5 Must-Read Books on Skincare and Beauty

While there is a ton of beauty and skincare advice online—as you can see, obviously—it’s crucially important to learn from the masters with in-depth explanations as to what works and what doesn’t. Here are number of really good resources we’ve found:

Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me, by Paula Begoun
Paula is the self-proclaimed “cosmetics cop” and while she isn’t a board-certified dermatologist, she works hard to review the latest research and base her tips on that. This book is a classic for understanding some of the basics of skin care and for the product reviews.

The Skin Type Solution, by Dr. Leslie Baumann
Recommended by skincare researchers at Adore Cosmetics as “a classic,” Dr. Baumann’s book contains lots of rock-solid information and tips to guide your decisions—and purchases—by factoring in your skin type.

Skin Rules, by Dr. Debra Jaliman
Originally published in 2012, this book offers straightforward, easy-to-understand advice on proper skin care so that you avoid fads and follow the proven fundamentals.

Face Paint, by Lisa Eldridge
A fascinating history of makeup by Lancôme’s global creative director and one of the world’s top makeup artists. Stunning photos and beautifully paced chapters take you through how throughout history we have used different forms of enhancement (some of them flat-out weird!) to look our best.

The Little Book of Skin Care, by Charlotte Cho
Obviously, Korean skin care has become hot, and as with any new trend, misinformation and misconceptions abound. But as the founder of leading Korean beauty site Soko Glam, Charlotte Cho is well-positioned to share the correct tips and tutorials to unlock the power of Korean beauty products for your skin type.