Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro

by Bobbi Brown, Debra Bergsma Otte (Primary Contributor), Sally Wadyka (Primary Contributor)

This is the book that Bobbi Brown's fans have been waiting for: her 25-plus years of makeup styling experience distilled into one complete, gorgeous book. Bobbi looks at everything from skincare basics to every aspect of facial makeup--from how to find the right color and type of foundation for any skin tone to how to apply every detail of eye makeup (Brows, Eye Liner, Eye Shadow, and Eye Lashes) no matter your eye color and shape. Of course there are never-before-seen tips on blush, bronzer, lip liners, lipstick, etc. And Bobbi looks beyond the face with informative chapters on "Hands and Feet" and "Body Skin Care." Each chapter has thorough step-by-step basic directions for makeup application and easy-to-follow photographs and line drawings, along with Bobbi's expert, yet assuring, advice. Plus, there's a groundbreaking section of the book that will be of special interest to women who've wanted to know how makeup stylists do what they do: the top beauty secrets only these artists know, essential equipment to keep on hand, how to break into the business, and how to work with photographers and celebrities.

Breathtaking photos of the finished faces-from everyday looks to exotic runway style-along with advice on putting it all together for every woman, make this a book like no other.

BOBBI BROWN'S MAKEUP MANUAL will be the only book any woman will need to look absolutely fabulous.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Reference, Self Help, Health, Art, How To

221 pages, Hardcover

First published November 25, 2008

About the author

In 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.

Reviews

[Roya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly good. I can't agree that everyone has yellow undertones. A lot of people, whether pale or dark, are cool-toned and have pink undertones. Most of the book is still quite useful and I'll probably refer to it in the future.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I have recently been trying to master my own makeup looks.

This is the book for you if you are looking to know more about products and how they work on your face/body.

Lots of other reference books are divided by feature: large eyes, fair skin, brunette, slender mouth, etc. This is all well and good but for me I would only read that parts that apply to me and, therefore, much of the book is left untouched. This book is divided by product: moisturizers, eyeliner, lip colour, etc. It discusses what the products do, how they are suppose to be use, and what you are looking for when you buy them.

Again, there is some information that is not relevant to me, but now I know what exactly a moisturizing balm is and it is up to me to decide whether I feel it is the right product for my skin type (she also talks about the make up of different skin types, so I actually can figure out whether it is right for me or not).

So, the bottom line here is that this book does not tell you how to put your face together or what products/brands you should buy. Instead it uses a broad-brush approach and defines and discusses the uses for different products. You will learn a lot more about the beauty products on the shelves through this book and be able to read what's in the product and understand what it means or look at the colour and identify whether it is right for you - rather than just being directed to a certain brand or quad set and being told that is that you should use.

This book is for someone who wants to know more about the beauty industry (it even has a section at the back for being interested in becoming professionals, I'm not so I skipped over it). If you want to be able to evaluate different products by yourself and decide what is good for you, and have a deeper understanding of what is what, then this book if for you. If you want an easy guide that will tell you what products/brands to buy and how to make-up your face (more hand holding information), then this isn't your book.

[JH · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book would be ideal for someone who has never worn makeup and desires to be a professional makeup artist. I found the tips redundant if her earlier books, and even some that were contrary to more modern wisdom (ex: Bobbi says to put on concealer then foundation, whereas everyone nowadays says to do the reverse so you don't end up wiping off the concealer...maybe not a big deal but she just sounded a little outdated). The first half of the book was redundant of every beauty article I've ever skimmed in a women's magazine and the middle content is better explained by YouTube beauty gurus. Not terrible, but nothing I would need to own.

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for : Personal Use, Great gift for a girl getting into makeup (promotes positive self image), Professionals in beauty/makeup field

In a nutshell: I was amazed at the amount of information and detail contained in this book! I was never really taught about makeup, so this has provided me with a lot of practical and technical information that I wasn't previously aware of. From basic beauty equipment and the basics of skin care to the business of makeup and professional artistry, this book has it all! The photographs are beautiful and help to show what the author is talking about, and the explanations are easy to understand. This is a beautiful book that would be great for someone wanting to learn more about makeup for themselves, or as a profession. It would also be a great book to have on-hand at a salon or spa.

