BOOK REVIEW : DON’T GO TO THE COSMETICS COUNTER WITHOUT ME, 7th ed, PART 1

January 20, 2008

When Paula Begoun published the last edition of this book in 2002, she said it would be the last time. I tell you truthfully that my heart skipped a few beats when I read that. Thank heavens, she changed her mind.

If we ever meet, I’m going to take her out for salad, dessert, and Diet Pepsi with Lime to thank her for all the money she’s saved me, for how my skin looks, and for sticking to her guns. Imagine what it’s like taking on an industry with this much clout so that women have somewhere to turn for some honesty. I would bet she’s had a few grim days.

Paula Begoun

Defusing the deception

This latest edition is as essential to women as the earlier editions were. True to the previous formats, Paula begins with several chapters that cover the basics. You need to absorb some background knowledge to put the product reviews into a reasonable context.

I love reading this section because she takes on all the latest trends and fallacies. Since I have a scrappy nature, it suits me to see these controversies exposed and the legends busted. I can just hear the screaming from the believers.

Terminology that you’ve wondered about, like ‘all-natural’ and ‘organic’, ‘hypoallergenic’, or ‘dermatologist tested’ is explained, along with the regulations that control its use (few) and the truth behind the slogans (none).

You gotta love dogma

The myths we’ve all been fed for so long that we now believe them are examined next. Here’s an example : eye cream is different – in fact, ‘eye cream’ is a marketing ploy; there’s no true or important distinction between a well-made eye cream, neck cream, or face cream. It is all about and only about the quality of the product.

Here’s another : you should stick to products within the same line for them to work best. I know you’ve heard that one and I know where you heard it.

Can you feel your blood pressure beginning to rise?

$Don\'t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, 7th ed, by Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron$

Here come the product reviews!

As any responsible consumer advocate would do, Paula explains the criteria used to do the product reviews in some detail.

Then we get to the meat, the product reviews. For almost any product line you can name, for every cleanser, toner, blush, or lip liner they make, you will be given an opinion backed by sound research on whether the product does what it says it will.

OK, they never do what they say they will or we’d all look 14 forever. The review will tell you if the product is well-formulated. There must be an abundance of ingredients that will be beneficial for your skin, appropriate for your skin type, and in a package that will keep the ingredients at maximum potency. If antioxidants appear at the very end of the ingredient list, in quantities too small to do anything, you will be told.

Isn’t that all we really want to know for sure when we’re faced with the dizzying number of choices out there, whether we spend $20 or $200? There is not one single other source for this information. And it’s in a $20 book. How many times is the Lancome girl going to get you for $80 on your lunch hour before you go to the bookstore and buy this instead?

Make your list.

So sit down with a pad of paper and your green tea, or bottle of red wine with the straw in it, depending on the day you’ve had, and start to read. Products that perform especially well get not just a smile face but a check mark too.

I go through the book looking for all the check marks first. The rankings can change over the years as formulas change or new competition comes along, so you have to be on your toes.

Since I’m always on the lookout for a new and better sunscreen, I’m going to buy MAC Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 and Neutrogena Pore Refining Cream SPF 15 next. Each time I use them, it will make me happy to know about the good stuff I’m putting on my skin. (Update:bought the Neutrogena. It’s fab.)

Part 2 : Coming soon

In Part 2 of this article, we’ll discuss the reviews further and take on some of the negative reviews and strident objections to Paula’s work. The fact that she produces her own line of products is the source of a surprising amount of hostility. Lock and load, ladies.

Posted by Christine Scaman | Filed Under Makeup, Paula's Choice, Skin Care