Table of Contents
if you’re curious about the world of makeup artistry – where colors and techniques blend to create stunning looks – you’re in for a treat. I’ve put together a list of makeup books just for you. These books aren’t just guides; they’re like doors that open into the exciting world of makeup. Whether you want to learn the craft or explore its history, these pages have all the insights you need to unlock the magic of makeup. Being a makeup artist is a wonderful and creative career path to take. You get to meet a lot of people and see many places you maybe wouldn’t have.
Makeup books are there to show you the first steps into this world. Many of these books are not meant only for makeup artists. They are also for the ones who want to learn more about makeup artistry. But maybe it happens that these books will inspire you to pursue a makeup career, and apply to a makeup school, who knows?
If you want to become a makeup artist and you are not sure where to begin, this article is for you. If you are seeking inspiration, and new techniques, again, you’re at the right place. With beautiful imagery, these makeup books also make a great gift or coffee table book that you will come back to again and again. So, let’s dive in and discover the art of makeup together!
Makeup books we love:
Makeup Manual – Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown‘s extensive experience of makeup styling experience is distilled into one complete, gorgeous book. Breathtaking photos of an everyday makeup look to exotic runway style. Along with advice on putting it all together for every woman. From basic beauty equipment and the basics of skincare to the business of makeup and professional artistry. This book is for beginners and it is a perfect gift for someone entering the world of makeup.
Makeup: The Ultimate Guide
This book has a wonderful collection of achievable looks, with added step-by-step photo instructions. The book covers not just technique but goes into detail about what brush to use which is key to achieving looks. The author has a chatty, conversational style, and it is almost like you’re having a coffee and a makeover with a friend. Most of the looks are for evening wear, but you can easily tone them down for a day look.
Making Faces
Don’t let it fool you the year this is published. Kevyn Aucoin believes beauty is always in fashion; trends come and go, but true beauty transcends time. This book is the makeup bible! In the 90’s you had to be credible to get your book published. This book represents the foundation of makeup artistry. It shows fundamentals and how to use them to create a wide range of different looks.
Face of the Century: 100 Years of Makeup and Style
“The Face of the Century: 100 Years of Makeup and Style” by Kate de Castelbajac is a captivating exploration of beauty’s evolution across the decades. Through a blend of historical context and visually stunning content, the book takes you on a mesmerizing journey through changing makeup and fashion trends. If you’re passionate about understanding how beauty has transformed over time. Or if you see inspiration from the past, this book is a must-read addition to your collection.
The Complete Make-Up Artist: Working in Film, Television, and Theatre
The Complete Makeup Artist: Working in Film, Television, and Theatre” by Penny Delamar is an invaluable resource for aspiring and professional makeup artists. This comprehensive guide offers a detailed insight into the world of makeup artistry across different entertainment mediums. It provides practical techniques, materials, and industry insights. From special effects and prosthetics to character transformations.
Make-Up Masterclass – Jemma Kidd
This book shares insights into Jemma’s life in the beauty industry. It also shows a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the prep that goes on before a show or a photoshoot. Jemma explains how she works with the latest trends to create new looks and color schemes. In addition, she shows how extreme looks can be adapted and toned down for everyday wear.
Make Up – Michelle Phan
Phan’s YouTube channel has over 8 million subscribers, so she knows a thing or two about makeup makeovers. Reigning beauty queen shares tips from the everyday stuff such as how to get glowing skin or pull off perfect eyeliner to the big picture (how to turn your passion into a profession). The book is a practical and empowering resource to help anyone put their best face forward.
The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair From the Beauty Authority – SEPHORA
If SEPHORA is your favorite store, then you will love this book. In Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority, fashion and beauty journalist and former Sephora beauty editor Melissa Schweiger personally introduces the people behind some of your favorite brands. Melissa fills this book with the beauty secrets usually reserved for insiders. From an A-to-Z glossary of terms and ingredients, a shopping guide to the best products, and detailed explanations on how to use them.
Makeup Makeovers: Expert Secrets for Stunning Transformations
It’ll completely change the way you approach makeup, and take you from a dabbling amateur to a sophisticated artist. The book is filled with step-by-step illustrated guides and diagrams. The before and after pictures are astounding, I appreciate that Jones brings out the beauty in each woman, without striving to make her look artificial, or like someone else.
Everything Eyes – Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown gives us a breakdown of everything eyes. Tools, techniques, and tips on how to make the most of eye care and makeup, even behind the glasses, and info on how to choose one for your face type. Also, this book is small and light and makes a perfect vacation read!
Makeup Makeovers: Weddings
This is THE book for every bride or bridal makeup artist. Every woman will be able to find a look that she can relate to in this book. It finds perfectly good use as a catalog of ideas with many looks to choose from. Create that picture-perfect look of timeless beauty for that Special Day.
