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Must Have Makeup Books

I often say I am a self-taught makeup artist. To me self-taught means no formal "school" training but self-taught never really just means "self."  Before YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, there were books (yes, books!). Books and practice (and a little YouTube later on) are where I got my start and I wanted to share my favorite ones that I still have in my little book corner that I continue to refer to.

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Stage Makeup by Rosemarie Swinfield

This is the very first makeup book I ever had. It is a step-by-step guide with color photos for various stage sizes, aging, period makeup, hair work, and more. I still reference it when teaching because the photos and diagrams have been such a valued learning tool.

The Makeup Artist Handbook by Gretchen Davis & Mindy Hall

Interested in a variety of platforms to show off your work? The Makeup Artist Handbook discusses techniques for film, television, photography AND theatre. I continue to reference this when teaching, having so many highlights and underlining within the book. One of my fav: an entire chapter on airbrushing.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual

I've talked about Bobbi Brown being a leader in the beauty industry in a previous blog post. This book is indispensable, as it speaks to both beginner and pro artist. Bobbi starts with skin, then products, then application. A complete package for beauty makeup education.

Hurt Em Reel Good by Randy Daudlin

I discovered this book at the very first IMATS I went to. The event was mesmerizing and I wanted to continue to build on the knowledge from the show. Hurt 'Em Reel Good is a quick reference for "out of the kit" makeup FX. Want to learn how to create road rash or burn looks? This book has it. I love doing character work and these techniques help create subtle (and not so subtle) looks for both film and theatre.


Grab a book and start creating but remember, in the end it's all about practice, practice, practice.



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