My very first book was by Kevyn Aucoin. Making Faces. It was the epitome of makeup tutorial books, and I spent hours in my bedroom as a teenager emulating his techniques for applying makeup to transform the face. My face. It was the foundation for my views on beauty and makeup, and I find myself longing for that copy I had so long ago. Perhaps some day I will purchase a new copy, but for now its teachings remain safely nestled in my brain. At least I still have my copy of Face Forward!
Here are some of the books I have on my beauty bookshelf right now that I love to pull as reference when I am working with a client. Or even just for days when I want to brush up on their pearls of wisdom. Either way, {some} have provided me with a fountain of knowledge over the years {while others I've recently picked up and put back down again}, and I hope that you can find some inspiration to transform your beauty routine as well!
Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin
By the beauty master himself who inspired me to become a professional makeup artist, this book shows you not only amazing step by step instructions for full face makeovers, but insight into his life and relationships with some of today's hottest stars in Hollywood. I am still amazed at the transformations he creates in this book, and his steps are both comprehensive in explanation and easy to follow. A MUST HAVE for anyone who loves makeup!
Make-up Masterclass by Jemma Kidd
A former model, Jemma Kidd brings her perspective to the makeup artist world with a pretty good book for every day makeup wearers that want that next step in their application techniques. I read this pretty far into my career, so I didn't find too much new information for my own repertoire, but I highly recommend it for consumers.
About Face by Scott Barnes
You see the YouTube videos everywhere on how to look like Kim Kardashian and J. Lo. Well, Scott Barnes is the guy who created their signature looks with his highlighting and contouring techniques he describes in his book. This has completely revolutionized how I apply cream foundations on my clients, and I love his techniques for adding shading to the skin prior to the foundation application. This book really pulled together for me the methods only briefly described in these "tutorials", and I love the way it's looking in my own work. A MUST HAVE for the professional makeup artist that really wants to take their foundation application to the next level.
Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone From Beginner To Pro
I think the title is a little misleading for us professional makeup artists out there. I think it's really geared more towards the "beginner" end of the spectrum, which is why it's one of the first books I reach for when doing one on one consultations with my clients for "homework" reading. I adore Bobbi Brown and would love to own all of her books some day, so I'm very happy to recommend this to anyone who loves a good beauty book. But for those out there already making a living as a freelance makeup artist, don't expect too many pearls of wisdom on the application front. There is however a great section in the back on careers in the industry, as well as a FANTASTIC reference for top makeup brand facts!
The Makeup Artist Handbook by Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall
Once I knew I wanted to make this my full time career, I went straight out and bought this book. I read it from cover to cover on my breaks at the Macy's makeup counter, hunched over my cup of chicken noodle soup from Au Bon Pain, slurping up chunks of french baquette soaked in broth along with my knowledge. I think I initially bought every recommended product in this book, which touted them as the "industry standards" before learning to experiment and develop my own sense of style and what products worked best for me. It teaches the fundamentals and science behind so much of the industry, I think it's an invaluable tool for those who want to work on production teams and sets of any kind. It has a wealth of wisdom for set etiquette and proper procedures which can help make or break your career.
Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets by The Editors of Cosmopolitan
I actually just picked this up from the used book store last week on a whim and found it cute. Definitely for the everyday makeup wearer looking to find a new trick or two, or to step outside their ho hum daily routine and spice things up a bit. Pretty much every tip in the book has been discussed ad nauseum by Comopolitan in their articles over the years, so if you're a long time reader of their magazine like I am, don't expect any new surprises. A good, quick, light read though!
The Power of Makeup by Trish McEvoy
Got this last week from the used book store as well. Read about a quarter of it and had to put it away. I found this book more of a personal history for her and her brand, as well as a creative marketing piece for her products. Perhaps I'll pick it back up again some day and finish it, but for right now I'll reach for my other "go-to's" first.
Forget the Facelift by Doris J. Day
This book is really great for those who have skincare issues they need to resolve. A dermatologist with a thriving (as least it sounds like it is from her book!) practice in New York, she breaks down the way the skin works and the internal and external factors that play a part in it's health and aging process. If you want to look younger, following her tips should really show improvement for you. I love that she focuses not so much on the procedures and products, but the holistic skin care recipes and spiritual aspect of inner peace to limit stress and reduce the aging process. I'm looking forward to experimenting with her recipes and sharing my experiences with you!
Raising Eyebrows by Cameron Tuttle
I got this book super cheap last year at IMATS in NYC from the Benefit booth when I made a purchase. I got a few copies and gave them to the artists on my team. I've always been a brow girl myself, so I didn't really learn anything I didn't know per se, but it was a fun and interesting read! One of my makeup artists, however, says that it's totally changed how she sees brows, so I'd highly recommend it to anyone who really wants to learn the perfect techniques for gorgeous eyebrows.
