Rating: 
Summary: Is she really unbiased?
Review: I bought this book with enthusiasm, but when I learned the author has her own line of products I felt like I had totally wasted my money. How can she honestly have an unbiased opinion when she has a real need to knock down other products? I disagree with many of her opinions and I wonder how many times she tried a product or company. For example, she doesn't have a whole lot of positive things to say about Mary Kay, but I wonder how many consultants she went to. I love my consultant and she has never done any of the things mentioned in this book! Maybe the author just had an unfortunate experience that most people won't have. At any rate, I take her "advice" with a grain of salt. I just don't possibly think she can be unbiased while she is selling her own line. Which of her own products does she not like?
Rating: 
Summary: well worth it.
Review: This book is an excellent resource and a lot of reviews miss the point regarding saving money and expensive lines versus inexpensive brands. Paula discusses products that make outrageous claims, are mislabeled for skin type, are misleading as far as color goes, and that seem to be geared too much to a certain generation (shiny for teenagers - not for those of us with wrinkles!). She reviews a lot of different brands and the associations the brands have with one another. I think her reviews can be scathing at times - but I think when cosmetics companies make products and charge a lot of money - $1000 for La Mer? (Bliss Spa sells it) - they set themselves up for ridicule. Another thing she emphatically states in the book is that a lot of cosmetics companies won't answer requests for info. Some info may be proprietary, but when women spend billions of dollars on this stuff, don't you think we have a right to know? I think it is because they don't want you to know that that extra $995 bucks is for the brand name and cachet that goes with it. I use this book for information. I'll still buy some of the products because I do like them, but I have found useful information about SPF (and the appalling lack of it in lines by dermatologists no less) and that some products I have been using are too harsh for my skin. Think of her as the consumer reports for cosmetics and skin care. :)
Rating:
Summary: Finally ! A review of all cosmetic lines
Review: If you are like me, just an average user of cosmetics and hair care products, this book might become your most frequently used source of information. Never before have I seen a book that reviews all (well I think it's all) lines of cosmetics, with personal reviews as well as comments on the ingredients! She lists the lines alphabetically as well as includes a brief history of her own personal involvement in the cosmetic industry (sales and artistry) which I found interesting.I am not a makeup artist or in the industry at all, just an average user and I refer to this book all the time when I want information (basic and in depth) on a line I want to try or a brand I am currently using. It is worth every penny. Ms. Begoun has also included a list of cosmetic ingredients for readers. On a personal note, I have tried Ms. Begoun's skin care products for oily and blemish prone skin and they have helped tremendously.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Cosmetic Buying guide for all ages
Review: (...) Of course I don't agree with everything she says and some of the products she rated as average or gave a thumbs down to I felt worked best for me. But if you need a basic guide on buying cosmetics this one is the most complete Ive come across . I dont know of any book that covers this many brands in cosmetics industry , ingredients and prices. Because of ths book Iv become more of a label reader and educated myself about certain ingredients that Iv find have caused problem for my skin type. Ive found foundations that are labeled oil free but still make me break out . Using myself as a example, Ive a found a concealer (of another brand)contains the same ingredients in a brand of foundation makeup that has never given me any problems and I find the concealer work just as well as foundation on any uneven areas of my skin, and it has more staying power (wont fade)without causing skin problems . (...) Like a previous review stated, the book supposed to get women to think about their choices when choosing cosmetics . I still buy departments store makeup/skin products but now I stick to products that truly look well on me and not just purchase because it's the "hot brand". It might even get you stick with a few products that work only for you and maybe clean up that clutter that's been growing in your makeup drawer/kit . Or you can keep on going by the womens magazines that seem push mostly expensive cosmetic and skin care brands and skin care product as the ones to buy and stay on the merry go round of being a "cosmetics junkie". Hope you have a trust fund or have a good job to pay for your habit. That's it, but of course the above is just my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Might be helpful if saving money is your only goal
