Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me: A Unique Guide to over 30,000 Products, Plus the Latest Skin-Care Research Books

Pros: Some informative stuff - such as the glossary of common cosmetic ingredients
Cons: Flawed and inconsistent standards of evaluating products; terrible, potentially harmful advice

(This was originally a 3-star review. I've changed my mind. Big time.) The first time I heard of Paula Begoun was on an episode of Oprah, a long time ago. I guess it was an episode about beauty products. Anyway, Paula just kept saying that ...

Pros: Comprehensive in terms of products and product lines.
Cons: Can't list them in this small box...

Almost the moment I heard about this I rushed out and bought it – silly me, I didn’t bother to consu ...

Pros: Many products reviewed.
Cons: Each review is extremely brief, and her tirades can be tiresome.

How much money do you spend on makeup in a year? Do you ever wonder what the difference is between high end department store products and drugstore brand (aside from the price)? If so, this is a book that will open your eyes.

Paula is a...

Pros: Many product listings, found everything I was looking for
Cons: None of the hundreds of product descriptions is very detailed

Even though several Epinions members have reviewed this book, I didn't see it until I was browsing at Borders just before Christmas. Paula Begoun's "Consumer Reports" for beauty products, Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me is now in its...

Pros: A necessary service for anybody who ever bought so much as a lip balm,
Cons: Subjective, short reviews; Begoun not quite as qualified as she might like to be

The shameless cosmetic industry is desperately in need of a Ralph Nader, and for that reason alone I have to support Paula Begoun: companies that make obscenely false claims need all the grief they can possibly get.

Irritatingly, most people...

Pros: The Consumer Guide to Every Beauty Product
Cons: Conflict of Interest by the Author

Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me written by Paula Begoun is in it’s 4th edition already. It is a bible for anyone seeking advice on over one hundred beauty companies.

Ms. Begoun covers everyone from Almay to Zia Cosmetics. In...

Pros: Good advice on acne, ingredient lists are helpful
Cons: Highly biased, poorly edited

Paula Begouin's "Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me" is the most comprehensive reference book on cosmetics I've been able to find. Unfortunately, all ratings were prepared by one person, or by her staff following her directives, which...

Pros: Very complete at time of publication; objective; based on solid research
Cons: Needs frequent updating

I'm a fairly intelligent person, but something strange happens when I fall into the clutches of the cosmetic saleswomen at the department stores I frequent. I absolutely know for a fact that most of what they are saying is nonsense - there isn't a...

Pros: This author can assist in finding quality skincare and makeup without hurting your budget.
Cons: Your opinion of beauty can be far different than hers.

Well, I actually happened to find this book at the thrift store for a few bucks, so I thought, "Why not buy it and see?".
Ms. Begoun starts off the book by bemoaning all the crazy promises the beauty industry makes and fails to deliver. The next...

Pros: Exhaustive product listings, clear explanation of ingredients' properties.
Cons: Opinions subjective and poorly explained; strong anti-dept. store bias

I have had very sensitive skin my entire life but have always wanted to avoid prescription products. Therefore, I have been engaged in a constant process of testing various over-the-counter products for the past twenty years. I am more than willing to...

Pros: Totally changed the way I think about cosmetics
Cons: too much information

The other reviews here have done a good job explaining what Paula Begoun's books are like, so I want ...

Pros: Well organized, good pricing information and comprehensive.
Cons: Somewhat biased and scientific data is somewhat dated.

This book is a great way to save $20 at the beauty counter. Most of the time, the author is dead on. She does a great job of organizing the information and has a strong background in beauty. I will continue to purchase her book and consider her an expert ...

Pros: You'll never find a more well-researched book on the topic of skincare and cosmetics.
Cons: If you don't read the intro you might not appreciate the reviews.

I really avoided this book at first. I love makeup, why would I want some stranger coming to the counters with me? I've worked for makeup counters, and Sephora, I have a license in cosmetology. I thought I knew everything. But then I grudgingly flipped ...

Pros: A lot of product listings.
Cons: Very innacurate, she didn't test things out for herself.

I was given this book as a gift, and was very excited to read it, being an amateur cosmetology know-it-all. I do know certain things as I have worked in cosmetics shops and been a make-up artist myself. I do have some products that I am very partial...

Pros: Gives you the ingredients of most major cosmetics.
Cons: Some opinions are based on Ms Begoun's personal preferences.

Have you ever bought a cosmetic product that just didn't work for you? Whether you suffered an allergic reaction or the color of make-up wasn't right; with the price of some cosmetics--this could be a costly mistake. Don't Go To The Cosmetics...