much like water and air...i need this book.

penned in 1971 by italian socialite princess luciana pignatelli, "the beautiful people's beauty book" provides invaluable tips on fashion, fitness, face lifts, and how to be forever fabulous.  for example, on bathing:

Hot vs. Cold
"Hot baths should never contain water higher than pelvic level. Above all, the bosom must never soak in the tub. Hot water only drags it down, and no woman wants that. After a warm bath, aim a good blast of cold water on the bosom and thighs. They need it."

and skincare:

The Homosexual Facial
"The rage a few years ago with the chic Paris homosexuals is this: Take the white of one egg, a teaspoon of the best olive oil, beat, and apply for 20 minutes. Remove with hot face towel, lace trim optional."

princess luciana rubbed elbows with the rich and famous, received her first nose job at the age of eighteen, married a prince, annulled the marriage.

the book also provides astrology of the beautiful people:

Aries: must have frequent dental check-ups.
Taurus:  should marry a man of means.
Gemini: often the face is too long or the nose is too long or big.
Cancer:  tends to be lazy about beauty and should be encouraged to make the effort.
Leo:  if ambitions are not fulfilled, can have difficult menopause.
Virgo:  remains surprisingly youthful despite hypochondriac tendency.
Libra:  rarely gets fat.
Sagittarius:  torn between bright, amusing men who are good talkers and her desire for a solid social position.
Scorpio:  hypersexual and often attracted to men who are her inferiors.
Capricorn:  always well turned-out and insists on quality in clothes.
Aquarius: often slightly neurotic and with fragile health.
Pisces:  feet are the weak point and pedicures essential.

whoever said beauty starts from within was wrong.  it begins with this book.

{via cup of jo and pipeline.} {images via starworks and charm & poise.}