3 New Beauty Books Worth Reading

The shelves in the Real Beauty office are stuffed to capacity with glossy beauty and style books, but that didn't stop us from adding three newly released titles to our look-gorgeous library: Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation, Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown, and Lauren Conrad Style. Each one is filled with excellent advice on style, hair, and makeup, not to mention stunning photos. Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect from the reads, plus our favorite tips straight from the pretty pages.

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Nigel Barker's Beauty Equation

This dashing fashion photog and America's Next Top Model judge shares the 10 essential elements that, when added together, equal true beauty (e.g., confidence, compassion, honesty, and energy). It sounds a little Pollyanna-ish, but between Barker's interesting anecdotes from his own life, plus insider tips from beauty and fashion experts, there's a lot of great info.

Sage advice: "If there's one feature you should find and use on a [digital] camera, it's the 'portrait' mode. 'Portrait' mode is perfect for most of our photo assignments. It automatically puts all of the focus on you or whatever you are shooting..."

Related: How to Get the Perfect Pose in Pictures


Beauty Rules by Bobbi Brown

Ignore the fact that Brown's sixth book is for teenagers, because even big girls can benefit from her focus on inner beauty and advice on makeup application, skin care, and healthy living. All of the adorable "models" you'll see in the pages are real girls, many of whom Brown plucked off the streets. Brown's goal is to help boost confidence and inspire girls to experiment with their looks.

Sage advice: "Do use your finger to apply makeup. Some salespeople at makeup counters will tell you that this is the wrong move because it isn't as precise as using a brush, but I think they are wrong. Your finger is the best application tool around (except for eyeliner)."


Related: The Easiest Ways to Gain Confidence


Lauren Conrad Style

Admit it. You totally want to know Lauren Conrad's secret to a perfect cat-eye look. Well, now you can get the scoop on the above, plus much more because the fashion designer and New York Times best-selling author is revealing her best style and beauty tips in her new book.

Sage advice: "Before I drop off my jeans at the tailor for hemming, I turn them inside out (to protect the color) and wash them first so that any shrinkage is accounted for. It may seem obvious, but make sure you bring the shoes you'll want to wear with your jeans to the tailor - this is a much better maneuver than standing on your tippy toes trying to approximate where the hem should hit."


Related: Find the Perfect Jeans for Your Body

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Reprinted with permission by Hearst Communications, Inc.