I don't know about anyone else but unless I'm on holiday basking in the sun by a pool or at the beach, easy read chick lits just don't do it for me. Maybe it's because I'm not in that holiday bubble or enjoying a cheesy girl meets boy storyline isn't enough for me anymore. But whatever the reason alternative quirky reads are much more my bag right now!
Years ago I mentioned on this very blog that I'd love to see makeup/beauty books from Lisa Eldridge, Pixiwoo and Caroline Hirons; all highly skilled in the industry and loved by many.
Up until last month I only had Lisa's Eldridge's book, Face Paint, to swoon over but finally I have another book of my dreams in my hands and I couldn't be more excited. Pixiwoo sister, Sam & Nic Chapman have finally released an in depth makeup and skincare book sharing both the basics and more pro tips.
This is a sturdy practical yet coffee table worthy book for all Pixiwoo fans to enjoy and as most will come from watching their videos they have cleverly created an exclusive app! The free app unlocks exclusive video tutorials to watch along side each chapter and really is a nice extra.
Face by Pixiwoo is currently in hardback with 171 pages and is available from Amazon for only £9.99 HERE.
What's in the Face by Pixiwoo book?
List of contents - Introduction, biographies, tools of the trade, skin, brows, eyes, Q&A, lashes, finishes, lips, before & after and acknowledgements
The start of the book is all about makeup basics with a good look at tools you may need, in particular brushes and then it's onto colour theory that is made less complex with the help of a colour wheel on the Pixiwoo app. This first section seems like it's wrote for budding makeup artists but anyone that's into makeup can still pick up tips and tricks here.
Skincare is the first main chapter that covers skincare products and base makeup. First going over cleansing basics and how to identify your skintype with an easy to follow checklist. It also covers skin disorders such as cold sores, dermatitis and psoriasis. Plus a nice section on how to look after the eye area. Next it's onto a detailed section about foundation for different skin types and what you should be looking for when buying foundation which is pretty helpful.
Next it's onto all things brows and eyes with a huge 40 pages with lots of practical tips, images and supporting videos in the app that I actually watched and found complimented the text really well. The type of brow products on the market are covered first which does seem a little basic but then it's onto choosing the correct brow colour for your hair colour which if like me you go for a standard brown shade if pretty helpful. To finish of the brow section there's an easy to follow application tutorial along with a supporting video to watch on the app, plus 'Pixi Tips' which end each section. As for the eyes chapter this is my favourite part of the book as there's some wonderful eye looks and makeup photography of both Sam & Nic. The section also doesn't scrimp on detail and though I already knew most of the information I feel a lot of people could learn how to blend eyeshadow and apply eyeliner just from Pixiwoo's help!
The next two chapters cover lashes and finishes both of which include more helpful tutorials along with some lovely images. The lashes section covers all the lash treatments that are available which is helpful if you've been wanting to do more with your lashes and even includes a DIY lash growth idea that I will be trying out! I'm personally not a false eyelashes type of person but as I would like to try them I was glad to see a photo based tutorial plus an exclusive video from Nic which has given me more confidence to try out a few cheap pairs soon! The finishes chapter covers all types of powder products from pressed and loose powder to brightening powder, bronzing and mineral powders which I found out quite a bit I didn't know and I like to think I know quite a lot already from beauty blogging for 6 years! Nic also shows the basics of contouring but in a more natural way which is refreshing to see - not going over the top with baking the under eyes!
The book ends with a chapter all about lips, from what types of products can be worn on the lips along with an interesting read on how to correct the lip shape. This is maybe the weakest chapter as it's mainly covering types of products. I would personally liked to have seen a tutorial on possibly creating a lasting red lip and how to pick the correct red lip for your skintone... something I still struggle with!
Testing out the Face by Pixiwoo App
Never in my life have I scanned a QT code (Is that what they are called? Who knows!) or used an app along side a book before, but as I love watching Pixiwoo on YouTube I decided to give it a go.
Downloading the app is simple whether you are on iPhone, iPad or Andriod, just simply search 'The Face App Pixiwoo' and it will come up. As mentioned there's a colour wheel to the app which I think would only be of interest to aspiring makeup artists but the best part of the app is the exclusive videos that can be watched by scanning each chapter cover. These are around 3-4 minutes long and are exactly like the Pixiwoo videos we all love, they nicely supports each chapter and gives a personal feel. Also there's a special video to be scanned and watched at the start of the book featuring both Sam & Nic talking about the book and thanking you for buying it which is a really genuine thing I think. Oh, and if you are a fan of Sam & Nic's then you will enjoy the exclusive personal photos that appear when you scan certain pages, which you can kind of see in the above left image - a cute touch!
I really wasn't sure if I would enjoy scanning the various pages but I ended up watching all the videos and will be going back to the eyelash application video by Nic very soon.
My Favourite Face by Pixiwoo Tips
- To carry your favourite lipstick with you or to use on jobs/shoots, slice off the lipstick bullet at the base and use a brush handle to scoop the remaining lipstick from the base. Put the scrapings into a clear pot and replace the orginal lipstick.
- A makeup stippling brush can stand in for a tanning mitt (perfect for the face I'm thinking!)
- For a DIY lash growth serum apply castor oil using an old mascara tube, first giving it a good clean out.
