Women spend an extraordinary amount of money on cosmetics--$45 billion a year in the U.S. alone. Now in its fourth edition, Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me strikes fear in cosmetics-counter consultants everywhere. First off, Begoun has deconstructed ingredient lists. Ever wonder what methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben are doing in your mascara? And what is diazolidinyl urea? All four are potential irritants, and the latter is a preservative that can release formaldehyde, a class A carcinogen. Buyer beware.

Begoun also lists which companies are cruelty-free and which continue to conduct animal testing. The majority of the book--and that's nearly 800 pages--is devoted to reviews of thousands of cosmetics, from cleansers, foundations, alpha-hydroxy acids, and moisturizers to lip liners, eye shadows, and concealers, all of which Begoun has personally tested. (There are no hair care products listed, as that warrants another book entirely: Don't Go Shopping for Hair Care Products Without Me.)

She's perfectly frank and tells it like it is. (On Revlon's ColorStay Makeup: "goes far beyond the claim of 'It won't come off on him.' It won't come off when you want it to.") You'll learn how to tell when you're being boondoggled by a salesperson, what's overpriced and overhyped, as well as what's overlooked. More than 200 brands are included, along with a helpful summary at the end that lists the best products for each cosmetic category. It should be noted that not only is Begoun a fine consumer advocate, she's also a self-esteem advocate: she mentions time and again that even the best cosmetics won't necessarily improve your life, and that's a point well taken.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Find out which products live up to their claims and which ones are a waste of money. If you are fed up with mascaras that flake and smear; 'all-day' lipsticks that don't last all day; and outrageously expensive 'wrinkle' creams that don't work, then this is the book for you. Paula Begoun's honest reporting and clear, concise product reviews will help you look great and save money. The cosmetics industry has been misleading consumers long enough - with a copy of Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me in hand, you will finally have the information you need to find skin care and makeup products that really work and don't cost a fortune.

FROM THE CRITICS

Miami Herald

Paula is nationally recognized as an authority on the subject of cosmetics for her objective product appraisals and her role as a consumer advocate. She takes the cosmetics companies to task for their puffed-up claims and misleading information.

San Francisco Chronicle