Sometimes, though, we want something with greater weight and longevity; something more beautiful, glossier and with higher production values. Something that we can keep, touch and hand-down. And we are not alone. We’ve been delighted to see a whole new crop of beauty and style books that both inspire and instruct appearing on bookshop shelves of late. From those whose covers contain make-up masterclasses to holistic skincare guides; from wardrobe detoxes to ‘how-to’ manuals to build your capsule wardrobe in style, these are the tomes that are set to become our new style bibles, this summer and beyond.
Makeup: A Masterclass in Beauty, £11
Hannah Martin
The ‘go-to glow up handbook’ with step-by-step photography, quick tips, product lists and how-to advice on everything from prepping and caring for skin to Hannah’s signature smoky eye tutorial. Buy it.
Fearless: Style - Beauty – Life (out Sept 2023), £13
Trinny Woodall
The definitive how-to guide to finding your style, boosting your confidence and living your best life from the reassuringly bossy entrepreneur, broadcaster and journalist Trinny Woodall. There’s practical, no-nonsense advice with challenges to get you putting tips into action off the page. Covering health, beauty and style, this book has it all for a 360 confidence reboot. Buy it.
Big Dress Energy, £13.20
Shakaila Forbes-Bell
Fashion psychologist, Shakaila Forbes-Bell, explores how our wardrobe is an extension of our identity, sharing tips on how you can curate your clothes to make them feel effortlessly ‘you’. The ides is to use those everyday moments of fashion and beauty as acts of self-care to become happier, more confident and inspired. Buy it.
Skin Food, Your 4-Step Solution To Happy, Healthy Skin, £13.80
Dr Thivi Maruthappu
Consultant dermatologist and registered nutritionist Dr Thivi Maruthappu shares years of clinic experience, with research and expert knowledge on the impact that everything from stress to sleep to diet to DNA has on our skin. There are also forty tried-and-tested recipes designed to holistically target a number of concerns, including acne, ageing well, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema. A great resource if you want to cure a skin condition ‘from the inside out’. Buy it.
Style Chapters, £21.79 (out July 2023)
Erica Davies
The second style book from ex-magazine editor and style influencer Erica Davies, Style Chapters looks at how different phases in our lives require difference wardrobe needs – from the school run to the board room. Erica’s reassuring tones are confidence boosting, with tips and inspiration for any budget or body. Buy it.
Eyeliner – A Cultural History, £17.50 (out Nov 2023)
Zahra Hankir
From Nefertiti to Amy Winehouse, eyeliner is one of our most enduring cosmetic tools. Zahra Hankir takes a global journey through the history of kohl, exploring its origins from the geishas of Japan to the drag queens of New York to embrace a rich collective cultural history. Buy it.
Get Changed, £11
Kat Farmer
Instagram style guru and professional stylist Kat Farmer talks to the ‘invisible woman’ who feels they have lost their identity and style in mid-life. With her trademark humour and down-to-earth approach, Kat’s step-by-step practical guide shares how to build the ultimate new wardrobe and, with it, your confidence in a refreshingly fad-free and easy-to-follow style. Buy it.
Skincare – The New Edit, £15.82
Caroline Hirons
Skin expert and aesthetician Caroline Hirons’ definitive skincare guide covers how to build a routine, ingredients to look for and things to avoid – whatever your age, skin concerns or budget. The revised edit includes new sections, including the menopause and updated product recommendations. An authoritative, no-nonsense voice in an industry of ‘experts’, Caroline cuts through the marketing noise to tell you what your skin really needs. Buy it.
Beauty, Hair, Style – The New No-Rules Beauty Bible, £14.50
Sophie Hannah
If you want to get creative with your hair and make-up but don’t know where to start, Sophie Hannah rips up the rule book and invites you to have fun with your style again. With plenty of tips to take away and implement, it’s a great hand-holding read to get you out of your style rut. Buy it.
Why Don’t I Have Anything To Wear?, £13.90 (out August 2023)
Andrea Cheong
If this title sounds like your perennial chant as you stare down your wardrobe, Andrea Cheong’s new read may be your saviour. In her five-step programme, she will teach you how to break free from damaging shopping patterns, helping you to save money, shop smarter and create a wardrobe that works effectively for you. Buy it.
Black Skin, The Definitive Skincare Guide, £11
Dija Ayodele
Before Dija Ayodele dispenses her expert advice, she takes a moment to examines the concept of identity, looking at the way history has shaped how Black women express themselves through beauty and skincare. When it comes to tips, her dos and don’ts include the best ingredients for your skin and your budget, plus a focus on the issues that Black women face: hyperpigmentation, general skin discolouration and increased dryness. An intelligent and informed read. Buy it.
Destination Fabulous, £15
Anna Murphy
Witty and refreshing, Times Fashion Director Anna Murphy examines not only how to look good, but how to feel good in what you wear too and how the two are inextricably linked. A toolkit for ‘grown-up women’, it shares all you need to embrace your age and celebrate the wisdom and inner beauty that comes with it. It’s about working with, not rallying against, the ageing process as Anna shares her years of expert tips on fashion and beauty to help you re-attune your wardrobe and style to your changing life chapters. Buy it.
Lydia Mansi
June 2023
