The Best Beauty Books To Gift (Or Keep) This Christmas

Industry experts Sophie (beauty and style director at fashion and lifestyle website Buro) and Lisa (make-up artist) join forces to curate a no-nonsense, straight-talking guide with something for everyone. Packed with brilliant advice, foolproof hacks and even a recipe or two (baked camembert – we're looking at you), think of this as your practical new best friend.

Funmi, a beauty editor with 20 years' experience (and perennially glowing skin), talks us through the best beauty buys and advice for women of colour. Spanning skincare, make-up and haircare, this guide includes nearly 200 products, all put through their paces. It's insightful, honest and also 'a rallying cry for beauty brands to recognise the necessity, importance and value of engaging with a diverse range of skin tones and hair textures.' Bravo!

If you're looking for straight-talking skincare advice that cuts out the waffle, this is the beauty bible for you. Globally qualified advanced aesthetician (trained in over 100 brands), Caroline Hirons seriously knows her stuff when it comes to skincare. From demystifying ingredients to learning how to create a routine that works for you, Caroline offers frank and sound advice for every skincare concern going. This will totally transform your beauty regime.

With years of experience in the beauty industry, Katie Service (Beauty Director at Harrods) shares her expert advice on morning routines, 'on-the-go' products, evening regimes, SOS skin repair tips and dermatological treatment. Expect to walk away from this book with a bounty of beauty knowledge that will have you declaring yourself as a true skintellectual.

Famed for her creative eye and boundary-pushing versatility, legendary make-up artist Val reveals her career highlights, from where it all began to the icons she's worked with (Kate Moss, Nick Knight and Vivienne Westwood, to name a few). Her incredible journey is illustrated with catwalk photos, magazine covers, backstage snaps and quotes from industry power players.

Having worked with some of fashion's biggest names including Dior, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, nail legend Marian Newman shares her stories behind her creations. Packed with step-by-step techniques, the pro's toolkit and some beautiful imagery – this one is for all those who go mania for manicures.

Experienced one too many dodgy haircuts? Or not sure how to work your hair type? Legendary Hair Stylist and Founder of his eponymous brand, Luke Hersheson, shares all his hair-care knowledge in this handy and practical guide. From how to discover your hair type to asking the right questions to your hairdresser, this book really gets to the root of exactly what your hair needs.

Bursting with beautiful imagery, top tips and tricks (such as how to use colour, gloss and graphic effects), and a workbook of 30 face charts so you can get creative, this is a lesson in the true art of face painting from make-up artist Lan. It will inspire novices and bona fide beauty experts alike.

Beauty columnist, Sali Hughes, digs deep into some of the most iconic products in the beauty industry. From Chanel's No 5 to Babyliss Big Hair, Sali shares how these products and emerging big brands have shaped the beauty industry today. Witty, warm and super interesting – this is a great holiday read.

A truly inspiring read, founder of Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanie tells all on how she built her beauty brand from the very beginning. The journey covers all the challenges Maria faced along the way and really proves how hard work, sheer determination and patient are all you need to make your career dreams come true. A must-read for anyone looking for a bit of motivation, Maria's advice and tips do not go amiss.

In a refreshing move away from airbrushed perfection, photographer Jason and make-up artist Mel Arter bring us a collection of serenely beautiful photographs. Inspired by raw materials and nature, the images aim to challenge our fixation with flawlessness and instead focus on make-up representing freedom and creativity.

Split into 12 chapters categorised by colour, this beautiful book takes us on an incredible journey through the history of Dior cosmetics. It is a feast for the eyes, filled with iconic works from infamous artists, major advertising campaigns and the inspiration behind the creations. Pure coffee table gold.