4.47

5

Dec 20, 2016

This book and I go back. The first time I was allowed to wear makeup, I was fourteen. Super excited, naturally. I recall my mom getting me this around that time. Back then I was probably more interested in the pictures than anything else this book had to offer (it has a lot!). Long story short, I learned little to nothing, arrogantly assumed I had and gave it away in the monthly book swap. Smart girl. Thankfully I repurchased a used version this summer. I'm not sure how many times I've read this This book and I go back. The first time I was allowed to wear makeup, I was fourteen. Super excited, naturally. I recall my mom getting me this around that time. Back then I was probably more interested in the pictures than anything else this book had to offer (it has a lot!). Long story short, I learned little to nothing, arrogantly assumed I had and gave it away in the monthly book swap. Smart girl. Thankfully I repurchased a used version this summer. I'm not sure how many times I've read this book, but this was the first time I truly appreciated it.

I tried to recreate one of Kevyn's looks on Lisa Marie Presley, which has always been one of my favourites. It's a far cry from anything he could do before he passed away, but I felt like sharing for the sake of the review. I should also note that the instructions regarding application are far from ample, but personally I skimmed over these parts.



Now that I'm looking at it again, this could use a lot of work. My biggest concern here is my eyebrows. What was I thinking? Maybe if I ever redo this look I'll update the picture, but for now that's all. Overlook the resting bitch face.

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5

Jun 12, 2008

The obvious aim of this book is to show people how to apply make up, which it does very well. What makes it worthwhile is all the ways it goes above and beyond that basic goal. The photography is beautiful (it's worth looking at just for that). Kevyn Aucoin's story of growing up, the stories of his siblings, and their role in the development of his talent is compelling and inspiring.

After the section on basics, there's a section of "looks" developed for ordinary people (male and female) The obvious aim of this book is to show people how to apply make up, which it does very well. What makes it worthwhile is all the ways it goes above and beyond that basic goal. The photography is beautiful (it's worth looking at just for that). Kevyn Aucoin's story of growing up, the stories of his siblings, and their role in the development of his talent is compelling and inspiring.

After the section on basics, there's a section of "looks" developed for ordinary people (male and female) alongside their own stories, which makes the book very accessible for those who might feel distant from the subject. The next section, which is entirely celebrities, is more "glamorous" but gives you the details of how to acheive those looks as well.

I got this book thinking I should wear more makeup so I won't be mistaken for an undergrad all the time, but it left me feeling like makeup is not necessary at all. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it's a book about feeling comfortable with yourself, no matter how made up you are.

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5

Jan 06, 2013

5 stars

Making Faces is the best book on make-up I have ever come across. Even though it was published in 1999, the make-up looks are very actual.

The first part of the book focuses on introducing the tools and the techniques: how to contour and highlight, how to shape the eyebrows, the different types and textures of eyeshadow, how to apply false eyelashes..., including the basic eye looks (smokey, neutral, shimmery...) that, if mastered, will allow you to create any look you want. Very useful 5 stars

Making Faces is the best book on make-up I have ever come across. Even though it was published in 1999, the make-up looks are very actual.

The first part of the book focuses on introducing the tools and the techniques: how to contour and highlight, how to shape the eyebrows, the different types and textures of eyeshadow, how to apply false eyelashes..., including the basic eye looks (smokey, neutral, shimmery...) that, if mastered, will allow you to create any look you want. Very useful information for anyone just starting on the world of make-up.

The second part includes detailed and illustrated step-by-step guides on how to achieve dozens of different make-up looks. From everyday and glamorous looks Kevyn Aucoin did on his friends, to the iconic looks of the 20th century: the Bombshell (Marilyn Monroe), the Flapper (Josephine Baker), the Gamine (Audrey Hepburn)...

Everyone who loves make-up or wants to learn more about it should definitely get this book.
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4

Sep 02, 2009

In a more leisurely and glamorous part of my life I spent HOURS studying this book. ,I in fact, went to a company halloween party as a very convincing Betty Boop using techniques I garnered from this tome. Bee-sting pucker, pin curls, false eyelashes and the exact right eye-liner, the night was magnificent. Being more of a sunscreen and lipgloss kind of woman today, I think I should go get this book again just for the pleasant nostalgia. Who knows? Maybe next Halloween may be the time to try In a more leisurely and glamorous part of my life I spent HOURS studying this book. ,I in fact, went to a company halloween party as a very convincing Betty Boop using techniques I garnered from this tome. Bee-sting pucker, pin curls, false eyelashes and the exact right eye-liner, the night was magnificent. Being more of a sunscreen and lipgloss kind of woman today, I think I should go get this book again just for the pleasant nostalgia. Who knows? Maybe next Halloween may be the time to try another over the top character.

