The Original Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun

Arming yourself with information is essential when buying any cosmetics product. This is even more important if you are (and who isn't) easily susceptible to ever-present advertizing (if I hear Youth Code just one more time...). It is of no surprise that any product is only as good as its ingredients, yet how many of us meticulously research all the impossibly sounding chemicals in whatever we apply to our skin?

If you want to understand how cosmetics products work, you could try reading The Original Beauty Bible by Paula Begoun (thank you, Jana, for pointing out this excellent book to me!). This lady is generally referred to as The Cosmetics Cop and the best-selling author of Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without me.

What I love about this book is straight to the point debunking of many cosmetics myths (is it really that shocking to find out what you suspected, like that you REALLY don't need an eyecream, there is NO effective anti-wrinkle or anti-cellulite cream, the expensive cosmetics ISN'T necessarily better, dry skin does not cause wrinkles and many more...). Begoun arguments are well-supported by a number of research studies exposing the most effective ingredients. Yes, the book has 460 pages, relatively small print and it is all text, but it is filled with practical information on how to realistically fight wrinkles, acne, blackheads, cellulite and many more.

Paula Begoun also gives you advice online on her own product like, Paula's choice or other product lines on Beautypedia.