I purchased the bookTrish McEvoy The Power of Makeup; Looking Your Level Best at Every Age, several years ago and I have to say it is one of the best instructional books I have in my vast collection of makeup books. I remember the day I picked it up – I read and read, well into the night, wanting to soak in all the words she had to say.

I am a big fan of her organizer/planners. They’re wonderful to use, especially for travel or keeping it simple in your desk. The mini palettes are great for touch-ups and not having to haul all of your makeup from home to work. But back to the book…

Trish discusses the importance of great skincare – the basis for having makeup look great. Her husband is NY dermatologist Dr. Ronald Sherman, and had a hand in developing her skincare line which she also lists her essentials in order to have great skin. She also talks about her planners,where the idea for them came from, how they work and what they all hold. There are also tips on quick fixes; what to do for makeup if you were up all night or wake up with a blemish etc.

Trish probably first became well known because of her brushes. They are incredible brushes of excellent quality and I am lucky enough to own a few! Before she had her own brush line, she used to go to the art supply store and buy painter’s brushes and cut and shape them to suit her needs as a makeup artist. In the book she details what each of the brushes can do as well as caring for them, along with other tools such as puffs, wedges, swabs and the importance of a magnified makeup mirror. Because of this book I did go buy a magnified stand mirror and have never regretted it for a minute.
Chapter 5 discusses the different textures of makeup and their play on the skin. We all know there are different textures – shimmer, matte etc., but she explains very well what each of these different textures can do to the face and how they work with the skin in giving you the look(s) you want to achieve.

The main focus of the book comes at Chapter 6 – Determine Your Level of Beauty. She breaks it down to three levels

• Level 1 is minimalist – bare bones, and makeup is probably not a driving passion in your life. I also would add that this would be the perfect level for a casual day and wanting to look polished, not over done or completely undone.
• Level 2 is for those that enjoy makeup and rely on it as a large part of their daily routine.
• Level 3 is for enjoying everything that makeup has to offer in its extreme. You usually are a creative person who likes to explore all that makeup has to offer.

Trish advises you with details on what each level means and what makeup is involved within that level. I would have to say I run the gamut on each level, but rarely am a Level 1.

This is a fabulous book that is easy to read and learn from, for the novice to the expert. Another thing I absolutely loved about this book is that every page that had makeup on it – whether a still photo or a model with makeup on her face, she has listed in the back of the book every color from foundation to lips, that was used in that particular photo. Genius!