Book review: “Making Faces” by Kevyn Aucoin

 


I am so happy to be bringing this review to you. This was the very first makeup book I came in contact with and I didn’t hesitate to buy it. Each time I open it, its like Im opening it for the first time.

I bought this book mainly because of the education that can be gleaned from it and believe me when I say that if you are a novice in the art of makeup, this book will take several leaps towards becoming a maestro in the art.

The first thing that jumped out of the book and slapped me in the face was the page on shading and highlighting the face (what we also often refer to as contouring the face)



It was the deciding factor in whether I should buy the book or not.
The book is filled with makeovers of celebrities but most of all, Kevyn Aucoin gives us some details that as makeup artists we sometimes overlook i.e. facial structure,



Skin care (cleaning, moisturizing… general prepping of the skin before the application of makeup) and the necessary tools,



Foundation (tools for applying foundation, different types of foundation and foundation bases [oil and water]),



Powder (tools and some highlighting tricks with powder),



Concealer,



Eyebrows (shapes, grooming and maintaining) – not everybody has the same eyebrow shape. If you want to make a career as a makeup artist, you have really got to put this into consideration when working on a Client’s face.



And for Christ’s sake don’t encourage them to shave off their brows either. If you want to do a look where you need a blank surface in the eyebrow area, try blocking the brows,



Eyeshadows (types, tools and a gorgeous smokey eye on Julia Roberts [how to inclusive])



Eye shadow shapes,


Eyeshadow finishes and textures,

Eyeliner (tips on application and types),



Eyelashes (tips for perfect and precise application), mascara types and eyelash curler,



Lipstick finishes,



Lip shapes (and tips on achieving Kevyn Aucoin’s 3-dimensional mouth), I must say here that the 3-dimensional mouth is very achievable and worth the effort so be sure to give it a try,



Here is Janet Jackson spotting the 3-dimensional mouth (see how full and luscious her lips look)



Blush and finishing touches to a makeup look.



And here comes the part you have all been waiting for – the makeovers.







The second part of the book is called a gathering. This part features before and after looks, a brief history of the persons featured, how the particular looks were conceived and how the looks were achieved. Here are 3 out of the various makeovers featured in this section.

 

  

The third part of the book (the part im sure most of you will love the most) is called Great Looks. Im not going to spoil it by mentioning the great looks featured in this section. If you have the book, you already know them but if not, here is a sneak peek. For your viewing pleasure iv featured more pictures from this section of the book.

I jokingly call this page which is right before the inside back cover – The Gathering




And here is the back cover with testimonials from some of Kevyn’s celebrity clients amongst whom are Cher, Tina Turner, Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson, Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore and so many more.



My favourite part of the whole book is actually the foreword which he called making the face





and here is my favourite part of it (endeavour to read it, iv made it big enough)



After this review, I expect that every MUA (aspiring or otherwise) go out and purchase this book. If you are in Nigeria and would love to purchase this book, I will endeavour to make more sources available but I purchased mine when I was a student at House of Tara. You can give them a try and if not successful, let me know and I will look for other sources.

I apologise for the quality of the photography, i tried my best but i guess it wasnt good enough (so my skills still need working on)

Happy Reading!