Esthetician to the stars Raisa Ruder learned her time-tested beauty techniques from her Ukrainian grandmother or babushka, as they say in the old country. I went with 3 as the book was fun, the drawing were cute and it was inclusive of all colors, nationalities and ages.

In BABUSHKA'S BEAUTY SECRETS, she shares time-tested, old-world secrets that use simple, natural ingredients-like eggs, strawberries, honey, milk, and avocado-to get amazing results. Now everyone can discover the all-natural, better-than-Botox secrets the Hollywood stars use to shine on the red carpet! Like you're sitting right there at the kitchen table having a conversation with a couple of your girlfriends.Being able to make your own concoctions from every day fruits and vegetables and products you have in your kitchen is fantastic. In the long run, I think if it did make a big enough difference she would mention it, but it still raised questions for me. There is a rule to the effect that, “if you are going to visit your babushka, don’t eat for a week beforehand”. To say the least this book is a great read but for anyone wanting to save some money and still treat yourself to some wonderful pampering this is the book for you. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.

The book is full of items from your refrigerator and kitchen cupboard that can be used on your face, hands, hair and body for moisturizing, exfoliating, conditioning and healing. Ruder reveals her sought-after beauty recipes that can fight wrinkles, plump lips, and eliminate crow's feet and acne, using inexpensive, everyday grocery items like eggs, honey, vegetable oil, and strawberries (and a splash of vodka for freshness! You are sometimes amazed by the stamina and strength that a little babushka can display when she starts to elbow her way through a crowd in the Metro.Did you know you could lighten the dark circles under your eyes by using peroxide, mayo and a little of lemon juice. The sought-after esthetician, in collaboration with journalist Susan Campos, brings her inventive concoctions and skin saving souffl s to women of all ages. Ruder's grandmother—Babushka, in Russian—seemed to have an answer for every ailment, and it was always organic and made from things in your kitchen.

But I married into an old world Italian family that has all kinds of natural healing remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation.Even better, a lot of the treatments only involve the use of two or three ingredients – this is the kind of simplicity that I am enthusiastic about.

At the same time, neighborhoods where a high proportion of babushkas live are generally believed to be safer. Each day, bang on the dot, she heads to the park, where she meets up with fellow babushkas, and always leaves at precisely the same time. And just like in fairy tales, more and more food will appear before you and you have to eat it all (otherwise you’ll offend babushka! The only books I won't review are books outside the Christian market, for my own personal religious beliefs.I look forward to trying some of the treatments and facials the next time my husband travels as a special treat for myself.