What do you think?
Rate this book
Skin Deep: Women on Skin Care, Makeup, and Looking Their Best
The New York Times beauty writer gets the world’s most photographed people to share their intimate rituals in “the utmost authority on all things beauty” (Bobbi Brown). Skin Deep explores the surprising role that beauty plays in the lives of everyone from ballet dancers to musicians, models to powerful entrepreneurs. Beauty writer Bee Shapiro reveals the secrets of more than forty beauty icons, including their daily skin care regimens, opinions on makeup, hair care, diet and exercise, and the way beauty has evolved for each person over the course of his or her life.You’ll learn how Kylie Jenner gets Instagram-ready; the preferred face mask of supermodel Natalia Vodianova; what beauty staples Olympian Allyson Felix uses off the track; and exactly what makes Martha Stewart’s skin-care regimen cost $2,000. Including ten new subjects, alongside favorites like Gwyneth Paltrow, Priyanka Chopra, and Anna Kendrick, plus sidebars and photography, Skin Deep takes an intriguing look at contemporary beauty, not only through entertaining celebrity interviews, but with in-depth guidance from experts like Christophe Robin and Patrick Ta.
- GenresNonfictionHealth
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2017
27 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 21, 2017
I like to experiment. I think of it as a form of self-expression. I'm someone that it constantly testing herself and pushing her own boundaries. I could say I never wear blue eyeshadow, but then I've found myself in situations where that would work.
This book is simply a collection of some of Bee Shapiro's columns, in which she interviews female celebrities about their makeup, skincare, fragrance, diet, exercise, etc.
I'll hide who this book is about under a spoiler tag simply so you don't have to read this if you don't want to, not because it is a secret.
The celebrities are:
None of these are people I particularly care about. Gabrielle Union and Anna Kendrick are probably the only two I really feel a flutter for.
Another drawback of the book is that it will be very quickly dated. All the celebrities list their favorite products... but how long are these going to actually be on the market? In some cases, not very long - although the book does talk about holy grails such as Ruby Woo lipstick by MAC, Cherries in the Snow lipstick by Revlon, Smith's Rosebud Salve, NARS Orgasm... you know... staples.
Not only will this book be outdated soon, but these are rich women with rich taste. This isn't stuff you or I can probably afford. It's Tom Ford and Jo Malone and Chanel. I mean, we are not going to be adopting these women's beauty routines. Who could, except other celebrities and rich people? They all talk about their personal masseuses who come to the house. Come on. o.O These people's lives are so far from mine it's insane. Their makeup/skincare/fragrance budget is probably what I make in a year.
However, I have an intense interest in skincare/makeup/fragrance so I gobbled this book up, even though my interest in celebrities is minimal and I don't even care about / recognize even half the people in here. Probably an average citizen who did not have intense interest in these things would find the book even more boring. So please take my star rating with a grain of salt.
I wanted Shapiro to go in depth about makeup: how powerful, mad scientist, creative, artistic makeup is and how it is an arsenal, weapons for your disposal to use against the world. I wanted her to talk about color cosmetics and what an explosion they are, how Instagram and YouTube are revolutionizing makeup use for the common citizen. I mean, just think about the new release of Fenty Beauty and the impact of people like Nyma Tang.
All of these are important matters that I would like to discuss. Makeup is for everyone, EVERYONE, and it isn't dependent on you being thin, pretty, white, rich, or young. Or female. I can use makeup to turn me into a badass, a druid, a fairy, a forest goddess, a water nymph, a mountain matriarch, an island queen, a desert princess, a tough private investigator, a shy academic, a Valkyrie, a prairie witch,... there's no end to it. And I'm not talking about HALLOWEEN makeup here, or costumes - just everyday looks that evoke these things or express this feeling.
For instance, today I wore dark purple eyeshadow that faded out into a silver glittery edge, used that same dark purple as an eyeliner, winged my eyes and paired it with a lavender lip. It was very 'goddess of the night, mistress of the dark.' *nod nod*
Dark eyeshadow isn't attractive, Carmen.
See, this is the thing. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I wear makeup because I like it and it pleases me. I leave the house looking like a badass belladonna. I spend my hours at work looking like a badass belladonna and I know everyone can see it. I come home looking like a badass belladonna.
