From her makeovers on The Today Show to her columns in Prevention, I've found makeup guru Bobbi Brown's tips to be straight to the point with a little bit of unexpectedness. So, it's no surprise her new book, Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone From Beginner to Pro ($21.12), has tips on everything from leading a healthy lifestyle to applying dramatic makeup like a geisha.

This book, Brown's fifth, was written "as a complete reference guide for everyone who wants to know about beauty and makeup." It's got your standard makeup-y advice: what’s what when it comes to brushes, tools, application methods, skin care, and choosing colors/formulations. To find out what differentiates it from the rest, read more.

But what separates it from your run-of-the-mill makeup guides is the intense knowledge that her 25 years in the business brings. For those interested in careers in makeup artistry, Brown's degree in theatrical makeup comes into play, as she offers up advice on preparing looks for TV, film, and stage, along with tips on building a portfolio. My favorite parts? An amazing section on concealing and correcting under eye circles and a simple to follow 10-step guide to perfect makeup.

While the comprehensive nature of the book may be a little overwhelming at times, Brown somehow manages to keep it mostly short and sweet. Brown's impeccable taste, toned-down style, reassuring nature, and no-nonsense approach is always appealing. Plus, there's something here for everyone: from multicultural skin to bridal beauty to the history of makeup to a list of famous makeup artists — the title of this beauty manual says it all.