Beauty411

Confessions of a Beauty Addict by Nadine Haobsh

Confessions of a Beauty Addict is Nadine Haobsh's newest novel. You know Nadine as the author of Beauty Confidential and beauty-blogger of "Jolie in NYC".  If you're a makeup lover, are celebrity-obsessed or a chick lit reader (gee, that sounds awfully autobiographical), Confessions of a Beauty Addict needs to be on your reading list! 

Confessions of a Beauty Addict introduces us to Bella Hunter, the Beauty Editor at Enchante, a glamorous magazine, who suddenly finds herself on the outside looking in, after an interview goes horribly wrong.  Bella doesn't mean to imply that life as a beauty editor is all private jets and swag, backstabbing divas and drama. 

Fired from her dream job, Bella suddenly finds herself lucky to get a job at Womanly World; a magazine that is not even on her radar.  Follow Bella on her hilarious adventures, as she struggles in her new role at Womanly World, takes a journey of self- discovery and learns some valuable life lessons along the way.

I loved Confessions of a Beauty Addict, not only for the glimpse into the rarified-air of the fashion and beauty magazines, but because I'm such a fan of Nadine's.  I count myself lucky to have met her in person last May at the Total Beauty Summit in LA.  It was a real thrill for me, as I had been a fan of her "Jolie in NYC" blog for years.  She is warm and wonderful in person; not an air of pretentiousness about her.  I couldn't be happier than to recommend Confessions of a Beauty Addict as a fun read, perfect for a day at the beach or just when you have some time to indulge yourself.

Confessions of a Beauty Addict goes on sale January 27, 2009 at bookstores, Amazon.com and Harper Collins.  Guilty pleasure alert!

You may also be interested in:

Beauty Confidential
My Library Thing  (My online library and book reviews)

Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: Essential Reading

Bobbi Brown has authored a new Makeup Manual that is so good, you feel like she is right next to you giving expert guidance.  In the Makeup Manual, you get the benefit of Bobbi's years of experience as a makeup artist and teacher.  She writes in a style and voice that is her hallmark: simple, direct, easy to understand--and not over your head.  This is the makeup book that Bobbi Brown fans have been waiting for: her 25-plus years of makeup styling experience translated into one complete, gorgeous book.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual includes a Ten Step Guide to Perfect Makeup that teaches you how to apply your makeup in ten minutes or less.  The book is comprehensive, covering everything from skincare to brushes, to how to choose the right shades and colors of makeup.  That chapter is worth the price of the book alone.  Not only that, but the business side of the beauty industry--what it takes to become a makeup artist, the tools you need and how to put together a portfolio.  The pictures are so well done; closeups of the products used and great, detailed, instructions on how to get each look.

Want to take a peek inside the book? 

As a beauty fanatic, I'm always looking to learn new tips and techniques and I honestly couldn't put the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual down when I got it.  This isn't a book that is meant to sit on a shelf; it's a book meant to be a working manual.  Keep it near your makeup, because you will want to refer to it often.

The Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual (hardcover $32) is available now at Bobbi Brown counters, online at BobbiBrown.com and at booksellers nationwide. 

Sephora Beauty Book: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin And Hair

While certainly not the definitive guide, the recently published "Sephora: The Ultimate Guide to Makeup, Skin, and Hair from the Beauty Authority" is a good read, especially for beauty addicts.  Stylized to look much like the Sephora catalog, it's meant to also have the high-energy vibe of the store.  Throw in beauty advice from industry icons and insiders, great photography and lots of dishing on makeup, this book will inspire you to try a new look.

The book is full of tips and tutorials, such as the one on the Smokey Eye, featuring advice from Carol Shaw (LORAC) and Vincent Longo.  One of my favorite sections is the product shopping guide.  The other chapter I find fascinating is "The future of beauty", where experts in the beauty field take out their crystal ball and predict what's coming next.  All in all, an enjoyable reference and a good read for makeup lovers.