Sali Hughes: Pretty Honest 

One of the first solely beauty books I owned and still one of my most reached for, Pretty Honest explores each and every aspect of beauty you could dream of learning about. As The Guardians weekend beauty columnist and having previously written for other leading magazines including Stylist, ELLE, RED, Grazia and Glamour, Sali Hughes is renowned in the industry for her expertise in beauty. Pretty Honest: 'The Straight Talking Beauty Companion' isn't just any old book that tells us how to apply foundation, that we shouldn't use face wipes and the beauty trends for the next 5 years, it's a beauty bible, handbook and manual for woman today covering topics from perfecting your daily skincare routine, teenage beauty, beauty for mothers, career-woman and the low down on waxing to salon etiquette, how to pay and receive compliments and how to look good in a picture. 

It's everything you need to know about beauty and having had 20 years of experience in the industry, Sali knows exactly what she's talking about. Pretty Honest is a book to show real, modern-day woman the power of beauty through icons including Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel and Joan Collins, famous quotes and Sali's humorous, witty tone. 

Favourite Chapters: 

Basic Kit: The Products You Need Now (page 49): This is where you'll learn the beauty steps Sali truly believes in, the ones to give a miss and the some really good product recommendations.  

Beauty and the Career-woman (page 149): The desk-side beauty essentials to keep close-by for top ups and how to use a power lip or strong eye to add a bit of oomph to your look for special work occasions. 

Some Things You Think Are Hard - but aren't (page 283): Ever wanted to try winged liner but always been afraid? The perfect ballerina bun? This is the chapter where Sali answers all those beauty tricks you've never tried, but always wanted to. 

Garance DoRÉ: LOVe x STYLE x LIFE x 

Photographer, fashion blogger, illustrator and author, Garance Doré grew up in Corsica, now lives in New York and is a true ambassador of the French style, beauty and approach to life. Love X Style X Life X can only be described as a personal style/part beauty guide written by Garance almost in diary form, as it draws upon her own incredibly personal experiences in every aspect of her life, from makeup, wardrobe, elegance, career journey, highlights, love and more. It's an intimate and personal story told from the perspective of one of the worlds leading fashion influencers of today but Garance's authentic and honest tone makes this sensational book seem like a love letter on life to a best friend. 

Love X Style X Life is an addictive, delightful and personable read that perfectly encapsulates the 'French chic' and inspires me to travel, write, create, experiement with style and beauty but most importantly, it inspires me more and more every day to pursue an exciting career and life that I'm proud of and love.  

Favourite Chapters: 

Mix High and Low (page 37): How to mix your wardrobe with high street and designer, exposing her love for Zara along the way. Garance shares her top tips and where to go high and where to go low. 

The 10 Steps (page 78): How Garance's story began and her journey.

Beauty (page 119): Everything from 'on beauty' with Drew Barrymore to perfecting the red lip, bun, blush and bronze. 

Elegance Is (page 206): How to be elegant in every way of life, French style. A smile, a sense of culture, politeness, bringing flowers and more... 

I hope you enjoyed this read. What beauty books do you love to read?

Jasmine x