Beauty Literature
I couldn’t agree with this quote more. At the time, I didn’t appreciate my mom’s obsession with me reading as a child. She worked at a library (eventually where I worked for a couple years, hiding behind shelves reading David Sedaris & Glamour magazine), so to read was basically to breathe, and to watch tv was practically a sin. As I got older, I realized what a favor my mom had done for me. I wrote papers in middle school that teachers felt the need to ask, “Um, did you get help with this?”, & in college I couldn’t fathom how some people couldn’t even use a spell check, let alone write a coherent sentence. Although writing came easy to me, and people seemed amused by it, I never wanted to write for a living. I had no interest in classic literature, thesis papers, Shakespeare, whatever. I just wanted to write about my rants and my raves, so maybe a blog is right where I belong.
Anyway, enough about me, today I wanted to share some of my beauty literature! While You Tube tutorials have virtually replaced any need for a beauty reference book, a lot of the information is classic, simple, and will never go out of style.
Chapter 6: Hair & Sex
This first book, The Hair Book by Andrew Barton, my mom got for me when Border’s was on it’s way out. While I love everything beauty, skincare, & fashion… I am admittedly awful at doing hair. I guess my mom realized this and decided I needed a self help hair book, bah. Anyway, the book has chapters on styling, how to “feed” your hair, the science behind your locks, achieving the perfect haircut, and more. My favorite section is in the back, with step-by-step pictures and instructions on 10 basic hairstyles (ranging from “Quiff” to “Beach Babe”).
Chapter 15: Experimental Make Up
Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty was one of my first make up books. Granted, at the age of 24 not all the information is as useful, but it’s a staple for middle school aged girls certainly. While some of the chapters are quite high school oriented (“Make Up with Braces” & “Prom Make Up”) others are versatile enough for any age. There are several chapters on beauty for different ethnicity, as well as timeless tips from make up guru herself, Bobbi Brown.
Concealer Guide
Okay, I freaking love Cindy Crawford’s Basic Face. As you can see by the dingy cover, it was my first make up book. As a pre-teen (tween? ugh) I was obsessed with modeling, and wanted to be one when I grew up (no, seriously). I loved Niki Taylor & Cindy Crawford, I imagined being a “Cover Girl” one day. I got this as a Christmas present when I was too young to even attempt eyeliner. It’s nostalgic to flip through it, and about ten years later as a graphic designer, I’ve come to appreciate the layout and photography as well,
Color & Application
Last but not least, my most recent read: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual. As it says on the cover, it’s for everyone from beginner to pro, and one of the reasons I like it so much. It is broken into two sections: Basics & Artistry. Basics covers everything– chapters galore on equipment, skin, a “Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup” and more, whilst “Artistry” explains how to get in the business, the tools you’ll need to get started, and fun runaway and fashion looks. It’s a nice balance between the everyday girl we are, and the diva that lives within.
Of all these books the one I would most recommend most is the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual ($18 on Amazon). It has the broadest range of information, and while I love Cindy Crawford, I’d rather get my beauty advice from a make up artist than a model. Sorry Cindy!