- For extremely fair eyelashes, use a fine liner brush dipped into your mascara to paint product at the root of lashes - genius!
Sam & Nic Biographies & Exclusive images
The book also includes two full page biographies of both Sam & Nic plus an insightful Q&A. I longed for more sections like this as I find them so inspiring and full of knowledge but hey ho, I guess they needed to appeal to people just buying the book as a guide to makeup. However there are some gorgeous coffee table style images dotted throughout the book that show off Sam & Nic's beauty and also skill at makeup artistry -really just stunning!
Likes & Dislikes about the book
Favourite sections of the book
- Exclusive video content
- Q&A section
- Full page artistic makeup photography
- Detailed tips
- Lack of makeup product recommendations. Mention of a few brands but that's about it!
- Some sections definitely feel aimed towards aspiring makeup artists but it's never clearly marked - a bit confusing at times.
At £9.99 Face by Pixiwoo is certainly worth picking up whether you're obsessed with makeup or you're just getting into it; it's a solid makeup bible to learn from and enjoy. I think it's a given that all Pixiwoo fans need this in their life!
I can imagine this book will be on a lot of Christmas lists this year!
Fee xo.
When it comes to books on makeup I've always been a little let down. With hundreds, if not thousands of titles on a variety of non-fiction subjects/hobbies you would think the beauty category would have many good resources. But sadly this isn't so... you just need to look on Amazon to discover many outdated books even dating back 10-15 years!
But thankfully the true beauty gurus of today are acknowledging this and producing some amazing makeup books that the beauty obsessed can pour over and enjoy. Below are my ultimate makeup books that I can't fault and are worth every penny in my opinion. Any of these would make a great present for a beauty enthusiast or popped on to your own Christmas list!
Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris
Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris
£12.59 Paperback - Amazon here
This is one of the first makeup books I ever purchased and was blown away by how much it taught me. Yes, a lot of the looks are on the avant-garde side, not for every day, but along the way you pick up some amazing tips that will stay with you... also the amazing photography makes this a great coffee table book. There's also a lot of practical information on anything from eyebrow shapes, how to contour correctly and how to achieve full lips. Plus surprising categories on Asian eyes and mature makeup which I found very interesting. Whether you just love makeup or you're an aspiring makeup artist this is an informative book you will be glad to have.
Favourites from the book - How to rehab your brows, eye colour charts, egyptian eyes tutorial, contouring section.
This is one of the first makeup books I ever purchased and was blown away by how much it taught me. Yes, a lot of the looks are on the avant-garde side, not for every day, but along the way you pick up some amazing tips that will stay with you... also the amazing photography makes this a great coffee table book. There's also a lot of practical information on anything from eyebrow shapes, how to contour correctly and how to achieve full lips. Plus surprising categories on Asian eyes and mature makeup which I found very interesting. Whether you just love makeup or you're an aspiring makeup artist this is an informative book you will be glad to have.
Favourites from the book - How to rehab your brows, eye colour charts, egyptian eyes tutorial, contouring section.
Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion by Sali Hughes
£11.00 Hardback - Amazon here
My latest makeup read and one that is most likely to be on every beauty enthusiasts Christmas list this year. Written by the beyond knowledgeable Sali Hughes this is a beauty book like no other. If you are looking for a makeup book with lots of visuals then you may want to give this a miss but if you are after actual reading then you will get that in an abundance with this book. To me this is more of a book to read fully and then go back to for various things, such as tips on skincare. Unlike most makeup/beauty books Sali has a clear writing style that is intelligent and witty making for a really good read. Points are covered on anything you can imagine being associated with beauty - how to manage makeup counters, salon etiquette and what to expect, hair problem solving, wearing red lipstick and even how to pay and receive compliments... something I think most of us are bad at! This book truly leaves no stone unturned. If you are looking for a new type of beauty read that cuts the crap then this is certainly the book to go for. Also it's a huge 330 page read!
Favourites from the book - The products you need now (and the stuff you don't), public displays of grooming, how to choose a perfume, managing counter staff.
My latest makeup read and one that is most likely to be on every beauty enthusiasts Christmas list this year. Written by the beyond knowledgeable Sali Hughes this is a beauty book like no other. If you are looking for a makeup book with lots of visuals then you may want to give this a miss but if you are after actual reading then you will get that in an abundance with this book. To me this is more of a book to read fully and then go back to for various things, such as tips on skincare. Unlike most makeup/beauty books Sali has a clear writing style that is intelligent and witty making for a really good read. Points are covered on anything you can imagine being associated with beauty - how to manage makeup counters, salon etiquette and what to expect, hair problem solving, wearing red lipstick and even how to pay and receive compliments... something I think most of us are bad at! This book truly leaves no stone unturned. If you are looking for a new type of beauty read that cuts the crap then this is certainly the book to go for. Also it's a huge 330 page read!
Favourites from the book - The products you need now (and the stuff you don't), public displays of grooming, how to choose a perfume, managing counter staff.
