Rae Morris' writing style is admirable: there is no fakery here. Even in her introduction to the book, she describes her ascent to make up glory as imperfect: she "fell into make up". A theme of imperfect beauty permeates this book - the pictures have not been retouched, only enhanced through styling and a bit of clever lighting. But that is not to detract from the incredible make up - it's all stunning, and in fact, only made more stunning by the knowledge that it is real.
Morris writes about make up techniques in exacts, for example in her explanation of using eyeliner for large, rounded or protruding eyes: "Never use hard-egded eyeliner: either above or below; a smudged liner is the only type allowed". At first read, this can appear slightly dictatorial, but who am I to argue? Her insistence of the use of her methods only serves to enforce her knowledge of the subject. Unlike some other, perhaps more diplomatic, guides, this one appears encyclopaedic in its exactness.
Unlike in her stringency of methods, she is clearly a great believer in the variety of imagination. There are a plethora of looks in the book: some safe, some seriously brave. My favourite is the "dramatic evening look", showing a woman sporting paired-down skin and eyes, with strong (but not drawn in) brows, and an incredible purple metallic lip. It's simple, but highly imaginative.
It is compendious in its coverage of make up for age-ranges and skin types. The section for make up for the over 40s is especially a triumph: contemporary and incredibly flattering looks for mature women is something seriously lacking in a lot of make up guides. Again, there are some brilliantly authoritative messages to the over-40s:
"Never, ever use biege or pink-based foundation. Here is how to age yourself instantly: what most woman don't know is that pink, beige or any cool-coloured base powder or foundation sucks warmth out of the skin, something you don't want to do".
The looks themselves are a joy: particularly the gold make up on Sarah, which is youthful, sexy and fun.
This book was published in 2008, and I'm sure many lovers of make up have this book. My reason for posting about it is that it I can't find another make up guide I love more. I am planning to review more make up books along the way but I wanted this to be my starting point. It is available on Amazon for £11.80: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Makeup-Ultimate-Guide-Rae-Morris/dp/1845432665/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1321097438&sr=8-4
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