As a beauty editor with a love for books, here are 13 stylish coffee table books filled with inspiration.

      (Image credit: Amazon; Assouline)

      Throughout my time as a beauty editor, there have been defining moments that shaped my journey. One significant instance was experiencing my first luxury perfume, one I had long admired in my mother's bathroom. Another poignant moment was receiving a book on Black Hollywood beauty for my birthday, while living near the iconic sign and studio lots that welcomed many of my favorite beauty legends. This book sparked endless inspiration from its visuals and deepened my understanding of the individuals who influenced my style. Since then, I’ve actively sought out beauty coffee table books to proudly display in my home. Across the three apartments I've inhabited since 2020, I’ve featured my favorite beauty books on the wood, marble, and glass tables that symbolize different phases of my life. I also contributed to a book by Who What Wear in honor of our Beauty Awards. Curious about the books that have captivated me? Read on to discover the 13 titles I would acquire if they weren't already part of my collection or on my upcoming bookstore list.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of Jamie Schneider) 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 offers an in-depth examination of the active components in its products, with insights from the scientists behind the brand. Launched in 2016, The Ordinary aimed to "reject the status quo in favor of authenticity and integrity," and this book elucidates how they achieved that goal.

      Aerin and Jane Lauder

      Estée Lauder

      Presented through personal letters, family photographs, and company archives, Estée Lauder: A Beautiful Life narrates the inspiring journey of matriarch and visionary Estée Lauder as recounted by her granddaughters, Aerin and Jane Lauder. The book provides a comprehensive look into how Lauder built her cosmetics empire while maintaining a rich family life, enveloped in a silk hardcover perfect for display.

      Nichelle Gainer

      Vintage Black Glamour

      I received this gift during my time in Los Angeles, reigniting my appreciation for Black Hollywood glamour. Vintage Black Glamour serves as a cherished record of the beauty of notable faces from Hollywood's golden era, showcasing rarely seen photos of Black actors, models, writers, and entertainers, alongside insightful profiles of stars like Eartha Kitt and Diana Ross.

      Michelle Wong

      The Science of Beauty

      While shopping for skincare can be enjoyable, it often feels daunting without clarity on what you need. In The Science of Beauty, cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong, PhD, addresses numerous commonly asked questions about skincare and beauty, supplemented with useful infographics and current research.

      Guerlain has a rich heritage in fragrance, and its iconic Flacon Abeilles, or Bee Bottle, has its own storied legacy. This book commemorates its 170th anniversary, combining illuminating text by Laurence Benaïm with historical and contemporary visuals. It's an excellent introduction for anyone who loves the brand or is enamored with exquisite fragrances.

      If you're curious about how Byredo crafts its viral scents (which many, including Who What Wear, have celebrated), consider adding this coffee table book to your collection. In it, Theresa Müller details how creative director and former professional basketball player Ben Gorham founded Byredo in 2006, exploring the unique philosophy of the brand's niche fragrances and its expansion into candles.

      Emily Oberg

      The Sporty & Rich Wellness Book

      Written by Sporty & Rich founder Emily Oberg, this book features interviews, articles, and essays focused on health, skin care, nutrition, fitness, and more. It includes insights from leading industry experts, covering the importance of a balanced diet and effective skincare routines, along with striking original images by Purienne and Yana Shept.

      While you may have heard to eat your greens for strength, it's equally essential to know that diet impacts skin health. Eat Beautiful, authored by London-based makeup artist Wendy Rowe, delves into nourishing your skin with over 70 delectable recipes and valuable beauty tips for a radiant complexion.

      Anne Berest, Fabienne Reybaud, and Marion Vignal

      Chanel 3-Book Slipcase

      A collection of three beautiful coffee table books for $90 is a delightful find. This updated trilogy by Chanel and Assouline highlights the brand with a slipcase set of three volumes: Chanel Fashion, Chanel Jewelry and Watches, and Chanel Fragrance and Beauty, each authored by Anne Berest, Fabienne Reybaud, and Marion Vignal. Each volume illustrates the brand’s heritage with striking visual elements.

      Gestalten and Kari Molvar

      The New Beauty

      The interconnectedness of beauty, culture, and fashion is examined in The New Beauty. Kari Molvar investigates the historical ties between the beauty industry and societal ideals that