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5

May 22, 2015

A great book by an incredible and influential legend. It focuses on makeup photography and tutorials. This book is great for beginners who want to get a brief but informative look into the makeup industry.
Kevyn Aucoin also offers tidbits about his philosophy on makeup and charming stories of his life that relates to makeup.
It includes beautiful colored pictures of Aucoin's work. The book is worth reading just to see the pictures.
Any makeup enthusiast has to become familiar with Aucoin's work A great book by an incredible and influential legend. It focuses on makeup photography and tutorials. This book is great for beginners who want to get a brief but informative look into the makeup industry.
Kevyn Aucoin also offers tidbits about his philosophy on makeup and charming stories of his life that relates to makeup.
It includes beautiful colored pictures of Aucoin's work. The book is worth reading just to see the pictures.
Any makeup enthusiast has to become familiar with Aucoin's work and this is a must read for them. ...more

5

Aug 16, 2011

I picked up this books from a friend. I really liked its big size and full color photos. I did not just glace at the photos, I actually read the entire book.

Kevyn does a really great job of encouraging the reader to experiment with makeup, and not just with colors, but also with the way you apply it, location, tools, and more. He does a GREAT job of summarizing styles throughout the decades and gives you step-by-step instructions with color and makeup suggestions for you to replicate the looks. I picked up this books from a friend. I really liked its big size and full color photos. I did not just glace at the photos, I actually read the entire book.

Kevyn does a really great job of encouraging the reader to experiment with makeup, and not just with colors, but also with the way you apply it, location, tools, and more. He does a GREAT job of summarizing styles throughout the decades and gives you step-by-step instructions with color and makeup suggestions for you to replicate the looks. I especially loved the history of the "Eyebrow" (30s thin brows)and "lip" (50s full lip). I really loved the "film noir" and "hollywood bombshell" looks.

What was REALLY great about this book is the expansive amount of celebrity photos that Kevyn used, everyone from Vanessa Williams, to Drew Barrymore, to Demi Moore. If I had not seen the step by step directions for some of the looks, I would have NEVER guessed who it was! He REALLY surprised the reader about what can be accomplished with the correct and playful application of makeup.

His "transformations" of normal people to make-up styles were really inspirational.

Also, a BIG plus, is that Kevyn was not afraid to use women of all colors, black white, asian, whatever.

What I found a bit boring about the book is how similar many of the looks are. He had a lot of browns, peach, tuapes. I would have loved to see more vibrant looks, like Green eyeshadow, blue lipstick, a mardi gras look, vampire costume look, punk or goth, and some REALLY fun, maybe even halloween-inspired looks. I'm not saying he had to go nuts with special effects makeup, but a bit more diversity in coloring would have been nice. More FUN stuff and more color.

This is still a FANTASTIC book that I recommend to ANY makeup lover.
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4

Jun 17, 2016

Great book. Even though it is form the 90s, the looks aren't dated at all. I also love that he uses the least amount of products necessary to create the looks.

4

Apr 12, 2015

Kevyn Aucoin was truly an artist. I was blown away by the transformations he made with so few beauty products. It really is all about application. Very informational. If your interested in make up at all you can learn something from this book.