Review: In this book, I found a distinct prejudice towards the more expensive comsetic lines. There is an element in her book that makes me think she takes things a little too personally depending on how a clerk treats her at a cosmetic counter. And a great deal of reverse snobishness is apparent, too. Her reviews are most misleading sometimes. Excellent products are often panned, but mediocre, almost useless preparations are given good reviews. I think her book could turn many people away from trying products that would benefit them. Begoun seems to believe that if it's expensive, it's probably overpriced, but my experience has been, you get what you pay for. If you have a good, sturdy skin, a cheaper cream from the drugstore may be just as good as a more expensive one from an upscale store. Then, her recommendations may be useful. But in my case, I was not blessed with a "good" complexion and spent many years trying to find the best products for my skin. Dermatologists helped clear my skin, but it was far from pretty. I found several lines of cosmetics that are expensive, but did things for my complexion that no other products, expensive, cheap, or prescription, could do. But of these products, the author wrote extremely negative reviews. Her dismissal of many products as not worth the money is misleading. In particular, one expensive product line I use did so much for my complexion, that after one year of use, my not-so-good skin became not only clear, but radiant. Strangers compliment me on my complexion, often telling me how lucky I am to "have good genes." My dermatolgist (I don't see him for my complexion, but to remove a mole once) told me that whatever I'm using, to continue, it's doing amazing things: and at 48 years old, I am often taken for being in my mid 30's. When I'm with my 26 year old son, I have been mistaken for his "date." I would love to have everyone that wants good skin to be aware of this line of products, and, dismayed at Begoun's negative remarks, I wrote to her that such negative reviews may mislead someone looking for good skin care. She did respond, but her reply was patronizing and condenscending. I'm glad I only borrowed her book (latest edition) from our well-stocked public library. I wouldn't trust her word on anything, but her catalog of products may prove useful. I can't help but feel she gets something from certain companies for positive reviews. I wouldn't try her cosmetic line. It is bound, in view of her philosophy, to contain the cheapest ingredients. I think her book would benefit from opinions given by others, even if she disagreed with them. Then, alongside her negative review of something, could be a commentary from someone who loved the products. And vice versa. That would give a reader a very good basis from which to make a decision about a product. But I don't think Begoun's so interested in someone finding what works for them as she says she is. I think her motives are much more self-serving. I would not buy this book. Look up what you want in the store or get it from the library. Use your common sense when choosing cosmetics and you won't need her book.
Rating: 
Summary: A mixed bag, certainly not canon
Review: The fifth edition of Paula Begoun's "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" is the third that I have bought. Despite this, I am far from the biggest fan of her work. Why do I continue to buy Ms Begoun's books? They provide an extensive overview of what products are available. There is no one else out there who covers as fully what is happening in the cosmetic industry. This fifth edition is huge, weighing in at a hefty 1083 pages. Several fairly new lines, including Chantecaille, Anna Sui, Cargo and Awake are reviewed in this edition. It also contains an 83-page opening section on the skin-care gospel according to Paula. There are baby and men's skin reviews near the back of the book, which were not in the earlier editions. Cons:
I have a real problem with her research methods. As in her earlier works, in this new edition, she doesn't ask anything close to a representative cross-section for their opinions on products. In her books, you get Paula's opinions and Paula's opinion only. She still drags her own personal preferences into her work. (Though her rabid hatred and fear of anything she even perceives as shiny is sort of funny.) More importantly, though, her own, ever-expanding skin care and cosmetics line also presents an uneniable conflict of interest. I believe it is unethical for her to shilling for her own makeup line while telling consumers not to buy products from other lines. Also, while she doesn't give a rating to her own products in the product-by-product, she does recommend most, if not all, of them in the "best of category" section in the back of the month. That is all the evidence that I personally need that she has gone over the line in a case of clear conflict of interest. Readers of earlier editions of "Don't Go the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" books may recognize entire phrases quoted verbatim from her earlier books. The books are a much more useful reference when they are newly released since products, and indeed entire lines, are constantly being released to and withdrawn from the market. Some of the information, just weeks after the book is released, is already out of date. Pros:
The "Don't Go the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" books always contain useful information which should be more easily available to the consumer but isn't. For example, there is information on which sunscreens are considered to be full-spectrum and which aren't. Ms. Begoun also lets her readers know which glycolic acid products have a pH that allows the product to work effectively as an exfoliant. She also warns of potential irritants in products, which is especially important to people with sensitive skin. There are other areas in which she has improved. In past editions of her book, she judged all salespeople for a line by the way she was treated by one salesperson at one particular counter. The unfairness of this has apparently been called to her attention because there is none of this in the new edition of her book. The bottom line:
There is some useful information to be found in this new edition of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me." It is truly a useful and unique reference and she has made some improvements from earlier editions. As a bona-fide cosmetics junkie, I wish there were a better researched, truly unbiased book covering the same ground. Consider her opinion along with a host of other factors when making cosmetics-buying decisions. I would advise against taking her word as canon. I just wouldn't let Ms. Begoun be the final word. Take her reviews with a grain of salt and remember she is just a shill with something to sell just like any other.
