The Makeup of a Confident Woman: The Science of Beauty, the Gift of Time, and the Power of Putting Your Best Face Forward – A Proven System for Self-Assured Women

by Trish McEvoy

Internationally recognized makeup artist and trailblazing entrepreneur Trish McEvoy reveals her revolutionary, proven system that teaches women everywhere at any age to achieve total beauty security and confidence in this inspirational full-color playbook that is part empowering manifesto, part comprehensive how-to guide.

Thousands of women, both celebrities and private clients alike, have turned to Trish McEvoy’s proprietary system for applying makeup, and looking—and feeling—transformed. Now, millions of women will have the opportunity to access her secret method in one complete, gorgeous book that goes beyond the basic step-by-step makeup lessons.

Trish understands the power of beauty security. A woman with a positive self-image, can-do attitude, and sense of grace and calm will get what she wants out of life, and then some. But it’s not so easy to cultivate these qualities. Trish has a simple, 4-part solution. And it surprisingly starts with leveraging just a few minutes a day in a unique way. Even the most time-starved woman can do this, with lasting results.

Compiling all of her best wisdom, Trish begins with a passionate and persuasive argument that makes clear the importance of self-care, then offers specific strategies to transform yourself from the outside in. Infused with Trish’s trademark charisma, this motivational, must-have resource is filled with highly practical takeaways and tutorials that will equip you with the tools to face life at your most beautiful and self-assured.

The Makeup of a Confident Woman includes over 200 full-color illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Fashion

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2017

Reviews

[CatReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trish McEvoy is an American beauty guru who's had her own brand of cosmetics and cosmetic accessories since the 1970s (not sold at Ulta or Sephora, but apparently sold at Nordstrom); picking up this book was the first time I've heard of her, though. This is a brief, photo-heavy makeup tutorial book with a lot of step-by-step instructional photos on different "levels" of makeup. McEvoy defines level 1 as a simple and quick, no-makeup makeup look (concealer, foundation, bronzer, mascara, lip gloss), level 2 as a daily polished look (adding in blush, eyeshadow, contour, highlighter), and level 3 as a glamorous look (false eyelashes, more elaborate eyeshadow, winged liner, dark lips, etc.). She highlights these concepts by showing stepwise tutorials with several models (mostly young women who appear to be in their early/mid 20s, but a few older women) going from level 1 to 2 to 3. The final looks are well-done but nothing too ground-breaking in terms of product usage or technique (though running a neutral cream eyeshadow with a slight shimmer under the lower lash line is something I hadn't thought of before).

Content-wise, there's not much else here - a few words on brushes, skincare, making time for makeup in one's routine - but I think most people gravitate to these books for the photos and tutorials, and this book delivers on that front.

My statistics:
Book 197 for 2025
Book 2123 cumulatively

[Meghan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I can't believe someone would publish this. It is the same look and technique on 6 women... waste of paper.

[Michelle Carrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful layout and images. The images really drove the information home. I love to see the before and afters to compare results. Excellent FAQ, too.

[Nur Umar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from a library so I might would have a different feeling about it if I were to purchase it myself. The book has a nice sleek design to it, with fonts that are easy on eyes and clear pictures to illustrate the text. It feels almost like reading a magazine. For a beauty expert who had a lot of experience with makeup, you may find that most of the tips in the book a no brainer, something that you had already know before but still you'd learn something new either way. I like how she shows makeup examples for different skin colors and age. The technique shown in this book is rather geared towards enhancing natural beauty, though in three different levels of your easiness with makeup.

[S. Spelbring · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't apologize for the way you look.

This is not just a "how to put on makeup book" (she does do that, but it's not the entirety of the book), this is a self-care handbook based on makeup. Yep. The first chapter or two is basically "making time for yourself" and "if you look good, you feel good", which works well with makeup.

After that, Trish gets into her 8 Step System, with 3 Levels of intensity. She explains it all in her book so I won't get into it too deeply, but Level 1 people are those who wear makeup sometimes, but mostly are indifferent. Level 2 people take some time to put makeup on most days, and Level 3 people should have been makeup artists in another life.

Then she gets into the tutorials, following the steps and going through the levels. There are 5 tutorials, and then a series of how to correct your flaws, plus a section on tools. This book will not turn you into a makeup artist, but it can give you some tips on how to do your own makeup a little better, or give you a new technique to try.

[Kate Wilska · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book claimed to want to help people be more confident, but did not accomplish that purpose at all. It made it seem like makeup was necessary for confidence, only talked about "soft" and "natural" makeup, didn't mention artistic expression at all, made cursory comments about self care that were really only focused on makeup and skincare, and was overall very... girlbossy

[AP · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat helpful but lacking in details. Her models lack diversity. Only one Black woman, possibly one half-Asian model. The subject matters of skin care & make-up were treated superficially. I had more questions after reading this primer.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good tips to the basics of makeup and for people who want varying levels of makeup for different occasions. A little too much pep talk at the beginning for me so I flipped through those pages, but some may find it useful.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book - I read it in less than 24 hours! It was helpful to read the step by step process of applying makeup the right way (with pictures for each step!).

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. Enjoyed learning techniques as I’m aging and need to make adjustments to my routine. I love Trish’s simple and natural looks.

[Blane Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girls best friend

[Lizzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of tips

This is a good book full of tips and information about putting makeup on and how it can help you boost your confidence

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this take on various levels of make-up for various skin types and ages. I learned a few new tricks and also tried some really great new products.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I learned some new tricks from it.

[Heather]

I gave this book 5 stars because it would be PERFECT for a woman that is not confident with cosmetics, but loves the feel of being put-together. I thought of my mom immediately. I also loved how there were mature women featured in the book. No, this isn't a book of Instagram looks with huge eyebrows and tons of drag style cut-creases with bright colors. Nor is it a book of fashion edit style makeup looks. What you will find is a way to look polished and professional. You will also learn how to add a little more to your look to go from office to night out. It's a great book for a beginner teen or a mature woman that would love to look elegant and professional on a daily basis. If you are interested in large dark brows, heavy contouring, and cabaret drag style glitter just stick to Instagram and YouTube.