Further Reading

Sourcing the information for this website took a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. To make your respite easier, I've compiled all that information into this page. Many of these books are available on the Internet Archive or Libgen, but I've linked to online bookstores so you can see the cover image and blurb.

How-To Books

  • Making Faces By Kevyn Aucoin (1999): The crème de la crème of makeup books, this is often people's first port of call when they need to figure out a beauty puzzle.
  • On Your Own by Brooke Shields (1985): Written as a guide for teenagers entering college, this book also has a wealth of information on makeup, skincare, diet, and exercise.
  • Teenage Beauty by Bobbi Brown (2000): Aimed at teenagers and young women, this book is ideal for those just starting out with makeup, even if the advice is rather dated.
  • Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown (2014): An updated version of Teenage Beauty for the 21st century, this book is also aimed at teenage girls and young women.
  • The Ultimate Beauty Book by Sally Norton (1996): Another book aimed at a younger crowd, this is extensive and ideal for first-timers.
  • The Complete Beauty Book by Linda Meredith (1985): Although it's pretty dated, this book is worth it alone for the makeup looks done within. I'd say this is more for spectacle than teaching, but it's a fun book to have all the same.
  • Seventeen's Ultimate Guide To Beauty by Ann Shoket (2014): In collaboration with the editors from Seventeen Magazine, this is a fun and colourful guide on makeup.
  • 100 Ways for Every Girl to Look and Feel Fantastic by Alice Hart-Davis (2012): This has a lot of useful tips and tricks for makeup, exercise, and clothes.

    • Trans/GNC-specific Books

  • I Want To Be A Woman! by Clover (2015): The Japanese have crossdressing (ick) down to a science, and this book shares some of their secrets. It's all in Japanese (duh) and you can purchase a secondhand copy through Buyee if it's available. It's aimed at otokonoko, but is very useful for anyone born male who wants to pass as a woman convincingly.
  • 10 Transgendered Beauty & Makeup Secrets by D B Associates (1970s?): I found this while trawling through eBay. It appears to be a zine specifically for transgender women with information on makeup and beauty... but I can't find any more information aside from that.

    • General Self-Care Books

  • Pretty Iconic by Sally Hughes (2016): This focuses on the history of iconic British beauty products and is quite useful for product recommendations.