As a beauty editor with a love for books, I've curated a list of 13 stylish coffee table books filled with inspiration.

      (Image credit: Amazon; Assouline)

      Throughout my career as a beauty editor, there have been defining moments that have shaped my experiences. One particularly memorable instance was trying my first luxury perfume, one I had often seen in my mother's bathroom growing up. Another moment resonated deeply with me because it connected to literature, one of my great passions. For my birthday, I received a book on Black Hollywood beauty while living mere minutes away from the iconic sign and the studio backlots where some of my beloved beauty icons made history on the silver screen. This book not only inspired me with its stunning looks but also provided insights into those individuals who shaped my style. Consequently, I began searching for beauty coffee table books that I could proudly display in my home. In the three apartments I've lived in since 2020, I've featured my favorite beauty books on my wood, marble, and glass coffee tables, each reflecting my different eras. I even contributed to one by Who What Wear to celebrate our Beauty Awards. Curious about the books I can't stop raving about? Keep reading to discover the 13 titles I would purchase if I didn’t already have them in my collection or on my wishlist for my next bookstore visit.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Jamie Schneider) The Best Beauty Coffee Table Books, Listed Best Skincare Read: The Ordinary: Ingredients Best Fragrance Read: Guerlain: Visionary Since 1828 Best Makeup Read: Estée Lauder: A Beautiful Life Best Wellness Read: The Sporty & Rich Wellness Book Volume 1

      The Ordinary

      The Ordinary: Ingredients delves into the active components of its formulas, featuring insights from the scientists behind the brand. Launched in 2016 with the goal to "reject the status quo in favor of authenticity and integrity," this book illustrates how they accomplished this.

      Aerin and Jane Lauder

      Estée Lauder

      Narrated through personal letters, family photos, company archives, and more, Estée Lauder: A Beautiful Life tells the inspiring story of businesswoman, matriarch, and visionary Estée Lauder as recounted by her granddaughters Aerin and Jane Lauder. This book offers an in-depth look into how Lauder built her cosmetic empire while nurturing her family life. The beautiful silk hardcover is designed for display.

      Nichelle Gainer

      Vintage Black Glamour

      I received this book as a gift while living in Los Angeles a few years ago, reigniting my passion for Black Hollywood glamour. Vintage Black Glamour serves as an authentic record of the stunning beauty of many iconic figures from Hollywood’s golden age, presenting rarely seen photographs of Black actors, models, writers, and entertainers alongside detailed profiles of Eartha Kitt, Diana Ross, Josephine Baker, and others.

      Michelle Wong

      The Science of Beauty

      While shopping for new skincare products can be exhilarating, it can also feel daunting when you're unsure of what should be in your routine. In The Science of Beauty, cosmetic chemist and content creator Michelle Wong, PhD, addresses hundreds of frequently asked questions about skincare and beauty, utilizing helpful infographics and the latest research.

      Guerlain has a rich history in the fragrance world, and its iconic Flacon Abeilles, also known as the Bee Bottle, has its own legacy. This book commemorates its 170th anniversary as a testament to craftsmanship, combining illuminating commentary from author Laurence Benaïm with historical and contemporary images. It's an ideal introduction to the perfume and cosmetic house for fans of the brand or anyone who appreciates exquisite fragrances.

      If you’re curious about how Byredo creates its viral fragrances (many of which have been lovingly highlighted by Who What Wear over the years), consider adding this coffee table book to your collection. In it, Theresa Müller reveals how creative director and former professional basketball player Ben Gorham launched Byredo in 2006, diving into the brand's unique approach to niche scents, its expansion into candles, and more.

      Emily Oberg

      The Sporty & Rich Wellness Book

      Written by Sporty & Rich founder Emily Oberg, this book features interviews, articles, and essays on health, skincare, nutrition, fitness, and more. It offers insights from leading health experts, covering topics from the significance of a balanced diet to establishing an effective skincare routine, along with original imagery by Purienne and Yana Shept that deserves a look.

      You may have heard that eating your greens can strengthen you, but did you know your diet also impacts your skin health? Eat Beautiful, by London-based makeup artist and beauty expert Wendy Rowe, delves into nourishing your skin with over 70 delicious recipes and practical beauty tips for maintaining a radiant complexion.

      Anne Berest, Fabienne Reybaud, and Marion Vignal

      Chanel 3-Book Slipcase

      A set of three stunning coffee table books is even better than one, especially at $90. This updated trilogy by Chanel and Assouline presents a slipcase containing three volumes: Chanel