I don’t have much of an off-switch when it comes to beauty. If I’m watching TV then I’m trying to guess the actresses lip colour, it’s about two minutes into dinner with my friends before I quiz them on what nail polish they’re rocking and reading time is a largely beauty dominated activity too. I’m like a sponge, me – absorbing all the cosmetics chatter up from every corner – but I do love a good book. There’s something about packing out a bookshelf with a bevy of beauty reads that feels just as satisfying as an A-Z brand organised MUJI drawer. A good reference point, pages of inspiration that have me scribbling down post plans and a welcome alternative to the bright backlight of my laptop. Open up my current reading list…
Lauren Conrad Beauty was a ‘damn I just want to buy something‘ purchase when the other book I wanted was out of stock. It’s a pretty read, but it’s simple especially for anyone already accustomed to her website ‘The Beauty Department‘. A good starting point for makeup newbies perhaps – but for those who know their contour from their highlight the nail tutorial pages are worth the perusal. Another picture heavy and pretty offering is Bobbi Brown’s latest release, Pretty Powerful*. I’m a big fan of Bobbi books; the Makeup Manual was top of my Christmas list three years ago and was read and re-read cover to cover many a time. But Pretty Powerful steers away from the makeup know-how and more in the makeover direction, giving before and after at the hand of Bobbi images without an apparent airbrush in sight. One I like to flick through on sleepy Sunday mornings.
Rounding of my beauty reads is Allure, of course. Do I even need to mention this one again? My subscription ended, so I’ve turned to picking up my hit at Selfridges which is quite easily the best £4.40 I spend each month. The exception on my bookshelf is Grace, A Memoir by Grace Coddington, no beauty bumf to be seen instead a reflective look back at the life of Vogue’s Creative Director by the lady herself. This purchase was spurred on by my recent viewing of ‘The September Issue’ (I know, 5 years too late on this one!) where she basically kicks ass. I’m still at the beginnings, but I have a feeling that Grace has a good ol’ story to tell.
Initiation into the beauty bookworm club complete, additions to the reading list are welcomed and as always my pen is on note taking standby. And just remember, if we ever meet, have your nail polish shade name handy cause I will ask for it.
*PR Samples
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