Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th Edition

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Editorial reviews

Product Description

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Amazon.com Review
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.

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-10-23 rating:
Don t go to the cosmetic counter without me
This book will save you a lot of money. I tossed out a lot of the old products I had purchased that were rated not good to use...I think anyone will find the product reviews useful, regard of the age of the person.

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review by: date: 2008-08-31 rating:
Good book
This book was very helpful for deciding what new products to try. But I feel you should take her critiques with a grain of salt. If your already using a product and you find it works for you I don't see why you should discontinue the use just because she dislikes the product. Overall it was very informational and I feel I am that much more aware of what I put on my skin.

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review by: date: 2008-08-29 rating:
Supremely Helpful Book!
A no-muss no-fuss review of the cosmetic world -- be brave about the somewhat intimidating thickness as most of the pages or specific to product reviews. The actual information is a quick and useful read both front and back, then use the material in the middle to fill in answers to your questions. Highly recommend -- glad I purchased.

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review by: date: 2008-08-10 rating:
I'm impressed!
Wow! This book really stands out with its scientific references. How often do you find complete references including even the page numbers of the scientific journal, in a popular book? I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though cosmetics are not really my thing (I'm too lazy or "busy" to bother). Now I actually find myself using face creams and sunscreens. I used to think all cosmetic products were a waste of money but now I'm convinced that some products actually do help the skin.

Some of the critical reviewers here have clearly not read the book very well. I don't know where they get the idea that Begoun is against natural ingredients or plant oils. Quite the contrary, her own products are full of these and nowhere in the book did she say that she is against them. What she is against is using natural ingredients (or any ingredients) that have not been proven effective by scientific studies. In other words, she only wants to use those natural ingredients that actually work.

The same goes for essential oils. She is not againts using them if they have proven to be effective. Some essential oils have been and you can find those in her own products. What she does not like is for essential oils to be added to products solely because of the scent. And I agree: why would you want to put ANYTHING on your skin that does not have any purpose? If you want to enjoy the scent of essential oils you can use them in candles or spray them onto your clothes. You don't have to expose your skin to something that nobody really knows very much about.




review by: date: 2008-07-28 rating:
Another valuable purchase
I've bought the last 3 editions of this book, and each one has saved me tons of money. Paula's reviews are fair and accurate - even though we disagree on a few key items. Any time I make a new beauty purchase I first check it out in her book. It's astonishing how much better quality product is offered in drug stores these days. I highly recommend this book.

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