Jemma's Make-up Secrets by Jemma Kidd
£17.00 Hardback - Amazon here
Another great makeup book is Jemma's Kidd's Makeup Secrets. This is a book I constantly come back to as there is just so much to read and so many tips. I will admit I do find the layout of the pages a bit all over the place but if you can ignore that and enjoy the amount of information that is packed into the book then you will love it; plus the photography is so clear and up-to date. The book is split into two parts - Making makeup work for you and The problem solver. The first part takes up much of the book and really covers all aspects of makeup in good depth, from how to apply eyeshadow according to eye shape to achieving makeup looks of some iconic females in history - think Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. There are just so many interesting sections in this books that you wouldn't generally expect from a makeup book. If you are looking for a vast makeup book full of ideas and inspiration then I highly recommend picking this up or putting it on your Christmas list!
Favourites from the book - Entire section on eyes, how to wear colour, catwalk trends, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly looks.
Hope you've enjoyed this little summery of my favourite beauty reads!
Fee xo.
Another great makeup book is Jemma's Kidd's Makeup Secrets. This is a book I constantly come back to as there is just so much to read and so many tips. I will admit I do find the layout of the pages a bit all over the place but if you can ignore that and enjoy the amount of information that is packed into the book then you will love it; plus the photography is so clear and up-to date. The book is split into two parts - Making makeup work for you and The problem solver. The first part takes up much of the book and really covers all aspects of makeup in good depth, from how to apply eyeshadow according to eye shape to achieving makeup looks of some iconic females in history - think Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn. There are just so many interesting sections in this books that you wouldn't generally expect from a makeup book. If you are looking for a vast makeup book full of ideas and inspiration then I highly recommend picking this up or putting it on your Christmas list!
Favourites from the book - Entire section on eyes, how to wear colour, catwalk trends, Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly looks.
Hope you've enjoyed this little summery of my favourite beauty reads!
Fee xo.
Is it Winter yet? It's certainly feeling like it with dark evenings and colder weather. Even though I'm not a lover of cold weather I do embrace it in some ways to make nights more cosy and relaxing. Aside from being obsessed with TV series I love to read and snuggle under a blanket.
This year I've read many great books so I thought I'd share my favourites with you that I feel best suit this time of year that will really draw you in. Below are a mix of genres all with different elements of suspense that I'm sure most people will love!
The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R.Carey
Paperback £3.85 | Kindle £2.99 here
The Girl With All The Gifts was my latest read and one I went into without even knowing the genre or basic plot of - something I rarely do. But I'm glad I did! Which is why I don't want to give anything away here. All I will say is that this is a unique dystopian story with strong main characters and a plot to match. A book that will have you reading into the night.
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
Hardback £9.00 | Kindle £6.99 here
Sarah Waters is a favourite author of mine for being able to vividly take you back in time and submerge you in that era - generally the Victorian era. However The Paying Guests is set in the later time of the 1920s and tells the story of a mother and daughter forced into taking in lodgers to keep their once filled and happy home afloat. But of course little is as it seems as the daughter life takes some thrilling twists and turns. This is a story of love, crime and history. Expect to be submerged into 1920s London with this brilliant sapphic novel.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Paperback £3.85 | Kindle £2.99 here
Yes, it's in here; the book of 2014! With over 27 thousand reviews on Amazon and Gone Girl now being a major film I feel the world and it's dog know the basic plot by now. So I will spare you and jumped to what I loved about this book and why you should read it. Firstly this is plot twist central and will continuously have you guessing up until the last chapter. However be warned that you may not find any likable characters in this book that you root for! But a very thrilling read all the same.
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Paperback £5.59 | Kindle £3.49 here
YA fiction here but one that isn't as squeaky clean as the cover may convey. On the outset this a typical boy-meets-girl novel but let me express how multi-layed this book is. From the unique setting of the 80's, to awkward teenage years and an unexpected twist of broken home lives. With strong believable characters this is such an enjoyable read that pulls you straight back to first relationships and how electric and awkward both physical and mental contact can be. One to read if you love emotional YA fiction or just want to fall in love with a book. Fact: I got book hangover after finishing this!
Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
Paperback £5.59 | Kindle 99p here
Telling the story of Catherine in two separate time frames we see a once outgoing and happy woman turn into a supressed terrified victim at the hands of her boyfriend, Lee. With a truly believable narrative this isn't one for the faint hearted (I found it very tough to read in parts) as Into The Darkest Corner deals with matters of domestic violence and OCD, with some utterly heartwrenching and scary scenes. If you like gritty reads then you will love this!
What are you currently reading?
Fee xo.
Today I thought I'd do a run down of all the best beauty reads to my knowledge from popular step-by-step makeup books to more niche beauty books. Plus magazines on and offline and of course beauty blogs that you need to be reading, if you aren't already!
When it comes to beauty reading I own most of the popular books, but in recent years I have discovered a few more niche ones that have become favourites of mine. These are books to actually sit down and read apposed to dipping in and out of like you can with makeup books. Below I have detailed all the best (and up-to-date) makeup step-by-step books and also a list of further reading for the beauty obsessed!
Top Makeup Books
Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris (£12.33 here), Jemma's Makeup Secrets by Jemma Kidd (£16.75 here), Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown (£20.00 here), Lauran Conrad Beauty by Lauren Conrad (£10.34 here), Face to Face by Scott Barnes (£10.34 here), Makeup is Art by Jana Waru Ririnui (£19.43 here), Bobbi Brown's Pretty Powerful by Bobbi Brown (£13.39 here).
