The Essential Style Library -- Two Books You Need

Phillyist is always looking for books to improve ourself. We recently found two such books, and feel honor-bound to share them with you, dearest readers. Both books are out now and should be available at any major book shop in town. So get dolled up and go shopping, because dears, we all NEED these books.

Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin - We picked up this book on a whim because it looked interesting. It's better than interesting. It's become a resource checked as often as the dictionary in the Phillyist household. And believe us, that's a lot.

Kevyn, a famous Hollywood makeup artist, shows with photos and description how to use makeup to achieve pretty much any look you could possibly want. In addition to being informative, it's a treat to look at as well. The gigantic color photos feature Hollywood's elite as you've never seen them -- Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts, Cher, Isabella Rosellini, and others. They often aren't even recognizable as he converts them into archetypes like the Silent Movie Star, the Ingenue, the Vamp, etc., using nothing but basic makeup skills. And he tells you exactly how he did it, step-by-step.

As valuable as those various looks are, what's even better is his coverage of the basics. How best to apply foundation, rouge, and other basics, to get your freshest, most polished looks. Wonderful.

What Not to Wear by Trinny Woodall, Susannah Constantine - If we could, we would chase people down on the street and beat them with this book until they agreed to read it. It's that good. No, it's better than that good, it's our new bible.

Trinny and Susanna are the hosts of the British series, "What Not to Wear." Unlike the hosts of the atrocious American spin-off, these ladies know their business. Having good style, they say, is more illusion than anything else, and with proper education and a critical eye, anyone can master it.

Avoiding fads and trends, Trinny and Susanna focus on known body issues -- large chests, no chests, saddle-bags, short legs, etc. -- and tell you how to find clothes that will de-emphasize these and focus the attention on your strengths instead.

We cannot emphasize enough how much we love, love, love this book. We want to get Trinny and Susanna tattoos, or name our firstborn after them or something. The tips are adaptable to any body type and any clothing style. Every woman in the world should get this book and read this book.

Have other books for the Phillyist Style reading list? Let us know in comments, or write us!

Image Credit: BBC