The Original Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun

Arming yourself with information is essential when buying any cosmetics product. This is even more important if you are (and who isn't) easily susceptible to ever-present advertizing (if I hear Youth Code just one more time...). It is of no surprise that any product is only as good as its ingredients, yet how many of us meticulously research all the impossibly sounding chemicals in whatever we apply to our skin?

If you want to understand how cosmetics products work, you could try reading The Original Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun (thank you, Jana, for pointing out this excellent book to me!). This lady is generally referred to as The Cosmetics Cop and the best-selling author of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without me.

What I love about this book is straight to the point debunking of many cosmetics myths (is it really that shocking to find out what you suspected, like that you REALLY don't need an eyecream, there is NO effective anti-wrinkle or anti-cellulite cream, the expensive cosmetics ISN'T necessarily better, dry skin does not cause wrinkles and many more...). Begoun arguments are well-supported by a number of research studies exposing the most effective ingredients. Yes, the book has 460 pages, relatively small print and it is all text, but it is filled with practical information on how to realistically fight wrinkles, acne, blackheads, cellulite and many more.

Paula Begoun also gives you advice online on her own product like, Paula's choice or other product lines on Beautypedia.

My beauty bibles

Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a beauty rut? For 15 years, I had the same makeup routine, foundation, eye pencil + eyeshadow, mascara, done. We buy and wear makeup but never stop to think about how to apply it the right way. Here are my beauty bibles, which showed me the way and answered my questions:

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual - for everyone from beginner to pro.
I love this book, as it is simple, straightforward and it has beautiful pictures. It is ideal for beginners and also for proficient makeup users (it contains a section with advice for professional makeup artists, too). A step by step guide will show you how to take care of your skin, to conceal perfectly your undereye circles and plenty more (a perfect smokey eye, bridal makeup, makeup for teen, ageless beauty...). I highly recommend this book as it makes a perfect gift to any woman of any age. (hardback, http://www.play.com/, 17 EUR)

Rae Morris Makeup The Ultimate Guide
This is an excellent book, as it debunks some famous makeup applications myths, such as smiling when applying blush or where the beginning of your eyebrow should start. It teaches you how to prime your skin and your eyelids. I found the chapter on eye colour charts extremely useful. It also contains detailed information on the types of false eyelashes, their application and impact description. The pictures in the book are simply stunning and so is the content (a rare section on over 40s makeup, chapters on countouring and highlighting). The only "downside" is that the book is paperback. I bought mine on http://www.play.com/, 19 EUR.

Linda Mason Eye Candy
A small compact book concentrating on eye makeup, while providing a short makeup basics chapter. The false eyelashes and eyebrow sections are extremely handy. The book contains some 50 different eye looks. I would recommend this book for teenage girls, as some of the featured looks definitely show better on younger skin (really colourful eyeshadows) or for anyone who wants to try funky eye makeup and does not know how to start. It costs under 10 EUR on http://www.play.com/.