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Bobbi Brown Living Beauty
Just in time for her fiftieth birthday, cosmetics industry icon Bobbi Brown has written THE book redefining beauty for women over forty. In a refreshing look at beauty and aging, Bobbi offers specific makeup tricks, showing how makeup can solve many of the 'flaws' that women will go under the knife to fix. With step-by-step instructions and inspiring quotes from beautiful women like Vera Wang, Susan Sarandon and Vanessa Williams, BOBBI BROWN LIVING BEAUTY is the essential bible for all women who wish to slow down the aging process and feel comfortable in their own, non-surgery-enhanced skin. Bobbi Brown's delightfully positive approach to aging will inspire women everywhere.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2007
About the author
Bobbi Brown
39 books166 followersIn addition to running her company, Bobbi continues to pursue her craft by creating the runway looks for New York Fashion Week. A permanent fixture backstage, she works with the industry’s best designers including Rachel Roy, J. Mendel, Erin Fetherston, Tory Burch and Cynthia Rowley.
Bobbi often does how-to segments on The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her advice can be found in syndicated columns and advice features for magazines and websites around the globe.
Of course, you can always find Bobbi where she began—on the set. Bobbi is still the world's most celebrated makeup artists for personalities and fashion magazines.
A New York Times bestselling author, Bobbi has written five instructional and engaging beauty and lifestyle books: Bobbi Brown Beauty, Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty, Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution, Bobbi Brown Living Beauty and Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.
For Bobbi, making other people's lives better simply makes sense. "I love helping others because it feels good," she says. On a year-round basis, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics donates generous financial and in-kind support to organizations including Dress for Success and the Jane Addams Vocational High School.
Bobbi often does how-to segments on The Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and her advice can be found in syndicated columns and advice features for magazines and websites around the globe.
Of course, you can always find Bobbi where she began—on the set. Bobbi is still the world's most celebrated makeup artists for personalities and fashion magazines.
A New York Times bestselling author, Bobbi has written five instructional and engaging beauty and lifestyle books: Bobbi Brown Beauty, Bobbi Brown Teenage Beauty, Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution, Bobbi Brown Living Beauty and Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual.
For Bobbi, making other people's lives better simply makes sense. "I love helping others because it feels good," she says. On a year-round basis, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics donates generous financial and in-kind support to organizations including Dress for Success and the Jane Addams Vocational High School.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 10, 2009
One of the best beauty books that I've read. I love that Ms. Brown says that beauty should be from the inside out. She is an advocate of natural beauty. I liked this book!
January 11, 2022
I bought this book ages ago, and I have flipped over the pages before but this time I took the time to actually read it from cover to cover. I thought I could get rid of the book as soon as I finish but now that I've done reading it, I'm definitelt keeping it for future reference.
The book tackles almost everything: skincare, makeup, hairstyles, styling, menopause, eating well and makeovers. Bobbi Brown gives her own tips and gets some experts to give advice on the topics she doesn't have in-depth knowledge on. There are also testimonials and opinions on beauty from various women. The book basically tells us women that contrary to what the media would have us believe, our lives don't end after we reach 40. In fact, it could be the beginning of a new beautiful life.
The book tackles almost everything: skincare, makeup, hairstyles, styling, menopause, eating well and makeovers. Bobbi Brown gives her own tips and gets some experts to give advice on the topics she doesn't have in-depth knowledge on. There are also testimonials and opinions on beauty from various women. The book basically tells us women that contrary to what the media would have us believe, our lives don't end after we reach 40. In fact, it could be the beginning of a new beautiful life.
June 24, 2009
I won a copy of Bobbi Brown’s Living Beauty from a contest by Wendi at Wendi’s Book Corner. When I read a summary of the book I realized it was targeted to women 40 and over and since I am still in my 30s I asked my wonderful Mom to read it and give me her viewpoint.
