Women spend an enormous amount of money on cosmetics - $ 45 billion per year in the U.S. alone. Now in its fourth edition, ga not to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me strikes fear in cosmetics-counter consultants everywhere. First, Begoun has deconstructed ingredient lists. Ever wondered what methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are doing in your mascara? And what is diazolidinyl urea? All four are potential frictions, and the latter is a preservative that can formaldehyde, a Class A carcinogen. Buyer beware.

Begoun also lists companies that are cruelty-free, and who continue to carry out animal testing. The bulk of the book - which is nearly 800 pages - is devoted to reviews of thousands of cosmetics, cleansers, foundations, alpha-hydroxy acids, for moisturizers and lip liners, eye shadow, and Concealers, who has personally tested all Begoun . (There are no hair care products, such as warrants that another book: not go shopping for Hair Care Products without me.)

She is very open and tells it like it is. (At Revlon's ColorStay Make-up: "goes far beyond the requirement of 'It will not come from him." It will not come from where you want it. ") Learn how to tell when you are boondoggled by a seller, what is overpriced and overhyped, as well as what is overlooked. More than 200 brands are included, along with a handy summary at the end, the lists of the best cosmetic products for each category. It should be noted that not only Begoun is a fine advocate for the consumer, it is also a supporter of self-esteem: they called again and again that even the best cosmetics, will not necessarily improve your life, and that's a good thing.