J.’s volume offers the Latin text, an English translation and commentary of Ovid's Medicamina Faciei Femineae in its entirety and excerpts from three other Ovidian works, Amores, Ars amatoria and Remedia amoris, which contain related content. The book also includes a comprehensive introduction, appendices and a selection of illustrations, including photographs of Roman artefacts and illustrations of plants mentioned as components of Roman cosmetics.

The introduction begins with observations on the mention of cosmetics and make-overs in other authors, Greek and Roman, from the description of a procuress's tricks for making courtesans more appealing to clients, by the Greek comedian Alexis, to statements against adornment in Roman writers like Pliny the Elder. In some cases, such as the account of body modifications from Alexis (as recorded by Athenaeus), J. provides a substantial excerpt in Greek along with a translation. The introduction next presents an overview of cosmetic accoutrements, with descriptions (and some photos) of extant artefacts such as a Roman cosmetics container, applicators, a comb and mirror. What follows is an exploration of the themes of cultus-munditia-ars in Ovid's works and Augustus’ moral legislation in relation to these themes, and finally a discussion of Ovid's sources for the works in this text.

J.’s translations are straightforward and, as she states in her preface, written ‘with a focus on accuracy rather than artistic interpretation’ (p. xi). This is sensibly done as most readers are likely to use the text as a sourcebook on the subject matter. The commentaries which follow each translation describe and discuss the Latin texts and also provide helpful explanations of various cosmetic ingredients such as ‘bitter vetch’ and ‘hartshorn’. References to other ancient authors and works are included throughout.

The four appendices are as follows: (1) ‘Notes on the Latin Texts’, (2) ‘Glossary of Cosmeceutical Terminology’, (3) ‘Ingredients in the Medicamina Recipes’ and (4) ‘Roman Weights and Measures and Equivalents’. The book ends with a bibliography, index of passages and general index.

J.’s translations and writing are clear, and her commentary is insightful and useful. This work is a valuable addition to Ovidian studies and the study of Classical culture in general, not only because it shines a light on Ovid's lesser known Medicamina, but also since it highlights the subject of cosmetics and related topics in both this and other Classical works.