Extended Review:
The information contained in the book covers just about everything I could ever think of pertaining to skin-care and makeup and then some. The colorful photographs serve to enhance the book by providing brilliant examples of what the author is talking about as well as how-to's with people actually showing how to apply what the author is explaining.

Content: The book progresses nicely through the following chapters: Makeup Artistry, Equipment, Skin, Face, Lips, Eyes, Ten-Step Guide to Perfect Makeup, Special Makeup Applications, Artistry, Essential Equipment for the Professional, Advanced Makeup Applications, Memorable Makeup Moments and Legends. It also contains a very helpful resource guide that provides Theatrical Makeup Stores, Makeup Artist Agencies, Creative Directories and Suggested Reading. As you can see, there is plenty of information designed both for the end-user (like me) as well as professionals!

Format: The chapters progress through the makeup application very nicely, with plenty of wonderful full-color photographs depicting both finished looks, and the steps to accomplish those finished looks (as well as products and colors).

Readability: Amazingly enough, with so much technical information throughout the book, it was written in a manner that was easy to read - even the harder artistry pages were easy to understand, if not easy to create for the novice!

Overall: A very complete book that is sure to teach everyone from the novice to the professional something about makeup in a way that is easy to understand and duplicate (hopefully! - I haven't tried ALL the examples).

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to be the one to say this but Bobby Brown has no idea what she's talking about. the first several chapters are about drinking lots of water and eating right which is great. but then she goes in to make up and talks about how rosacea and red skin it should be balanced with bronzers. I hate to tell you most people with rosacea have very fair skin and do not want to look like an Oompa Loompa. it's all about color correcting with green to counteract the redness. the whole book seems a little mismatched and I'm surprised at some of the duh moments I had trying to get through it.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

In these days of Instagram and influencers, it’s surprising that this book, first published in 2008, is still going strong. There’s nothing in here to frighten the horses, but lots of sensible advice, useful tips and solid, basic techniques for wearable, everyday looks.

[Heronolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moins que vous ne vous appeliez Lisa Eldridge, ce livre sera toujours utile !

Description des produits, des pinceaux, des tutoriels clairs en photos... C'est un plaisir à feuilleter.



Pour autant, il ne s'agit par d'une pub géante pour la marque de Bobbi Brown (d'ailleurs elle recommande régulièrement des produits concurrents via ce livre), ni une incitation à vider votre compte en banque chez Sephora.
C'est plutôt le contraire car même si vos tiroirs ne débordent pas de fards à paupière turquoise, vous pourrez toujours reproduire les looks du livre et y piocher des astuces.



Le super cadeau à faire aussi bien pour une débutante que pour une passionée de maquillage.

[Siona Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to rate this book. It’s really well written and formatted and the pictures are great. However there wasn’t anything new or revolutionary in the book to me. But I also took two make up classes through my university and I watch hella make up tutorials so I think for the average person this would be really great, I just already knew everything included. The best part of the book was towards the end where Bobbi talked about how to get bookings and find an agency and had a (very lol) brief timeline of the make up industry. I gave this four stars because I think for the non-initiated this would be really helpful.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really basic book. So possibly 3 stars is a little generous. If you are a beginner and you love book format then it would be worth it to buy, but who falls into this category? Youtube make-up gurus have totally killed this sort of book. A book can summarize the basics efficiently, as this does, but for explaining things video format cannot be beaten.

The structure of the book is logical & I definitely walked away from it having learned some new things ex: bronzer contour powder looking dirty on pale skin, line your eyes all the way around to look bigger and no waterline eyeliner for daily wear,advice on suncreen application etc

But it is really basic, there could be more pictures and guidance for colours or 'looks' & some of the advice is imo questionable (like doing underye concealer etc before eye makeup).

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb, original and innovative manual filled with many facts, tips, guides and information on everything from beauty to skincare to makeup looks. I love how Brown covers many types of skin tones and uses that as a basis for lots of different products (like foundation and cleansers, for example). It's great to have as a manual to consult for insight on everything I am interested in to things I didn't even know (and should), but now do thanks to this excellent guide from Bobbi Brown. Extremely recommended. 5/5 stars.

[bianca]

LOVED THIS BOOK. I wanted more things in the Professional category because that's why I bought this book, not for the begging part although I enjoyed that too and there were a couple of tips and tricks I didn't know there.
I really liked the LIFESTYLE section and it's so amazing that there's at least one beauty book that has this.

