Make-up for many women is increasingly more than just powder and paint - it's practically an art form in itself; Make Up is Art is a wonderful coffee table book that perfectly illustrates this trend.
Today's amateur make-up artist has a host of exciting new cosmetics to play with - from Swarovski crystal eyebrows to intricate paper lashes and everything in between.
Nowadays we're all a lot more confident in trying out experimental styles and flamboyant looks that would have previously only been seen in the editorial pages of high fashion mags.
Perhaps this is due pop culture's influence; the likes of experimental make-up fans Lady Gaga and Bat for Lashes (X-Factor's Katie Waissel and her snow covered lashes should really get a mention here too). And let's not forget Dita Von Teese and Paloma Faith, whose old school glamour has reignited the fake eyelash industry alone!
Jana Ririnui, make-up artist and founder of The Academy of Freelance Makeup (AOFM), and Lan Nguyen, make-up artist and creative director, have come together with a team of other top industry professionals to create a book that not only teaches professional make up techniques, but also inspires you to develop your own original looks.
Whether you're a budding wannabe make-up artist or just a fan of creative cosmetics, it will encourage you to look way beyond the usual palette to design and create make-up styles beyond your imagination. Happy creating!
MAKEUP IS ART By Jana Ririnui and Lan Nguyen, £25
Published by CARLTON BOOKS, November 2010
Written by Hannah Freeman