5 Books To Help You Step Up Your Beauty and Style Routine

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro, by Bobbi Brown
That title ain’t lying; whether you own enough makeup to rival a Kardashian, or consider lip balm to be excessively flashy, you need this book. Written by makeup maven Bobbi Brown herself, the Makeup Manual is a comprehensive guide to everything from the basics of good skincare to the proper way to apply eye shadow. Brown goes out of her way to make each section accessible to any reader, with step-by-step instructions and helpful pictorials. While I find the Makeup Manual to be an excellent guide, what I really like best is the encouragement and support the author provides on every page. It’s clear Brown believes anyone can become a beauty ninja.

Always Pack a Party Dress: And Other Lessons Learned From a (Half) Life in Fashion, by Amanda Brooks
Initially, I had my doubts about the accessibility of Always Pack a Party Dress. After all, it’s written by the former fashion director for Barneys of New York, a luxury department store that’s waaaayyy outside my diva-on-a-budget lifestyle. But I’m so so glad I changed my mind!  Always Pack A Party Dress is worth the read, no matter your fashion budget. Her style tips are straightforward and awesome, and left me feeling sartorially inspired. I also love that Brooks makes the extremely wise choice of including gorgeous photos to illustrate her fashion pointers. She also gives readers a glimpse into her own fashion journey, sharing everything from her love of Grateful Dead concerts (!!!) to descriptions (and pictures) of her best and worst outfit choices.

Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style, and Success—Online and Off, by Michelle Phan
If you like me, are a self-described “beauty guide addict,” than it should come as no surprise to you that Phan’s Make Up makes this list. For those who don’t know, she’s a self-taught makeup guru and YouTube sensation. Since joining YouTube in 2006, Phan’s channel has amassed over a billion page views and a loyal following of more than seven million subscribers. Much of her popularity is due to her ability to make any makeup technique accessible, from the best way to fix broken makeup to Halloween-themed “Zombie Barbie” tutorials. In her book, Phan intersperses easy (really easy) step-by-step makeup guides (like how to the achieve the perfect cat-eye) with lifestyle tips, encompassing everything from modern text etiquette advice to crafting your own online persona. Make Up is essentially a wonderfully curated distillation of the best of her innumerable videos.

The Everyday Supermodel: My Beauty, Fashion, and Wellness Secrets Made Simple, by Molly Sims
I have loved fashion model and actress Molly Sims since her first television appearance as the host of MTV’s House of Style in the early 2000s. Since then, Sims has become a household name. It’s easy to see why; she’s gorgeous, with a warm, funny, and approachable onscreen persona and an enviable sense of style. Which is why I had high hopes that her new book would be both entertaining and full of great fashion tips—and I’m happy to say The Everyday Supermodel lives up to those expectations. The book is a charming mix of fashion and beauty tips, insight into the fashion industry, and holistic wellness advice. I was also pleasantly surprised by the expansive nature of the guide. Sims really goes out of her way to help readers learn how to take care of their entire bodies. From “naked” selfies showcasing her own skin issues, to a section on full body care, Sims’ attention to detail is a bonus for readers.

Korean Beauty Secrets: A Practical Guide to Cutting Edge Skincare and Makeup, by Kerry Thompson and Coco Park
This book hits shelves in November 2015! K-beauty products are becoming increasingly popular overseas, with a well-deserved reputation for high-quality ingredients and excellent results. But the K-beauty scene can be overwhelming to newbies (*raises hand*) owing to the dizzying array of products to choose from. This is why Korean Beauty Secrets is an essential. Written by bonafide K-beauty bloggers Kerry Thompson and Coco Park, it promises to help curious users find the right product for their skin type in easy to follow steps. I’ve already pre-ordered a copy and highly recommend you do the same.
What are your favorite beauty and style guides?