Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me

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Summary: Honestly, you should go to the counter without her!!!!
Review: Coming from a clinique counter I can personally tell you that a lot of her information is incorrect. Now I believe that not every product is for everyone but she is giving you wrong product info. For instance she states that turnaround cream is a good moisturizer and that is it, Actually turnaround cream has NO moisturizers at all, it is a chemical exfoiliant maid to break down dead skin cells refine skin and diminish signs of aging. Or she states that All About Eyes can be a very good moisturizer for all over. Please don't do this, it is not a heavy enough moisturizer for your face, it is a hydrater and also it has a active ingredient of Caffeine to stimulate your capilaries to pool out some blood and thus reduce dark circles and puffiness. Please talk to a consultant before using a product. We are here for you and one last thing, she has nothing to back herself up in, she isn't a chemist or a doctor.

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Summary: One of the most informative and accurately correct books I h
Review: I am the Product Manager for a growing cosmeceutical skin care company. I found Paula's book, "Don't Go the Cosmetic Counter Without Me", to be one of the most informative and intelligently correct books for this crazy age that we all live in with respect to the numerous product lines out there. My hat is off to her; I have been able to use this information in my own job to formulate the very best products for the consumer. Thank you, Paula.

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Summary: Not scientific, only anecdotal evidence to support claims.
Review: I think that there is a lot of good information in the book. It might make a good starting place for make-up consumers. For better skincare advice, see a dermatologist. Cosmetics, by definition, cannot permanently alter your skin. Things that do that are classified as drugs and are regulated. I have met very helpful and informed cosmetics counter people and used to be one. While I admit there are people who just want you to spend your money on products you don't need, I managed to become the top seller at my counter by only selling people the products I thought would benefit them. If you aren't happy with the person helping you, get someone else. The woman writing this book sounds angry, and I have a hard time swallowing advice from an obviously biased person. But, I can sympathize with her frustration. And she's definately hit a nerve with a big portion of the country. Good luck, everyone!

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Summary: Very informative - Helped me save tons of money
Review: I am very happy I found this book. I have spent tons of money on very expensive product lines that don't work. And it doesn't help that half the time there is someone behind the cosmetic counter who is recommending something that is totally not right for your skin. Paula cuts through all of the hype, and gives good sound advice based on real research. I have tried many of the products that she recommends, and my skin has never looked better, and now I do not have to spend alot of money for good looking skin.

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Summary: Paula : Voice of Reason
Review: If you like to throw money away on overpriced cosmetics and are foolish enough to beleive the inflated claims made by the companies that sell them, this is not the book for you. Go buy the latest issue of marie claire, which the editors fill with little blurbs for embarrasingly costly cosmetics. However, if you're interested in finding effective and affordable products that can help you look your best, buy this or any one of Paula's indispensable books. She is a lone voice of reason in the insane cosmetics industry, and I value her research and insights.

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Summary: A life-preserver in the sea of hype!
Review: I can't tell you how much money I have saved, and the improvement in my skin is remarkable. And, what's most important: with Ms. Begoun's advice on sunscreens, I am finally doing everything I can to protect myself from future wrinkles and skin cancer, without smearing a slew of unnecessary moisturizers (with their preservatives and irritants) on my oily, sensitive, breakout-prone skin. As far as her 'attitude' goes: she's angry at the cosmetics industry, and justifiably so! The misinformation they regularly put out to women is irresponsible and can be harmful.

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Summary: A good reference book, but basically self promotional
Review: As I have really sensitive skin which is also combination, I'm always looking for any assistance in the skincare department. The book gives a good overview of most of the products out there, but I don't always agree with her ratings or opinions on effectiveness . The book is also a good soapbox for Ms Begoun to promote he own range of skin care products, which I find a little tasteless. On the whole, not a bad investment, but don't believe every word she says. Her advice on cosmetic ingredients and their listing is invaluable though. I also agree strongly with her views on "natural" products being harmful, as an apprentice Naturopath I know that natural doesn't mean harmless, quite the contrary.

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Summary: An informative book with too much attitude
Review: I liked this book, Paula Begoun sheds light on things you may never have known otherwise. I have read the book cover to over, and have seen why she's so mad. I have had the experience of dealing with skincare "professionals", and let me tell you, most of them know less than I do. I have studied the art of makeup for three years, and I found Paula's ideas on makeup to be extremely closed-minded and conservative, she can hardly call herself an artist. HOWEVER, this book is a great read for those of you shopping for good, low-cost skincare products. I really don't mind her advertising her own products in the book, she was very subtle about it. I highly recommend this book to any woman who needs to know the basics of skin care, and which cosmetics can cause breakouts or irritation. The book was easy to understand and use, and has information you can't find anywhere else, unless you want to spend years doing research. While her attitude gets to me, I certainly respect her for being one of the first women to really help the consumer.

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Summary: What works for one woman may not work for another...
Review: Following a recent trend by the media in "deflating" the prestige behind Department store cosmetic lines, Paula Begoun's book is a trite attempt at "opening the publics eyes".Instead of valuable information meant to heighten the awreness of consumers, we get one woman's personal opinion.Every woman's skin is different and everyone has different expectations for their makeup and skincare's performance.I think this really does a diservice to her readers,who will be swayed away from really great products that may have done great things for their skin and appearance. Begoin herself appeares as though she purchased the products without gaining any information on the proper use of the products.One of the greatest advantages of purchasing cosmetics from a department store brand is that the Beauty Advisor's knowledge comes with it.Also, certain products work best when paired with other products.A lot of her descriptions of products were very vague.At times when I was reading, I felt like she didn't share why she did or didn't like some of the items.With over 10,000 products in the book, I know she couldn't have possibly given these products enough time or an opportunity to work. I think she really needed to ask a few more questions and do a little more research before just going home and trying a whole bag of new products! Ironically, rumor has it that she's starting her own line of cosmetics.

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Summary: THOUGHT PROVOKING
Review: ANY PUBLICATION WHICH AIMS TO DEBUNK COSMETIC HYPE HAS TO BE GOOD NEWS.BUT - AND IT'S A BIG BUT - ONE SKIN'S MEAT IS ANOTHER SKIN'S POISON.PAULA BEGUN GIVES THE BIG THUMBS DOWN TO THE ERNO LAZLO LINE BUT IT'S THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS EVER COMPLETELY WORKED FOR ME.OBVIOUSLY,MY SKIN,LIKE ITS WEARER,HAS EXPENSIVE TASTES.ALSO,COSMETIC LINES CHANGE ALMOST FROM DAY TO DAY,IT THEREFORE FOLLOWS THAT ANY SO-CALLED COSMETICS BIBLE WILL BE OUT OF DATE ALMOST FROM THE DAY IT HITS THE SHOPS.WHEN IT COMES TO CHOSING COSMETICS,THE ONLY SURE FIRE WAY IS TRIAL AND (OFTEN COSTLY!) ERROR.