Read This Now: The Books You Need For A Better 2018

New year, new you! Or at least, a better version of you. With the start of a new year comes another opportunity to focus on self-care and personal development, and now's the time to equip yourself with the tools you need to make it your best year yet. Whether you're cleaning up your diet, revamping your beauty routine, or are in need of some inspiration, here are our top picks for books that'll help set the tone for a productive, healthy 2018.

1. Beauty From the Inside Out, Bobbi Brown

We've already shared our love for this book, but we're recommending it again for the new year. It's a practical yet inspiring guide to living beautifully and confidently by focusing on healthy practices. With recipes, nutrient recommendations, skincare routines, and a focus on mindfulness, this book is a how-to that's worth having by your side as you recommit to self-care and self-improvement. Bobbi Brown (check out her Beauty File!) covers everything from the herbs you need to beneficial yoga poses and vitamins that are great for hair and skin. And of course, since it's Bobbi, you know you'll find helpful makeup techniques, the latest beauty treatments, and tips on staying confident through it all. Get it now on Amazon, $15

2. The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon, Brad Stone

Surprise, this is not a beauty book! If you're looking for motivation or inspiration, this book is worth reading. There's no doubt that Amazon has changed not only the way we shop, but has had a major impact on our lives. This is the story of the company that started off as a digital bookstore, and the man behind its success as it became an "everything store". Brad Stone takes a look at the growth of Amazon, with first-hand conversations with the company's employees and Jeff Bezos' family members. Get it now on Amazon, $10

3. Beyond Beautiful: Using the Power of Your Mind and Aesthetic Breakthroughs to Look Naturally Young and Radiant, Dr. Doris Day

Charlotte's Book favorite and advisory board member Doris Day has a new book! And it's a must-read for skincare and anti-aging enthusiasts. Dr. Day always takes an inside-outside approach, and in her newest book she explains the ways your mind influences your skin and overall appearance. She shares methods of boosting self-confidence, relieving stress, and fighting signs of aging. She also discusses breakthrough treatments and products and when to use them, all while giving you a roadmap to becoming the most youthful, natural-looking, beautiful version of yourself. Get it now on Amazon, $17

4. Eat Beautiful: Food and Recipes to Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out, Wendy Rowe

With more than 20 years of experience as a makeup artist and beauty consultant, Wendy Rowe’s approach to skin is uncomplicated and holistic. Her book Eat Beautiful is not just a cookbook: she details how specific ingredients feed your skin, offering breakdowns of the vitamins and nutrients they provide. Of course you'll find recipes, but you'll also find guidance on food choices to keep your skin at its best. The stunning book is organized into the four seasons, so you can dip in and out as you want, or follow it as a plan. Either way, it's a great recipe and food plan resource. The best part? Wendy's a big fan of natural red wine! Get it now on Amazon, $22

5. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverence, Angela Duckworth

Jamie O'Banion of Beauty Bioscience told us how inspiring this New York Times bestseller was for her, so we took notice and ordered it. Pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed—be it parents, students, educators, athletes, or entrepreneurs—that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit”. Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius”, Duckworth, now a celebrated researcher and professor, describes her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to her hypothesis. Angela takes readers into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what we can glean from modern experiments in peak performance. She shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to The New Yorker Cartoon Editor Bob Mankoff and Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll. If you're looking for an inspiring, eye-opening read, this is it. Get it now on Amazon, $17

READ THIS NEXT

If you're a podcast lover, check out our favorite must-listens (plus a few more must-reads). Also: CB Founder Robin Shobin recaps the top 20 beauty lessons she learned in 2017.

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