Rating: 
Summary: For Anyone Who's Wasted Money on Anti-Aging Products!
Review: This book is a must have if you've ever bought any product that claims to "lift" or "renew" or fight wrinkles, etc., etc. Paula tells you HOW products that work work, and properly bashes products that are only trying to steal your money. Most of the people who are complaining that the book lacks value, are probably those who are reading nothing but the opinions on specific cosmetics, such as a specific mascara or eye liner. I, also, do not always agree with Paula's assessment of a particular costmetic item. I have used her recommendations, however, to winnow out which ones I want to try. People who work for the companies who's products are reviewed are frequently displeased with her comments. But, if you've read Paula's "The Beauty Bible", you'd know that Paula begs companies for ingredient lists and factual information. For example, if your advertising states that a "study" showed xxx result, wouldn't an inquiring mind want to know who performed the study and what was the control? Paula subscribes to the cosmetic scientists/industries magazines, and if there's any REAL studies, she knows about them. Ms Begoun does not expect people to consider her infallible. Her goal is to get women to THINK before they buy!
Rating: 
Summary: Fabulous book, a must have in every woman's cosmetic bag.
Review: I've learned a lot from reading this book. Most importantly that you don't have to spend a lot of money to buy quality products. The cosmetic industry overprices their products, sells items that you really don't need to buy and restricts the information that is available to the public in order to make informed decisions about what we are using on our bodies. But, Paula Begoun gives you the information that is needed to make educated decisions.
Rating:
Summary: Opinion VS Fact
Review: I was seriously disappointed in this book. This woman dictates her opinion as if it were law. For instance, she gives a bad review to a mascara because it doesn't "build" and "define". I have long thick lashes. I love the gel mascaras that give incredible shine without making one look like Tammy Fay Baker. She gave a bad review to a skin care line that completely cured my acne problem, stating that it contained incredients that COULD irritate the skin. Ok, so, what about all the items that she gave good ratings to that contain KNOWN carcinogenics?
Rating: 
Summary: Inaccurate information...be careful what you believe!
Review: When I picked up this book I expected to receive accurate and unbiased information about skin care and cosmetics. Instead, I read misinformation and sarcasm. I am an independent distributor for one of the lines that Paula reviews in this book. I was very interested to see how our products rated in comparison to other companies' products. I was confident that our products would receive rave reviews, because I use them daily and know by experience that they work wonderfully. When I read her review of our line, I was shocked! She reviews products in our line that do not even exist!!! She also gives inaccurate information regarding the content of the products and the claims that the company makes about the products. Products that she claims would probably produce no results, I have seen wonderful results from, not only in myself, but also in my clients. I cannot speak with authority about the other lines that she reviews, but I know the ingredients of the products that I represent and can tell you that some of the information presented is inaccurate. Not everything was inaccurate; however, there were enough inaccuarcies to shake my confidence in anything else she has to say in her reviews of other companies products.Another thought that crossed my mind in reading this book is that she cannot possibly have sampled and used all 10,000+ products listed. Where does she get this information? Finally, it is my opinion that this is one big advertisement for her products that YOU are paying for! She makes sarcastic comments about the other cosmetic companies while plugging her own line. Please be careful what information you choose to believe from the content of this book. It would be very difficult to say how much of this book is actually correct.
Rating:
Summary: Keep an open mind and just try it!!
Review: Anyone who cares about saving money and not being completely mislead and lied to by the cosmetics industry should read this book. Anyone who cares about the future health of their skin should try it. It is just that simple. Paula has tried her best to show us the truth that you will never read in a fashion magazine or hear from a salesperson, and she does a great job of it! This book covers everything, from acne to wrinkles, oily, normal, and dry skin, and ingredients that aren't safe or effective. I can't understand why people give such awful review of her; if you remember she is only human, and entitled to a couple of mistakes. She has an incredible amount of money alloted to her to spend on her research--for example she bought FOUR TUBES of one particular mascara to ensure that the performance was consistent; and with the sheer volume of that kind of research and paperwork there will be oversights. Anyone who can't accept that needs to lighten up and see what she is trying to do: HELP US!! In truth, her suggestions have helped me more than my dermatologist's. As for her comments regarding things such as shiny eyeshadow, she is also entitled to her opinion and has much downplayed her disapproval of such fashion statements in this volume, and does not let it affect her reviews as much, except when the color choices are limited to only shiny products. Please, give the woman a break and use this a reference like it is meant to be, and forgive her for being human. This book is worth every single penny paid--I promise.
Rating:
Summary: Invaluable!
Review: For anyone who's ever wondered just what's IN that multi-cellular-renewing-botanical-regenerating-essence-of-epidermia-francais-foo-foo-oui-oui-$75.00-an-ounce-creme! This book, along with Ms.Begoun's other works, cuts through the hype and tells you exactly what you're getting for your money. I've found her to be scrupulously honest and impartial, and I tend to be one suspicious puppy, so that's a real compliment. She's done wonders for my skin AND my wallet! Paula's absolutely fabulous, dahlings!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This book is a life (and money) saver! I don't know what I would do without it. I have bought tons of makeup over the years, only to be terribly disappointed many times. Now, with Paula's help, I know (before I buy) which products do what they promise. For example, she lets you know which products marked "oil-free" really ARE oil-free. I don't always agree with all her advice (i.e., she despises shimmery eyeshadow), but, she is entitled to her own opinion, and this book is a great jumping-off point on discovering what products work for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Good basic Reference
Review: Begoun's book is a good subjective reference for just about any cosmetic line you can fathom. It is very complete, reviewing many lines of cosmetics and products. I found every product in my cosmetic pouch within a few minutes. Well organized and easy to use. I found it fell short on any real extensive advise or solid reccomendations on anything. For example, If I wanted to know what product had the highest quality for the price.. I would not see that in black and white. Instead I would wade through a list of the best products in alpha order.( Some inexpensive, some very expensive.) I would have prefered a ranking so I could pick the "best buy". It is important to keep in mind is that this book is a subjective review. Some of the products I love, she panned and some of her favorites I find very difficult to use. Overall, I do agree with her on many products. ( I have tried them all) For example, I can honestly say I have tried every foundation possible and have found that one inexpensive product to be the very best. She also mentions this inexpensive and unlikely product in glowing terms. In that instance, I was very pleased with my good taste and her wisdom. I think it is a good basic reference for any woman however, Don't think of it as the "bible" of cosmetics. I still think, we may need to "trial and error" as we usually do.. this book may just keep the trials down to a minumum.
Rating:
Summary: This book isn't perfect, but what is?
Review: This is a great guide for those of us that don't want to have sparkly faces, or wear a too-pink foundation, green nails, or wacky-colored eye shadows. This is a book for the everywoman and not the fashion followers.
Rating:
Summary: Quick, easy-to-find information
Review: This book is well organized so it's easy to go straight to the information you're interested in. The product lines and individual products under a specific heading (e.g.,cleansers) are listed alphabetically. Paula Begoun rates all the products available from each skin care and/or make up line. Then she also lists the best of everything alphabetically. You make the ultimate choices based on your budget and what is important to you. Although Ms. Begoun does have her own line of skin care products, she doesn't give them any special preference over other lines. She tends to be a little preachy on some topics. She doesn't like shiny or glossy anything, but she recommends items that have these qualities for people who do like them. I recommend also reading The Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun in conjunction with this book. It helps you find out what kind of skin you really have and what skin care program will help you look your best.
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