Make-Up Masterclass

by Jemma Kidd

'Millions of women throughout the world wear make-up, but few of them have been taught how to apply it.' This is what inspired leading international make-up artist Jemma Kidd's vision for her make-up school, product line and now book, which aims to teach a new generation of women how to use the latest and best formulations and techniques. Jemma Kidd Make-up is a glamorous, contemporary yet timeless make-up book that demystifies the art of make-up and shows every woman how to enhance her best features and feel confident in her appearance, whatever her age or lifestyle. Beautifully photographed and designed, it offers expert advice in an accessible and digestible way: informative text is broken down into bite-size chunks, with quotes, top tips, insider secrets and practical step-by-step instructions. With more than 10 years' experience of working in the beauty industry, Jemma Kidd shares her professional know-how and explains her fail-safe techniques for maximizing natural beauty. While sharing insights into her life as a make-up artist, with a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the preparation that goes on before a catwalk show or a magazine shoot, Jemma explains how she works with the latest fashion trends to creates new looks and colour schemes, and shows how these sometimes extreme looks can be adapted and toned down for everyday wear. About the Author A former model and fashion stylist, Jemma Kidd has been a leading international make-up artist since 1999 and was nominated for make-up artist of the year at the Pantene awards in 2000. She has a weekly column in You magazine (Mail on Sunday).

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 29, 2009

Reviews

[Roya · Rating 2 out of 5]

At first it was promising, but it didn't take long for me to realise that it would fall nothing short of a disappointment. I was constantly reminded of this rubbish Mary-Kate and Ashley style book I was obsessed with when I was about nine. It appears as outdated as a Kevyn Aucoin book and isn't nearly as useful. Charts on eye shapes are always helpful, but the charts were poor. The makeup is verging on sloppy. I honestly don't see how this is a masterclass. Everything in it is essentially common knowledge.

[LilyCat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and organized. It's broken down into segments based on different parts of the face, different kinds of looks, etc. I also liked the nod towards the existence of diversity- Jemma Kidd includes specific instructions on natural, day, and night looks for all skin tones. The pictures and instructions are very easy to follow, and the daily advice is informative and not at all a push to buy Kidd's beauty products.

[Jessamyn Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot about this book and but Goodreads just put it on my recs. About 90% of what I know about makeup is from this book, it's great.

[Riley · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

This book had some great tips from what it looked like but my brain fried reading this book like from the start of reading it as there was SO much information and wasn't blocked in sections enough for me where I was able to focus and enjoy reading it.
And so I got bored fast.

I also think it was very one sided in the way it presented makeup. Makeup is so broad and there are so much different kinds of makeup and as someone who likes doing dramatic makeup this book was a let down as it's very plain.
And I do agree not everyone likes dramatic makeup but to say it's a "masterclass" is misleading.

Another thing that bothered me was it was only aimed for women.
But other people, not just women like makeup as well.
Why can't society be more inclusive? (sigh)

[A.J. Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brillant makeup reference book

[Deodand · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great place to start, but I felt more could've been done with photographing techniques as they were being done, instead of mostly using photos of completed makeup. I was especially looking for advice on eye shading techniques and I didn't find much here. Also I found the photos to be excessively touched-up, which isn't too helpful to women looking for advice on how to make it happen outside of the camera.

What I did like was the section on foundation and the look book does have some nice ideas.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 3 1/2 stars. Jemma Kidd gives good basic info on cosmetics and a very basic how to. I was a little disappointed when it came to eye makeup. I thought it was very basic and to be honest boring. This is great for a person new to make-up or someone who needs help with their make-up, but I will say its a great reference tool for someone who has been doing there makeup for a long time.

I also appreciated her knowledge on real skin care. She talks about the importance of Omega 3's, how puffy eyes are linked to our lymphatic system and so on.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a big fan of make up books as I never seem to be able to master the looks.

However this is an exception. The book is easy to read and has brilliant step by step instructions within which allow a make up novice, like myself, to be able to master the looks.

Well, worth the money and the photographs are amazing quality.

[Lina · Rating 2 out of 5]

There wasn't much in here that was new to me. I imagine this would be loads better for someone who don't know a lot about makeup, or their own skintype/face shape etc. It's a beginners book, and for that, it get four stars. For me, not so good. I already know everything she talks about in the book, and it's not exactly witchcraft to figure it out on my own either.

[Vilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jemma Kidd Make-up Masterclass is an informative book concerning everything from skincare to makeup. It's easy to read and good instructions. This is a good book for immediate individuals with a blossoming interest in makeup but aren't that experienced. But I'm more in favour of the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual, than this book.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice everyday guide for a modern woman. Goes into nice basic techniques, tools, skincare and includes step-by-step guides for a variety of situations as well as advice for changes with age. My largest criticism is that it talks about 4 different white/light skintones and everything past olive is just categorized as "deep".

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma Kidd shares everything skincare and make-up. Very informative. I recommend this book for anyone wanting to update their look or just figure out skincare routines and etc.

[Stefanie]

Fabulous "bible" of makeup looks, products, and techniques! Recommended for professionals and anyone interested in the art of makeup.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jemma goes in depth and lays out all the info you need. I like the way the book was put together and the pictures.

[Beka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though there's nothing wrong with it, I prefer Bobbi Brown's format and tips.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very good book for beginners and intermediates.

[Lucy]

Great book.

[Bevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

One note

The tips in the beginning are nice, but the full make up looks presented are too similar to one another.