Three books every makeup enthusiast should read
In order to become the cosmetics expert that I am today, I had to live, love and learn pretty much everything beauty related, which meant plenty of studying and especially reading. Even today, there are a few books I like to keep on my bookshelf as references for when I need a bit of brushing up on techniques, or when I’m in search of creative inspiration. Here’s my top three go-to beauty reads, which I suggest every cosmetics aficionado should read at least once in a lifetime.
Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin
Makeup mogul Kevyn Aucoin is best known as the makeup artist to the stars, having collaborated with high-end fashion magazines, including Vogue and Cosmopolitan, as well as creating makeup ranges for popular cosmetics brands Revlon and Shiseido. Not many people know that Aucoin was in fact the godfather of contouring, having used the technique on his models long before it become the fad that it is today. The book is a little outdated, with many popular 90s looks, but it is an incredibly informative resource to refer to and includes many step-by-step makeup application tutorials, as well as in-depth advice on the very foundations of makeup application, including instructions on selecting the right tools. This is definitely a worthwhile read for beginners and pros alike.
One Woman 100 Faces by Francesca Tolot
An artistic collaboration between the makeup artist, a model and a photographer takes us on a cosmetic journey as Francesca Tolot gives one model 100 dramatically differing makeup looks. Each of the looks vary from innocent to feminine, vixen and raw, creating a vast range of inspirational makeup looks for you to experiment with at home. This is my go-to book for when I’m in need of fresh ideas for striking transformations.
Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown
Revolutionary makeup artist Bobbi Brown released her Makeup Manual back in 2008 and it has remained an all-time influencer to this day. This book is a great all-rounder and is suitable for both experts and beginners alike. Bobbi Brown introduces the basic elements of makeup application with step by step tutorials and provides beauty enhancing advice, from choosing the right shade of foundation for your skin tone to more advance eye makeup application techniques. What I love most about this book is that it goes beyond makeup tutorials, giving general skincare and body care advice. I suggest you get your hands on a copy of Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual for the very best advice and tips from the contemporary makeup scene.