Amazing Face: clever beauty tricks, should-own products + spectacularly useful how-to-do-its

by Zoë Foster Blake

Sometimes a lady just needs to know how to do the definitive smoky eye, or how to choose the perfect shade of lipstick or eye shadow. And there's no reason she shouldn't know which foundation or moisturiser is best for her, either.

All the answers are here, in this top-to-toe beauty extravaganza. Former Cosmopolitan and Harper's BAZAAR beauty director Zoë Foster suggests makeup colours and brands for every occasion, skin care routines and products for every age, and step-by-step instructions for winged eyeliner, sensational red lips, foolproof tanning, simple updos, sexy-second-day hair, and much, much more . . .

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2011

About the author

Zoë Foster Blake is an Australian author and the founder of Go-To skin care. Yes, she is writing this in third person.

Zoë writes mostly for young women, because she thinks they're wonderful and deserve nice books.

Zoë has published five fiction titles, THINGS WILL CALM DOWN SOON, AIR KISSES, PLAYING THE FIELD, THE YOUNGER MAN and THE WRONG GIRL (made into a network TV series in Australia).

Zoë has also written four non-fiction titles: a dating and relationship guide called TEXTBOOK ROMANCE, (written with Hamish Blake), AMAZINGER FACE, a compilation of beauty tips and tricks, BREAK-UP BOSS, (also an app) and LOVE!, essays from a decade spent writing relationship advice. She published CLEAN SLATE, an Audible Original about infidelity in a seemingly perfect marriage in 2020.

She also writes picture books: NO ONE LIKES A FART, which won the ABIA Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2018 because farts are where it’s AT, BACK TO SLEEP, FART AND BURP ARE SUPERSTINKERS (titled NO ONE LIKES A BURP in the US), SCAREDY BATH, BATTLE MUM, HAPPY FARTER’S DAY, and BEST PRESENT EVER.

When she's not updating her goodreads bio she's writing her new novel, out Oct 2026.

Reviews

[Simone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book an extra star because I did learn something. The bar was low, but I have to give the book credit for that.

But otherwise this book made me feel ugly and old, and that wasn't even it's biggest sin!
Zoe Foster is so annoying... She swears and can be rather petty and immature. Here's a quote from the page You are Completely Destroying Your Hair, You know:

If you have lovely, natural hair that dries perfectly, then you don't need to read this.
Ok, now that she's gone, let's discuss how you can stop ruining your hair so much...

She spent a lot of time warning the dangers of sun damage and not nearly enough time on how alcohol affects your skin. If I recall... I don't think she mentioned the affect sleep has on your health either.
She dedicates a full page on how to look fresh-faced for an inevitable sleepover at a random guy's house. There's no way I would let any future daughters of mine read this book.

In summary, very strange, and hard to believe it was written by a 31-year-old. Exactly the same age as me.

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun read, to give you an idea it starts "I learned how to apply make up from a girl in the toilets..." Ah high school memories. I've loved some of the simple tips - put bronzer on like the number 3, and cream blush using the nike symbol; but my favourite tip would have to be creating a day spa feel by putting a few drops of lavender oil on a flannel/facewasher, then putting the flannel on the drain in the shower whilst you have a shower. The steam, the fragrance. Lovely. I do warn though, don't read this while you're feeling skint, as you'll want to buy heaps of beauty products as you read.

[Eirryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe Foster is an amazing author, an amazing Beauty Editor & obviously a whiz in the art of Make Up!

I absolutely love her witty, laid back style of writing & find myself giggling constantly!

If you'r after some really easy tips, written in a really fun way, from an Industry Professional, this is your book!

Also, worth a mention is the absolutely gorgeous layout, it's fun, colourful & keeps you interested from start to finish! I love having mine displayed on the Desk in my Office!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with one hand on strawberrynet because I'm apparently lacking a few hundred bones' worth of skin care and make up! Definitely some good tips and great to get some clear instruction after 20 years of habits. I'm going to give the hair bizzo a go, but suspect I'm going to end up ratty/dirty rather than ropey/piecey as promised

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting read, a couple of good tips, (e.g. i started applying illuminator in a boomerang shape on my cheeks & eyes) & 2 people this week have complimented me on my skin "glowing" - most of this info you can get from zoe's blog & you tube videos though

[––––•(-•The Insomniac Book Hoarder•- · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished the last of my aussie writers book reading phase for the month of
Nov- Dec! I'm proud to say that my fellow Aussies have not led me astray.

Zoe Foster-Blake is my WCA; there's a Woman Crush Monday- so why can't there be a woman crush always?!. Since my high school days I have been an avid reader of her column in Cosmopolitan. I loved her wit, humour and advice. I must admit Zoe is/has been my bias when it comes to the Australian media. I admit that I follow her YouTube account- with its beauty tips and tricks; and I have read some of her fiction books too.


But, this by far has been the most entertaining!

'You can get skin cancer and die. And when you're dead, no one gives a shit how tanned you are'

So, with an invaluable piece of advice like that, you most definitely should/must read this book, Pronto (=

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that provides fabulous beauty tips and easy tutorials. I love the way in which Zoe had written this book, it's really funny! Some of the highlights of this book includes: which colours suit your eyes, how to apply highlighter properly, recommended skin care routines, which nail polish flatters your skin tone. There are so many tips and tricks in this book, I would definitely recommend it!!

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Zoe writes in an off beat humorous style which is enjoyable to read. Unfortunately I didn't really find anything helpful or useful in this book. It was all quite basic stuff that I already know and recommendations for projects that I am not interested in purchasing (too expensive, full of chemicals, tested on animals etc). The step by step instructions are good but there are not enough pics! I am giving it to my sister who might appreciate it more.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who never learnt how to do their hair and make up properly when I was teenager this book is extremely helpful. I learnt what products should work for my skin type, colours for my skin tone, how to do my hair, what tools to use, etc.

Basically if you're a newbie to make up, go read this book.
Is now on my to-buy list.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Zoe's cheeky humour when it comes to everything beauty. She is a very down-to-earth girl with her head placed firmly on her shoulders. The book is a must for young teens and women who need to brush up on the basics.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for girls just starting to get into skincare and makeup or even for women who want to learn more. There are alot of cool facts and neat tricks to be learnt from this book and the quirky way it's written is sure to get a few laughs.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic tips that are easy to follow! Not pitched too high for those who aren't particularly good with styling and beauty...and best of all, she uses products that are easily-accessible and not too pricey!

[Alannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I didn't personally learn too much from this book, it was a really enjoyable read. Zoe has an excellent sense of humour! I especially liked her product recommendations and little side-notes jotted down throughout the book :)

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic tips, great product suggestions and a truly funny read.

[Kim-Marie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything a lady needs to know, plus lots she doesn't, but is jolly glad she now knows. Perfect for beauty addicts and cosmetic virgins alike. LOVE IT!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read, lots of useful tips that anyone could use. It would be great if it included a few more recommendations for products to try.

[Lauren Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is expensive, due to all the purchases you make after reading it! So worth it though!

[Gervy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have skimmed the whole thing and it's really good. Several new tricks, quirky writing, gorgeous-looking book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing tips and useful ideas, but there are not enough pictures and a lot of the products mentioned are just not stuff that I'd be happy to put on my skin!

[Camille White · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY have I not been using repair serum? Finally I have seen the light!

[Khali Ridings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It felt like Zoe was talking to me as a friend giving me awesome beauty tips and hints. Strongly recommend this to any fellow beauty lover.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with heaps of little tips. Look forward to the new updated version.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for beauty tips for nails,hair,skin,whole body etc.