Face Paint

In the New York Times bestseller Face Paint, makeup artist Lisa Eldridge reveals the entire history of the art form, from Egyptian and Classical times through the Victorian age and golden era of Hollywood, and surveys the cutting-edge makeup science of today and tomorrow.

“Makeup artist and Lancome global creative director Lisa Eldridge drops serious knowledge.” ―Marie Claire

“Clear your coffee table and turn off YouTube—Lisa Eldridge’s book is a must read.” ―Teen Vogue

Makeup, as we know it, has only been commercially available in the last 100 years, but applying decoration to the face and body may be one of the oldest global social practices. Face Paint explores the practical and idiosyncratic reasons behind makeup’s use, the actual materials employed over generations, and the glamorous icons that people emulate—from Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe to Madonna and Amy Winehouse—and details how they achieved their effect. Each chapter reveals great industry stories and larger-than-life tales from many of the founders of modern beauty, including Helena Rubinstein, Charles Revson, Elizabeth Arden, and Estee Lauder:

• Red: Beauty’s Most Enduring Shade
• White: The Politics and Power of Pale
• Media and Motivation: Creating the Dream
• The Beauty Pioneers: Visionaries and Vaudeville
• History in Your Handbag: Folk Remedies to Global Brands
• And more!

Along with all the style and celebrity trappings, this lushly illustrated volume also explores the role makeup has played in women’s history—and the intriguing allure and fascination makeup holds for us all. It is also a social history of women and the ways in which we can understand their lives through the prism and impact of makeup.