Fine Beauty [Paperback]

Sam Fine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 1999

Filled with tips, techniques, makeovers, celebrities, and plenty of inside information on the business of beauty, this book is a perfect gift for every African-American woman -- for her sisters, her girlfriends, her mom...or herself!

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Makeup artist to African American models and other black stars, Fine here shares his beauty secrets, offering tips on all the fundamentals of applying makeup with clear, step-by-step instructions. Fine will be launching his own line of cosmetics in February.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Sam Fine, is the premier makeup artist for African-American models, singers, and actresses. His work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar, Essence, Vibe, Marie Claire, and numerous other magazines. He lives in New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Trade; Reprint edition (October 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157322779X
• ISBN-13: 978-1573227797
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #476,738 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was looking for, November 24, 1999

By 

Susan B. "McQue98" (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fine Beauty: Beauty Basics and Beyond for African American Women (Hardcover)

The info is mostly presented in a question/answer format as found in monthly fashion & beauty magazines. After the first 60 pages anyone looking for make-up instruction will be sadly disappointed. There is no info at all. Only pictures of the various star's the author has worked with and a little synopsis on their look. Of course seeing RuPaul without make-up was a perk. There is no skin care info or step-by-step make-up application coverage for creating different looks. In fact very little *useful* information at all on make-up application. The pictures were nice but if you are interested in information on basic skin care see Alfred Fornay's " The African-American Woman's Guide To Successful Make-up and Skin Care". For recreating different and exciting glamour and evening looks as well as very good step-by-step instruction on make-up application see Kevyn Aucoin's "Making Faces".

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but could have been better., September 17, 2001

By 

Primadonna (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fine Beauty (Paperback)

Mr. Fine has written a very good book, however, the title is a bit misleading. Fine Beauty promises beauty basics and beyond for the African-American Women, yet very little space is devoted to teaching women how to master the art of make-up application. Instead, the majority of this book is an overview on Mr. Fine's career success, including more than half the book consisiting of pictures with or of his famous clientelle. Also the end of the book contains more of Mr. Fine's famous friends in the "business". I felt like I was reading his resume' or looking through his portfolio!
Don't get me wrong it wasn't terrible. The first section of the book does give information on make-up basics including tools, and tips for every area of the face. I enjoyed this section. I once believed that blush was something that women of color could not pull off sucessfully, but thanks to Mr. Fine's tips on blush color and application, I have tried it and it looks great. Also, the tips on highlighting were helpful, but sadly, I was left wanting more. If you enjoy star-gazing, then this book is for you. If you are looking for an in-depth manual on how to make yourself look like a star, then look elsewhere. Mr. Fine's book can help beginners get off to a good start, and help intermediates refine their skills, but pro's will be sadly dissapointed.

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lacks True Beauty Tips, October 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Fine Beauty (Paperback)

If you are looking for a book that will give you makeup application ideas, look elsewhere. But if you want to see a makeup artist stroke his ego by being associated with big Hollywood names, then this is the book for you.
When I got this book I believed it would provide me with detailed information on how to apply makeup and what I could do to improve my look. Instead I get approximately 10-12 pages of information that I could have read in a beauty magazine. The remaining pages are filled with photos of the women he has made up such as Brandy, Patti Labell, and Tyra Banks. Then you get to hear about his life. Big Deal.
The saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" really does apply to this one.