Makeup Secrets of A Professional Makeup Artist

I bought this book skeptically after hearing from a friend how helpful it was in describing techniques. The gorgeous photos would have sold it for me anyhow, but Aucoin's 'Making Faces' actually taught me how to do makeup. I've always done the same thing...which was basically go natural or play with makeup till I looked like a clown then scrub it all off. It's a simple approach that is easily accessible. The book makes doing eyebrow shaping look easy...and it not only looks easy- by following a few steps it turns out it IS easy. If you want to learn the basics- buy this book. If you want to do a home makeover- go glamorous, sensual, then fun later on - buy this book. If you want to tune your look a bit- get it! I guess I don't have to go on, but if you are like me and need a bit of instruction and cant afford a makeup artist to be at your beck and call- buy this book. At least borrow it from a friend. It's one of the books you'll consistently turn to for tips and tricks. It's an excellent resource and a whole lot of fun. The photos and styles cover all ages, from young and cute teenage to mature sophisticated and sexy women to a really hot guy in drag (double take is an understatement). Aucoin not only uses "Stars" but also 'real' people (meaning their looks aren't a direct part of their job) in showing the techniques and how they cause such transformations.

By A Customer

Kevin Acoin's book Making Faces is exquisite! As a makeup artist familiar with Kevin's work, I thought this book was going to be just a book filled with trade secrets and inside tips. Once I opened to the 3rd or 4th page, I realised how wrong I was. Not only did I find information that was useful beyond anything I learned in Beauty school, it was full of probably the most beautiful collection of photographs I have ever seen. It really takes a true genious to transform so many gorgeous women into other gorgeous women who look nothing like them. I really liked how he chose to use traditional movie roles as inspiration for some of the pictures. I think this allows the reader to recreate the role of the ingénue or heroine!! There is also a really wonderful lesson on facial bone structure that really helps to understand how contouring and highlighting certain areas is really important to bring out a womans (or in a few cases..a mans)features. I photocopied it and stuck it to my bathroom mirror as a guide for applying eyeshadow. The only thing that I didnt like about the book is that he didn't mention the products used. Some women will find it a little difficult to find liquid eyeshadow and gold fleck dust!! I think had he given the brand names it would be a lot easier to find the products. This book is definitely a must for any makeup artist, cosmetic consumer, and any woman who wants to feel beautiful!

By spooky2b (Fullerton,CA)

I'm 30 years old and the only make up I know how to do properly is one eyeliner technique. Sad isn't it? ;)

This book is filled with vital information about the basics, and a bit more advanced, of how to apply make-up. Obviously getting the result he has pictured takes practice, but since acquiring this book, I've never looked better. I enjoy putting on makeup now, whereas before I hated it. I've always had the same look. (on dark features) Black eyeliner, maybe some eye shadow and lip balm. He's got me wearing lipstick! He's the female friend I've never had, one who knows how to apply make-up and how to explain it!

This also makes a great coffee table book for people into theater, make-up, fashion, or any of the arts.

By Sidney

The great thing about this goal-oriented, generous book is the fact that Aucoin is not tied to any specific company. So it does not rip off the reader by recommending products that are currently in fashion or on department store stands. Instead, for his myriad styles, Aucoin will merely identify "light flesh-coloured lip pencil", or "liquid black eyeliner". No brand names - yippee! Thus it tremendously increases your awareness of products and the standbys and treats that you'll need in your artillery to achieve the looks you want, whether on yourself or on others.
Also, Aucoin clearly and productively analyses each feature of the face at the beginning. He explains the principles of applying foundation, blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipliner, lipstick - even eyebrow pencil (telling you to make a "box" at the inside corner - hello, Ava Gardner!). Very clever, very helpful.

Finally, Aucoin is brilliant in his analysis of brushes, and again, does not plug any particular line. But he does explain what different brushes do, and you can therefore conclude for yourself which of them you'll need. Best is to go to a theatre make-up shop, where you'll get (usually) disinterested advice.

The illustrations and "types" of look are wonderful and really extend one's range and comprehension. As a professional entertainer, I have found this book indispensable for my own make-up, and also incorporate its principles at home for day or innocent make-up, reserving dramatic styles for stage or evenings.

Enjoy! Brush up your brushwork!

By Anonymous (London)