Skincare & Body Books
Japanese Skincare Revolution by Chizu Saeki (£9.65 here), Forever Young by Nicholas Perricone (£7.69 here), Skin Secrets by Liz Earle (£15.99 here), Feeding Your Skin by Carla Oates (£7.49 here), The Honest Life by Jessica Alba (£11.55 here), Treasure Yourself by Miranda Kerr (£8.32 here), The Body Book by Cameron Diaz (£8.00 here).
Niche/Specialist Books
Estee Lauder: Beyond The Magic by Lee Isreal (£2.80 used here), Beautiful For Ever by Helen Rappaport (£6.29 here), Perfumes: The A-Z Guide by Luca Turin (£9.09 here), Helena Rubinstein: The Woman Who Created Beauty by Michele Fitoussi (£6.29 here), War Paint by Lindy Woodhead (£2.91 used here), The Goddess Guide by Gisele Scanlon (£9.09 here), The Goddess Experience by Gisele Scanlon (£7.00 here), The Diary of a Nose by Jean-Claude Ellena (£10.34 here).
My personal favourites...
Favourite books out of this little lot have to be Rae Morris' Makeup: The Ultimate Guide and Jemma's Makeup Secrets for step-by step looks as they are up-to date, jammed packed full of information and tips along with amazing photography. As for more niche books, I constantly rave about The Goddess Guide at any opportunity as it's such a wonderful book. I like to call it 'a blog within a book' as it contains a bit of everything with a beyond perfect layout/look. For more sat down proper reading I would highly recommend Estee Lauder:Beyond The Magic and if you are into history then without a doubt Beautiful For Ever. I also included The Body Book by Cameron Diaz which I haven't read but is very much on my current to-buy list as after looking through it I was so impressed with how detailed it was.
Beauty Magazines
Beauty focused magazines are few and far between in the UK sadly. We had to make do with 10 page sections in fashion magazines. However we do have the Boots Health & Beauty magazine which is free to Boots Advantage Card holders that is quite a nice read and Two online magazine by Pixiwoo here. Currently the only dedicated beauty magazine is Allure which is a U.S magazine but can be found in large WHSmith stores and can be subscribed to.
Another way of reading international magazines that are more beauty focused is through Zinio here, a website that allows you to subscribe to magazine to read on your iPad/tablet (I wouldn't recommend reading from your laptop/desktop). I'm subscribed to 5+ magazines now with my favourite beauty read being Allure magazine (12 issues for £14.59 here) and Fairlady which is a South African based lifestyle magazine.
Beauty Blogs
Professional Beauty Blogs - Temptalia here, Makeup & Beauty Blog here, Into The Gloss here, Beautizine here, The Beauty Department here, Refinery 29 here.
My go-to Beauty Blog reads - British Beauty Blogger here, Vivianna Does Makeup here, A Model Recommends here, Sali Hughes Beauty here, Nouvelle Daily here, Lipglossiping here, The Beauty Look Book here, I Covet Thee here. And lots more which you can find in my '10 Beauty Blogs Worth Bookmarking' posts here & here.
My favourite way to keep up with the 400+ beauty blogs I read is without a doubt Bloglovin' here but for blogs I really love I make sure to add them to my home screen on my iPad so I can check them more often.
So there you have it, my run down of the best beauty reads. A blog post to bookmark for when you want to procrastinate I think!
What are a few of your favourite beauty reads?
Fee xo.
Every once in a while I like to pick up a non-fiction lifestyle-y book from my collection and have a good old read of it. I love books like this that you can dip in and out of and it dawned on me as I was reading Cupcakes and Cashmere that this is certain one of those books.
The reason for this may be that this book is wrote by the lovely Emily Schuman of Cupcakes & Cashmere so it is kind of a blog within a book! The book is split up into 4 parts - spring, summer, fall and winter, which works out really well for dipping into each season. Then in each section Emily covers style, interiors, beauty and food .
So here is a little summary of what to expect from each section of the book and what I think of each! You can find Cupcakes and Cashmere on Amazon here for £9.09.
Beauty
As this is a beauty blog after all I thought I would talk about the beauty parts of the book first. Sadly these were my least favourite... but that's maybe because I read so much about beauty that it wasn't anything fresh or that I didn't know already. I did however discover how to properly blow dry my hair which is something! Each season in the book Emily lists her 5 beauty must-haves for any budget which I liked as it gives a kind of overview of which products are good for that specific season... such as pretty pastel nail polishes, a light pink lipstick, floral fragrances and a deep conditioner for Spring.
Nothing that amazing to read but I'm glad some beauty was included in the book!
As this is a beauty blog after all I thought I would talk about the beauty parts of the book first. Sadly these were my least favourite... but that's maybe because I read so much about beauty that it wasn't anything fresh or that I didn't know already. I did however discover how to properly blow dry my hair which is something! Each season in the book Emily lists her 5 beauty must-haves for any budget which I liked as it gives a kind of overview of which products are good for that specific season... such as pretty pastel nail polishes, a light pink lipstick, floral fragrances and a deep conditioner for Spring.
Nothing that amazing to read but I'm glad some beauty was included in the book!
Style
Style is definitely Emily's strong point but not mine! So the style sections are definitely something I took notice of the most. In particular the closet checklist for each season which is a run down of 15 staple items that you should have in your wardrobe - this really helped me this winter and I'm sure will help me again for Spring when I'm sorting out clothing and decided which new items to buy. Other style sections in the Spring part of the book include - navigating flea markets, soles for spring, layering jewelry and a dress for multiple occasions.
