The Beauty Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Smart Beauty

by Paula Begoun

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Health, Self Help

510 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

About the author

Paula Begoun is the founder and innovative force behind Paula's Choice skin care and cosmetics. She is the author of 18 self-published books, the best-selling ones are on skin care. She has a flourishing website selling her books and her cosmetics. The author has appeared on many chat shows and Paula, nor any of her team, are dermatologists or qualified in any way medically.

Reviews

[Girl Reading Books Too · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm studying beauty therapy, so books like these are of great interest to me. Plus I'm also a bit of a skin care and cosmetics junkie. Its the vanity in me. The thing I like about this book is that its unbiased. Sure there are things that are hard to believe, and things that you think ... sure that makes sense ... but in general, Paula tries to be as objective as she can and substantiates everything that she has written in the book. I may not agree with everything she says, but I can respect what she says and the position she takes and I have learnt more than a few things from the book. Using this book as a reference before going to the cosmetic counter really does help. Sore some people may have different skin types and some things work better than others, but for the most part, this book is worth getting.

[Catrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very basic and biased - seems comprehensive at first, but if you are really searching for good info on a beauty topic, this book isn’t it. Certainly not for those who are knowledgeable in this field, which this book is marketed to. Covers everything from makeup to plastic surgery to skin conditions. Ingrown toenails are a topic, but really, a paragraph stating the obvious makes much of this book filler and not very substantial. This format works for the author’s Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me book, because actual products are being rated and reviewed... Skip this one!

[Elizabeth Pyjov · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference.

The most important thing I learned was to always wear sunscreen everywhere during daylight as the last thing that goes on the skin, and the sunscreen must have one of 3 ingredients: avobenzone, titanium oxide, zinc oxide.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, straight-forward information on scientifically effective routines for proper skincare. Each section address the 'why' of ingredient effectiveness, and provides step-by-step instruction for different routines to address different concerns.

She pushes her own products a bit, but offers several readily available alternatives, and stands by the effectiveness of her own products. (I've used them - they are great and often inexpensive, given the alternatives.)

My only gripe would be the lack of an index for ease-of-use as a reference book. Though the table of contents is laid out well enough that a bit of searching will work.

[TheRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paula Begoun's research is fantastic. She translates all the cosmetic chemistry into plain English. Much of the information in my book was exactly what I was looking for! My only "complaint" is that the author tends to seem somewhat arrogant in her opinions of what a woman should look like. While I'm not that crazy about most fashion fads, I don't believe one thing works for everyone and that each person should customize her look to suit herself. I think Ms. Begoun and I might disagree on that point.

[Lyssrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think the previous state of my beauty routine was nearly as dire as the blurb from the back of the book makes it sound; however, I definitely feel that this book has helped me to streamline that process, and has given me the tools to make more informed decisions regarding my skin care purchases.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I credit this book with the answer to my late-teen acne issue. After following her advice, my skin cleared up within weeks. This book is chock full of inexpensive skin care solutions for every type of skin, from hydrogen peroxide as a toner, to milk of magnesia as a mask. Don't laugh, it really works!

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it in preparation for something I was doing. It had really good information but got repetitive and boring in places. I found myself skimming sections of it to get the main idea so that I could read what I wanted to know about. It also is of far less value without her other book, Don't Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me.

[StrangeBedfellows · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a useful and interesting book, but far from the 'ultimate guide' that the author would like you to believe. Begoun's advice is overly preoccupied with wrinkles, ignoring a whole host of other beauty concerns. The contents of this book fall under the category of 'good to know' even if you don't agree with everything.

[Veeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

dah lama kepingiiiin banget punya ni buku setelah ngintip web nya Paula's Choice...eh ga disangka beberapa bulan kemudian nemu ni buku di Periplus mana diskon pula,ga perlu mikir panjang langsung deh diangkut ke kasir....wakakakakk jodoh emang ga kemana ;D

[Nowheregirl]

This is totally a must read...the inner-beauty-blogger-makeup-optimist in me adored it...kept reading given all the situation (Bengali.new.year.celebration!!!!)
speaking of which, I need to reread it..and study...and experiment..DIY!!!! Tips!!!oh am I excited!

[Bryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learn, padawan.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know me...you know I love make-up and skin care. So yes, this book was fascinating to me. LOTS of info.

[Dunrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me cut through cosmetic-marketing-speak and select appropriate skin-care products. Also saved me $$!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I have ever read about beauty..gives great insight into the beauty industry..products, what the products are doing to our skin, wha to avoid, how much we are payign just for a label.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love anything by Paula!

[Annamarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to read if you sensitive skin.

[Science For The People]

Featured on Skeptically Speaking show #64 on June 18, 2010, during an interview with author Paula Begoun. http://skepticallyspeaking.ca/episode...

[Angela Ross Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic, insightful and a new girlfriend to me!! Helped me get out if the rat race of high end beauty dollars.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

hands down the best REAL guide to beauty products/myths/skin mysteries

[Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book to help figure out what is really being promised in the beauty industry.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource! Learned a great deal!