Face Forward by Kevyn Aucoin (2000, Hardcover)

While Aucoin does try to cover makeup in a broad sense, much of this book is made up of photos of movie stars that he has transformed into classic movie stars. Gwyneth Paltrow as James Dean, comes to mind, as does Julia Roberts as Julie Christie, and Christy Turlington as Twiggy. He does an amazing job (Paltrow is practically unidentifiable as Dean), and it shows to what lengths makeup can improve, alter, and enhance the face.

Where Aucoin falls short is on practicality. Sure, I'd love to paint myself up to look like Elizabeth Taylor (1960, not 2006), but where would I go?

I do think Aucoin is a true artist and master who had so much to teach. I would have liked to have seen more technique in this one, though. Buy it because it's Aucoin and a pretty cool coffee table book.