Most days, I don’t wear much makeup; usually I just stick with some foundation and a bit of tinted lip gloss. While I do enjoy getting all gussied-up on special occasions, I would rate my level of makeup knowledge as being pretty basic and I don’t typically do a lot of experimenting with my look.
Despite this, I actually own a LOT of makeup, as I worked at the head office of a drug-store chain for many years and frequently received free samples from the various vendors that we dealt with. Since I have such a vast collection of products, I was excited to read Ikumi Rotta’s Makeup is Not (Just) Magic and, hopefully, get some tips on how to make better use of my makeup.
Ikumi Rotta used to work as a Beauty Consultant and still posts about her passion for makeup on social media, where she frequently answers her followers’ questions about using beauty products. That seems to be where the idea for this manga guide-book came from and each chapter of Makeup is Not (Just) Magic is focused around answering a question regarding makeup in a manner that’s accessible to beginners. I found the directions to be easy to follow and the cheery tone of the text and the cute art-style helped to make this a pleasant read. It you’re a novice when it comes to makeup and are looking for a fun way to acquire a rudimentary foundation of knowledge, then this manga would be a great place for you to start.
I’m going to have to try that!
If you consider yourself to have an intermediate or high level of beauty knowledge, however, then this manga probably won’t have a lot to offer you. I was able to pick up some useful tricks and tidbits during my read, but most of the manga focuses on the fundamentals of makeup and skin care, so I doubt makeup enthusiasts will find anything in these pages that they don’t already know. Even I already knew a fair bit of what was covered in this manga, and, as I already established, I’m far from being an expert on the topic.
While Makeup is Not (Just) Magic contains some interesting information and helpful suggestions, I would have enjoyed seeing a few more advanced pieces of advice sprinkled in for readers who already have the basics covered. If you’re new to using makeup and are looking for some guidance, however, I’d recommend giving this manga a read, it’s a very encouraging and non-judgmental place to start.
Final Score: 7.5 out of 10
What did you think of this manga? Did you pick up any useful makeup tricks while reading it? Let me know in the comments!
For more information on this manga, visit Seven Seas Entertainment’s website.
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Al's Manga Blog 
I don’t wear makeup at all XD, on usual days I step out of the house looking like a troll lol, but if it’s like an occasion I’d take the effort to brush my hair and maybe, maybe wash my face. I really want to read this because I’m pretty sure it would be helpful to a makeup amateur like me. You do great reviews! I’m definitely going to read this now<3
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Thank you so much! This book is very beginner friendly, so I think it will be helpful. Hope you enjoy it!
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