Makeup Is Art: Professional Techniques for Creating Original Looks [Hardcover]

I pre-ordered this book and got it two days earlier than was estimated, in case anyone is wondering what Amazon shipping is like, A+.

Now, I will admit that I'm only 16 but, I take my dream of being a make-up artist seriously. I have to say that I've gotten a lot of people who doubt my opinion because I'm young but, I've wanted to be a make-up artist since I was very young and I would have to say I'm as good as most of the "beauty gurus" on YouTube, if not better.

Anyways, This book is just what it says it is - Professional Techniques for Creating Original Looks - and more. In the back of the book, there are tips on being a good make-up assistant and backstage etiquette. Obviously, the book is targeted toward the aspiring make-up artist but, I feel like anyone who just enjoys looking at beautiful pictures would also enjoy this book.

I have to say, the only thing that I was disappointed in was the 1950's look that was portrayed. I was quite pleased that they didn't try to do the signature Marilyn Monroe look and instead tried a mix of Classic Barbie meets Lucille Ball but, the lips were just over-exaggerated. I do know that the pin-up look involved a bigger top lip but, not to that extent. It was the only look that was too comical for me.

In a nut shell, this book is bomb. It beats all of the other make-up books I own because it's not just for women who want to learn how to put on their own make-up better. It's definitely more for the people interested in ARTISTIC makeup. 5/5 stars.

Let me just start of by saying Amazon's shipping is amazing, less than $10 I received same day shipping. Took less than 6 hours to get to my doorstep! But now the book, I've been stalking it for quite some time now and it has definitely delivered. Very thick, sturdy hardback book with a slip cover on top, perfect for a coffee table book. It does begin by going over quick skin care tips, gave great info but nothing you wouldn't see in another makeup/beauty book. Then it dives right into the face, and the face structure, foundation, primers, etc...giving quick yet detailed information.

Starting off with the eyes, and different textures of eyeshadow, eyeliners, and lashes. There is a quick page on the standard smokey eye look, which is quite pretty, followed by a few pages of eye looks and quick instruction on how to apply. If you're looking for a book which is going to give you very detailed information, this is not the book. Most of the information requires an immediate knowledge of makeup, makeup products and how to apply them.

Next lips, they go over three lip looks, basic but statement lips. From there, they do have a small section on period (decade) looks, they were for the most part okay. For the rest of the book, they do go over a red carpet look, working with musicians and actresses/actors, editorial and advertising. But all very briefly, like maybe 2 pages with one of those pages being a photo. Near the end of the book is where it really gets into very colorful, adventurous, and edgy makeup, including body art. A very nice surprise was getting to the end of the book where not only did they do a Q and A of getting into the make up artistry business but also what to do and expect at fashion shows (backstage and catwalk).

Now the 4 stars simply comes from the lack of diversity in the book, about half way through I realized there were practically no darker toned women, or minorities for that matter, in the book. That to me is an issue and it bugged me to not see people who look like me, especially when i know there are tons of asian and black models in the industry. I do wish there was more information on the photos themselves, maybe quick tips or something, rather than 5 pages of photos in a row to take up space. Other than that I enjoyed the book and it was definitely worth the wait, and a must have for any makeup lover.

Look at that cover. Look at the description. I ordered this expecting to get "Professional Techniques for Creating Original Looks"

Unfortunately, most of this book, like most makeup books, is mindlessly devoted to covering the basics. I dont need a description of every basic, when I'm ordering a book based on a description and cover that would allude that it would be professional techniques, perhaps, even as described, i would learn a "range of inventive looks using specialist techniques-from retro styles and Lady Gaga-inspired designs to underwater makeup and body painting."

And the book does cover that. About a page for each, and the interesting part of the book that I expected the whole book to be, barely covers a quarter of it. Most of the book is just big pictures, and limited relevant content.

it's a lovely coffee table book, great for a beginner, but why sucker me in with a beautiful bejeweled face and touting original looks? I don't need the basics and fundamentals.

there are gems tucked in the middle of paragraphs that really are helpful for budding makeup artists, but I expected a wider range of high end ART techniques.

if you want to learn how to do makeup in a high end sense, you are MUCH MUCH better off buying Kevyn Aucoin's Face Forward and Making Faces.