Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me

Begoun, Paula

ISBN 10: 1877988308 / ISBN 13: 9781877988301

Published by Beginning Press, 2003

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 1877988308-4-24596924

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me
• Publisher: Beginning Press
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1877988308
• ISBN 13: 9781877988301
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Fair
• Weight: 44 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

A consumer advocate presents an updated new guide that rates and evaluates more than 25,000 cosmetics and beauty products, explains the different types of ingredients they contain, and offers helpful advice on skin care, makeup, and more. Original. 75,000 first printing.

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.