The style sections definitely seem more practical and even if you don't share Emily's style is can be applied to most people still.
Interiors
The 'at home' sections of the book are again Emily's foray I feel and even though split into seasonal sections can be read any time of the year. I already have quite a few interior design books but I love the American way of interior design so loved sections such as organising a bookshelf and a few of Emily's DIY ideas such as the sparkly garland above. There is also a nice section of staying organised and spring cleaning in the spring section of the book that I will be referencing to once the weather starts improving.
Lovely photography in these sections and quite a bit to read.
Food
I'm one of those people with a bazillion cookbooks who never cooks anything from them! My reason for this is there just not basic enough... yes, I love the wonderful photography and the idea of detailed dishes but I just can't be doing with a huge list of ingredients and a length prep time. So I was pleased to see Emily's recipes were more basics than anything else that I am going to attempt at some point. Recipes include - basic vinaigrette, mint julep cocktail, sugar cookies, very berry pie, summer pasta with tomatoes, basil and brie, chocolate chip cookies and homemade pizza dough.
Will be definitely trying out the homemade pizza dough and berry pie come summertime!
An all round nice book to dip in and out of each season and try something new in that section, whether it's a recipe, an interior idea or something style/beauty related. With lovely photography through out.
Worth buying as a gift or if you like lifestyle blogs/books.
Fee xo.
I'm one of those people with a bazillion cookbooks who never cooks anything from them! My reason for this is there just not basic enough... yes, I love the wonderful photography and the idea of detailed dishes but I just can't be doing with a huge list of ingredients and a length prep time. So I was pleased to see Emily's recipes were more basics than anything else that I am going to attempt at some point. Recipes include - basic vinaigrette, mint julep cocktail, sugar cookies, very berry pie, summer pasta with tomatoes, basil and brie, chocolate chip cookies and homemade pizza dough.
Will be definitely trying out the homemade pizza dough and berry pie come summertime!
An all round nice book to dip in and out of each season and try something new in that section, whether it's a recipe, an interior idea or something style/beauty related. With lovely photography through out.
Worth buying as a gift or if you like lifestyle blogs/books.
Fee xo.
When it comes to Makeup Books I feel the market is sorely lacking and mainly filled with now out dated books. But there are thankfully a handful of books that are great and current.
So I thought I would review my favourite makeup book today which I believe novices and long time makeup lover can enjoy and gain knowledge from. Also I even feel this would make a nice coffee table type inspiration book for Makeup Artists that look up to Rae Morris' work.
Before I get in to the books content I want to kind of share the books 'spec' if you will as I've come across quite a few sparse books that are more images than writing and are on the thin side. This books contains 256 pages and is broken down in to 14 chapters (which I've detailed below). Each chapter has a thorough introduction (lots to read) and then goes into multiple step-by-step tutorials with amazing photography and writing. The book is around magazine/A4 size and even though paperback has a nice thick cover (no annoying loose sleeve that will become worn over time) with a handy inner page flap.
You can find Rae Morris Makeup: The Ultimate Guide from Amazon for £12.23 - here.
Contents
The book starts with a brief introduction and then 14 chapters which are as follows - 1. Essentials, 2. Skin Prepping, 3. Eyebrows, 4. False Eyelashes, 5. Eye Colour Charts, 6. Eyes, 7. Asian Eyes, 8. Over 40s, 9. Contouring, 10. Foundation, 11. Bronzing, 12. Highlighting, 13. Lips & Cheeks, 14. Ten-Minute Makeovers and then finally Rae's Gallery and index.
The Structure of the Book
Each chapter is structured slightly different and with different lengths. But generally there's an introduction to the chapter with do's and don't and then more practical information with good imagery. The introductions I actually feel are where there is the most information and 100% worth reading before looking at each chapter. Along side each tutorial there are tips which are again helpful . I also love the full page images for each look, I find myself studying the image after I've read the tutorial. Also the photography is just beautiful... you just have to look at the image below to see what I mean.
Eyes
This fills a large portion of the book and rightly so as there's a lot to cover! The chapter starts with quite a good introduction on different eye shapes and tips for smoky eyes covering 4 pages. The next section contains 25 step-by-step tutorials with images (very handy!) and a full A4 image with each finished look. Favourite tutorials here are - burnt copper eyes, antique gold eyes, natural eyes and classic eyes. Next is full chapter on Asian Eyes which was an interesting read for me as it made me understand the importance of application for different eye shapes, also the topic was new to me so everything was new and fresh. This chapter contains 4 more thorough step-by-step tutorial than the previous eye tutorials... I actually wish there had been a few more!
My only criticism would be that a lot of the looks are dramatic and would need to be toned down for every day wear... easy if you have experience in makeup and know how to do so, but for a novice there are no tips and you may feel the looks are irrelevant. Also it would have been nice if the large section was broken down into every day looks and nighttime/special occasion looks to give it more structure.
I found the eye colour chart, false eyelash section and even the asian eyes chapter the most interesting. But I definitely took the most from the chapter on false eyelashes, very thorough.
10-Minute Makeovers
This was the only chapter than I felt wasn't needed and would have preferred more on lips and cheeks or contouring. Other than the tutorial with Miranda Kerr I didn't find them that appealing. Just a bit of a non-chapter really for me.
