Making Faces

Making Faces

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4.32 of 5 stars 4.32  ·  rating details  ·  1,149 ratings  ·  108 reviews
America's preeminent makeup artist shares his secrets, explaining not only the basics of makeup application and technique but also how to use the fundamentals to create a wide range of different looks. 200 color photos & sketches.
Paperback, 160 pages
Published September 2nd 1999 by Little, Brown and Company (first published October 1st 1997)
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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,882)
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Monica!
Let me start out by saying that I am simultaneously obsessed with make-up, and really really really bad at applying it successfully. As a result, I am constantly reading instructional books just like this one and then falling into a pit of despair as I realize that I’m physically incapable of putting on eyeliner without stabbing myself in the cornea.

With that in mind…

This book looks like it would be a FANTASTIC reference for anyone capable of following clear written and illustrated examples.

Ap...more
Vanessa
This is the second makeup book which I "read" and there is definitely more substance to this than in the overrated crappy Sephora "catalogue". I admit that I did not read every single page of this one as well because I'm not interested in applying foundation or bleaching my brows, but even when I glanced over the pages on these subjects I can say for sure that the tips and tricks Aucoin provides were darn good and easily achieved because he gives you all the steps you need with accurate illustra...more
Eden
Jan 11, 2013 Eden rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone starting on make-up and make-up lovers
5 stars

Making Faces is the best book on make-up I have ever come across. Even though it was published in 1999, the make-up looks are very actual.

The first part of the book focuses on introducing the tools and the techniques: how to contour and highlight, how to shape the eyebrows, the different types and textures of eyeshadow, how to apply false eyelashes..., including the basic eye looks (smokey, neutral, shimmery...) that, if mastered, will allow you to create any look you want. Very useful in...more
Katie Bliss
Such an excellent book on applying make-up with beautiful pictures and simple, straightforward methods that even I can do! I'm excited to add some new things to my make-up applying repertoire and have a trip to Target planned tomorrow to grab some supplies (eyelash curler - a first, for me, white eyeliner, etc.). Most of all, I was impressed with Kevyn Aucoin's completely gracious approach to make-up and beauty, seeing it in absolutely every creature, and bringing the glamour out in all his mode...more
Dyah Rinni
Jan 05, 2010 Dyah Rinni rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: make up lover, beginner
Jika saya hanya boleh punya buku bertopik make up, maka buku ini yang akan saya pilih.

Kevyn mengajarkan cara sederhana dalam berdandan. Ia percaya bahwa make up adalah untuk menonjolkan kecantikan perempuan yang telah ada, bukan untuk menonjolkan make up itu sendiri. Karena itu ia lebih suka hanya dengan memakai beberapa produk, bukannya berlapis-lapis sehingga lebih mirip mobil dempulan.

Alasan lain adalah, buku ini menampilkan perempuan dari beragam usia dan etnis. Jadi bukan sekedar model kul...more
Lena Tumasyan
I picked up this books from a friend. I really liked its big size and full color photos. I did not just glace at the photos, I actually read the entire book.

Kevyn does a really great job of encouraging the reader to experiment with makeup, and not just with colors, but also with the way you apply it, location, tools, and more. He does a GREAT job of summarizing styles throughout the decades and gives you step-by-step instructions with color and makeup suggestions for you to replicate the looks....more
Suzanne Costner
In a more leisurely and glamorous part of my life I spent HOURS studying this book. ,I in fact, went to a company halloween party as a very convincing Betty Boop using techniques I garnered from this tome. Bee-sting pucker, pin curls, false eyelashes and the exact right eye-liner, the night was magnificent. Being more of a sunscreen and lipgloss kind of woman today, I think I should go get this book again just for the pleasant nostalgia. Who knows? Maybe next Halloween may be the time to try ano...more
Ashley Knight
If you want have no clue how to appyly your makeup, BUY THIS BOOK NOW! I was gifted this book and now, buy it for others who are just starting out with their makeup, or to anyone who needs help. Kevin was a magician and he openly taught others how to look their best. This book give you step by step instructions on how to create the stars' looks on your own - right down to the colors, etc.... I'm telling you, you'll learn so much! I wish the talented Kevin had not passed away - I often wished I c...more
Rori Rockman
I was so captivated by this book I kept it in my car and looked at it at red lights. It starts out with basic instructions on how to make up your face, eyes, and lips. It then goes on to show you a bunch of different looks you can achieve with makeup, and step-by-step instructions. There are pictures so you can see exactly where the eye liner goes, how you should trace the lip shape, etc. He even specifies what consistency each product should be, such as powder versus liquid blush, pencil eye li...more
Rachel
The obvious aim of this book is to show people how to apply make up, which it does very well. What makes it worthwhile is all the ways it goes above and beyond that basic goal. The photography is beautiful (it's worth looking at just for that). Kevyn Aucoin's story of growing up, the stories of his siblings, and their role in the development of his talent is compelling and inspiring.

