24 of the best beauty books

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Good Hair: The Essential Guide to Afro, Textured and Curly Hair by Charlotte Mensah

Now 16% Off

Charlotte Mensah is the industry's leading afro hair stylist so it's so exciting that she's decided to collect all her expertise about afro, textured and curly hair and present it within this excellent guide.

The book is a collection of the best tips and tricks for those hair types - you are bound to walk away with dozens of techniques you want to try - but it also starts a discussion about the significance of Black hair culturally, something even those with the straightest of hair should read.

Gibson Square Great Skin - Secrets the Beauty Industry Doesn't Tell You by Ingeborg Van Lotringen

As a beauty journalist, Inge Van Lotringen is known for her no-nonsense investigative approach to skincare, meaning she is brilliant at cutting through the noise to provide practical advice you should definitely follow.

Declaring that there are no 'miracle' products (and she would know with her decades-worth of expertise in the industry), Inge uses her knowledge and relatable tone to help you disprove the biggest skincare myths you probably believe in, replacing them with advice that will actually make your skin healthier.

Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide by Caroline Hirons

Caroline Hirons' straight-talking approach to beauty has won her legions of fans on social media. Taking the same honest tone, it's little wonder her first book has become an instant UK best-seller.

With easy-to-follow advice on how to build your own routine, a whole section on decoding products, and commentary on the industry as a whole, Hirons' debut book is the perfect pick for anyone looking for matter-of-fact, expert advice.

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The Tweakments Guide by Alice Hart-Davis

Whether you have questions about botox, fillers, lasers or peels, Alice Hart-Davis has the answers. Known for her frank approach to looking better (not 'done'), she will guide you through what 'tweakment' options there are without bias and, should you wish, help you decide what the best options are for work that even your best friend won't notice.

Happy Gut, Happy Mind: How to Feel Good From Within by Eve Kalinik

Eve Kalinik is one of Bazaar's go-to sources for health advice because the nutritional therapist's specialism in gut health can transform your body, skin and mind. Her first book Be Good to Your Gut is a great read too and this follow-up focuses on the brain-gut connection, combining practical advice and scientific knowledge with inspiring and 'must have seconds' recipes to boost your mental wellbeing. There's never been a more poignant time to pick it up and give it a read.

Palette: The Beauty Bible for Women of Colour by Funmi Fetto

The ultimate beauty bible for women of colour is also an important conversation starter about true inclusivity in the industry. In this insightful read, the journalist Funmi Fetto fills in the gaps that for too long have been left vacant when it comes to helping WOC know what hair, skincare, make-up and body products will actually work for them.

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The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty by Leonard Lauder

Now 17% Off

This remarkable memoir from the former CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, Leonard Lauder, provides an insider's look into one of the world's biggest beauty companies, which was set up by Lauder's mother at the family kitchen in 1946.

From his childhood during the Great Depression to words that read like a love letter to both the company and his mother, you'll learn so much about what the secret to his success has really been. Plus, there are wonderful details of the company's 26 brands to discover along the way.

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces is the classic make-up how-to book. Despite being published back in 1997, sales have soared during the coronavirus lockdown, as people look to experiment with their make-up once again.

After all, the legendary artist's advice certainly holds its own today; inside you'll find all the tips and tricks you need to apply every product in your make-up bag flawlessly, from bronzer to lipstick.

Blowing My Way to the Top by Jen Atkin

The recent vogue for our favourite stylists launching their own books makes for a crowded bookshelf but you will definitely want to be keeping celebrity hairdresser Jen Atkin's one especially close to hand.

One of the most influential hair stylists in the industry today, her book is part memoir, part inspirational read and it covers everything from setting up her brand, Ouai, to a behind-the-scenes look into her time styling your favourite celebrities, including the Kardashian-Jenners and Chrissy Teigen.

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I Am Beauty by Riku Campo

A lot of beauty books are targeted at younger women so it's refreshing to see one that focuses on ageless beauty, although while it focuses on specific advice for women over forty, all women would benefit from the written advice of the celebrity make-up artist Riku Campo. It's a celebration of 'ordinary people' with step-by-step advice for routines that suit the different stages your skin might be at, with guidance on at-home massage, make-up tips and interviews with real women who share their beauty secrets.

Don't Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri

This seminal text about Black hair transcends appearance to address the massive cultural and social implementations that individuals of all skin tones should acknowledge when it comes to afros, braids and other traditional hairstyling techniques. Using hair as a lens through which the black experience from slavery to social media is addressed, this book is not just for anyone interested in inclusive hairdressing – it's a wonderful and important read for everyone.

Glow from Within by Joanna Vargas

Now 11% Off

With celebrity clients including Julianne Moore and Elizabeth Moss, the aesthetician Joanna Vargas knows a thing or two about how to perfect your skin. Inside this book you'll find the secrets to her highly sought-after approach, with specific advice on the five fundamentals of a great skincare routine.

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Love Your Skin by Abigail James

The facialist known for giving her clients the glowiest of skin has recorded all her step-by-step advice in this bedside-table worthy read. With practical solutions to a host of common skincare issues, her message is all about being kind to your skin (rather than despairing about it) – something all of us would do well to remember.

Red Lipstick An Ode to a Beauty Icon by Rachel Felder

Now 11% Off

Red lipstick - the ultimate symbol of glamour and confidence - is the subject of an equally beguiling book that explores why rouge lips hold such power and allure. There's also page after page of image-led inspiration that will have you reaching for your favourite shade before you have time to put the pages down.

Nailed It by Marian Newman

The nail technician Marian Newman is the mastermind behind many of our favourite manicure looks at fashion week and she shares her secrets in this book. It covers everything from her nail kit essentials to step-by-step guides to for recreating her most famous creations.

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ProMakeup Design Book by Lan Nguyen-Grealis

A must-have for individuals dreaming of becoming make-up artists, this books covers everything you need to know about creating looks, alongside striking photography. With 30 face charts included, you can then get hands-on and put your skills to the test.

Eat Beautiful by Wendy Rowe

With a foreword by Sienna Miller – just one of the celebrities whose face is painted by the make-up artist – this tome perhaps surprisingly doesn't focus on Rowe's enviably prowess with cosmetics. Instead, she shares what she has learned about the food we need to eat for healthier-looking skin (which then makes make-up application easy). The 70 recipes, split into the four seasons, are packed filled with nutrients and are a joy to make.

Back Chat Beauty: The Beauty Guide for Real Life

Co-hosts of the Back Chat Beauty podcast, journalist Sophie Beresiner and make-up artist Lisa Potter-Dixon have created a fun yet genuinely informative guide that provides the answers to all your beauty questions – from the basics to a full 'where to shop' list. It's the gift of having a friendly beauty expert on your bookshelf.

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The Perfume of Gems by Bulgari

This story of the gems and spices behind Bulgari's famous Le Gemme fragrances takes readers on an adventurous journey through colour, jewellery and scent using striking visuals and the expertise of the perfume world's most famous noses.

The Skincare Bible by Dr Anjali Mahto

The internet has done amazing things for the beauty industry, but it does mean there is a lot more conflicting information out there about what your skincare routine should be. Dr Anjali Mahto simplifies the process, by myth-busting product claims and giving clear and simple advice for common skin conditions.

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