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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 646.72
EAN: 9781877988325
Edition: 7th
ISBN: 1877988324
Label: Beginning Press
Manufacturer: Beginning Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 1184
Publication Date: December 28, 2007
Publisher: Beginning Press
Studio: Beginning Press

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Editorial Review:

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.

Product Description:





Rating: - As Good As It Gets
For two decades Paula Begoun has called cosmetics companies on their sensational claims while emphasizing that a ton of bad apples do not spoil the whole bunch in terms of skincare and cosmetics.

In the 8th edition of her cosmetic opus Begoun's catalog of bad and beautiful products is expanded once more. Although her reviews are not always perfect, she is human after all and she makes it clear that her reviews are her opinions after culling current research, overall Begoun's work is ... Read More

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Rating: - Great for Beauty Junkies like me
This is a supremely interesting read for anyone who tends to buy and try TONS of makeup and skincare products. I have not been able to put it down since I got it in the mail. For 90% of the products in the book that I've tried myself, I agree with what she's written. Yes, it's annoying that she reviews her own products in the book (don't even bother reading those), but it's easy enough to overlook when she gives a lot of high ratings to other brands. I liked reading about the ingredients in cosmetic ... Read More

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Rating: - Hi, My Name is Jen and I'm a Beauty Junkie
Three days ago, my husband said to me in the car, "do you know you spent $1000 at Sephora in April? It's right on the Visa card."
Yes, that was in April. But in June, I got my first ever copy of Paula's book and it changed everything.

I had been using Chanel Sublimage eye cream at $175. Now I don't use eye cream at all. I had been using Christian Diors Capture R60/80 XP Ultimate Series, serum, lotion and cream, spending in total about $700. Turns out I have oily skin and that line ... Read More

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Rating: - Very Useful Book, But it isn't THE Cosmetic Bible -- Because there isn't one
A very helpful guide to beauty products, but not an oracle to be followed religiously. Use this book, with its recommendations and warnings, as you intelligently choose products and form your own conclusions on what works well for you.
This is an exhaustive compendium of products, ingredient lists and the author's opinions on both. All based on cited scientific literature published in professional journals -- not beauty mags. Begoun is NOT a scientist, which some readers just can't forgive her ... Read More

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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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