BOOK LOVE SERIES No1: Bobbi Brown MakeUp Manual

I'm all for the crazy make up, believe me.

Having just joined a fancy dress club (lots of crazy like-minded folks dressing up for comedy value) I'm no shrinking violet when it comes to make-up. And yet, this is one of my favourite beauty books of all time.

Fact is, Bobbi Brown rocks. What she does is classic, elegant and timeless without going for that whole 'I'm not wearing make up, yet I clearly am' look, which is dullsville as everyone can see through it anyway. She's a real inspiration in terms of her career (she started on a counter and progressed) and her products are amazing quality and really work with skin, not against it. My desert island, morning-after-a-heavy-one palette is this Cabana Corals set. It's not cheap, but it is compact and the colours are exquisite and would work with most, if not all, skin tones. Crap, I digress massively, sorry.



The book is perfect for natural make-up looks and great skincare tips, and it's especially great for mature and darker skins. By far the best section is at the back where she takes you through her professional kit for general shoots and for more dramatic ones.

You're not going to find any Morticia Adams meets Lady Gaga looks in here, no siree. The most dramatic you'll get is a slightly smokey taupe eye. But, chances are, you'll go back to it time and time again for reference and when you need some trusted help with the basics. She's a legend...Go Bobbi, Go Bobbi etc.

Bobbi Brown MakeUp Manual, published by Headline Springboard is £10.48 on Amazon. I bought mine second hand because I hate the feel of new books (they're so crisp and clinical) give me a battered old copy any day! Will shut up now, clearly have verbal diarrhoea today.