0

Sep 27, 2016

This review is being written for Mrs. Orona’s 2A English class. The book I read throughout the 6 weeks is “Making Faces” by Amy Harmon. “Making Faces” has 308 pages and is self published. I read this book because my mom read it and strongly recommended it.
The main characters of the book are Fern Taylor and Ambrose Young. Fern is a girl who was “small and pale, with bright red hair and forgettable features”. She laid low in school and loved romance novels. When Rita liked Ambrose, Fern was the This review is being written for Mrs. Orona’s 2A English class. The book I read throughout the 6 weeks is “Making Faces” by Amy Harmon. “Making Faces” has 308 pages and is self published. I read this book because my mom read it and strongly recommended it.
The main characters of the book are Fern Taylor and Ambrose Young. Fern is a girl who was “small and pale, with bright red hair and forgettable features”. She laid low in school and loved romance novels. When Rita liked Ambrose, Fern was the one writing back and forth with Ambrose and signing rita's name. Through that Fern learned how deep and caring Ambrose really was and made her love him even more. Ambrose Young was tall and muscular with long luxurious hair that brushed his shoulders. He was good at everything he did and was loved by everyone. He did not like Fern solely because of the way she looked. He like Rita was beautiful but he found out who was really writing the letters to him he was upset.
Bailey is Ferns cousin, he has muscular dystrophy which causes him to be wheelchair bound. Rita is Ferns best friend, she had a crush on Ambrose through high school but grew up into a bad situation. Couch sheen is Fern's uncle/ Bailey's dad, he couched ambrose before the incident then couched him back to his old self after. Beans, Jessie, Paul, and Grant are Ambrose’s best friends that died in war while serving alongside Ambrose.
“Making Faces” is a romance novel set in present day Hannah Lake, Pennsylvania. Fern Taylor really like Ambrose but Ambrose only made jokes about about her looks. When Ambrose and his 4 best friends were sent to Iraq, a tragic deed was done. There vehicle was blown up and ended up killing everyone except for Ambrose. Fern was terrified because when she got the news she didn't know what had happened to him and in all that had happened she still loved him.He was okay but was scared inside and out, half of his body was burnt and rough. When Fern approached him so passionately he felt as if he was not good enough for her and she was doing it out of pity. But in time her learned to love her as much, if not more, than she had loved him all those years.
In conclusion, “Making faces” is a deep novel that with reel in your interest. I like that it follows war veteran through his recovery. It's a fiction novel but it relates to a lot of realistic situations.
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5

Jul 20, 2012

For those who are makeup artists, or are simply interested in makeup, this book is amazing! The work in this book is phenomenal, and the photography of the models (many of them famous celebrities) is beautiful. Along with the pictures are guidelines and tips on how to achieve each look, plus general makeup tips to improve your technique! Even if you are not interested in makeup, the pictures alone are fantastic.

5

Feb 07, 2011

If you want have no clue how to appyly your makeup, BUY THIS BOOK NOW! I was gifted this book and now, buy it for others who are just starting out with their makeup, or to anyone who needs help. Kevin was a magician and he openly taught others how to look their best. This book give you step by step instructions on how to create the stars' looks on your own - right down to the colors, etc.... I'm telling you, you'll learn so much! I wish the talented Kevin had not passed away - I often wished I If you want have no clue how to appyly your makeup, BUY THIS BOOK NOW! I was gifted this book and now, buy it for others who are just starting out with their makeup, or to anyone who needs help. Kevin was a magician and he openly taught others how to look their best. This book give you step by step instructions on how to create the stars' looks on your own - right down to the colors, etc.... I'm telling you, you'll learn so much! I wish the talented Kevin had not passed away - I often wished I could meet him and thank him. Rest in peace, Kevin! ...more

4

Jul 26, 2008

Shocking!

Working in stage and screen I know that make-up can do amazing things to your character and how you're perceived. Some shading in the eyes can make you look mean or neanderthal like (aka stupid). Change them to a brighter look and you can look innocent and young... But Aucoin takes these type of concepts to an incredible new level. People that you think you know look completely different. At first glance you may be surprised to see that he's worked on Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Shocking!

Working in stage and screen I know that make-up can do amazing things to your character and how you're perceived. Some shading in the eyes can make you look mean or neanderthal like (aka stupid). Change them to a brighter look and you can look innocent and young... But Aucoin takes these type of concepts to an incredible new level. People that you think you know look completely different. At first glance you may be surprised to see that he's worked on Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe...Wait. He's too young to have done that.. Turns out it's Winnona Ryder and Courtney Love! ...more

5

Jul 10, 2012

I was so captivated by this book I kept it in my car and looked at it at red lights. It starts out with basic instructions on how to make up your face, eyes, and lips. It then goes on to show you a bunch of different looks you can achieve with makeup, and step-by-step instructions. There are pictures so you can see exactly where the eye liner goes, how you should trace the lip shape, etc. He even specifies what consistency each product should be, such as powder versus liquid blush, pencil eye I was so captivated by this book I kept it in my car and looked at it at red lights. It starts out with basic instructions on how to make up your face, eyes, and lips. It then goes on to show you a bunch of different looks you can achieve with makeup, and step-by-step instructions. There are pictures so you can see exactly where the eye liner goes, how you should trace the lip shape, etc. He even specifies what consistency each product should be, such as powder versus liquid blush, pencil eye liner versus liquid eye liner, and lip gloss versus lipstick. I tried out two of the faces last night, and my boyfriend loved the smoky eye look on me! ...more

4

Oct 09, 2016

As a self-described "Makeup Addict" this books was great at showing the different looks Kevyn Aucoin achieved as a makeup artist and how one would recreate these looks at home. The best thing about Kevyn Aucoin's looks are that they are really quite simple, nothing too dramatic or frightening.