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Here are her comments:
I was impressed by the detail Bobbi goes into to bring knowledge and insight to women over 40. It is refreshing to see the improvements that can be achieved by experience and care. I enjoyed the makeover pictures and all the information on conditions of my skin that I am experiencing but did not know there was a solution for. I have started an exfoliating regime and moisturizing face and body. I have also enjoyed the info about lipstick and gloss for older women. Another thing I knew but had not read it quite like Bobbi puts it, was diet and meditation, how they work together to inspire energy (very interesting) and you are what you think and eat. Another section that informed me was the section on midlife pregnancy, a topic never a concern in my past or future, but it opened up my eyes to what younger women are dealing with, in fact I believe having babies at an older age is the key to staying younger because good health is critical for a safe delivery. I still have the second half of the book to read. It has commentaries from individual women; I look forward to their comments. THANK YOU FOR THE KNOWLEDGE.
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I admired how BB ‘kept it real’ with explaining a bit of her own missteps in living beauty and then providing a mantra of how she views her own beauty now. There is an abundance of before and after comparisons of makeovers of women over 40…some of them are quite dramatic and show just what a little bit of under eye concealer, highlighter and lipstick can do. The book also has sections on skin treatments, hair makeovers, menopause and nutrition. A great guide for women over 40 who want bring their health and beauty up a notch or two.
http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot....
************
Here are her comments:
I was impressed by the detail Bobbi goes into to bring knowledge and insight to women over 40. It is refreshing to see the improvements that can be achieved by experience and care. I enjoyed the makeover pictures and all the information on conditions of my skin that I am experiencing but did not know there was a solution for. I have started an exfoliating regime and moisturizing face and body. I have also enjoyed the info about lipstick and gloss for older women. Another thing I knew but had not read it quite like Bobbi puts it, was diet and meditation, how they work together to inspire energy (very interesting) and you are what you think and eat. Another section that informed me was the section on midlife pregnancy, a topic never a concern in my past or future, but it opened up my eyes to what younger women are dealing with, in fact I believe having babies at an older age is the key to staying younger because good health is critical for a safe delivery. I still have the second half of the book to read. It has commentaries from individual women; I look forward to their comments. THANK YOU FOR THE KNOWLEDGE.
************
I admired how BB ‘kept it real’ with explaining a bit of her own missteps in living beauty and then providing a mantra of how she views her own beauty now. There is an abundance of before and after comparisons of makeovers of women over 40…some of them are quite dramatic and show just what a little bit of under eye concealer, highlighter and lipstick can do. The book also has sections on skin treatments, hair makeovers, menopause and nutrition. A great guide for women over 40 who want bring their health and beauty up a notch or two.
http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot....
February 15, 2012
Another good manual from Bobbi Brown, this time devoted to "older" women--40s and up--but really has great advice for anyone who is out of their 20s and wants to adjust makeup accordingly. Also loved the section on hair and nutrition!
July 2, 2024
I picked this book up thinking it could give me some easy advice on basic beauty/make up usage. I’m 45.
Yeah I feel bad instead- advice like getting a good nights sleep and working out first thing in the morning (I’m up at 415, at work by 5 and exhausted the rest of the day) and eating right and skin regimen which are more than my budget….it was frankly depressing.
I feel like the book was written for rich women living in the northeast. Just my take. The photos were beautiful though.
Yeah I feel bad instead- advice like getting a good nights sleep and working out first thing in the morning (I’m up at 415, at work by 5 and exhausted the rest of the day) and eating right and skin regimen which are more than my budget….it was frankly depressing.
I feel like the book was written for rich women living in the northeast. Just my take. The photos were beautiful though.
August 13, 2025
Midlife and beyond gets a glow-up. This one blends makeup, wellness, and lifestyle tips so you feel vibrant and confident without the pressure to “turn back time.” Think: nourishing self-care that shows on the outside.
February 5, 2015
This particular book is about aging. Seeing wrinkles, or skin changing color, and all that jazz. It talks about how we hardly see models over the age of thirty and to not compare ourselves to these women. I like how the book shows before and after pictures of women who have had procedures done and how they felt about that procedure. The examples it shows are women who use retinoids, chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, laser resurfacing, spa facials (who knew there was a big difference between home peels and spa peels), botox and non-surgical facelifts. These were really helpful to me. I have been starting to use products now in the morning and night and this helped me find some great brands (by looking at the ingredients).
