Living Beauty by internationally hailed makeup artist Bobbi Brown is a book I've turned to again and again for advice, on many things. Written by the founder and CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, this book is about more than just makeup. In it, this phenom whose line of lipsticks debuted in the 1990's at New York City's Bergdorf Goodman discusses things like aging gracefully, and plastic surgery. She also makes note of how when she returns from travel abroad, she again notices how American popular culture is media driven and not guided by the people's inherent beauty. She points out how pop culture advises those who will listen, to rid themselves of whatever they deem 'flaws.' She mentions how people are encouraged to have plastic surgery.

Thus, in this book, Bobbi the author explores the challenge to be beautiful -- with or without surgical enhancement. Ethnic beauties, she does so because like us, this exclusive beauty editor of The Today Show understands that there are different approaches to beauty. She knows that there is room for everyone.

I like that in the book she offers readers wise words from famous women like designer Vera Wang, TV anchor Ann Curry and actress Vanessa Williams, all of whom are aging beautifully. I like that she quoted the late iconic actress Bette Davis who spoke of aging, "It's not for sissies."

This graduate from Emerson College who holds a degree in theatrical makeup tells us in Living Beauty how to go from 'barefaced to beautiful.' She does so by giving step-by-step information on caring for skin. Bobbi Brown lists products and explains the use and necessity level (or not) of each one. There is also a section on makeup to coincide with every hair color, including gray. For each hair color, she gives the eyes, lips and cheeks palette. I personally love the section on how to pack the perfect makeup kit, and on teeth whitening. This guidebook is packed with more than you and I have time to discuss -- wardrobe, jewelry, etc. There are even head to toe makeovers with before and after pictures.

This woman whose makeup line was so successful that Estee Lauder purchased her company, reiterates throughout the book that true beauty is achievable and simple. This handbook has so much more in it, including full-color photos and short interviews. Living Beauty is refreshing with its surgery-free solutions for looking and feeling beautiful. If you're not a twenty-something and need a bit of beauty advice, I'm counting on there being something in this book for you! Love it.