5 Best Books for People Who Love Makeup: Top Fiction and Non-Fiction Picks

If you love makeup, finding the right books can help you learn new techniques, get inspired by stories from top artists, or just enjoy a good novel centered around beauty.

Books about makeup come in many forms, from detailed guides and how-to manuals to memoirs by famous makeup artists and fiction where beauty plays a big role.

Whether you want to pick up new skills or read about the impact of makeup on people’s lives, there’s a book out there for you.

When choosing a makeup-related book, you’ll want to think about what you hope to get from it.

For non-fiction, look for clear step-by-step instructions, helpful photos, and trustworthy advice.

Check the author’s background, as books by skilled artists or industry experts often offer the best tips.

For fiction, you might want a great story where makeup is more than just a side detail.

You should also check the book’s reviews to see if readers liked the writing style and found the content useful or enjoyable.

With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

We spent many hours researching and reading to find the five best books for people who love makeup, both fiction and non-fiction.

Best Books for People Who Love Makeup (Fiction & Non-Fiction)

Whether you want to learn new makeup skills or read stories about the beauty world, these books are great choices.

Here are the top books that every makeup lover should check out.

Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup

You should pick up this book if you want a well-researched, beautiful look at how makeup trends have changed through time.

Pros

• Lots of vintage makeup photos and ads
• Useful historical detail organized by decade
• Sturdy, hardcover design with vibrant pages

Cons

• Heavy and large, not easy to carry around
• Could have included more modern sections
• Sometimes skips over smaller makeup trends

This book covers makeup styles from the nineteenth century right up to modern looks, and the author includes a stunning amount of original photos and past advertisements.

Looking through each page, you get a clear sense of how beauty and cosmetics have changed.

The book breaks down trends, products, and style icons by decade.

The images are detailed and bright, providing real examples from different eras.

You might even discover a few makeup ideas from the past you’ll want to try right away.

Because of its size and weight, this book is not one that you can easily bring with you to work or class.

Some readers may wish there were more content about newer makeup trends.

If you value thorough research and want something that doubles as decor, Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup is a solid choice for your personal collection or as a gift.

The Makeup I Love

This book is a helpful and lighthearted choice if you want to introduce your child to makeup in a fun and positive way.

Pros

• Easy for young kids to understand
• Colorful illustrations bring the story to life
• Encourages self-confidence and personal choice

Cons

• Short length
• Targeted at a narrow age range
• Some parents may want more lessons about makeup safety

If you have a child who is curious about makeup, this book could be what you’re looking for.

The story is simple and relatable, showing kids that makeup can be creative and enjoyable, but it isn’t something you have to use all the time.

It promotes confidence and lets children know everyone can have their own style.

The pictures make the story more exciting.

Each page has bright colors and fun designs, which my younger family members liked.

The book also does a great job explaining that wearing makeup is about having fun, not about hiding who you are.

While short, this book starts good conversations about makeup and self-image.

It’s best for younger children, especially those in elementary school.

The Makeup I Love is a quick read, but its positive message and charming artwork make it memorable for kids who are just beginning to explore makeup.

Just A Girl Who Loves Makeup

If you want a simple and charming book to show off your love for makeup, this is a good choice.

Pros

• Fun design makes it perfect as a gift
• Light and easy to flip through
• Works well as a makeup journal or notebook

Cons

• Not a lot of detailed makeup advice
• Pages feel a bit thin
• Limited inspiration for advanced users

“Just A Girl Who Loves Makeup” is more of a keepsake than a guide, but it does a great job of celebrating your passion.

You can use it as a sketchbook for makeup ideas, a journal for your favorite looks, or just as a cute item on your vanity.

This book stood out because of its playful approach.

It’s easy to carry, and you can fit it in your bag if you want to jot down ideas on the go.

Because the pages are plain, you can get creative and truly make it your own.

If you are looking for professional-level tutorials or lots of colorful photos, you might be a bit disappointed.

It serves best as a personal space for your thoughts and drawings rather than a detailed makeup manual.

Considering its light weight and compact size, it’s handy for quick notes, but it isn’t as sturdy as some other notebooks.

Makeup: The Sunday Times Bestseller by Hannah Martin

If you want a practical makeup guide with clear tips and lovely visuals, this book is a helpful choice.