The book really explains about how to use make-up as well. Especially for those dark circles under the eye. This is huge for me because lately I just have dark circles under my eyes. I mean dark! I recently picked up some concealer for under the eye and what a difference it has made. I also learned in this book that as you get older baked blush looks better. I bought some and seriously it is great. Also... any time you get your hair dyed have your stylist dye your brows too. It should be free and they should automatically do it anyways. The book does have a chapter on menopause so if you are younger and don't want to read about it then skip this book. Though I think it has good tips on preventing early aging so it may still be a good read for you.
The book really explains about how to use make-up as well. Especially for those dark circles under the eye. This is huge for me because lately I just have dark circles under my eyes. I mean dark! I recently picked up some concealer for under the eye and what a difference it has made. I also learned in this book that as you get older baked blush looks better. I bought some and seriously it is great. Also... any time you get your hair dyed have your stylist dye your brows too. It should be free and they should automatically do it anyways. The book does have a chapter on menopause so if you are younger and don't want to read about it then skip this book. Though I think it has good tips on preventing early aging so it may still be a good read for you.
February 3, 2009
this is my first library book review, and so it has inspired my rating system.
One star for each criteria:
Finished the book ★
I'd read it again ★★
I'd recommend it to someone else ★★★
I'd like to receive it as a gift ★★★★
I'm going to buy it ★★★★★
I have some issues with this book encouraging time consuming hair and makeup tips, but when you can look so much fresher with just a little concealer, it's hard to not appreciate that the author is trying to encourage us to age gracefully. Lots of good skin care tips, with a good glossary of cosmetics and associated implements. Definitely three-stars.
Adding a note here. I own another book by this author Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution (bought used) and I gave it five stars.
I'm going to get better at doing these reviews, but not tonight.
One star for each criteria:
Finished the book ★
I'd read it again ★★
I'd recommend it to someone else ★★★
I'd like to receive it as a gift ★★★★
I'm going to buy it ★★★★★
I have some issues with this book encouraging time consuming hair and makeup tips, but when you can look so much fresher with just a little concealer, it's hard to not appreciate that the author is trying to encourage us to age gracefully. Lots of good skin care tips, with a good glossary of cosmetics and associated implements. Definitely three-stars.
Adding a note here. I own another book by this author Bobbi Brown Beauty Evolution (bought used) and I gave it five stars.
I'm going to get better at doing these reviews, but not tonight.
February 16, 2011
I like Bobbi Brown. Basically, this book is a bunch of things she's learned in terms of beauty over her lifetime. Things like getting facials, teeth whitening, makeup (of course), wardrobe. I would say it seems primarily geared toward "aging" women, as she gives a lot of different tips (mostly makeup) to combat different aging issues. Even though she has a lot of makeup tips, I would say she still really emphasizes natural beauty (for instance, she's not into plastic surgery, lip plumpers, and thinks some typical aging signs like wrinkles are beautiful as you've earned them, etc), which I guess is what good makeup does. I would've given this a 2.5 star rating b/c there were a lot of "What is Beauty" answers from various women, that is nice, but just seemed kind of campy to me. I did get some nice tips for makeup though.
February 8, 2016
A great makeup tutorial!
I have read this book a hundred times and keep it with books as a great resource of user friendly make up tutorials. I would recommend this to any woman who would like to look great. The makeup advice I have used, everyday. I gave it 5 stars because I think in the genre of beauty books this one in tops. It is so well written you could read it in one sitting. I read other beauty books. They do not come go we to the 5 stars. I just think its great to read and grab you makeup that you have with you....look younger, brighter, and more polished. Reed it again and again.
I have read this book a hundred times and keep it with books as a great resource of user friendly make up tutorials. I would recommend this to any woman who would like to look great. The makeup advice I have used, everyday. I gave it 5 stars because I think in the genre of beauty books this one in tops. It is so well written you could read it in one sitting. I read other beauty books. They do not come go we to the 5 stars. I just think its great to read and grab you makeup that you have with you....look younger, brighter, and more polished. Reed it again and again.
November 8, 2010
The tips Bobbie Brown gives are helpful, however there is nothing new in this book if you read fashion and beauty magazines. I was slightly disappointed with the book-expecting a lot more from it. I thought there would be tips on technique and application-but nothing-she talks about what makeup brushes to use but does not show you their shape. She talks about color but once again no-sketches on how to apply it-just what colors to use. This book was akin to a magazine article.
February 11, 2012
I borrowed this book from my local library for my mother.
