Lipstick, manicures ... and fascism: the ugliness behind the $450bn beauty industry

In The House of Beauty, Arabelle Sicardi delves into the multifaceted nature of the $450 billion beauty industry, revealing its duality as both enchanting and problematic. As a beauty writer and consultant, Sicardi's insights stem from a deep engagement with the industry, where they navigate its glamorous surface and the underlying issues it perpetuates. The book opens with a provocative assertion that beauty is a monster, a sentiment that encapsulates Sicardi's love/hate relationship with the field. By examining the industry's impact, Sicardi invites readers to confront the complexities of beauty standards and the societal pressures they entail. This exploration is timely, as discussions around beauty and its implications continue to evolve, prompting critical reflections on how we define and value beauty in contemporary culture.