The next day I might want to look like a princess, or a boss. Who knows. o.O But either way, I am SLAYING. Why isn't Shapiro discussing why you should think about wearing blue-tone red lipstick to important business meetings? It's imperative to look as if you've been gorging on the blood of your enemies when trying to cut a deal. My friend always says, "Red lipstick makes men fear you and women respect you." Let's discuss this. Let's discuss how what makeup you choose to wear or not wear impacts your life and the people around you.
Men find women who wear makeup... or noticeable makeup... unattractive, Carmen! :(
I know exactly how many times I have worn makeup to please men. It's ZERO. ZERO TIMES. I've worn makeup for women and with the hopes of pleasing women occasionally, but never men. Who gives a fuck about what men think of my appearance or their opinion on my makeup? WHO GIVES A FUCK.
I'm well aware that heterosexual men (IME) prefer no makeup or minimal makeup on women. And if you are going to be kissing or doing sexual activities, you should take this into consideration. NOT DATES. Wear whatever makes you happy on a date. Just sexual activities. I've never understood in movies or TV shows when a character puts on lipstick or lipgloss before a makeout session. NO. Just don't do it! o.O You want bare lips for kissing. But as far as daily life, men should have no input and you shouldn't pay them any heed.
But, Carmen, you must give a fuck. Because you like men and you are heterosexual.
o.O Let me let you in on a little secret. Makeup isn't going to make you attractive or unattractive to men. Neither is shit like hairy legs or wearing perfume or having perfect skin. Heterosexual men just like women, period. If men just only held out for 'perfect' women... honestly Earth's population would be dangerously low. Men like YOU and you want men to like YOU. For YOU. Not some idea of you they have or some idea of what they can turn you into. Trust me, men aren't even a fraction as picky as the media would have you believe. Society lies to you, telling you you have to act a certain way, dress a certain way, look a certain way in order to get a man interested in you and it is BULLSHIT.
Also... and I'm saying this sincerely... men (or women, or anyone) have absolutely NO RIGHT to dictate to you what makeup to wear or not wear.
I have a relative who married a man whodoesn't allow strongly discourages his wife from wearing makeup or perfume. Yeah. Yeah. That poor thing, I feel so badly for her. He gets very upset with her if he catches her wearing anything. I can understand fragrance - some people have legitimate sensitivities - but it's none of your fucking business what makeup anyone else chooses. You could say 'Oh, he loves her for who she IS, he thinks she doesn't NEED makeup, isn't that ROMANTIC' but that is not at all what is going on here. Also, this 'You don't need makeup, you're perfect barefaced' shit from men is NOT tolerated by me. No shit I look perfect barefaced. Tell me something I don't know. I wear makeup because I LIKE IT. It makes me feel like a boss, like a kickass warrior. I'm not doing it to BE PRETTY or PLEASE YOU. Holy shit, if that is what you think, we need to sit down and have a serious talk.
In fact, I enjoy the variety. From my 'goth' friend who looks super pale, wears black lipstick, and does elaborate spooky eye makeup - to my friend whose worn the same shade of lipstick since the eighth grade - to my friend who insists on wearing false eyelashes everyday - to my friend who has never touched a color cosmetic - to my coworker who still rocks the eyeshadow and lipstick even though she's in her eighties.... I revel in and enjoy every single look as an expression of that person's identity. It's fascinating and fun to see how creative, expressive, and fluid makeup and those who wear makeup can be. And choosing not to wear makeup (CHOOSING) can be interesting and fascinating, too.
You will receive backlash and negative commentary on your makeup. Hopefully, you can reach a point where you tell others to fuck off. What kind of asshole says shit like that, anyway? Hopefully no one makes you feel ugly or ashamed. Learning to laugh it off is the best defense. This happened to me today:
ME: Hi!
MAN: You look... different.
ME: Thanks! :D
MAN: That eyeshadow is too much. You look like a prostitute.