Rating:
Summary: Paula knows her stuff!
Review: Paula Begoun's books should be on every woman's shelf. Her reviews are on the spot, and she doesn't wishy-wash about what works and what doesn't. I had terrible cystic acne before I read previous edition of this book and also THE BEAUTY BIBLE. I spent thousands of dollars (I'm not exaggerating) on products, trips to the derm. doctors. Because I am married and of child-bearing age, I could not take accutane, and didn't want to anyway. No one ever suggested I try Retin A and swear off the sun-tanning, until I read BEAUTY BIBLE. Armed with this new information, I asked my Dr. for Retin A and followed Paula's instructions for my skin-type. Then I used this book to find makeup and other over the counter skincare. I have had great skin now for over 2 years, to the point that people actually stop me and complement me on how clear and translucent it is (and I am NOT some perfect model face, either!). GET this BOOK and BEAUTY BIBLE...it will change your life and save you money!
Rating:
Summary: Paula Packs A Powerful Punch!
Review: Yay! Paula is at it again and as far as I'm concerned it's better than ever. As a working makeup artist, I have relied on Paula's candid reviews for years to help me select the most effective, affordable products, and I am seldom disappointed. From Avon to Zia and (almost) everything in between, Paula's reviews are a welcome change from the constant stream of cosmetic rhetoric that the industry loves to propagate (I know, I used to be one of them!) I also appreciate the updated information about skin care. If you've ever wanted to know the lowdown on whether retinol or vitamin C products can work, or why there is no such thing as a "wrinkle cream", this book can help. I especially loved the new ingredient dictionary and the new chapter about men's skin care. Yes, she has her own line of products but she states repeatedly that they are one option among many. After all , how many other cosmetic lines sell their own products but then turn around and say, "Although our products are great, here is a list of 100 other moisturizers (or cleansers or toners, sunscreens, etc.) that you could also use!" I don't know about you, but I haven't found such a company!! And lastly, I noticed some existing reviews about the book make mention that Paula test the products on herself and makes recommendations from there, which is not true. Paula explains in detail (it's Chapter 3 of the new book) how she evaluates products and that how a product may work for her does not translate into how it may work for millions of other women. C'mon, people! Read "between the lines"! Paula is not out to "get" anyone, she just wants to present the facts and offers an incredible resource for consumer reporting on the cosmetics industry. Personally, I hope she continues to do exactly what she has been doing for years: saving me money, frustration and lot of time! Thanks, Paula!
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Have
Review: I am thrilled to finally have my hands on a copy of this book. I (unlike the reviewer below) do not question Paula's objectivity at all. Yes, she does have her own line. But no, she does not "hype" it (claim that it works miracles the way other lines claim to do), and she is straightforward about the reasons she now has her own line. Her reviews are balanced and detailed. She also admits that we won't agree with all of them because we all have different preferences. As a person who has spent way too much money looking for a good foundation, these were the reviews I found most helpful. I particularly appreciate that she cautions about which ones are too pink, too orange, etc. I also appreciate the very thorough advice she gives for skin care. And I really like that she is straight up about the fact that sometimes drugstore brands really are just as good. I will never buy another cosmetic product without consulting this book first.
Rating:
Summary: This NEW edition is BIGGER and BETTER than ever!
Review: Paula Begoun has been saving me money for years. I count on her for reliable, straightforward reviews of all the latest skincare and makeup products. Especially now, with all of the lines spouting up on the internet (ie. Sage--what a JOKE, only it's not funny once you see their prices!), Paula's advice is more valuable than ever before. I've been waiting & waiting for this new edition and I am thrilled to say that it was well worth the wait! If you are wondering what is different in this revised edition, first, it's almost 1200 pages long! Every single line has been updated, MANY new lines have been added, and Paula has made her "Best Of" chapter more concise--I can't believe a complaint is that there are too many "Best" products listed--I love having so many options! If you're sick and tired of spending money on "revolutionary" wrinkle creams that don't change a thing, so-called All Day lipsticks that hardly last an hour, and beauty products that simply do not live up to their outrageous claims, turn to Paula. It's no coincidence that she's called "The Cosmetics Cop." The FDA doesn't hold the cosmetics industry accountable for their puffed-up claims, but Paula does! This book (and all of Paula's books & her free online Beauty Bulletin) will help you sort through the hype and start shopping more wisely.
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