World-famous makeup artist and TODAY beauty editor Bobbi Brown provides the ultimate guide to lasting beauty in “Pretty Powerful,” filled with hundreds of ideas, techniques, tips and stories from inspiring women. Here’s an excerpt.
INTRODUCTION
I live in a house of men. Between my husband, three sons, two nephews, and (as I write this) two foreign exchange students (who we fondly call the “Euroboys”), I am definitely in the minority at home. Luckily for me, my two female dogs, Biggie and Pup Pup, are there for cuddling. That’s my home life. But in my work life, I am surrounded by women: young ones, old ones, tall ones, short ones, pregnant ones, menopausal ones, and many who don’t always feel pretty.
While looking at the “before” photos for my last book, “Beauty Rules,” I had an epiphany. Even though I’m in the business of selling makeup, I loved how the teens and their moms looked without any makeup. But I also loved how everyone lit up after the makeup was applied and the sparkly jewels were put on. The “after” shots were stunning an authentic. The message behind “Pretty Powerful” is simple: All women are pretty without makeup and can be pretty powerful with even just a touch of makeup.
As a makeup artist, beauty expert, and a woman, I understand what it takes to feel and look good. It takes an incredible amount of hard work (as does everything that’s worth doing) – you have to eat right, exercise regularly, learn how to apply your makeup, and get dressed even on days you’re not feeling your best. But first and foremost, feeling good requires an upbeat attitude, confidence, and a wicked sense of humor. And that’s what “Pretty Powerful” is all about.
This book is more than gorgeous photos. It’s a book about incredible women and their inspiring words. It includes application techniques you can use at home and personal stories that will inspire you to be your best, most authentic self. Creating “Pretty Powerful” was an unforgettable experience; I had the honor of working with an amazing collection of women, each celebrating life and full of energy and confidence. My hope is to help women everywhere understand that being who you are is the secret to lasting beauty – and that all of us can be both pretty and pretty powerful.
Reprinted from “Pretty Powerful” by Bobbi Brown by arrangement with Chronicle Books. Copyright © 2012 by Bobbi Brown.