ME: I look like the queen of the velvet darkness! :D
MAN: o.O
ME: :D :D :D
MAN: *walks away*
ME: :D *calls out* Have a great day! :D
ME: :)
LOL LOL LOL But seriously, I would not have been able to do that ten years ago. I would have probably taken my makeup off in the bathroom and then sobbed when I got home from work. Now, I'm just like, "Who does this asshole think he IS?" And remember, every person who reveals their assholishness to you is doing you a favor, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. Besides, my eyeshadow was ON POINT. So...*
And remember, if a man likes you, he will think, "Dang, this woman is HOT." And he will think that even if you wear glam makeup looks every day. He will think that even if you never touch a makeup product in your life. He will think that when he sees your cesarean scars. He will think that when you smile. I'm not even making shit up or trying to be schmaltzy, it's just the truth. *shrug*
Anyway, that's my rant. Whether you love makeup and own eyeshadow in all colors of the rainbow, or you dislike how makeup feels and are always freshfaced, each choice you make every day hopefully expresses who you are and how you feel inside. Awww! :) No bullshit. If you feel like trying blue mascara one day, just try it! If you feel like putting your makeup away for a few months, try it! Do whatever makes you happy in regards to makeup, darling. You aren't hurting anyone. Just because your mom thinks you look better in lipstick and should wear it every day or your best friend thinks purple is not your color, doesn't mean you have to please them. Fuck them! Um, not literally. Metaphorically.
Tl;dr - Bee yourself.
This turned into a rant about makeup, the book is just mediocre, though.
*Also, in this scenario, I think it's important that even though I received that hurtful comment, I also - throughout the course of the day - had ten compliments on my eyeshadow look. TEN. TEN. So there. :p But, even if I got zero comments - positive or negative - I'd still wear it because I love it and I love how it makes me look and feel. Other people's validation and criticism is a bonus/drawback, but the end point is that I like it and I am going to wear it. The end.
This book is simply a collection of some of Bee Shapiro's columns, in which she interviews female celebrities about their makeup, skincare, fragrance, diet, exercise, etc.
I'll hide who this book is about under a spoiler tag simply so you don't have to read this if you don't want to, not because it is a secret.
The celebrities are:
None of these are people I particularly care about. Gabrielle Union and Anna Kendrick are probably the only two I really feel a flutter for.
Another drawback of the book is that it will be very quickly dated. All the celebrities list their favorite products... but how long are these going to actually be on the market? In some cases, not very long - although the book does talk about holy grails such as Ruby Woo lipstick by MAC, Cherries in the Snow lipstick by Revlon, Smith's Rosebud Salve, NARS Orgasm... you know... staples.
Not only will this book be outdated soon, but these are rich women with rich taste. This isn't stuff you or I can probably afford. It's Tom Ford and Jo Malone and Chanel. I mean, we are not going to be adopting these women's beauty routines. Who could, except other celebrities and rich people? They all talk about their personal masseuses who come to the house. Come on. o.O These people's lives are so far from mine it's insane. Their makeup/skincare/fragrance budget is probably what I make in a year.
However, I have an intense interest in skincare/makeup/fragrance so I gobbled this book up, even though my interest in celebrities is minimal and I don't even care about / recognize even half the people in here. Probably an average citizen who did not have intense interest in these things would find the book even more boring. So please take my star rating with a grain of salt.
I wanted Shapiro to go in depth about makeup: how powerful, mad scientist, creative, artistic makeup is and how it is an arsenal, weapons for your disposal to use against the world. I wanted her to talk about color cosmetics and what an explosion they are, how Instagram and YouTube are revolutionizing makeup use for the common citizen. I mean, just think about the new release of Fenty Beauty and the impact of people like Nyma Tang.
All of these are important matters that I would like to discuss. Makeup is for everyone, EVERYONE, and it isn't dependent on you being thin, pretty, white, rich, or young. Or female. I can use makeup to turn me into a badass, a druid, a fairy, a forest goddess, a water nymph, a mountain matriarch, an island queen, a desert princess, a tough private investigator, a shy academic, a Valkyrie, a prairie witch,... there's no end to it. And I'm not talking about HALLOWEEN makeup here, or costumes - just everyday looks that evoke these things or express this feeling.
For instance, today I wore dark purple eyeshadow that faded out into a silver glittery edge, used that same dark purple as an eyeliner, winged my eyes and paired it with a lavender lip. It was very 'goddess of the night, mistress of the dark.' *nod nod*
Dark eyeshadow isn't attractive, Carmen.
See, this is the thing. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I wear makeup because I like it and it pleases me. I leave the house looking like a badass belladonna. I spend my hours at work looking like a badass belladonna and I know everyone can see it. I come home looking like a badass belladonna.
The next day I might want to look like a princess, or a boss. Who knows. o.O But either way, I am SLAYING. Why isn't Shapiro discussing why you should think about wearing blue-tone red lipstick to important business meetings? It's imperative to look as if you've been gorging on the blood of your enemies when trying to cut a deal. My friend always says, "Red lipstick makes men fear you and women respect you." Let's discuss this. Let's discuss how what makeup you choose to wear or not wear impacts your life and the people around you.
