Beauty Secrets for Dummies [Paperback]

Stephanie Seymour (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Dummies (Computer/Tech) | Publication Date: September 25, 1998

After years working with makeup artists and hairstylists, Stephanie Seymour provides real-world advice on everything from selecting quality cosmetics for any skin type and colour to choosing the right hairstyles for all kinds of occasions. Using over 100 colour photographs and illustrations, she also shows how to complement facial features and gives time-saving for women of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephanie Seymour is one of the fashion world's true supermodels. Since the age of 15, she has graced the covers of magazines all over the world, including Allure, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire, Vogue, and W. She has been photographed by the most famous photographers of the last four decades. Richard Avedon calls her the single most interesting and powerful model he has ever photographed.

Stephanie is known as the face and figure of Victoria's Secret and has also acted as their spokesperson. She has done numerous campaigns for beauty and hair companies, such as Pantene, L'Oreal, and Almay, as well as many fashion campaigns, including Azzedine Alaia, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Gianni Versace, and Yves Saint Laurent. Throughout her career as a model, Stephanie has learned her beauty tips from the best makeup artists, hairstylists, doctors, and beauty specialists.

Stephanie's first career is being a mother. Unique among professional models, she is the proud mother of three boys and is also very proud of her extended family from her marriage to Peter Brant, which includes five stepchildren.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies (September 25, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764550780
• ISBN-13: 978-0764550782
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #594,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for basics of general beauty from hair to makeup, November 1, 2000

By 

Amy, Tatting & Cosmetics Host, Wedding Guru - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beauty Secrets for Dummies (Paperback)

While I do have a hard time picturing Stephanie Seymour sitting down and writing all of this out, Beauty Secrets for Dummies is an excellent guide nonetheless. The skincare chapters are the weakest sections; most people have skintypes that don't fall neatly into one of the few categories listed in the book, and the information on skincare products just skims the surface.

The chapters on hair are good at covering the basics, and the tips on coloring/processing will be useful for anyone wanting to do at-home coloring. The step-by-step hairstyling instructions mostly apply only to those with longer hair. One helpful aspect of this book, used in every section, is the suggestions given for different age groups, from teens to women in their fifties and beyond.

The cosmetics section is by far the most in-depth, with plenty of information on product types and application tips for just about every situation. The color section on how to get different 'looks' is interesting, but it would be easier for women to duplicate the looks if the makeup used was a more readily available, more inexpensive brand than Nars. The chapter on brows is excellent. The only thing lacking is the absence of any solid advice on choosing the correct colors for your skintone.

This book would be great for women of any age, though it might be especially helpful for teens or anyone else just getting into beauty regimens. It has a light tone and an 'everyone can look pretty' attitude that is encouraging.

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll refer to this over and over, November 17, 1999

By 

a grateful reader (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beauty Secrets for Dummies (Paperback)

This book works well for several reasons : 1) The language Ms.Seymour ( or her editors) use(s) is colloquial and non-intimidating . It is a pleasure to read . 2) The " Dummies" format lends itself well to a book on beauty . After all, who wants a beauty manual filled with the author's own anecdotes and boring stories ? The " Dummies" book series is known for getting to the " meat" of the topic , and this one is no exception . " Beauty Secrets For Dummies" will give you some great tips if you are a beginner, but it is also very helpful for organizing and streamlining your daily routine ( you'll probably have a list of products to buy and new techniques by the end of your first read) . It offers a substantial source of information on everything from basic skin care, cosmetic surgery , and makeup techniques . Trust me, you'll find something useful in here no matter what you are interested in and how many other " beauty" manuals you've read before .This is definitely one of my favorite books on the topic.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great question and answer guide to beauty & personal care, December 3, 1998

By 

"rjudith" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beauty Secrets for Dummies (Paperback)

There is more in this book than any other book I have read about makeup and beauty. It is not "glitzy" but answers a lot of questions that come up every day. And the middle "makeup workbook" section by photographer and makeup artist Francois Nars has wonderful color pictures and detailed product information. Basically the book is divided into skin care, hair, makeup, home spa, 10's (best drug store items, from the salon, ways to vary your makeup) a good glossary and a great appendix of beauty resources including 800 #s and website addresses. This is an invaluable resource book.