ABOUT FACE – Scott Barnes
Celebrity makeup artist, Scott Barnes, knows how to create an incredible makeup look. There are makeover sections of the book featuring women from different nationalities and different ages. The book is positive and a “feel good” read with wonderful stories, celebrity interviews, and instructions. Presented models have different types of beauty, facial features, and skin colors so each of us can find something for ourselves.
Asian Faces: The Essential Beauty and Makeup Guide for Asian Women
The first beauty book was specifically created to focus on the techniques and styles that enhance the skin tones and facial features of Asian women. The author really gets down to all the things Asian women need to know. This book details tips and tricks for makeup products and tools to achieve the perfect skin tone. Also how to work with one’s face and eye shape, and much more. After the different looks, she has sections on decades and costume make-up. She even includes a nice version of the Japanese Ganguro looks.
The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre
This book is something more than an essential how-to book. Mindy Hall and Gretchen Davis, award-winning Hollywood makeup artists, will walk you through what it takes to stand out as a makeup artist in the world of entertainment. It covers techniques that only seasoned professionals know. Includes tips on how to work with the pros and all about set etiquette.
The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color
All makeup artists and women of color should have this book in their collection. It has helpful information on how to do makeup for different skin tones. Iman breaks down the different face types and shows which product to use for which skin tone. Besides, the good is excellent for everyone from beginners to advanced makeup artists. This should not be the only book you check when it comes to “how to apply to make up”. But it should be your top 2 when it comes to what colors better match your skin tone.
The Mercenary Makeup Artist: Breaking into the Business with Style
In this book, Kaylin Johnson details how to break into the beauty industry, and also do it with style. It’s full of information that will help you in making a career as a makeup artist. Note: This book is NOT about how to do makeup. But rather a guide for you to not get lost. In a plethora of recommended websites, online tutorials, and makeup products, it’s easy to get lost. It covers everything from how to protect yourself and your business, what to expect, and how to handle unruly clients. But also about makeup applications and much more!
Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself
From François Nars, one of the most respected and imitated cosmetics designers in fashion today comes this beautiful book about all things beauty. There are so many versatile looks there with different ethnicities and ages (there are even looks for males). The book is visually stunning and ideal for a lazy Sunday read.
Be a Makeup Artist: Complete makeup guide and basics to become a Freelance Makeup Artist
Be a Makeup Artist: Complete Makeup Guide and Basics to Become a Freelance Makeup Artist” is an essential handbook for anyone aspiring to forge a successful career in the freelance makeup industry. Authored with expertise, this comprehensive guide unravels the fundamentals of makeup artistry, offering step-by-step techniques, industry insights, and practical advice. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your freelance career. This book is a must-have resource, providing a solid foundation to master the art of makeup application and business acumen for success.
Makeup Is Art: Professional Techniques for Creating Original Looks
The book comes from a prestige makeup school – the Academy of Freelance Makeup. It doesn’t cover basic makeup application, but it does go into how to give professional and unique results for fashion. It even goes into things like body paint and prosthetic/accessory applications to the face. This a beautiful book for makeup artists, for inspiration, and for makeup book collectors alike.
Face Paint: The Story of Makeup
We left our current favorite for the end. Face Paint is a big, colorful book – one full of glossy images and real eye candy. Makeup artist and Lancome global creative director Lisa Eldridge drops some severe knowledge in Face Paint: The Story of Makeup. Aside from being eye candy, this book is a well-researched book on the history and application of makeup. It is full of enthralling facts and tales for your mind to learn.
Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup
Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup” is an enchanting expedition into the captivating tale of cosmetics. It presents a mesmerizing voyage through diverse cultures and ages. Crafted by Gabriela Hernandez, this book chronicles the potent evolution of makeup, unearthing its roots from ancient societies to contemporary trends. Through compelling narratives and arresting imagery, readers are immersed in the artful heritage and cultural resonance of cosmetics, making it an essential addition for those enamored with the enduring charm of beauty traditions.
Explore the art world with these makeup books!
Embarking on the journey of a makeup artist is an exhilarating and creatively fulfilling endeavor. The array of makeup books highlighted in this article serves as an open gateway into the captivating realm of makeup artistry. They cater to enthusiasts and aspiring professionals alike. These books offer not only a wealth of techniques and insights but also illuminate the historical, cultural, and transformative aspects of makeup. Whether you’re drawn to the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, the finesse of bridal makeup, or the artistry behind fashion and photography. These carefully curated resources are your companions on this exciting path. Delve into their pages, let your creativity flourish, and paint your own masterpiece on the canvas of makeup artistry. With each turn of the page, you’re not just reading a book – you’re immersing yourself in a journey of self-expression, beauty, and endless possibilities.