Men find women who wear makeup... or noticeable makeup... unattractive, Carmen! :(
I know exactly how many times I have worn makeup to please men. It's ZERO. ZERO TIMES. I've worn makeup for women and with the hopes of pleasing women occasionally, but never men. Who gives a fuck about what men think of my appearance or their opinion on my makeup? WHO GIVES A FUCK.
I'm well aware that heterosexual men (IME) prefer no makeup or minimal makeup on women. And if you are going to be kissing or doing sexual activities, you should take this into consideration. NOT DATES. Wear whatever makes you happy on a date. Just sexual activities. I've never understood in movies or TV shows when a character puts on lipstick or lipgloss before a makeout session. NO. Just don't do it! o.O You want bare lips for kissing. But as far as daily life, men should have no input and you shouldn't pay them any heed.
But, Carmen, you must give a fuck. Because you like men and you are heterosexual.
o.O Let me let you in on a little secret. Makeup isn't going to make you attractive or unattractive to men. Neither is shit like hairy legs or wearing perfume or having perfect skin. Heterosexual men just like women, period. If men just only held out for 'perfect' women... honestly Earth's population would be dangerously low. Men like YOU and you want men to like YOU. For YOU. Not some idea of you they have or some idea of what they can turn you into. Trust me, men aren't even a fraction as picky as the media would have you believe. Society lies to you, telling you you have to act a certain way, dress a certain way, look a certain way in order to get a man interested in you and it is BULLSHIT.
Also... and I'm saying this sincerely... men (or women, or anyone) have absolutely NO RIGHT to dictate to you what makeup to wear or not wear.
I have a relative who married a man who
In fact, I enjoy the variety. From my 'goth' friend who looks super pale, wears black lipstick, and does elaborate spooky eye makeup - to my friend whose worn the same shade of lipstick since the eighth grade - to my friend who insists on wearing false eyelashes everyday - to my friend who has never touched a color cosmetic - to my coworker who still rocks the eyeshadow and lipstick even though she's in her eighties.... I revel in and enjoy every single look as an expression of that person's identity. It's fascinating and fun to see how creative, expressive, and fluid makeup and those who wear makeup can be. And choosing not to wear makeup (CHOOSING) can be interesting and fascinating, too.
You will receive backlash and negative commentary on your makeup. Hopefully, you can reach a point where you tell others to fuck off. What kind of asshole says shit like that, anyway? Hopefully no one makes you feel ugly or ashamed. Learning to laugh it off is the best defense. This happened to me today:
ME: Hi!
MAN: You look... different.
ME: Thanks! :D
MAN: That eyeshadow is too much. You look like a prostitute.
ME: I look like the queen of the velvet darkness! :D
MAN: o.O
ME: :D :D :D
MAN: *walks away*
ME: :D *calls out* Have a great day! :D
ME: :)
LOL LOL LOL But seriously, I would not have been able to do that ten years ago. I would have probably taken my makeup off in the bathroom and then sobbed when I got home from work. Now, I'm just like, "Who does this asshole think he IS?" And remember, every person who reveals their assholishness to you is doing you a favor, even if it doesn't seem like it at the time. Besides, my eyeshadow was ON POINT. So...*
And remember, if a man likes you, he will think, "Dang, this woman is HOT." And he will think that even if you wear glam makeup looks every day. He will think that even if you never touch a makeup product in your life. He will think that when he sees your cesarean scars. He will think that when you smile. I'm not even making shit up or trying to be schmaltzy, it's just the truth. *shrug*
Anyway, that's my rant. Whether you love makeup and own eyeshadow in all colors of the rainbow, or you dislike how makeup feels and are always freshfaced, each choice you make every day hopefully expresses who you are and how you feel inside. Awww! :) No bullshit. If you feel like trying blue mascara one day, just try it! If you feel like putting your makeup away for a few months, try it! Do whatever makes you happy in regards to makeup, darling. You aren't hurting anyone. Just because your mom thinks you look better in lipstick and should wear it every day or your best friend thinks purple is not your color, doesn't mean you have to please them. Fuck them! Um, not literally. Metaphorically.
Tl;dr - Bee yourself.
This turned into a rant about makeup, the book is just mediocre, though.