My only complaint would be that this book lacked a lot of detail that would have been useful. Like what BRAND of makeup Kevyn would recommend to reach certain looks. And though he went over eyeliner he As a self-described "Makeup Addict" this books was great at showing the different looks Kevyn Aucoin achieved as a makeup artist and how one would recreate these looks at home. The best thing about Kevyn Aucoin's looks are that they are really quite simple, nothing too dramatic or frightening.

My only complaint would be that this book lacked a lot of detail that would have been useful. Like what BRAND of makeup Kevyn would recommend to reach certain looks. And though he went over eyeliner he never really described how one would really go about recreating the looks for themselves.

But overall it was a great book for aspiring makeup aficionados. ...more

4

Aug 21, 2015

Kevyn Aucoin was a famous makeup artist who hobnobed with lots of celebrities. They offer their opinions about how talented Aucoin was and the pages display it with lots of detailed full sized photos.

I loved this book because there are many pages of modern famous people made up to look like famous people of yesteryear. When I read it, I was a few years into my intense obsession with old Hollywood, so the makeovers fascinated me. They also introduced me to a new star: Alla Nazimova. She is a Kevyn Aucoin was a famous makeup artist who hobnobed with lots of celebrities. They offer their opinions about how talented Aucoin was and the pages display it with lots of detailed full sized photos.

I loved this book because there are many pages of modern famous people made up to look like famous people of yesteryear. When I read it, I was a few years into my intense obsession with old Hollywood, so the makeovers fascinated me. They also introduced me to a new star: Alla Nazimova. She is a fascinating actress, very artistic and unusual, and it was thanks to this book that I discovered her. ...more

5

Feb 14, 2008

What a lovely book...this book was inspired by Way Bandy's _Styling Your Face_ which at first glance would seem to be a really dated makeup book you might find in your grandma's archives...HOWEVER! Kevyn brought it up to date in this version but it is clearly a knock off of his predecessor. It was made for the modern woman wanting to understand technique and ideas that are the basic, simple artistic ideals of what makeup is all about. If you ever took drawing and painting 101...or color What a lovely book...this book was inspired by Way Bandy's _Styling Your Face_ which at first glance would seem to be a really dated makeup book you might find in your grandma's archives...HOWEVER! Kevyn brought it up to date in this version but it is clearly a knock off of his predecessor. It was made for the modern woman wanting to understand technique and ideas that are the basic, simple artistic ideals of what makeup is all about. If you ever took drawing and painting 101...or color theory...these ideals are represented here in a way the "unartistically inclined" (or not!) might find some interesting ideas. If you ever wondered about the "art" part of the word of "makeup ARTist", this is your tome. Enjoy. And get the Way Bandy book because you suddenly understand the inspiration of this work. ...more

4

Jan 16, 2013

Such an excellent book on applying make-up with beautiful pictures and simple, straightforward methods that even I can do! I'm excited to add some new things to my make-up applying repertoire and have a trip to Target planned tomorrow to grab some supplies (eyelash curler - a first, for me, white eyeliner, etc.). Most of all, I was impressed with Kevyn Aucoin's completely gracious approach to make-up and beauty, seeing it in absolutely every creature, and bringing the glamour out in all his Such an excellent book on applying make-up with beautiful pictures and simple, straightforward methods that even I can do! I'm excited to add some new things to my make-up applying repertoire and have a trip to Target planned tomorrow to grab some supplies (eyelash curler - a first, for me, white eyeliner, etc.). Most of all, I was impressed with Kevyn Aucoin's completely gracious approach to make-up and beauty, seeing it in absolutely every creature, and bringing the glamour out in all his models and friends. It makes me sad to know he has since passed away - he had genius talent and most of all a wonderful nature, as comes across in this book.

(The only reason I'm giving it four stars is because it's a bit dated, and I would've liked to know how to use some of the tools that are available these days, like liquid foundation brushes, eyeshadow brushes, etc., or how to use primer or BB creams.) ...more

4

Jun 08, 2011

I don't buy many beautiful related books anymore, as once you have a decent collection of them, they start blending together. THIS was one I was holding out for though, as when I was browsing Books-A-Million with friends a few years ago, it really held my attention with its talent and creativity.