Other Areas
The other main highlights of the book for me aside from eyes is the section on contouring, highlighting and bronzing correctly... which could have shown more before and afters, but are still very interesting. Definitely learnt more about contouring and suprisingly bronzing. The other main area of the book is the Over 40's chapter, which again I didn't think would interest me as it isn't applicable, but I actually found it to be an interesting read as it contains tips I've never read before, such as if you are going to spend time on the face to conceal ageing then you should also do the same for the decolletage and apply a soft wash of foundation, specifically mineral foundation (which also generally contains sun screen) to that area to remove redness.
What I've Learnt
I've had this book for a few years now and have actually read it from cover to cover a few times to refresh my memory and to also inspire me not to be lazy with makeup and try other looks outside of my everyday one. The main things I have taken away from this book are the tips on how to choose and apply false eyelashes and how to shape my brows. But I now also always blend eyeshadows with translucent powder, something I never use to do before. I've also learnt to go for a non-waterproof eyeliner on the waterline and even art paint brushes can be used for eyeliner (I now have a few amazing precise brushes that I love thanks to this tip).
Overall
Overall this is a pretty great makeup book with a lot to read. Yes, some chapters are lacking a bit but if you want something with lots of text but also great photography you won't be disappointed. If you are a total beginner I would maybe suggest getting Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual (£16.25 - Amazon here) first, as it gives basic application techniques of eyeshadow, foundation, concealer etc, where as this book skips the basics. But if you know all of that and more then this book is a really good read for gaining more knowledge or just inspiration and ideas.
As I mentioned at the start of this post I really don't think there are enough good makeup books but this is certainly one that is current and packed full of information. I'm just crossing my fingers Rae will do another another book in the future or better still Lisa Eldridge... oh, how I'd love that!
This post has probably been too long and in-depth but I hope it's been helpful!
For further makeup book reviews you can find my reviews of Lauren Conrad's Beauty Book here and Jemma's Make-up Secrets here.
Fee xo.
A bit of a lifestyle post today as I felt like a bit of a change and I've been very much in to reading these past months. So I thought I'd share with you some new summer reads and a few recommendations of books I've loved.
Here are the books I'm hoping to read over summer...
The Last Letter from Your Lover - £3.85 Amazon here
I recently picked this up as it's by the same author that wrote 'Me Before You' which is actually one of my recommendations below. I absolutely loved Me Before You and along with the good reviews I'm hoping I will enjoy this as well. I won't bore you by copy & pasting the synopsis but this seems like an ideal summer read but with a bit more depth than just being a chick lit.
The Bling Ring - £5.99 Amazon here
Published along side the film starring Emma Watson this year, The Bling Ring is a factual account of a group of Hollywood teens that burgled the homes of the rich and famous - Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Orlando Bloom to name but a few. I found the actual news story pretty incredible so decided to read the book instead of watch the movie first. I'm a quarter of the way in and I have to admit I have started reading something else as it just isn't grabbing me. The author, Nancy Jo Sales first wrote a piece on the 'Bling Ring' teens in Vanity Fair and this pretty much seems a length extension of the article. It's wrote in a very journalistic/factual style that doesn't really flow. But one for anyone that's interested in celebrity culture and the media!
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - £3.85 Amazon here
Not my usual type of book but I decided to purchase this based on the hundreds of good reviews of it on Amazon. If you read the synopsis you will see it seems a charming tale and I'm sure an equally charming read but that does give me the impression there won't be many twists and turns in the story. A lazy summer read that I thought I'd give a go.
The Crimson Petal and the White - £6.89 Amazon here
Set in Victorian times this hefty 824 page read is my main summer read. I love my light girly reads but I also love books that are set in the Victorian era; I find the detail of that time and the characters really interesting. This book won't be for everyone based on the gritty storyline but I'm eager to start reading this as I can see myself getting submerged in the book and with the characters, as many victorian era authors are brilliant as drawing you back in time.
My summer recommendations...
Room - £4.99 Amazon here
I read this last summer and words cannot explain how much I loved this book. Wrote through the eyes of 5-year old Jack this is wrote like no other book I have come across. Incredible sad in lots of places but balanced out by the warmth and love of the relationship he shares with his mum. This really did stay with me for a long time, which I see as a sign of a very well written and moving book.
Fingersmith - £6.29 Amazon here
Set in 1862, London, this fictional Victorian book is full of twists and turns and strong, vivid characters. I've re-read this many times now, which I don't often do with any book, as it's such a strong story with incredible detail but without being overly wordy. A great read if you are wanting something different that you can get totally absorbed in.
Me Before You - £3.86 Amazon here
Without a doubt my most heartbreaking read of 2012. I smiled, I laughed and I cried... oh, how I cried (an effect it has on most people - so maybe not one to read next to the pool!). This amazing book, much like 'Room' really had me thinking about it long after I'd finished it. An amazing read that I would recommend to anyone.
The Undomestic Goddess - £3.85 Amazon here
This is chic lit at it's best! Sophie Kinsella books are my go-to easy reads that are ideal for summer reading in the garden or next to the pool on holiday. I have read most of her books now but The Undomestic Goddess is by far my favourite. A very funny and charming read.
I'm always buying books so please share with me your favourite summer reads too!
Fee xo.
