As a person with sensitive, acne-prone skin, I am always concerned that the products I’m using on my face are doing more harm than good. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to purchase Paula Begoun’s book, “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me” 7th Edition.
In “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me,” beauty expert, Paula Begoun, gives her recommendations for products that work, and products that aren’t worth the money. The 1,167 page book covers 140 cosmetic lines. It also includes a comprehensive cosmetic ingredient dictionary, and shocking insights and revelations into some of the marketing strategies used by the cosmetic industry.
Begoun rates the cosmetics in her book based on several different elements. The first consideration is how user-friendly the displays and company literature are. Will the consumer be able to easily choose the right product for them? If not, she lowers the cosmetic’s rating.
Begoun’s most common reason to lower a rating is when products don’t provide adequate sunscreen protection. She feels they should all contain a SPF 15 or greater that is formulated with UVA-protecting ingredients as part of their daily skin-care regimen.
Her final determination for each product is based on specific criteria she has established for each product category. Can the product actually do what it promises? How is the product different than similar types of products? If the product boasts that a particular ingredient makes their product better, is there research to back up their claims? Does the product contain problematic fragrances, plants, topical irritants or other questionable ingredients that could cause problems for skin? Are the ingredients used in the product safe based on scientific research?
Begoun uses a rating system for each product. A check-mark and smiley face means it is a Paula’s Pick (Excellent). A smiley face is a Very Good rating. A straight-mouthed face is an Average rating. A unhappy face means don’t buy. Any time there are dollar signs after the smiley face it means the product is overpriced.
I am normally not someone who will pay $29.95 for a book. But I figured if she can save me from purchasing even one bad cosmetic, it was well worth the price.
After purchasing the book, I found myself sitting in the Barnes & Noble parking lot searching for the products that I was currently using. I was disappointed that the three foundations I had been using, Merle Norman, Everyday Minerals and Studio Gear were not among the 140 cosmetic lines included in the book. But I was impressed that the list of cosmetic lines included everything from the cosmetics available at your local Wal-Mart to cosmetics sold at the high-end cosmetic counters.
When I went to purchase some of the recommended products in her book, I was pleased to find that all of the cosmetics were still on the market. I feel better knowing the products I’m now using are ones she has tested for irritants and dangerous chemicals.
Along with the book, Begoun also has a website version of the book that is available only to paid subscribers. I decided to subscribe to her website so that I would have access to product updates, Paula’s latest articles and a community forum. The website is a good alternative for anyone who prefers searching for products online over flipping through the pages of a bulky book.
I feel “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me” is a valuable resource for everyone who uses cosmetics. Whether you’re wondering which cleanser, foundation, anti-aging serum, or sunscreen to use, Begoun’s book offers excellent advice and recommendations.
Reference:
- The information in the book is available online at www.beautypedia.com
