Top 7 Best Make-up Books

Some people may argue that make-up is artistry. Therefore like any other discipline, there are technical aspects, methods, and applications that must be used to achieve an ideal look. Therefore I've put a compilation of books that are dedicated to the artistry of makeup. Following the guidelines in these book will upgrade your knowledge and technical skills. As usual, practice is perfect, so theory alone won't do the job. However, it is vital to know the foundation of an art before diving into it.

Rae Morris is one of the top leading make-up artist in Australia. She has been featured in many magazines, and have done makeup for several celebrities. The books include alot of pictures and caters to female from different nationalities, skin color, skin type, and different ages. It also includes illustrations to coincide with the editorial photographs. It includes many looks and it's very inspirational for someone to step out the box and try something new. Simple, step-by-step outlines that emphasize exactly how to apply makeup complement high-fashion images and make this a gorgeous, glamorous guide that will inspire creative, festive faces.

It is very thorough and gives you ALL the industry standards, techniques, tips, applications, everything you need to know to do your job and take it up to a more professional level. It basically mimics an apprenticeship with a professional make up artist. This book is not for newbies to the make-up game, you would need to have adequate knowledge about make up and just have this book as a back-up. It covers color, lighting, skin color and care, hair, tatoos, etc.

The description for the book states, "Focuses on dramatic makeovers of real women with a twist: each woman comes in looking the best she thinks she can look. The author then deconstructs and debunks their look taking them from attractive to amazing." It includes many pictures with woman from different age groups, ethnicity, and backgrounds. It includes step by step application tips with illustrations to achieve several sought after looks. In addition, it also includes before and after pictures.

The book begins with skin care basic, nutrition, exercise and sleep. It also suggests cleansing and moisturizing techniques as a foundation to apply makeup.There are tons - all the way from choosing the right foundation shade (swatch a few shades on your face, to shaping eyebrows to lip color. The chapters start off very basic by outlining the fundamental makeup tools and their maintenance, as well as helpful shopping tips. I liked how everything is laid out very clearly and explained in great detail. Even someone who is quite familiar with makeup and its equipment can benefit from this section. This book is ideal for beginners and also for moderate users of make up. There is also a bobby brown line but it's not a requirement to achieve the looks in the book

There are just quick little tips on eyes, face, and skin. Express yourself shows real women from a full range of ethnicities (finally including south asian and middle eastern women as well) as well as a wide range of ages. This book uses everyday day women as opposed to models. These different "palates" make for unique looks that are inspirational to all makeup lovers. The looks are also less dramatic and more applicable to everyday makeup users and the play-by-play descriptions of what products were used. The book also has pictures of before and afters. African, middle eastern, latino, and asian women are included.

This book has been out since 2003. Admittedly this was my first make-up book and until this day I still refer back to it. It is simple, yet useful and I found the looks very easy to achieve.This book is extremely well organized into three sections. The first one covers the basics of what you need to know about each part of your face, how to apply makeup to each, which tools to use and how to enhance and get the most benefit from your strongest features. The second one shows you makeovers done on ordinary people that look like you and me. It includes before and after pictures that show the impact of well-applied makeup on every kind of skin and color combination. The third section is the most impressive part of the book. It shows known celebrities made up like other celebrities that have established iconic looks over the years. It includes many pictures, before and afters and detailed illustrations.

Description: Makeup is art. Every face is a blank canvas and every brush stroke creates something magical. Makeup enhances natural beauty but also builds confidence for everyday life. In the back of the book, there are tips on being a good make-up assistant and backstage etiquette. Obviously, the book is targeted toward the aspiring make-up artist but, I feel like anyone who just enjoys looking at beautiful pictures would also enjoy this book. If you're looking for a book which is going to give you very detailed information, this is not the book. Most of the information requires an immediate knowledge of makeup, makeup products and how to apply them. The book does lack a variety in skin tones and ethnicity. This book is more for inspiration and ideas on different looks that are rare, beautiful, and unique.