Kevyn Aucoin, now deceased, was a talented and well-known makeup artist in the industry. His simple and yet detailed approaches make this book shine above the rest, worth purchasing even if you already I don't buy many beautiful related books anymore, as once you have a decent collection of them, they start blending together. THIS was one I was holding out for though, as when I was browsing Books-A-Million with friends a few years ago, it really held my attention with its talent and creativity.

Kevyn Aucoin, now deceased, was a talented and well-known makeup artist in the industry. His simple and yet detailed approaches make this book shine above the rest, worth purchasing even if you already have a related collection at hand.

Like a lot of makeup books, it goes over the importance of color, tools, and application techniques. As most state, it's important to emphasize personal best features and tailor makeup needs to suit flaws and individual purpose. He has a nice section detailing different makeup looks which worked through the ages, such as the 50's lip and 30's thin brow, film noir and hollywood bombshell looks. He tells about each, shows a picture, and tells how to get the effect.

The book was filled with regular, everyday women also - women of all colors and nationalities, enhancing their uniqueness with his talent and showing how to get said looks. The only thing that would have made this book better would have been more individualized instructions regarding face shapes, eye shapes, and fixing problem areas. These were skimmed over. He also stuck to many neutral shade looks, not showing anything goth, vibrant, or sparkly. ...more

5

Nov 14, 2019

Wonderful ,simple sketches of faces and display of make up technique. Kevyn's kindness and artistry shines.

5

Mar 20, 2018

A very informative, quick read with detailed pictures and instructions. very useful for beginners, but people that have loved doing makeup on themselves for a while will also find a few useful tips and tricks.

3

Jul 08, 2019

I was hoping it would be more how-to and not just a picture book. The book preview is misleading. However, it is an interesting book and it's fascinating seeing the difference between the before and after pics and seeing the stars and models portray beauty icons of the past.

5

Jul 18, 2019

Before YouTube tutorials, you actually had to search out different ways to do make up. I got this when it came out in 1997 & revisited it this week. There are a couple things that are a little out of date but still some great tips and lessons. The pictures in this book are gorgeous. You are missed, Kevyn!

5

Feb 16, 2019

I recently saw the Netflix documentary about Kevyn Aucoin and was interested in seeing his books. Even though I never have and never will wear makeup, I thought this book was excellent. First, if you do wear makeup, the instructions here are clear, well designed, and friendly. Second, the book contains interesting side bar memories and reflections. Third, it is easy to see this as art, and faces as canvases, and Aucoin as a skilled and generous artist.

4

Mar 09, 2019

Interesting for any aspiring make-up artist or anyone interested in make-up application. The book contains beautiful photos and a lot of useful tips. The application process is explained really concisely and in a step-by-step fashion. Aucoin also outlines several fashionable make-up looks of the 1900s per decade. Despite all this, the actual content and tips provided me with no new knowledge, being a make-up lover and fervent viewer of many YouTube make-up artists. However, it's good to be Interesting for any aspiring make-up artist or anyone interested in make-up application. The book contains beautiful photos and a lot of useful tips. The application process is explained really concisely and in a step-by-step fashion. Aucoin also outlines several fashionable make-up looks of the 1900s per decade. Despite all this, the actual content and tips provided me with no new knowledge, being a make-up lover and fervent viewer of many YouTube make-up artists. However, it's good to be reminded of the theory behind make-up application and it will certainly be of good use as a reference for make-up looks of a certain decade. ...more

5

Nov 22, 2018

A friend gave me this book when I first came out 12 years ago.

I've kept it through several moves, including a period of my life where all my belongings were split between the three friend's houses I was couchsurfing on. I've never completed one of the looks featured in the book. That's not what makes the book so valuable to me.

So many beauty resources aimed at trans women seek to assimilate us into a cisheteronormative view of beauty; we are enticed with the promise that we too, if we learn A friend gave me this book when I first came out 12 years ago.

I've kept it through several moves, including a period of my life where all my belongings were split between the three friend's houses I was couchsurfing on. I've never completed one of the looks featured in the book. That's not what makes the book so valuable to me.

So many beauty resources aimed at trans women seek to assimilate us into a cisheteronormative view of beauty; we are enticed with the promise that we too, if we learn how to use blush, can ascend into unremarkability.

This was the first book on beauty I encountered that suggested to me that makeup can be used to express a feeling, a facet of yourself, an aspiration of who you wish to be in the moment.

I will never part with this book, even if it goes unread. I will espouse its qualities to strangers, even when inappropriate. I will insist other people read it so they can tell me what it says and how we could all learn from it.

In this sense, this book is my Bible. ...more