MADreads

Looking for lipstick? Read this.

January 18th, 2008 Molly - Central

I spend a significant part of my day reading book reviews, then deciding if the books are worth buying for the library, whether or not people will check them out, and which libraries would fit best with which books.  Some folks might get tired of reading reviews when the work day is done, but I really enjoy it.  I continue on my quest for assessment when looking for entertainment: reading movie reviews, reviews of television shows, restaurants, hotels and roadside attractions when on holiday (plan a trip without consulting Fodor’s and Frommer’s?  I think not!) and researching Consumer Reports before buying appliances and electronics.  I eagerly await In Style Magazine’s annual Best Beauty Buys issue to see which lotions and lip glosses rank the highest, so it should come as no surprise that I am recommending Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me by Paula Begoun.

If you buy any type of beauty product and consider yourself a savvy consumer, why not check it out?  Paula dispenses general advice and then dives into the nitty gritty.  Every major brand of cosmetic is represented alphabetically and then products are listed by category, for example, skin care and make-up.  Each product is rated with a check mark (these are the items you want to consider buying), smiley faces (and frowny faces) for quality of product and $$ for value.  There is also a comprehensive list at the end of the book for all of the best buys. 

Product ingredients are listed, animal testing is noted and the author honestly reviews products.  While based on research, ultimately, the reviews are her opinion and she states up front that not everyone will agree with what she has to say.  But in my opinion, it is a good place to start.  I discovered that the lotion I use for my “dry, sensitive, aging” skin has an ingredient that is not so hot for sensitive skin.  But I like the way it smells, so I might continue to use it.  Then I discovered that the SPF this lotion contains is not the right stuff for blocking harmful UV rays.  And that is important to me, so I will probably switch to another brand.

The list of product lines that have NOT ONE recommended item might be the most eye-opening feature of the book - a very popular line of natural products is listed.  Caveat emptor.

Entry Filed under: Nonfiction