauty books are more on the lacklustre side of things, but if there's one book that's the total opposite of that, it's this one. Packed with all the information you could ever want from a beauty book, as well as some no-nonsense advice, it's one book every beauty enthusiast needs in their life.

For the beauty, fashion and style icon: Love Style Life by Garance Dore*-Something that combines the best of all worlds is Garance Dore's book. Fashion, life, and beauty are just some of the topics in the mix. It's witty and brilliantly written. She'll devour every word of it.

For the well-read: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, 150th Anniversary Puffin in Bloom Edition-This book is just beautiful and whether you're buying for an Alice fan, or a literature lover, this is such a gorgeous gift.  It's illustrated by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co so you know it's going to be stunning. It'd even be a lovely book to read with the younger people in your life too.

For the girl (or guy) who wants to rule the world: Rookie Yearbook Four-So maybe world domination is a bit extreme for Rookie but run with it guys. The fourth yearbook from Rookie recently launched and it's a good'un. This is the book you want to take away with you to the beach for some Summer reading poolside and some inspiration to see you through into 2016. There's even some rad, offline bonus content in there from the likes of Lorde, Florence Welch and more.

-What books would you gift someone for Christmas?

*PR Sample

Two videos in one week?! Aren't you all lucky things. I've made the hard decision and whittled down all the books I've read this year to a mere ten. There's fiction, a few memoirs and some home-inspiration. All the things I love in books. Some of these probably won't be a surprise if you're following me on Instagram or Goodreads but maybe you'll find some new material to add to your wishlist of books. Enjoy! 

Beauty books that I've read in the past seem to leave me feeling a bit 'meh'. Not in that they make me feel bad about myself, I just feel like they leave a lot to be desired. It's how I feel about most fashion style-guide books too. Anyway, I came across Pretty Honest online and tracked it down in one of Auckland's libraries and have spent the last couple of weeks devouring its contents and now I feel ready to rave about it..

Now Sali Hughes has been immersed in all things beauty for a long time, having been the beauty editor at many of Britain's top newspapers and magazines. It's safe to say she knows her stuff and Pretty Honest was filled to the brim with beauty advice you need from how to approach snitchy sales assistants at beauty counters, to the best beauty gifts to buy for someone else. It's really like one big beauty dictionary but way more interesting. Seriously, I read every section, even the ones that weren't as relevant for me and there was always something I could take from them. It's one of those books I can imagine myself going back to and steering both beauty newbies and lovers alike in the direction of. Sali, I take my hat off to you for making a beauty book that is useful, engaging and just an all-round fabulous resource.