Pros

• Easy step-by-step instructions
• Lots of helpful photos and real techniques
• Covers both basics and new ideas

Cons

• Some sections feel a bit general
• A few product recommendations are repeated
• Not as deep for experts looking for advanced skills

Hannah Martin’s makeup book stands out for its clear and simple guidance.

It walks you step by step through everything from skin care prep to a finished face.

The photos really help you see each stage and make it easy to follow, even if you are just starting out.

Your experience feels personal because of Hannah’s soft tone and honest advice.

You might enjoy her easy tips, especially if you want to learn both the basics and a few new tricks.

She also adds product suggestions from her own kit, which can help you choose what works best.

Some parts are more about general advice than unique techniques.

If you already know a lot about makeup, you may want more advanced looks or less focus on product promotions.

For most people, Makeup: The Sunday Times Bestseller is a reliable start and makes learning makeup less confusing.

Glow Cosmetics Coloring Book

This coloring book is a nice choice if you want a fun and creative way to explore your interest in makeup.

Pros

• Variety of makeup-themed designs keeps each page interesting
• Bold lines help improve coloring confidence
• Single-sided pages prevent bleed-through

Cons

• Illustrations are very simple and may not appeal to older kids
• Some images might feel repetitive
• Not as detailed as other adult coloring books

The Glow Cosmetics Coloring Book gives you a playful break from your day.

The focus is on makeup and beauty tools.

The drawings are easy to color, and the thick lines make staying inside the lines simple, whether you’re a beginner or coloring with your kids.

There are 50 pages inside, so you have plenty of different looks to experiment with.

Each page is one-sided, which is helpful because you don’t have to worry about markers bleeding through or ruining the next design.

The images lean more toward simple shapes, so you can make them as colorful or creative as you want.

Younger makeup fans will probably enjoy this book most.

Some older kids or adults may want something more advanced, but for light-hearted coloring and relaxing, it does the job well.

If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves makeup or beauty, this book should be a good pick.

Buying Guide

When choosing a makeup book, start by thinking about your main interests.

Do you like learning new makeup techniques, reading real-life stories, or getting inspired by art?

Knowing what you want makes shopping easier.

Check the book’s type—fiction or non-fiction.

Fiction books might tell fun stories about people in the makeup world.

Non-fiction books give you facts, step-by-step tutorials, or tips from experts.

Look for these features:

• Clear photos or illustrations
• Simple language and easy steps
• Tips for different skin types and tones
• History or cultural facts about makeup
• Latest trends and techniques

Feature	Fiction Books	Non-Fiction Books
Tutorials	Rare	Common
Inspiring Stories	Common	Sometimes
Makeup History	Sometimes	Often
Art & Photos	Sometimes	Often
Celebrity Insights	Sometimes	Often

Think about the book’s level.

Beginners may want guides with lots of pictures and clear steps.

If you have more experience, look for books with advanced techniques or deeper stories.

Before buying, check reviews and see if the book is updated.

Books with old trends may not be as useful.

Always make sure it matches your age and skill level.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find engaging novels, detailed histories, and expert guides that focus on makeup.

These books highlight makeup’s role in culture, artistry, and personal expression.

What are some must-read books for makeup enthusiasts?

If you want to learn about makeup, books like Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge and Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin are excellent.

They cover tips, celebrity looks, and the history behind popular styles.

Which fictional novels incorporate the beauty industry as a central theme?

The Makeup Test by Jenny L. Howe and Beauty by Louise Mensch both use the beauty world as key settings. These stories explore personal growth, competition, and life in the business.

Can you recommend biographies that explore the lives of influential figures in makeup history?

Kevyn Aucoin: A Beautiful Life offers insight into one of the most famous makeup artists in history. War Paint: Madame Helena Rubinstein and Miss Elizabeth Arden by Lindy Woodhead goes into the lives of two pioneers in the beauty world.

What non-fiction works provide a detailed history of cosmetics and makeup artistry?

Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge breaks down how makeup trends evolved over the centuries. War Paint also looks at the rise of the modern beauty industry and its key players.

Which books offer professional makeup artists’ tips and techniques?

Making Faces and Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual are written by industry leaders. They both give step-by-step instructions and practical advice for readers at any skill level.

Are there any inspiring books that delve into the transformative power of makeup?

Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin is full of stories and photographs showing how makeup changes lives.

The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf discusses beauty standards and how makeup can empower or challenge them.