Eight seconds. That’s apparently Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s attention span when assessing new digital content. No wonder shorts have become such a popular format, but it doesn’t give you much time to storytell or provide any in depth advice or explanation. And yet when it comes to books, they still manage to transport the reader into a new world or broaden your knowledge. So forget about soundbites for the next 3 minutes and let yourself be seduced by one of these beauty books, each suitable for different levels of attention span. 

Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes

Best for: a dip-in-and-out coffee table book

You can literally open this bestselling book on any page and read one page at a time, in no particular order, making it ideal for the easily distracted. Sali Hughes, one of the UK’s most trusted beauty journalists and known for her witty, no-nonsense writing, shares her passion for beauty and her encyclopaedic knowledge of iconic beauty products.

Why it works for short attention span readers:

• You don’t need to be a beauty expert, this coffee table book is the definition of accessible: perfect for dipping in, the ‘one product per page’ format makes it easy to read in short bursts, especially with Sali’s approachable tone  
• Spanning over 100 years and 200 legendary beauty products, from Chanel No 5 to Bourjois’ iconic little round pots and French pharmacy favourite Bioderma’s micellar water, each entry is a love letter to that product, taking you through the history of beauty blended with some of Sali’s personal interactions with these beauty icons, so you’re never bored  
• At over 400 pages this may look daunting, but you will recognise so many of the products just by flicking through, the images will draw you in to what’s most relevant to you and your experience with beauty products, triggering nostalgic memories from your mother or grandmother’s scent to your own teenage years  

South Asian Beauty by Sonia Haria

Best for: a light introduction to South Asian beauty rituals

Another beauty journalist, Sonia Haria is now Beauty Director at The Telegraph, so not only does she know this topic, she also knows how to keep it engaging. A leading voice for inclusivity in beauty, she shares her experience growing up in England following South Asian beauty rituals.

Why it works for short attention span readers:

• Years ago, before my K-drama obsession, I had a Bollywood phase, avidly consuming years worth of Hindi films and absorbing those beauty aesthetics. Sonia Haria’s references to Indian cinema and the importance of threading in her culture reminded me of my love for this culture. Whatever your interest in this book, you can pick what resonates the most and dive into that chapter, from identity to Ayurveda and bridal beauty.
• Get drawn in with Sonia’s product recommendations clearly showcased with visual product pages, or go for her culturally-resonating beauty tips clearly signposted by facial area e.g. eyebrows or product e.g. concealer.
• This book celebrates way more than beauty, it celebrates heritage, bringing long-overdue representation to South Asian beauty. It’s filled with personal stories, interviews and practical advice rooted in traditional practices.

Cosmetics To Go by Mira Manga

Best for: a nostalgic flashback

Not having grown up in England, I wasn’t aware that before LUSH came Cosmetics To Go. Although it does make sense to read this book in chronological order, it’s such a strong celebration of innovation (the invention of the original bath bomb), risk-taking, and the passion that drives beauty entrepreneurship, that you’ll be hooked from the first page – which starts with two staff members scaling Mount Kilimanjaro. It really feels like you’ve been invited into a never-told-before story of the rise – and fall – of a highly innovative beauty brand. I wish I could’ve worked there, it sounded like the most fun job in the beauty world.    

Why it works for short attention span readers:

• This book is such a feast for the eyes, you can’t help but flick from one page to the next to discover a completely different layout. Every page looks like a school year book collage of vintage-looking products, staff members at work and travels that inspired new collections
• Whether you grew up in the 90s or simply love that era, the vibrant storytelling will have you feeling nostalgic for that decade of incredible creativity and business risk-taking. It really feels like anything was possible back then if you had a great idea and the drive to make it happen
• This is by far the most fun beauty book I’ve read, because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. You don’t have to be a die-hard LUSH fan to enjoy the fun behind-the-scenes stories and the social context it depicts, including ethical debates around animal testing

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