In need of some inspiration, heading on holiday or just love curling up with a good book? Here are some of the best beauty industry and beauty founder autobiographies to read:
Books about the beauty industry
Looking for an overview of the beauty industry? These are the beauty industry books to read to find out more about what’s shaped the industry into what it is today.
“Face Paint: The Story of Makeup” by Lisa Eldridge
This book takes a deep dive into the history of makeup, from ancient times to the modern day. It’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in the beauty industry.
“Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World” by Sali Hughes
In this book, Sali Hughes explores the most iconic beauty products of all time, and what makes them so special. You’ll find out all about bestselling beauty products and products that completely changed the game.
Books with beauty tips and techniques
If you want to learn more about how to use or apply skincare, makeup and other products, then these are the books to check out to discover tips, tricks and techniques that’ll help you every day.
“The Makeup Artist Handbook: Techniques for Film, Television, Photography, and Theatre” by Gretchen Davis and Mindy Hall
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a makeup artist, this book is an essential read. It covers everything from the basics of makeup application to the specific techniques used in film, television, and other media.
“The Skincare Bible” by Dr. Anjali Mahto
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto has created a comprehensive guide to skincare for all skin types. In her book, she shares her expertise and provides practical advice for achieving healthy, beautiful skin. This book provides valuable insights into the science behind skincare and the importance of self-care in achieving beautiful, healthy skin.
“The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin” by Charlotte Cho
Korean skincare has taken the world by storm in recent years, and this book is a great introduction to the techniques and products used in this popular beauty regimen.
“Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro” by Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown is one of the most well-known names in the beauty industry, and this book is an excellent guide for anyone looking to improve their makeup skills.
Beauty founder autobiographies
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply a beauty enthusiast, these books provide valuable insights, inspiration, and guidance to beauty industry success.
“It’s Not Really About the Hair” by Tabatha Coffey
Tabatha Coffey is a successful hairstylist and television personality who has been in the beauty industry for over 30 years. In “It’s Not Really About the Hair,” she shares her personal journey to success, including the challenges she faced as a woman and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. This book provides valuable insights into the importance of resilience, determination, and authenticity in building a successful career in the beauty industry.
“The Beauty of Color” by Iman
Iman is a legendary supermodel and beauty mogul who launched her own cosmetics line in 1994. In “The Beauty of Color,” she shares her personal story and discusses the need for greater inclusivity in the beauty industry. This book provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by women of colour in the beauty industry, and offers strategies for achieving greater diversity and inclusion.
“The Company I Keep: My Life in Beauty” by Leonard Lauder
Lauder shares his personal and professional journey, offering insights and lessons learned throughout his remarkable career. He shares how his mother, Estée Lauder, started the company in the 1940s and how he eventually joined the business himself. Lauder takes readers through the early years of the company’s growth and the challenges he faced as a young executive.
“My Story” by Jo Malone
Jo Malone is a renowned fragrance expert and founder of the Jo Malone London fragrance and beauty brand. In her autobiography, “My Story,” she shares her personal journey to success, including the challenges she faced as a dyslexic entrepreneur. This book provides valuable insights into the importance of creativity, passion, and perseverance in building a successful beauty brand.
“How to Build a Billion Dollar Beauty Brand” by Marcia Kilgore
Marcia Kilgore is a serial entrepreneur and founder of several successful beauty brands, including Bliss, FitFlop, and Soap & Glory. In “How to Build a Billion Dollar Beauty Brand,” she shares her personal story and provides practical advice and insights for building a successful beauty brand. This book provides valuable insights into the importance of innovation, branding, and marketing in the beauty industry.
“Beauty from the Inside Out” by Bobbi Brown
Bobbi Brown is a world-renowned makeup artist and founder of the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics brand. In her book, “Beauty from the Inside Out,” she shares her personal journey to success and provides practical advice and tips for achieving natural, effortless beauty. This book provides valuable insights into the importance of self-confidence, healthy living, and self-care in achieving beautiful, radiant skin.
“From Passion to Profit” by Maria Hatzistefanis
Maria Hatzistefanis is the founder of the skincare brand Rodial and the makeup brand Nip + Fab. In “From Passion to Profit,” she shares her personal story and provides practical advice and insights for building a successful beauty brand. This book provides valuable insights into the importance of innovation, branding, and marketing in the beauty industry, as well as the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business.
“Bare Escentuals: The Billion-Dollar Beauty Revolution” by Leslie Blodgett
Leslie Blodgett is the founder of Bare Escentuals, a cosmetics company that revolutionised the beauty industry with its mineral makeup products. In her autobiography, Blodgett shares her personal story and discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a successful beauty brand. This book provides valuable insights into the importance of innovation, branding, and marketing in the beauty industry.
“This Is What You Want, This Is What You Get” by Kathy Ireland
Kathy Ireland is a former supermodel and successful entrepreneur who launched her own line of beauty and lifestyle products. In her autobiography, she shares her personal journey to success and discusses the importance of authenticity, passion, and perseverance in building a successful career in the beauty industry.
Beauty as a concept
Want to learn a little more about beauty as a concept, beauty through the ages or the concept of beauty, and how it’s forever changing? Check out some of these works of non-fiction:
“Fifty Shades of Beauty” by Tabby Casto
This book provides an entertaining and informative look at the history of beauty standards throughout the ages, from ancient Egypt to modern times. If you’re a history buff, but you love beauty too then this is a must-read to understand where it all came from.
“The Beauty Myth” by Naomi Wolf
This seminal book explores the ways in which beauty standards are used to control and oppress women, and provides a powerful critique of the beauty industry and its impact on society.
“Beauty Junkies” by Alex Kuczynski
A look at the multi-billion dollar beauty industry and the obsession with youth and perfection. Author Alex Kuczynski takes readers on a journey through the world of plastic surgery, anti-aging treatments, and beauty products, and explores the psychological and emotional impact of the beauty industry on women.
Ready to write a book?
Thinking of writing a beauty industry book but you’re not sure where to start, or have lots of ideas but can’t get them to flow? Get in touch to find out more about how I can help you to ghostwrite your beauty book.
I’ve previously worked on books with industry experts and specialists to showcase their thought leadership within the beauty industry. I can help to do the same for you.