After the section on basics, there's a section of "looks" developed for ordinary people (male and female) alongsid...more
Unwisely
I'm a little conflicted about counting this as "read", because it's largely pictures. It's mostly a make-up how-to book (some of us missed that class), with a little bit of autobiography. There is a section on basics, a before and after section, and then a part on specific looks, with directions. I haven't actually tried any of it, but it seemed like a useful book on the topic and Kevyn Aucoin seems like he'd be fun to hang out with (or have do your makeup.)
Maryann Cole
I love this book! I own it and I refer to it still. It is beautifully photographed and has steps and tips for readers to achieve his polished look. Kevyn was truly a gifted makeup artist. He really transformed everyone into someone beautiful. I always had this crazy wish that If I could have won big bucks I would have flown him here to my home just so he could do my makeup just once! I know it sounds goofy, but it's true. I was truly saddened when he died.
Fareesa
When I read this book at 10...it was my downfall. I was immediately drawn to makeup and colours, and since then have had an addiction. Aucoin was a true genius, and of the first real "artists". Though this book has beautiful portraits, it will not really TEACH you how to do makeup...more just admire the transformations and makeovers that can happen. Had it given more step=by-steps, I think I would have ranked it higher. More of a book of art than a guide.
Sarah
This is a classic for learning how to contour and create other optical illusions. The cover looks boring and dated but the content is very much current and relevant. Many different techniques and overall effects are demonstrated, and not just on models--looks are shown on both celebrity models and then again on ordinary people to show how it can be wearable. The celeb pictures are stunning; look for Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder and many others.
Chris Schmutz
This is what I mean when I say that I only read books with pictures, lots and lots of really really big and beautiful pictures. This is one of the most amazing books I've ever seen - that's right, SEEN. Its presentation is excellent to be sure, but Kevyn's artistry is absolutely astounding. Very few truly gifted artists pass our way, and he definately was wonderful. Like so many great ones, he passed away way, way too young.
Charity
This is a makeup book that shows specific kinds of makeup jobs, most of them very dramatic. The specific face types were interesting to look at because they were shown with examples from Hollywood. As far as practicality goes, I may use what I learned for Halloween or for a costume party, it is definitely not for everyday wear. It was interesting to read but wouldn't be my first choice to learn the ins and outs of makeup.
Stephanie Kabetzke
For those who are makeup artists, or are simply interested in makeup, this book is amazing! The work in this book is phenomenal, and the photography of the models (many of them famous celebrities) is beautiful. Along with the pictures are guidelines and tips on how to achieve each look, plus general makeup tips to improve your technique! Even if you are not interested in makeup, the pictures alone are fantastic.
Valerie
Not interested in make up most of the time but then it is time to go out! I was always fascinated by how professional make up artists could change my entire look. This book gives me techniques to try to create various looks. And it defined various looks for me for the first time. It appeals to my imagination and hopefully enables me to appeal to my husbands imagination!
SterlingSpider
Stunning photography, inspirational looks, and clear concise layouts. This book furnished me with looks I had never considered and nuances of old tried and true favorites. I especially appreciated the occasional cross references showing when a look was used to a different effect on a different face in the book, it really highlighted the range of potential that each style could offer.
Natalie Pietro
Good book to teach you how to apply make up properly. However I think this book would had been much better 13 years ago when it first came out. The makeup sure has changed from bright bold red lips and dark smokey eye shadow to soft natural makeup today. Still has great beauty tips. I loved the celebrates that graced the pages. Quick interesting read.
Megan
If nothing but an aesthetic feast, the late Aucoin's approach to makeup was true artistry. Aucoin's approach to application was unique, in that he had all clients lying down, face up. His clients were his canvases. While the application techniques may be more geared toward makeup artists, there is still much to be gained by the reader with various tips.
Kristin
Kevyn Aucoin is a legend in the world of makeup artists and Making Faces is one of his bestselling tutorial books. It's good and a great reference for anyone interested in makeup as an art form but personally, I prefer Face Forward.
Margaret
What a lovely book...this book was inspired by Way Bandy's _Styling Your Face_ which at first glance would seem to be a really dated makeup book you might find in your grandma's archives...HOWEVER! Kevyn brought it up to date in this version but it is clearly a knock off of his predecessor. It was made for the modern woman wanting to understand technique and ideas that are the basic, simple artistic ideals of what makeup is all about. If you ever took drawing and painting 101...or color theory.....more
LaTonya
I read this book many years ago and I learned some great tips and tricks. This was my first introduction to make-up and I was pleased with how informative it was. I also enjoyed seeing Kevyn Aucoin's work on many celebrities and how he shows you how to create the looks for yourself. This was a great read.
Natalie
this book taught me everything I know about makeup. really fun to see the makeovers & of course, Mr. Aucoin's transformation of Gwyneth Paltrow into, say, James Dean. really cool stuff without being annoying/passive-aggressive like most beauty books.
Beth
The photos are beautiful and it is a wonderful testament to the genius and the beauty that Kevyn Aucoin brought to this world. He was a magician and an artist. I re-read this all the time or just flip through and look at the pictures for inspiration.
Melanie
I am seriously lacking in makeup techniques and knowledge, and I thought my sister-in-law read this once, so I got it from the library. (It had good reviews on Amazon too.) I have learned a lot about different types of makeup and how to apply them. I bought some new makeup and will be trying some things out. Wish me luck!
Joy
Jan 27, 2012 Joy added it
America's preeminent makeup artist shares his secrets, explaining not only the basics of makeup application and technique but also how to use the fundamentals to create a wide range of different looks. 200 color photos & sketches.
Heather Moss
Thank god my friend Lee finally gave this book back to me after having borrowed it for several years. I use almost all of the advice Aucoin gave in this book. It's really too bad he died so young; I could have used his continued guidance.
Janet Richards
The man was a make-up genius. Best Make-up book ever!

As a person that grew up not wearing make up - I had to learn about it as an adult. This book taught me so much. It's so beautiful - I'm glad I have the phyiscal book.
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Making Faces (Hardcover)
All About Make Up
All About Make Up
Making Faces (Hardcover)
Making Faces (Hardcover)

Face Forward The Art of Makeup 2005 MAC Bible Cosmetics Training Manual Kevyn Aucoin, a Beautiful Life: The Success, Struggles, and Beauty Secrets of a Legendary Makeup Artist

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