Book review: Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

Are you a total makeup newbie?  Don’t know the different between gel and liquid eyeliner?  Then I would recommend you pick up the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual was released a few years back but I was in the mood to read some girly books (plus I wanted some books for my future coffee table) so I picked this one up.  I got the paperback version, however, with that being said, it’s still pretty big and for paperback, it still looks really great and the binding they use on it is very sturdy.  It also comes in hardcover, but for $10 less, I thought I may as well get this version.  I’m happy I did actually, so I don’t have to deal with the cover that always seems to come off and get ripped.

From Amazon.ca:

This is the book that Bobbi Brown’s fans have been waiting for: her 25-plus years of makeup styling experience distilled into one complete, gorgeous book. Bobbi looks at everything from skincare basics to every aspect of facial makeup–from how to find the right color and type of foundation for any skin tone to how to apply every detail of eye makeup (Brows, Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, and Eye Lashes) no matter your eye color and shape. Of course there are never-before-seen tips on blush, bronzer, lip liners, lipstick, etc. And Bobbi looks beyond the face with informative chapters on “Hands and Feet” and “Body Skin Care.” Each chapter has thorough step-by-step basic directions for makeup application and easy-to-follow photographs and line drawings, along with Bobbi’s expert, yet assuring, advice. Plus, there’s a groundbreaking section of the book that will be of special interest to women who’ve wanted to know how makeup stylists do what they do: the top beauty secrets only these artists know, essential equipment to keep on hand, how to break into the business, and how to work with photographers and celebrities.

Breathtaking photos of the finished faces-from everyday looks to exotic runway style-along with advice on putting it all together for every woman, make this a book like no other.

BOBBI BROWN’S MAKEUP MANUAL will be the only book any woman will need to look absolutely fabulous.

The book covers everything from what a professional makeup artist needs in their kit, a description of basically every formula of makeup available (for example, cream blushes, powder blushes, liquid blushes, and so on), how to break into the business, special makeup applications for bridal, teens, pregnancy, and so much more.

I really enjoyed this book although I already knew a lot about the things she was writing about. For example, the descriptions of products.  There were tips and tricks in there  that I didn’t know (like how to apply mascara properly and to put concealer on before foundation and the reasons why).  The majority of the book is dedicated to makeup application and products, but at the end there is a whole section of how to become a professional makeup artist that was fun to read about.

The one thing that actually surprised me was that she doesn’t devote every photo to Bobbi Brown products.  Although it’s her book, and it’s probably no doubt sold at her counters, there were photos of other makeup brands (in addition to her own of course), which I really liked. By doing that, the book isn’t just an advertisement for her line of cosmetics, it’s actually written to inform and teach readers to apply and learn about makeup.

So would I recommend the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual? If you are a die-hard makeup fan then yes!  If you are a teenager getting into makeup?  Yes! And, if you love Bobbi Brown cosmetics?  Why not?!  If you are a professional, I don’t think there’s anything in here that would necessarily be new to you.  This is a very informative book that has everything from skin care tips to makeup application, so I don’t think there will be much in the book that you perhaps didn’t know before.  I would recommend it though.  It’s a fairly quick read and the pictures are beautiful and full of colour.  I wish though that there was more edgy or dramatic makeup, a lot of it is very natural and pretty and I love fun, dramatic looks.  But I mean, that’s probably because this book is also geared to people that don’t know a lot about makeup and application.  The everyday working woman or man, if you will, that wants to just know what to use and where to put it.  To each their own I guess..

Have you read the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual?  What were your thoughts?

Also, don’t forget to enter my huge Dove giveaway!  * Canadians and Americans only, must be a subscriber!

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