12 Beauty Books That Could Give YouTube Tutorials a Run For Their Money

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When you're looking for a good way to wind down while you're sitting on the couch with a sheet mask on your face, consider curling up with a book. Not just any book, either — a beauty book. These 12 titles are incredibly informative, fun to read, and will help you to come to understand the industry you love so much.

Maybe you're looking to improve your makeup skills, learn more about the K-beauty trend, or get a deeper understanding of skincare ingredients. Whatever your interest, there's a book to pique your cosmetic curiosity and bookworm tendencies.

Keep reading to see which one you should read next.

Face Paint: The Story of Makeup
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Face Paint: The Story of Makeup

Celebrity makeup artist and YouTube personality Lisa Eldridge wrote Face Paint: The Story of Makeup ($22) after finding herself unsatisfied with other books on the history of makeup. The gorgeous coffee table book contains stunning photography and explores makeup from Ancient Egypt to today.

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin
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Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

Legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin wrote Making Faces ($13) in 1999 and it instantly became an essential for beauty lovers. The book explains the late artist's techniques, application methods, and the fundamentals of makeup artistry.

The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin by Charlotte Cho
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The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin by Charlotte Cho

Charlotte Cho started Soko Glam after living abroad in South Korea after college and falling in love with the Korean approach to skin care as self-care. Cho describes her experiences abroad and shares all of her K-beauty secrets in The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin ($13).

The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here: Busting Beauty Myths So You Know What to Use and Why
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The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here: Busting Beauty Myths So You Know What to Use and Why

Looking for a no-nonsense explanation of skin care? Find it in The Best Skin of Your Life Starts Here: Busting Beauty Myths So You Know What to Use and Why by Paula Begoun ($15). Begoun, who is also the founder of Paula's Choice, has long been an advocate for transparency and education in the beauty industry, and outlines different skin-related concerns and solutions (as well as ingredients) in this book.

Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself
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Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself

Maybe you lust after Nars products and remember the first moment you finally got your hands on its cult Orgasm Blush. The makeup artist behind the brand gives tips and tricks of the industry for the everyday woman in Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself by François Nars ($44).

Make-up Masterclass: Beauty Bible of Professional Techniques and Wearable Looks
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Make-up Masterclass: Beauty Bible of Professional Techniques and Wearable Looks

In Make-up Masterclass: Beauty Bible of Professional Techniques and Wearable Looks ($18), celebrity makeup artist and model Jemma Kid teaches you the basics of everything you need to know about makeup.

Face to Face: Amazing New Looks and Inspiration From the Top Celebrity Makeup Artist
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Face to Face: Amazing New Looks and Inspiration From the Top Celebrity Makeup Artist

Scott Barnes is responsible for the looks of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. In Face to Face: Amazing New Looks and Inspiration from the Top Celebrity Makeup Artist ($18), the iconic artist explains how to achieve a variety of different looks for every occasion from the office to a night out.

Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products That Changed the World
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Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products That Changed the World

Product junkies will love reading Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products That Changed the World by Sali Hughes ($23). The book features more than 200 beauty products and explains the impact, history, and origin of your most beloved tools.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro
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Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro

For any makeup novice, the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro by Bobbi Brown ($16) is an incredible gift and tool. The ubiquitous makeup artist will explain how to apply makeup in a natural-looking way that won't intimidate makeup novices who are put off by Instagram trends.

Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour
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Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour

The queen of burlesque explains how to cultivate a retro-glam beauty style in Your Beauty Mark: The Ultimate Guide to Eccentric Glamour by Dita Von Teese ($30). Within the book she discusses Old Hollywood's beauty secrets as well as her own.

Nails, Nails, Nails!: 25 Creative DIY Nail Art Projects by Madeline Poole
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Nails, Nails, Nails!: 25 Creative DIY Nail Art Projects by Madeline Poole

Madeline Poole, manicurist and a Sally Hansen global color ambassador released Nails, Nails, Nails!: 25 Creative DIY Nail Art Projects ($7) so we can emulate her creative nail art. Within the ultra-cute and colorful pages, you'll learn to do cute half-moon manicures, gold foil nails, and more.

If You Love It, It Will Grow: A Guide To Healthy, Beautiful Natural Hair
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If You Love It, It Will Grow: A Guide To Healthy, Beautiful Natural Hair

Any woman who has been thinking of growing out her natural hair should read If You Love It, It Will Grow: A Guide to Healthy, Beautiful Natural Hair by Dr. Phoenyx Austin ($16). In the book, Dr. Austin teaches you how to prevent breakage and helps you to create a natural-hair-care routine.