The Makeup Books Every Girl Needs to Own
There's an old saying that a picture's worth a thousand words, but what happens when you have a bookshelf chock full of both? You get makeup magic, that's what—and the impact of Kevyn Aucoin's indispensable tomes are an example of the results. Ask YouTube gurus, beauty editors, and artists themselves: Their fondness for beauty books is on par with their love of red lipstick. So if you want to amp up your knowledge, fear not. Sometimes your best bet is not a video tutorial, but your very own library.
We asked Samantha Chapman, one half of the inimitable Pixiwoo sisters, for her beauty book recommendations for beginners and aspiring professionals alike. As a star Youtuber and a professional makeup artist and educator herself, if anyone has the scoop, she does. Read on to read more, and let us know your beauty book faves in the comments below!
Photos courtesy of Kevyn Aucoin1/6Kevyn Aucoin
Consider these books a lesson in beauty history, a makeup manual, and total essentials all in one. "They’re staples for beginners," says Sam. Considering Aucoin painted the faces of icons ranging from Naomi Campbell to Christy Turlington using the methods in his books, we tend to agree.
Mr. Aucoin was not just famous for his unparalleled skills, but also his warmhearted nature and ability to bring out the best in any face. He became famous for going against the grain of excessive makeup, heralding a new look of effortless beauty that became (and still remains) very much in fashion. (He also made a Sex and the City cameo!) Even though he is no longer with us, his methods remain popular among makeup artists today, and have influenced other industry trendsetters, like his protégé, Troy Surratt. He also lives on through his luxury cosmetics line, which is a favorite among industry insiders.
You should start with his third book, Face Forward. It’s a seminal work because it doesn’t just document his transformative talent, but additionally his mantra that makeup is about appreciating individual beauty. "Individuality is one of the great things about makeup," Aucoin advises. Page after page, he showcases the faces of everyone he loves in this book, from the supers to his own mother.
For the ultimate book of essays consider The Art of Makeup. Where else can you get stories penned by Donna Karan and Cindy Crawford? Besides all that glamour, it’s also just point-blank helpful. "It gives you all the basics you need to know when you’re starting out," says Chapman.
And if transformation is more your calling, try Making Faces. Looking iconic has never been easier.
Photos: Kevyn Aucoin, Bobbi Brown, NARS2/6From Aucoin to Bobbi Brown, these are the prettiest pages you'll ever flip through.
Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown3/6Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual is perfect for both beginners and pros alike. It covers all your basics in approachable, easy-to-follow language, and showcases real women with real stories.
We also love the knowledge that comes with Everything Eyes, from liner tricks to must-know tips about mascara. (For an exclusive excerpt, click here.)
Finally, Teenage Beauty is another seminal work of Bobbi’s. And even though it will probably seem a little bit dated (it was made in the ’90s, after all), it’s hard not to get nostalgic about all the mauve looks found in these pages. (Plus, there’s a whole chapter on zits, which is still full of amazing information.)
Photo courtesy of Rankin4/6Alex Box
In terms of pure eye candy, Chapman recommends the beauty books by Rankin. And while it’s hard to pick a favorite, you’ll find a worthy investment in the impeccable work of Alex Box. Box is the creative director for the beauty brand Illamasqua, which is known for an alternative, slightly bizarre approach to beauty. This compilation of work with Rankin is, much like Illamasqua, hauntingly beautiful. After reading it, you’ll believe all things are possible with makeup and a little work.
Photo courtesy of NARS5/6François Nars
Another makeup artist industry vet with a beauty book worth investing in would be Francois Nars—yes, that Nars, the man behind the beauty brand we all love and adore. The looks shown in Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself are absolutely awe-inspiring, and the book itself is a treasure to behold. The layout also shows exactly where the products go, so you can replicate the looks yourself. Check it out here.
Photo courtesy of Amazon6/6History Class
Ever wondered about the history of red lipstick or the origins of face powder? Look no further than Inventing Beauty: A History of the Innovations That Have Made Us Beautiful. This book talks about the science of makeup—like what cotton has to do with your eyebrow pencils—as well as the history of amazing beauty brands like Revlon and Estee Lauder. You’ll never walk into Sephora feeling the same again.
