Don’t Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me
| Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, by Paula Begouin, is a directory of thousands of cosmetics products, both skincare and color. For each line Ms. Begouin has tested, she provides a quick description of each product available, where it can be purchased, how well it works in her opinion, and what price point it is. |
This book is very useful for the cosmetic shopper. For example, if you are interested in a true red lipstick from the drugstore, you don't have to go to the drugstore and waste nearly $100 through trial and error before you find the right formula. This book will tell you which formula is dry, which is long-lasting, which is shimmery and which is matte.
Ms. Begouin is very knowledgeable, especially in the area of skin care chemistry. She does have some biases towards certain types of products (the cheaper the better, and she's against shimmer in makeup for more mature women), but she's upfront with them, so if your preferences don't agree with hers, you'll still be able to make the right choice for you.
The first sentence of this book contains, "Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, The Beauty Bible", set the tone for the rest of this book. Paula Begouin definitely has strong opinions about cosmetic and voices them in this tome. Ms. Begouin has a newsletter, a syndicated newspaper column and has appeared on television all airing her views on cosmetics and the "Does and Don't of Cosmetics" . Her feelings about the information provided, the marketing procedures and the types of products being produced as cosmetics are strong and candid.
She claims to have over twenty years in the business of reporting cosmetic information. And sums up the 45 billion-dollar-a-year cosmetics industry as one that provides misleading, false and deceptive information. Their information comes from, cosmetics sales people, cosmetic advertising, cosmetic company brochures or editorial articles in fashion magazines and much of the information is incorrect or exaggerated. Ms. Begouin also has some cosmetics she considers truly wonderful and showcases the product that she believes are indeed, helpful cosmetics.
There is no other cosmetics directory as comprehensive. This book is a must-have for any cosmetics fan.