For me Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without receiving a few new books to read. I generally ask for at least one autobiography and a few fictional reads. But if there is a new makeup book out then it will certainly be on my list!
The new makeup book this Christmas is Jemma's Makeup Secrets (£14.25 - Amazon here) and it packed full of information and tutorials (a huge 220 pages). A really impressive book for the price.
Jemma's Makeup Secrets is Jemma Kidd's second makeup book and is made up of two parts - The first part of the book (pages 12 to 146) focuses on how to make make-up work for you. This really goes in depth in to most areas of makeup, think foundation, contouring, highlighting, false lashes and even lip shapes. The second part (pages 152 to 218) is on problem solving, with lots of information on skincare and how to hold back the years, to what types of make to wear in hot and cold weather interestingly.
Part 1: Making Make-up Work For You
Being a blogger I feel I have read a lot of makeup books and also read makeup tips on a constant basis. So the true sign of a great indepth makeup book for me is it I discover new tips and in this section of the book I actually did.
The most interesting section for me had to be eye makeup for different eye shapes and actually it isn't something I have ever thought about before. But actually my eye shape fit into the downward-sloping eye shape as they slope downwards slightly at the outer corners. Tips such as only using eyeliner on the out corners of my lower lash time and smudging out and really focusing on curling my lashes I know I will take away with me. Another pro tip Jemma offers on foundation to know you have the right shade is to mix two shades together with a brush on the back of your hand and apply a little to your face, next to the nose. If the foundation sinks in and can be barely seen then it is the right mix of foundation for you. There are also great sections on what finishes and formula's of products (foundation, blusher etc) work best for each skin tone.
Favourite sections - eyeliner effects, correcting different lip shapes - uneven lips, thin lips, how to apply lip liner. Also loved the tutorials for the timeless looks section, in particular the Brigitte Bardot and Ava Gardner looks. I have already given the Brigitte Bardot tutorial a go... something I have never actually done after reading a makeup book before!
My only slight dislike about this section is the layout of the pages, it seems a bit all over the place. Little snippets and then large paragraphs randomly on each page. This meant that when I went to go back to a tip I have read it was sometimes hard to find. As it's quite in-depth I would have loved to have seen more solid blocks of text to read with good sub-headings.
Part 2: Problem Solver
The first 13 or so pages are all about skincare and how we can improve it by our diets and supplements we can take and apply to our skin. This was for me really interesting as I have never even considered taking Omega 3 or Vitamin A for my skin but now I really want to look into it and consider it. Lots of interesting bits to read in this section which I know I will be refering back to.
The next section is on skincare regimes and again it suggest things I had never thought about before. Such as if eye cream, gel or serums feel to stick on the eyes apply them as a mask to the eye area and eyelid for 10 minutes then pat off the excess. Also there are some good tips on how to remove stubborn eye makeup without rubbing at your eyes, something I am very guilty of. Also there is a detailed guide on how to give yourself a facial massage which is really interesting!
The next big section is on 'holding back the years' which is approached really well with helpful tips. Sadly after that section I did feel the book lost focus with a mixture of subjects such as hot weather makeup, perfect skin in an instant, 5 minutes makeup for lunch. Each section being too short and lacking in detail, but this is only for the last part of the book thankfully.
Favourite sections - All the skincare information, facial massage, makeup removal tips.
If you were to give this book as a gift I would say it would good for anyone from the age of 18 to 50's as it covers such a broad range of topics in a more adult manner than a lot of makeup books I have read.
If anything I would say there is too much information in this book to read and it is one to go back to time and time again, making it really great value for money.
Fee xo.
I have just finished Lauren Conrad's new book - Beauty, so I thought I would do a full review of it as I have really enjoyed it.
'Beauty' is Lauren's second book which covers everything from skincare to lifestyle topics, hair and of course, make-up. You can find her new book here via Amazon for £8.24.
Lauren Conrad Beauty in my eyes is aimed at beauty enthusiasts that want to learn a little more about beauty, skincare and hair or just love Lauren's style and makeup in general. So I would say this book would be good for anyone from the age of 14 to mid 20's, that said I have personally enjoyed reading the book (though I haven't gained too much knowledge from the book) due to the imagery and topics in the book - a good mix of chatty subjects, beauty talk, tutorials and lifestyle topics. For me it is just a nice girly book to have at hand to flick through and even to use as a reference.
As Amazon doesn’t have a 'look inside' the book I thought I would detail all the chapters by reviewing each section. This will seem like a lengthy review but I really don't give anything away! But it will just show you just how much is covered and all the different areas of the book.
Chapter 1: Finding Your Beauty
Quite a short first chapter with an intro to Lauren's own beauty journey so far and some images of looks she tried in the past! Much like 'Style' this is also narrated in 1st person by Lauren who gives a friendly and very approachable feel to the whole book.
Chapter 2: Skin Care
The first real chapter on skincare I thought I would probably end up skipping past but instead of Lauren suggesting products for different skin types and problems. The chapter is really realistic, which is a really good way to be when it comes to different skin. There is also quite an informative section on ingredients to avoid, which I know I will come back to as a reference when I am looking up more info on Google.
Chapter 3: Hair Care
Again Hair care is approached in a very informative way and I instantly found myself learning things I just didn't know about, such as what is in both shampoo & conditioner - I'm also so glad that Lauren mentioned avoiding SLS's in shampoo, as this is something I really believe in! The chapter also covers natural hair masks, hair growth and also quite an in-depth look at different hair styles for different face shapes and hair textures.