*Also, in this scenario, I think it's important that even though I received that hurtful comment, I also - throughout the course of the day - had ten compliments on my eyeshadow look. TEN. TEN. So there. :p But, even if I got zero comments - positive or negative - I'd still wear it because I love it and I love how it makes me look and feel. Other people's validation and criticism is a bonus/drawback, but the end point is that I like it and I am going to wear it. The end.
February 17, 2018
This book features interviews asking women about their daily beauty and styling tips. They range from A list celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Dormer to Martha Stewart and Zoe Kravitz. There are also some lesser known names who are fashion stylists, musicians and models. All respond to the same questions, but the answers all sound slightly pretentious and there is nothing that is especially informative. A lot simply answer that their beauty regiment consists of good sleep and hydration or using expensive beauty and hair products and getting massages and manicures. It feels more like a push for beauty products just because a celebrity uses it and will not be relatable to the average reader. This is more of a coffee table book and the articles are similar to what you would briefly scan through in a beauty magazine. I don't know half of the "celebrities" and you would be disappointed if you were hoping for some tips for beauty or skin care.
Read
June 7, 2021(I didn't read the whole thing; I skipped the people I'd never heard of and most of the interstitial interviews with various stylists)
Interesting, and a good reminder that stars are not just like us. There's so much emphasis on how to deal with how your skin reacts to flying, which makes sense if you fly all the dang time but isn't how most people live. Lots of people talking about how weekly massages are a thing they're into. A couple people said they don't work out, which, sure, friends. Laura Mercier, Oribe hair products, and Cle de Peau makeup are the products I felt like got mentioned by the most people.
NO ONE mentioned Botox or fillers or surgery, which: come on.
Interesting, and a good reminder that stars are not just like us. There's so much emphasis on how to deal with how your skin reacts to flying, which makes sense if you fly all the dang time but isn't how most people live. Lots of people talking about how weekly massages are a thing they're into. A couple people said they don't work out, which, sure, friends. Laura Mercier, Oribe hair products, and Cle de Peau makeup are the products I felt like got mentioned by the most people.
NO ONE mentioned Botox or fillers or surgery, which: come on.
October 5, 2017
The book fell a little flat for me. 40 women were asked the same boring questions regarding their beauty habits. Questions ranged from diet and fitness habits to favorite beauty products.
I didn't really learn anything new from this book. Its like an extended magazine feature from Vogue or Elle. I did appreciate the diversity though. There was a broad range in ages and cultures recognized in the book.
This book would really appear to those more in-tune with the fashion world/industry. Or for anyone looking for a colorful coffee table book.
I didn't really learn anything new from this book. Its like an extended magazine feature from Vogue or Elle. I did appreciate the diversity though. There was a broad range in ages and cultures recognized in the book.
This book would really appear to those more in-tune with the fashion world/industry. Or for anyone looking for a colorful coffee table book.
February 11, 2018
It was a fun read, but I felt it focused too heavily on celebrities and not enough on makeup artists, dermatologists, hair stylists, and other beauty-related professionals. I would have preferred more from them on products and usage then celebrity brand ambassadors swearing that the brand they're being paid by makes the only products that work for them. The interviews with those professionals are interesting but, in my opinion, too short.
May 1, 2023
Aesthetically pleasing book embellished with vibrant colors and photos, Skin Deep, however, fails to convey anything about skincare or makeup. The only nugget of knowledge to glean here is that celebrities “don’t like to wear a lot of make up (🙄).” And the “ I like yoga!” By the way none of the products are affordable nor are there any helpful methods to replicate.
December 20, 2017
This was a really interesting read. As someone who is fascinated by skin care, it was cool to hear from some of my favorite celebrities about the products that they use and how they have found their "look." If you're a skin care or makeup junkie, I would definitley recommend checking this out!
September 11, 2017
all kind of goodies to be found here.
March 22, 2018
Found it interesting to read about the every day pieces of the people she interviewed. There was a good range of different people.
November 9, 2024
If you like reading about other people’s beauty regimes and what they
December 31, 2023
expert level
Expert level tips - you’ll definitely learn a new trick or two even as a beauty junkie!
Definitely going to try some of these ideas !
Expert level tips - you’ll definitely learn a new trick or two even as a beauty junkie!
Definitely going to try some of these ideas !
February 24, 2021
Aburrido, sin nada nuevo para ofrecer. Son las elecciones en productos de belleza de celebrities. No hay casi ningún tip, solo es un catálogo de venta de productos.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews