Beautypedia

I have a very strong affection for Consumer Reports, Yelp, Cnet, anything that reviews products so that I may make a more informed buying decision. Years ago I was wishing for something like this for cosmetics. For some reason, the market has found it acceptable for cosmetics companies to make all sorts of incredible claims that are simply not true. I have always wondered why this is not better regulated.

Just the other day, my friend Tami and I were saying we should find some sort of goop to put in a container and just claim that it'll make your face as soft and wrinkle free as a baby to make our fortune. I can't lie like that though. It turns out I have some integrity. Oh, the misfortune.

Soon after my cosmetics review longing, I was in a bookstore and I noticed on the bottom shelf a book that was called "Do Not Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me," by Paula Begoun. She calls herself the cosmetics cop. This book actually reviewed every last cosmetic and cosmetics company and said what the product claims were as well as what the product actually did. She tells you what works and what does not work. And now, much more recently she has a website where you can subscribe and get all the most updated ratings online (or on your phone w/internet access while you're considering buying something). Heaven.

No more ridiculous purchases for me based on impossible claims. It's reprehensible what these cosmetics companies do to get your money and I'm eternally grateful to have some guidance.