[Ozana Ozzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful, advices that always come handy.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the book’s fault but technology in make up and skin care has moved on a lot since it was published.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at skin-care and make-up. Learned a few things and also kept thinking what a great resource it would be for a new girl who is just entering the world of wearing make-up as well as those who are looking for a refresher.

[Jess Swann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, easy to read

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to know how to rate a book that I really just skimmed, but I think this one has good info and it clarified some things for me.

[Francesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect weekend read. I’ve nowhere to go with makeup on but it’s fun to try new looks.

[Sarah Ragsdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this! I read this ages ago when I was in my early 20's and wanted to re-read it mostly for the classic signature look Bobbi Brown is known for -- natural makeup. I've also been taking better care of my skin and wanted to brush up on her tips for a skincare routine, figure out what type of skin mine is and what ingredients to look for in products and what ingredients I should steer clear of for my type of skin. I also love her technique/use of bronzer. If I can make my makeup application look like Bobbi Brown's -- subtle, natural and glowing -- #goals. =D

[Jelena Milašinović · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the book was published 10 years ago and the makeup industry evolved, Bobbi Brown's book is still a good and staple makeup manual for anyone who's just starting with makeup and for every makeup lover who's a fan of Bobbi's work. The book is well written, every step is explained accompanied with gorgeous photos. The book is visually and textually stunning and personally I would keep it under my coffee table for a burst of inspiration and good tips.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wear very little makeup and now that I've discovered the magic of BB cream, it might be a while before I incorporate more complicated techniques into my routine. Bobbi's tutorial on eyeliner application was a godsend, though, and the photography is beautiful. I will also reference the sections on skin type-appropriate cleansers and moisturizers the next time I need to replenish my stock.

[Christina Southerland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

I thought this book would give me step by step instructions on how to apply makeup. It fell flat. It gives general instructions. If u are a beginner, don't waste your money. It doesn't show how to blend, how to apply powder or cream, it just doesn't. This book is more for ppl who are Bobbi Brown fans. Not for women who are looking for guidance or techniques.

[Ariela Mendes · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didnt like that book.. well I m not saying that its a really bad book, but for me this book isnt cool or interesting.

[Aphton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I f you are just starting out with makeup and want to know the basics, this book is IT.

[Neo Polaris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, here goes.

How is makeup so popular these days?

I mean, nail polish. It does bad things to the brain. It causes speech problems, walking problems, and memory loss. If you inhale it, it causes headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Of course, they don't tell you anything about that in advertisements, of course - TV, internet, billboards, magazines... They want to keep women down (and men up). If you want to be a part of it, go ahead. You're part of the patriarchy. If you like this book, if you try what they're trying, and if you don't want to save your money and spend on better things, then go ahead.

What a world we live in today.

I'm mean, things seem to be getting better over time. In France, there's a country where they used to make trousers illegal for women to wear. They want for them to be more "girly" (I mean, they're just clothes!! hunter-gatherers are mostly naked). To not be equal as a man. To look dainty, to not look strong. Not strong in any shape or form. Thankfully, they got rid of that illegal stuff.

And woman tend to be more natural with age. Wisdom tends to come with age. They start thinking "man, I better save my money".

Be natural like it nature. We are from nature. I mean, men used to reproduce with women without wearing makeup. So, why are you wearing it? Oh, because it makes you feel more pretty. You often feel like "we're doing it for ourselves, not for men". A lame excuse. They're trying to do that for men and not for themselves. I mean, gay woman tend to not do that. Some of them do, of course, "lipstick lesbians". But those are more rare. They see themselves and realize that they look just fine. Women, straight women, don't understand the way they look to men. So, the ads and their mother tend to pressure them, peer pressure, they succumb to it. Especially in high school, they spread that s*** around, and the crowd. It's like, in a crowd when people are rioting, even when people aren't angry, they feel it themselves as well. Universal consciousness, as they say.

So stand out from the crowd. Stand up to the crowd. And tell them the truth. Tell them to be natural and free.

They would boo you, probably. Think of what Gandhi said. "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you. And then you win."

Be a strong, daring woman. Not a dainty, weak-willed woman. Fight the power, as they say. Boycott the makeup, just be the world you want to be. That's the way a boycotting, that's all you have to do.

