Rating: 
Summary: The price of the book is less than a pricy cosemetic
Review: I have bought several editions of these books in the past. This book is not my favorite. Its soo large. It goes off into brands I have never heard or seen anything of. I think that since has introduced her own line of cosemetics the information can be biased. I like her ideas and recommendations, they aren't always for the most expensive products, and I do like that she documents studies and puts scientific information behind what she says.
The book is largest yet, and a little unwheely. I think since there are soo many brands now it makes things confusing. I do like all of the notes about each product
I'll admit I have saved a ton of money with her books. I have been gulliable by infomercials, and home shopping networks. With this book I am able to put the breaks on and evaluate wisely. She offers sound advice, and its worth a look.
Rating: 
Summary: almost as fun as shopping
Review: Reading reviews and hearing her advice on different products is almost as fun as actually getting out there and buying makeup. All her books are great, and she also has a free email that reviews the new makeup and skincare that comes out every month. I don't wear much makeup, but I still buy this book every time a new edition comes out, and I subscribe to her bi-monthly magazine. I also use some of her products, that she concocted herself after being frustrated with the lack of quality and low price of some essential makeup products (like sunscreen)
this book is worth every penny, but you might want to buy two, because everyone you know will want to "borrow" it....
Rating:
Summary: Useless should actually read the book....
Review: Great book, very informative. I have all of her books and buy all the new editions that come out. I also use most of her products and subscribe to the newsletter.However, the purpose of the book is to educate consumers not tell you what to buy. Only you can figure out what will work for you. This book gives you the information you need to make that determination for yourself. If you are looking for someone to tell you "buy these products and everything will be great" this is not the book for you.
Rating:
Summary: Highly addictive
Review: The 5th edition's a great book for product reviews, especially given the sheer number of cosmetics lines covered and the fact that most products are individually reviewed. The front section of topics (such as what to look for in moisturisers, whether antioxidants have been proven effective etc) are very informative, as are those on how to handle breakouts and how to chose exfoliants (AHA/BHA etc) and sunscreens. Her advice definitely improved my skin, and although you might not agree with all her reviews (which tend to be skewed towards the cheap brands and generally very critical), at least it helps you make better-informed choices in what you buy. The promotion of her line Paula's Choice, though inevitable, bothered me a bit too. The "best of" selection at the back is good, although sometimes a little incongruent as products she's given lacklustre reviews can also appear, and the "best of" lists are actually quite long (though sometimes split into eg oily and dry skin parts which is useful). The dictionary of common cosmetic ingredients at the back is handy, especially in between editions. Interesting reading, even if just to compare your opinions with hers!
Rating:
Summary: Consumer Reports for Skin Care and Costmetics
Review: This is like a no-BS Consumer Report on skin care and cosmetics. If you ever feel confused by all the conflicting claims made by cosmetics companies, this book is for you. I do, in fact, take it with me when I go shopping for make up now.
Rating: 
Summary: Don't listen to a word she says...
Review: I found this book useless. It didn't seem to take into account that different women have different needs -- specifically in regard to skincare and skin type. I found some of the reviews of products I already use to be so off-base that I actually gave up and stopped reading -- and then returned the book. Skip this one and buy Pretty City New York: The Ultimate Guide To Beauty (by Kim Weinstein). Even if you don't live anywhere near New York, this book's cosmetic reviews are so much better and well-researched. What "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me" has in volume, "Pretty City" has in quality. It doesn't review every product in every line, but it gives you the standouts and tells you what to avoid.
Rating:
Summary: Next time I am looking up products before I spend the money
Review: I have probably spent about $2000 for cosmetics in the past. I should have used this book and I wouldn't have spent that much or I would have spent the money on products that would work
and were truly recommended. I encourage any women out there who has a ton of "I hate this but I paid a FORTUNE for" and find out what really is good. Ellen
Rating:
Summary: Over 20 years, I look good and have spent VERY little money!
Review: I am a Paul Begoun convert. I read one on her first beauty books, "Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal" about 20 years ago and was hooked. I spend [a small amount of money]...on my skin care routine. I have avoided what most women my age have done: spent far too much money on make up. When I want to play, I take her book to the drug store and go crazy for [a small amount of money].... As for the criticisms, I think it is important not to take anyone's word as gospel. We really don't need ANY gurus. So, if you use a product that you like and works for you, just because she doesn't like it is no reason to a.) discount everything else she says, and/or b.) give up using a product you like and works for you. I should note that one of the things Paula includes in her ratings is the inflated claims vs. the reality of products. There are some good products out there that spoil themselves over too much hype and outrageous claims. Of course, the outrageous claims are required for a heavy price tag -- I am heading back to the drug store!! Finally, I have used Paula's make up and skin care products and find them to be very good. How are they different? Well, no outrageous claims, reasonalble prices, and good, basic stuff. No shine (for the over 35 crowd, this is important!) and no fragrance. I still use other products, but Paula does provide good options. That, after all is the point of the book, options and knowing what they are. A well informed consumer is the best defense against advertising. And a good defense against advertising really does protect your pocketbook.
Rating:
Summary: A Must-Buy
Review: These books have given me the information I needed to manage my acne, and improve my overall skin health. I am grateful to the author for these excellent, no-nonsense books. I find her product ratings to be accurate, and her reccomendations excellent. If you buy any beauty books, hers are the ones.
Rating:
Summary: For those interested in being well-informed consumers
Review: I have been reading the books and using the products of Paula Begoun for 5 years now and find her to be the most informative source of unbiased information available. ... I'm disappointed by some of the posts that claim her advice to be inaccurate. I can only say that I haven't found it to be so. ... I don't work in the cosmetics industry, I work in the pharmaceutical industry. I can attest to the accuracy of her analysis of chemical components and their effects on the skin. I have gone so far as to research her sources of information on dermatological processes and chemical compounds and found them to be respected scientific sources. I've tried her skin care line and found it to be excellent. My dermatologist has never recommended that I change the products I use. Her products are certainly for budget-minded people. They are in plain bottles and have no scent (which is healthier, if not as decadent). I've saved a lot of money by switching from my former Lancome skin care routine to her products. For those of you who want to spend $$$ on La Prairie moisturizer: it's your money, spend it as you like (I have tried it and agree that it's very nice), but you are not the target consumer of this book. For those of you wishing to lower your cosmetics' budget, this is a wise investment.
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