Calling all beauty addicts...if beauty balm is your best friend, mascara your must-have and serum your saviour, then look no further. Here are the best beauty bibles
We're partial to a beauty haul here at Marie Claire, or should we say guilty of too many. There's just something irresistible about those cosmetic counters, and the latest products we can't live without. Satisfy your obsession with our totally covetable collection of beauty bibles, from the history of make-up, to tips, tricks and looks, we've got in covered. NB: you'll have the urge to take to the mirror with your make-up brushes after reading these.
Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge British make-up artist Lisa Eldridge looks at the history of make-up and boy were we surprised to learn how that lippy on our dressing table came about. Let's just say we're immensely glad to know animal fat and dried insects don't feature on the ingredient list anymore...we hope. The amazing images, from start to finish, are a feast for the eyes - if your life is in need of a touch of colour, then this is your book.
Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese We can't be the only ones lusting after Dita Von Teese's flawless complexion, surely?! Well lust no longer because the burlesque beauty is spilling the secrets behind her demure image. From brow shaping to lipstick application, this is a must-have if you're looking for a few beauty hacks to nail that ultra-glam festive look. Get your hands on this number from 1st December.
Miles of MAC by James Gager and Miles Aldridge A beauty addict's cosmetics collection isn't complete without a little MAC, and it shouldn't be any different when it comes to your book selection. True to MAC's signature rainbow of shades, the evolution of the make-up brand is told through 200 polished colour photographs that will brighten up any dull winter day.
Pretty Honest: The Straight-Talking Beauty Companion by Sali Hughes A refreshingly frank collection of essays on everything from doing your make-up on the bus to dealing with skin flare-ups/skin conditions and using cosmetics to boost your mood after illness. It's a reminder that make-up can be a part of everyday life (not just for going out) and is meant to be fun. This read features more words than pictures but is worth it as it's a genuinely uplifting take on the subject.
Neal’s Yard Beauty Book by Susan Curtis, Fran Johnson and Pat Thomas The perfect read if you fancy a more holistic approach to your beauty routine. From natural homemade skincare remedies to make-up looks, this book gives the lowdown on how to master beauty from the inside out. There are 100 organic recipes featured, ready to be tried out. (Hello, avocado and banana facemask.)
Words by Ashleigh Houlton