Makeup Is Art: Professional Techniques for Creating Original Looks (Y) Hardcover – November 19, 2013

I reluctantly purchased this book after reading the only review at the time. I am here to honestly say that I am EXTREMELY pleased with my purchase. I have many makeup books but this one easily tops them by far (yes, I know...you've heard this before) but I don't have money to waste and I take my purchases very seriously. The book (all 220 pages) is filled with amazing images that would spark anyone's creativity. The text describes the many focus issues regarding makeup...The Face, The Eyes, Eyebrows, Eyeshadow textures etc. It explains ways in which to apply these concepts on your client and provides great tips for working in the industry. Although the book assumes the reader is a makeup artist, it is a book that any makeup lover would enjoy. The book also has sections that focus on things such as: Period Looks, Editorial, Conceptual looks and so on. I honestly think that this book is worth more then the $20 in which I paid for it...It's worth more for the pictures alone. This book should be a staple for every makeup artist and anyone who has the love for makeup in its most creative form for that matter. Don't hesitate like I did...buy! You won't be disappointed.

Just got the book today and I am very impressed! I had wanted this book for about 5 months, but kept getting sidetracked. It came in perfect condition, no scratches or rips. It was everything I expected it to be, especially because it is from Academy of Freelance Makeup. Side note, the school is very prestigous. I expected nothing short of perfect from them. When I was an aspiring makeup artist, I wanted to collect every resource of knowledge about the craft as possible. A GOOD quality makeup tome was hard to find. A lot of books are lacking where this book excels. This book ACTUALLY names real products instead of just saying "a luminizing foundation." Definitely the first makeup book I've encountered that put brand names. Also, it has a great section on backstage etiquette and how to be a successful makeup assistant. The advice section is realistic and doesn't pull any punches on how hard this career is. Most books just cover the basics and doesn't have ANY insight or career advice. (*cough* Jemma Kidd.) The photos are brilliant, unique and I definitely felt some envy for the artists having such sheer and beautiful talent. I must say, this book is probably not for beginner makeup artists. It brushes past basic knowledge like skincare and foundation. Wasn't a problem for me, but for rookies, it'll be a bit of a letdown. Other than that, there is nothing at all I could complain about. This was a wonderful addition to my collection. It's lovely, and definitely worthy of all 5 stars.

I pre-ordered this book and got it two days earlier than was estimated, in case anyone is wondering what Amazon shipping is like, A+.Now, I will admit that I'm only 16 but, I take my dream of being a make-up artist seriously. I have to say that I've gotten a lot of people who doubt my opinion because I'm young but, I've wanted to be a make-up artist since I was very young and I would have to say I'm as good as most of the "beauty gurus" on YouTube, if not better.Anyways, This book is just what it says it is - Professional Techniques for Creating Original Looks - and more. In the back of the book, there are tips on being a good make-up assistant and backstage etiquette. Obviously, the book is targeted toward the aspiring make-up artist but, I feel like anyone who just enjoys looking at beautiful pictures would also enjoy this book.I have to say, the only thing that I was disappointed in was the 1950's look that was portrayed. I was quite pleased that they didn't try to do the signature Marilyn Monroe look and instead tried a mix of Classic Barbie meets Lucille Ball but, the lips were just over-exaggerated. I do know that the pin-up look involved a bigger top lip but, not to that extent. It was the only look that was too comical for me.In a nut shell, this book is bomb. It beats all of the other make-up books I own because it's not just for women who want to learn how to put on their own make-up better. It's definitely more for the people interested in ARTISTIC makeup. 5/5 stars.