I hope Utopia is around the corner. Have technology that fits in with nature. BE like nature.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to keep the outside up ,as well as your inner person. Makeup.......Either you wear it or don’t.I do. First thing in my day, I brew coffee ,go to my vanity table and sip, listen to NPR, get ready for the day. Do I absolutely need to ? No, maybe not. Does it get me ready for the day? Hells yes. And Bobbi is all about subtle, no pale blue eyeshadow or false lashes. So many good tips in this book to keep you from looking like your Aunt Laura....not that there’s anything wrong with that. Circles of “rouge”, lipstick line seepage, 30’s eyebrows, a coating of fragrant face powder mingled wi clouds of “Youth Dew”, industrial strength hairspray. We are much younger looking than our ancestors,thanks to nutrition, etc, so it only takes a little fuss- free gilding to feel and look ready for a new day....even ( especially now, in social distancing). Sweatshirts feel a lot better if you look ready for anything., not like you are frazzled.If not now, when? Fly your flag. When you pass a mirror you won’t cringe. I got some good tips from Old Bobbi.Sometimes she’s a bit too beige but adapt to your face. Esp. Lips.........no ambers for this girl.I am enjoying playing with this, never had as much time before.

[Sahizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with great enthusiasm cause my interest in cosmetics over the years has increased incredibly. I guess I have become a part of the consumerist society officially with this interest. I like Bobbie Brown, she is very cool and charismatic. She is a wonderful makeup artist and she gives some hints here, about what goes with your eyes, and how you apply the shadow, lipstick or eyeliner. For someone who does not know anything about makeup it is a very very useful book. There are also some tips on nutrition and tricks like mixing your foundation with your hydrating cream to make your bandb and so on. So I like the ideas and how they are presented. I think I do not agree totally with the idea about the eye colour and the shadow colour that shall be used but I can guess there is truth in it. Red tones make people look tired or can make people look tired but during autumn I think reddish-brownish tones are nice. It is a good book, and it can be always kept at hand as a guide on "how was I doing that?" Cause I often forget how to apply things, weirdly. Maybe for someone who does makeup every day, it might be elementary but she means to tell everything from scratch so that makes sense. I like the book!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was perfect for me.

Could it be perfect for you?

Do you….
-Rarely watch or even dislike watching YouTube videos?
-When you do go down the YouTube rabbit hole, you actually feel yourself understanding some concepts, but when you go to apply them, it becomes too overwhelming?
-Wonder things like “How am I in my 30s and still so intimidated/awful/awkward with make up?” Or, even better, “which side of the eye am I supposed to start my mascara on (and why am I wondering this when it’s the only amount of makeup I’ve consistent done in the last 15 years)?”
-Spend a significant amount of time trying a technique, just to wash it away because it looks awful (when it actually doesn’t - you’re just not used to wearing it)?

I won’t lie, I’m hopeless, and still hopeless, but this book gave me the simple directions I needed to know how to do the basics AND feel confident enough in my self to not feel awkward about it. I now wear eyeliner and bronzer on a consistent basis. That’s huge progress for me.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book lists and explains the basics for makeup- skincare, makeup application, makeup brushes, and more. The steps in this book were very easy to understand, and the advice is very useful. I would say that this is a better book for beginners, but any person could find something useful in this book. For example, I have been wearing makeup for a few years, and I have a relatively good knowledge of makeup, but it is still helpful to learn a few new things. It also contains information that isn't for beginners--- for those who want to break into the beauty industry. Although I'm not interested in doing that, it was still intriguing to read about, and it would probably be helpful for future MUA's.
The book also contains a short history about makeup and famous makeup artists.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bobbi Brown's book is somewhat good for a beginner, but her section on foundation matching leaves a lot to be desired. She doesn't go over what to do with rosacea at all. Most people with rosacea have ruddy faces and matching the foundation to the forehead will end up with a pink face, and a yellow neck. Foundations should be matched to the neck. She also doesn't seem to like to use color and doesn't go over what to do with colorful shades of eyeshadow. She doesn't show you how to blend eyeshadows together either.

[Amanda Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best for beginners

I purchased this book because I’m not a beginner but definitely not a pro. I am interested in perfecting my technique so I can do makeup on the side. This book has some good tips overall. However, if you know even a little about application and basics this book isn’t for you. Also, the pictures are not really clear and I believe some were even mislabeled. I have the Kindle edition so that might be specific to this version. Overall a good read but save your money for a more advanced manual if you are not just starting out.