My mother absolutely loved it! Finally a book that has an entire chapter devoted to menopause.
It's about time there's a book that isn't about my age group but instead hers finally, for once!
All the magazines keep telling women to look like 10,20,30 years younger than their age!
Magazine companies should start writing more like this Bobbi Brown book.
My mother absolutely loved it! Finally a book that has an entire chapter devoted to menopause.
It's about time there's a book that isn't about my age group but instead hers finally, for once!
All the magazines keep telling women to look like 10,20,30 years younger than their age!
Magazine companies should start writing more like this Bobbi Brown book.
March 18, 2012
This is a great guide about the basics of skin care and everyday modern fashion that is easy to understand and implement. While I don't use Bobbi Brown's skin care and make up products, I came to recognize by reading this book that her advice is invaluable. "Living Beauty" is also an inspiring read, because many celebrities contribute to promote the idea that every woman is and can feel beautiful at any age and with any figure or color.
March 19, 2014
I didn't realize this was a makeup/lifestyle book for pre- and post-menopausal women. Whoops. But there are still some great tips in here. Although I think it's always annoying when people stray from their areas of expertise. Bobbi Brown is a makeup artist; I don't want to go to her for recipe tips.
January 25, 2008
For those of us who wish to age gracefully, without extreme measures like surgery (YIKES!) this is a great resource. She's so grounded and gives lots of sound advice on everything from make-up and skincare to diet/exercise and clothing choices. Nice read for women approaching 40 and beyond.
February 1, 2008
As a make-up artist in training, I really enjoyed reading this book and getting tips. I learned as I grow old, we need to rely more on cover-up and mosturizer than I do now. Those are the tips I learned. But you can make anyone look good with the right lighting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 26, 2009A fantastic look at beauty from an icon in the industry. Bobbi Brown not only looks at the surface but also takes what goes into our bodies into consideration and also what we do with it. Great advice on how every woman can bring out her inner beauty.
July 1, 2009
This book is for women of a certain age, but this is really a primer on how to put on make-up and to conceal what you consider your flaws.
To quote Bobbi Brown: "Makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident."
To quote Bobbi Brown: "Makeup is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident."
March 11, 2011
Bobbi writes the best makeup books! She is very descriptive and has wonderful pictures to show the look. She gives great tips for any skin type, age or color. Great book for beginners and professionals. It's for anyone who wants tips for makeup.
March 26, 2012
Maybe I am not old enough to fully appreciate this book yet... I am also disappointed that the "after" photos had been touched up. I feel like that defeats the purpose of what she was trying to show us.
August 2, 2015
Fabulous for ALL women no matter your age, shape, color, style. I'm a little younger than the targeted group, but I found a lot of her advice practical for now and as I get older. You can still be yourself--just a sleeker, more polished version! No heavy makeup and over-sprayed hair :-)
Want to Read
July 27, 2007I saw this one on Martha Stewart and thought it would be worth looking into...
August 13, 2007
Great tips on beauty and fashion. Love Bobbi Brown's philosophy on natural beauty and realistic expectations of oneself.
September 11, 2007
I read this in a couple of sittings at Barnes & Noble. It has some interesting tips about aging gracefully. And info about options without pushing trying to look 21 for the rest of your life.
February 1, 2008
I know this is superficial for a book reader's website but it really does have great tips for all you ladies!!!!
February 2, 2008
Great book on how to look your best. Lots of beauty, health, and fashion tips. Great on how to age gracefully-wear your sunscreen everybody!
Read
February 14, 2008hmm. I wonder how shitty this read is? Does Bobbi Brown keep it real and tell you that you just can't polish a turd? whatever. you wanna read this, that's your perogative!
I had to do it. sorry.
I had to do it. sorry.
February 17, 2008
A quick read...about a half hour! Full of makeup, hair and clothing tips for women over 40...the same old, same old but with great photographs and a little "celebrity" appeal!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2008
Just got this from the library, as I admire this cosmetics queen who looks and advocates a natural look. Some interesting tips on food and clothing as well as makeup.
March 31, 2008
Fantastic tips in here - the "make-up facelift" really is fabulous. Since I am reinventing myself this year, I imagine I'll be referring to it a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews

























