Between the charity ball and a wedding in the last month, I've spent a lot of money getting my hair and nails done recently. I also bought new makeup and then couldn't get it quite right at home. I think I need to learn how to do this for myself so I can feel polished for the less-formal events too.

But when I look online for hair or makeup tutorials, they're all on websites that give the bare minimum of info surrounded by a gazillion ads. And I can't tell which books might be useful too.

What are your favourites? Mostly I just want something that will show me some basic styles without assuming I already know how to wield hot tongs like a pro If the hair info covers short, baby-fine hair that would be a bonus.