[.ca] Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me: A Unique ... (ISBN 1877988308)

From Amazon.com:
Women spend an extraordinary amount of money on cosmetics--$45 billion a year in the U.S. alone. Now in its fourth edition, Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me strikes fear in cosmetics-counter consultants everywhere. First off, Begoun has deconstructed ingredient lists. Ever wonder what methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are doing in your mascara? And what is diazolidinyl urea? All four are potential irritants, and the latter is a preservative that can release formaldehyde, a class A carcinogen. Buyer beware. Begoun also lists which companies are cruelty-free and which continue to conduct animal testing. The majority of the book--and that's nearly 800 pages--is devoted to reviews of thousands of cosmetics, from cleansers, foundations, alpha-hydroxy acids, and moisturizers to lip liners, eye shadows, and concealers, all of which Begoun has personally tested. (There are no hair care products listed, as that warrants another book entirely: Don't Go Shopping for Hair Care Products Without Me.) She's perfectly frank and tells it like it is. (On Revlon's ColorStay Makeup: "goes far beyond the claim of 'It won't come off on him.' It won't come off when you want it to.") You'll learn how to tell when you're being boondoggled by a salesperson, what's overpriced and overhyped, as well as what's overlooked. More than 200 brands are included, along with a helpful summary at the end that lists the best products for each cosmetic category. It should be noted that not only is Begoun a fine consumer advocate, she's also a self-esteem advocate: she mentions time and again that even the best cosmetics won't necessarily improve your life, and that's a point well taken.

A writer, not a cosmetic pro:
I have worked in the cosmetics industry for 12 years, and represent many brands. Ms. Begoun's biggest problem is that she only had about 2 weeks of experience before she was fired, and she seems to think that was enough experience to be considered an "expert" in the field. She tends to review products on ingredient lists alone, sometimes mistaking what the different ingredients are actually for. She has made herself a lovely career writing books about how not to get ripped off at the cosmetics counter, but I will tell you all you ever need to know: find yourself a cosmetician that you trust, and who has a lot of experience (preferably one that does not represent one single brand, but many), ask her what you want to know. Period. If that is not an option for you, use Ms. Begoun's books as a reference, and take everything she says with a grain of salt. I could spend hours pointing out all of her mistakes in the books, and arguing over her credibility, but I trust that as with any printed material, you know that just because it's in print does not mean it is 100 percent accurate. Along with many years of experience, I am a national Cosmetic Outstanding Service Award winner in Canada, and I have seen Ms. Begoun's books come and go over the years, and I only wish that I had thought of it first... the woman makes millions off an area that she IS NOT an expert in.

Paula Begoun - the Kevin Trudeau of the Cosmetics Field:
You've got to give this woman credit - she is one saavy marketer. Does she know skin care? Does she know science? Doesn't seem to matter. If possible I'd give this tome - and all of Paula's publications, zero stars. The fact that the only line she recommends is hers says it all ... I am another 50 year old woman who regularly is complimented on her skin. I've been a cosmetics junkie since I was old enough to use a lipstick. How did I get my great skin? Trial and error, common sense, research AND, yes, expensive skin treatments. And, not to be catty here, BUT if you've ever seen the woman in a television interview, you'll see a woman with bad skin and overdone makeup - NOT something you want to emulate. A true shyster.

want a good book for skin care then don't read this book:
I have researched and read many books on this subject and I don't presume to write a book on the subject like this author does. I will recommend the best book I have read on how to take care of your skin and it is written by a Dermatologist who specializes in cosmetics. The book is called "Skin Type Solution" by Dr. Leslie Baumann. It is the best guide on how to pick skin care product for your skin type and she classifies skin into more than just oily, dry and combination skin types. It is the best 30$ I have ever spent.

Good Resource and Information on Certain Products:
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. Often when I'm looking into buying a certain product and I really want it, I am hoping Ms. Begoun has something good to say about it, but she often doesn't, lol. But all in all, I think if you're shopping for skin care and make-up, you MUST have this book. I don't always take her word for everything she states about a certain product, but it's nice to have her opinion before making such a expensive purchase. I highly recommend you have this if you are shopping for cosmetics! Also check out her website, it's also very informative! ps: I also agree with the last reviewer, I also like The Skin Type Solution, it's a great book on helping you discover your skin type and helps out find the right products for your skin.

"Bible" for Beauty Junkies!:
I've read Paula's book for about 10 years now. This new edition is great! Be sure to read the beginning of the book before reviewing the reviews - gives you a better background. She also has an extensive Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary at the back and there is lots of great info there. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was a 50% coupon off the annual subscription rate for the online version of the book with ongoing updates and new products! (www.beautypedia.com) Reading Paula's books has saved me hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars on useless and ineffective products. Very important when one is a high maintenance gal!