There really shouldn't be anything guilty about pleasure, yet each of the books below just feel like pure indulgence.
I turn to them for distraction, out of procrastination or when I just want to feel girly! It's like when you watch a movie over and over again (*cough, cough* 17 Again), even though your know it's not amazing - it just makes you happy!
Guilty pleasures
The WAH Nails Book of Downtown Girls: Nail Art + Style Bible - by Sharmadean Reid
Sharmadean Reid, an incredible stylist turned beauty entrepreneur gives new life to the manicure in her salon and in this book. It's full of amazing nail art, budget beauty tips and advice for getting into the blogisphere.
A visual retrospective from industry powerhouse MAC. This book showcases the work and reflections of incredible artists that have contributed to MAC's journey since 1984. It's filled with boundary-pushing portraits, iconic campaigns and perfectly captures the unconventional, vibrant and fearless aesthetic of the MAC brand.
I think it's a makeup artist thing, but I just adore freckles. They are young, fresh and positively spell-bounding to me - just like Reto Caduff's book of black and white portraits. Now this one is actually on my wish list - with only 500 ever published and even numbered they are hard to come by!
Lauren Conrad Beauty - by Lauren Conrad
Lauren Conrad has managed to transform her incredible journey in the spotlight into an online lifestyle empire. This book is a collection of the best beauty tips she's picked up over years under the reality TV microscope, including personal anecdotes and step-by-step tutorials for enhancing your natural beauty inside and out.
Confessions of an Allure Beauty Editor - by Linda Wells
This one hits the list because it receives such mixed reviews. Linda Wells was the founding beauty editor of Allure Magazine and this book is the perfect compilation of her advice over the years. Although some find it basic, I think it's a beauty bible for the humble consumer. It was one of the first books I bought before I was "in the business" and its advice has served me well.
Make Up: Your Life Guide to Beauty, Style and Success - Online and Off - by Michelle Phan
Michelle Phan was one of the first beauty pioneers of YouTube and this book shares not only her best advice about mastering the perfect liquid liner, but a road map to turning your passion into a career. Just like Michelle's signature style, the book is gorgeous and feels incredibly personal. It's definitely a modern beauty bible.
I hope you've enjoyed my collection and reflections as this concludes the Autumn Reading List series. I'd love to hear about your favourites or of any gaps in my library.
xx FemFox