Chapter 4: Stress
Chapter 5: Fitness & Food
The topics on stress, fitness & food I found interesting to read. I found the subject of stress was approached really well and was also like a friend in an odd way. I think this is really good for anyone in their teens and anyone that is a fan as it is a bit more of a personal chapter. I didn't take too much away from the fitness & food chapters however there is a table of all the different nutrients, which again I know I will going back to as a guide.
Chapter 6: Makeup Tips, Tricks and Techniques
The Makeup Tips, Tricks and Techniques chapter was the one real chapter that I found myself skimming over as I know all the basics now. However this is great for anyone just getting into makeup as for it only being a section of the book it does cover alot. There is a page for each key makeup product - foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, mascara etc. Also four pages on all the different tools/brushes you can use and how to shape your brows. Then a few pages on 'beauty crimes' which I think is maybe the weakest area to the book... not really needed.
Chapter 7: Everyday Makeup
Everyday Makeup is the first chapter in the book with tutorials, all quite basic and easy to follow, with a tutorial on everyday looks for different complexions. Also tutorials on the 'no makeup look' and how to apply makeup in a hurry - I will actually be following this when taking my dog out for a walk as I need to stop using so many products! There are also some written guides for tackling different face issues which is wrote by Amy Nadine who is Lauren's makeup artist, such as 'making close-set eyes look wider' and 'making a wide nose look narrower'. This part did seem a bit "do this to be beautiful" like a wide nose had to be corrected, though Lauren does mentioned that she did poll her readers and that it was what they wanted to know about the most. I guess this sadly speaks volumes of the world we live in!
Chapter 8: Party Makeup
Party Makeup tackles how to apply individual false eyelashes and how to achieve perfect winged eyeliner - I even picked up a few tips here. There is also a tutorial with Lauren on her go-to party look (very similar to her cover look), a subtle smokey eye and how to refresh your makeup. This was one of the chapters I felt there could have been a bit more content... I enjoyed it but it was rushed for some reason!
Chapter 9: Everyday Hair
The Everyday Hair chapter was another enjoyable read. I did know most about different tools but did pick up a few tips. But I really enjoyed the hair tutorials and will definitely be trying out a few braids mentioned, such as the rope, fishtail and goddess braid.
Chapter 10: Party Hair
This chapter definitely inspired me to use the hair tools I have a lot more - as I do have about 6! A small section in this chapter is on products to use in the hair and then some really great hair tutorial on different models, all very achievable and so pretty. I will be trying out the loose party ponytail in which you curl your hair first and then take it up into a ponytail, wrapping a section of hair around the band (you can actually see a section of the tutorial above). Also I have always wanted to know how to achieve retro curls so I will be going back to this when getting ready for a night out.
Chapter 11: Nails
Quite a lot of basics covered in this chapter - caring for the nails, tools to use, a basic polish-free manicure, a basic manicure and french manicure tutorial. It then moves into more nail art tutorial with - reverse french manicure, polka dots, flowers and glitter. I really didn't need this chapter however if you are new to nail art an actual book to sit in front of you whilst try out some of the tutorials is really great. I was a bit sad though that it wasn't more creative or savvy! For example the polka dot nail art just mentioned to use a paintbrush... though her tips from The Beauty Department of making your own dotting tools would have been ideal here. Also one detailed nail art tutorial would have been great instead of the two pages on glitter nails.
Chapter 12: Beauty Through the Decades
This along with the hair chapters was definitely my favourite read, I wish it could have been a larger part of the book as it was interesting and creative. The start of the chapter is a summary of sorts, with what iconic things happened in each decade, starting from the 1920's. I won't spoil that part for you if you buy the book but it’s a great quick summary of how the world of beauty has evolved. The next pages cover what types of looks were in for each decade going from the 20's to 70's. Each page shows Lauren trying out each look and looking beautiful, but also it details beauty icons for that era (great for look up after reading the book). If you want to channel a certain look then this gives you the idea of the things you will need to do. Not too in-depth (no tutorials here) but enough to get you inspired to find out more!
This really is a packed book that can teach you the basics, to try out new styles of makeup and hair and also a good starting guide to ingredients. But it also can make you feel more creative and want to learn more. I did find myself on the internet mid-reading looking up things mentioned in the book.
Lauren Conrad Style (£7.31 - Amazon here) was definitely a 'testing the waters' 1st book, that had snippets of good information but on the whole didn't go too in-depth about anything - just a good flick-through for me. Also it was definitely more focused on Lauren... but do not worry, if you are a fan of Lauren's then you will 100% get your fix - I even became a bit in love with her style and hair! I guess just a more grown-up book that is less Lauren but more about what she now knows.
My only negatives on the book would be that no brands/products are mentioned at all, which for me is a shame as it would have made it a lot more interesting if she could have mentioned which red lipstick she loves to use or which hair tongs she likes the most! Also a few areas of the book could have been missed out - the beauty crimes and how to correct different 'flaws' weren't for me.
A really nice book to either treat yourself to or give as a gift!
Lauren Conrad Beauty is currently available in hardback and contains 288 pages - £8.24 from Amazon.
Fee xo.
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