Bobbi Brown Living Beauty

Bobbi Brown is an incredible makeup artist. I've seen her personally as well as the work of several other top names in the business, and moreso than any of the others, she has a way of turning the average woman into a glowing version of herself and doing so in a way that is easy to replicate and not over-the-top.This "you but improved" philosophy rings through in all of her books, including the new Living Beauty. Living Beauty is geared towards a more "experienced" reader, i.e., those in their 40s and older, but I am in my early 30s and still find the book very informative.As with her other books, Brown's most recent publication takes a holistic approach to beauty, covering not only skin care and makeup, but also fitness, nutrition, menopause issues (including bioidentical hormone replacement a la Suzanne Somers), giving birth in your 40s, cosmetic surgery, age-appropriate clothing and hair. The book also contains advice on aging and beauty from a number of famous sophisticates (Susan Sarandon, Vera Wang, Vanessa williams, Marcia Gay Harden, etc., etc.). There are lovely makeovers throughout with explanations of how they were done - makeovers that are actually doable and wearable (no ultra-smokey eye and nude-invisible lips). My favorite parts of the book are the little tidbits of advice from Bobbi scattered throughout - things she has learned throughout the years - e.g., "Watching Adam Sandler in the movie Click I learned that we shouldn't wish away all those annoying tasks. It's called life and it goes fast enough anyway."I took off one star from my rating solely because there's a lot of information in here that is included in Bobbi's other books and because its applicability is age-specific (20-somethings need not apply...). But, for those over 40 ladies (or younger Brown fans) who want a little life boost without looking like Ivana Trump, I'd highly recommend adding this book to your library.

I'm only 35, but I am interested in how to preserve what I have now and continue to age gracefully. I love Bobbi Brown's products and have all of her other books. I was excited to read this one, too, although it really is geared to the more mature woman. While much of her advice in this book seems to be simply regurgitated from earlier books, there is some prized information on the different ways in which to tackle aging - via products and/or procedures. Bobbi is anti-plastic surgery, which I can appreciate (but ask me again about my stance on that in 10 years!) and so has tried virtually every alternative procedure herself to combat aging, and she also pofiles other women who have had these procedures done. Interesting to read in their own words how they felt about the process, and if they were happy with the results, would do it again, etc. Included is a chapter on nutrition which I didn't really think was necessary from a make-up artist. It's all information we already know - nothing new there. But I understand that she is trying to go for the "whole" approach - not just bits and pieces. All in all, I respect her approach to beauty, she's always focused on the individual rather than the cookie-cutter look and is a smart woman. She definitely appeals to me as a woman who is aging gracefully.

I have read this book a hundred times and keep it with books as a great resource of user friendly make up tutorials. I would recommend this to any woman who would like to look great. The makeup advice I have used, everyday. I gave it 5 stars because I think in the genre of beauty books this one in tops. It is so well written you could read it in one sitting. I read other beauty books. They do not come go we to the 5 stars. I just think its great to read and grab you makeup that you have with you....look younger, brighter, and more polished. Reed it again and again.

The best portions of Bobbi's latest book are the complete makeovers and the sections on skin care and makeup techniques. Oh, the sheer POWER of well applied under eye concealer! It's astounding what an immediate difference it can make, especially when accompanied by a drop or two of "get the red out" eye drops. The tips about putting together a classic wardrobe have been covered before by other authors, but it's nice to see them incorporated into a book about midlife. Bobbi oddly puts the made over women into almost identical "uniforms"; still, they all looked much better than before.There is helpful advice on various non surgical skin procedures. While this information can easily be found for free on the net, it's fun to see the before and after photos. I have to wonder how much of the improvement was due to Bobbi's makeup magic. It might have been better to show three photos rather than two, one of the women without makeup before the procedure, one without makeup AFTER the procedure, and one of the post procedure result with Bobbi's makeup.The advice about diet, exercise, drinking lots of water and portion control is good but not revelatory. And, sorry Bobbi, "plain 'greek' yogurt with chocolate protein powder" will NEVER make my list of favorite treats. There's a smattering of spritualism, as well as info on teeth bleaching, midlife pregnancy, menopause, and cutting edge hormone replacement therapy. Bobbi also addresses problems such as dry skin and adult acne.Two minor nitpicks; I don't think that Bobbi pays enough attention to eyebrows. Beautifully shaped, full brows can dramatically improve the appearance of a mature woman. Natural beauty aside, it's a myth that your natural brow shape is always the best for your face. Also, there is no index; the table of contents does not list all points made in each chapter, so you must hunt to review specific information.I disagree with the editorial reviewer on one point; it was the fact that the "women who get it" were not famous that made this chapter refreshing. They are for the most part simply fabulous looking women who happen to be 40+. Though they share the pages with Bobbi's celebrity clients, NORMAL (albeit successful) women are front and center here. That's what ultimately makes this worth the read.IMO, Bobbi Brown is one of the two most gifted makeup artists of this generation. Only the late Kevyn Aucoin can compare, and his style was often more dramatic and fantasy based. Bobbi's real life philosophy has helped women of all ages and races look at themselves and makeup in a new way to enhance their own, unique beauty. This book will have you celebrating the arc of life as you move beautifully through your middle years.

I enjoyed this book life affirming for the older woman who feels negative about aging - most of the women more concerned about partners, work, family, friends than their wrinkles

Iconic book . Excellent and timeless.First order didn’t arrive but seller send a replacement promptly on contact .

Wonderful book, perfect condition. Highly recommend.All you need to know for great skin and health.Also Great communication from seller. Would definitely purchase from again.

Great

Repeats some of the advice given in the Bobbi Brown Make-Up manual but with some new tips which have really improved the way I wear my make- up. Some of the celeb items were not worth reading, though, but all in all a good book to complement the main make-up manual.