The Beauty Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Beauty (Paperback)

by Paula Begoun (Author) "Problem: I've heard a lot of different information regarding when I should throw away a cosmetic..." (more)
Key Phrases: full makeup application, improving cell production, shiny eyeshadows, United States, American Academy of Dermatology, Estee Lauder (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Myriad new formulas, outrageous claims, and hot controversies run rampant in the cosmetics industry. This second edition of The Beauty Bible will help clear up the confusion. From tanning pills to oxygen in products, from facial exercises to behind-the-scenes industry information, this book covers it all. Containing 50 percent new material, this edition includes advice on the latest cosmetic surgery procedures, online beauty shopping, and permanent makeup. Drawing on her background as a makeup artist, her 20-plus years as a consumer reporter, and the latest dermatological studies, Paula Begoun (a.k.a. the “Cosmetics Cop”) gives readers the tools and information they need to make smart skincare decisions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Beginning Press; 2nd edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1877988294
• ISBN-13: 978-1877988295
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #102,161 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #28 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Beauty & Fashion > Skin Care
  #35 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Beauty & Fashion > Cosmetics

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

114 of 117 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confessions of a Ex-Makeup/Product Junkie, March 11, 2003

By	"kokochic" (Delaware) - See all my reviews

Do you find yourself spending your hard earned money on skincare products that do not improve the quality of your skin?

Do you find yourself seduced by the t.v. informercials/commercials/ magazine advertisements on the newest & greatest makeup or skincare regime that promises you will look 100% better?

Do you have skincare products or cosmetics in your bathroom drawer that has a thin film of dust on them because when you brought it home you found out it did not improve your skin care or cosmetic issues....but it was so expensive that you just could not throw it away?

If you answered yes, maybe or even no & you are a consumer of skincare or cosmetic products and want to be an INFORMED CONSUMER this book is for you.

I bought this book because I was tired of spending my hard earned money on products with empty promises. I immediately purchased this book a few days after reading DON'T GO TO THE COSMETICS COUNTER WITHOUT ME, 2003 edition. I wanted to get information on how to deal with my oily, acne proned skin. I've been to several dermatologists who told me I had cystic acne (the worst case) and basically told me I had to use Accutane. Well, being the fact that I am in my childbearing years...the risks overpowered the benefits of using such a powerful drug. Then I used an expensive skin care regime (the only one you see on t.v. informercials 2-3x's per day) which improved my skin about 70-80% , but put a dent in my wallet. I knew there had to be a better and cost effective way to treat my skin condition. Needless to say, I used the information that was suggested in the book and you would never be able to tell that I even had skin problems.

I will admit that the makeup tips are rather conservative. However, for women working in a professional & business casual environment there are some helpful tips. You can always make modifications to suit your own personal style.

When purchasing this book (which you should definitely have in your library) understand that Ms. Begoun is first a Consumer Advocate. So there is alot of information about what the Industry does not want to you know about type stuff. However, all the information crammed in this book beats a yearly subscription to some advertisement filled fashion magazine.

I recommend you buy this book along with DONT GO TO THE COSMETICS COUNTER WITHOUT ME, 2003 edition for a holistic view of Ms. Begoun's suggestions.

79 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great information, but buy the author's other book first, April 12, 2004

By	Beth Cholette "doctor_beth" (Upstate NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The Beauty Bible is meant as a companion volume to Paula Bogoun's Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, and it does contain some unique information not found in Don't Go..., including advice on overall body care and tips on makeup application. However, the most helpful sections of this book--eg, instructions for blemish/acne treatment, inside information about product ingredients, etc.--are covered more succinctly and clearly in Begoun's other work, which also includes a ton of useful information on specific skin care and makeup products. I recommend that you first purchase Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, and if you then require additional information, consider buying this book.

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It will change how you think about cosmetics and skin care, May 1, 2003

By	Jaclyn Mussehl (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I think this is a very informative book. Paula explains why fashion magazines will never give an honest critique of beauty products - they can't say anything negative and risk angering the cosmetics companies who advertise in their pages - so you will rarely see anything there but glowing reviews. She explains how most moisturizers are the same, and how any claims that they can lift, firm, or tone the skin are a bunch of BS. She explains why so-called "botanicals" or "natural" products have no special benefits for the skin and are only used as a marketing strategy to make products seem more interesting or glamorous. (By the time the "natural" elements are extracted and bottled, there is hardly anything "natural" left in them. Plus they are only added in teeny-tiny amounts, just enough so that the company can say that the product contains natural ingredients.) She explains how toners/astringents and most products that supposedly help acne contain extremely irritating ingredients that can make your pimples worse. She also explains why the terms "hypoallergenic" and "dermatologist tested" are meaningless hype, and how the cosmetic companies can get away with misleading advertizing because cosmetics are not regulated by the FDA.

Paula also includes a lot of information on skincare and makeup application. I didn't always agree with her opinions about application, but it's still refreshing to see someone willing to speak out against the downright dishonest claims made by cosmetics companies, and to educate us consumers. Every woman who uses cosmetics or skincare products should read this book, as well as _Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me_. These two books will pay for themselves when they save you time and money. You'll learn to be a smart consumer and see right through the marketing hype and ridiculous claims that the cosmetics companies would have you believe.