Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me: A Unique Guide to Over 35,000 Products, Plus the Latest Skin-Care Research (Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me) [Paperback]

I have to say, I didn't feel entirely happy after I had read the first two chapters, aimed at demystifying skincare and make-up myths: I realised that I have been entirely taken in by extravagant claims made by cosmetics companies, not to mention the pretty bottles, nice colours and lovely smells that draw you over to make-up counters.

Some of the other reviews have said that Ms Begoun is not completely objective - well, she never claims to be - and that she has an irritating "attitude." I think I'd have an attitude if I had spent twenty years reading claims like "See a 154% improvement in wrinkles in only three days!" when I knew that no such thing was possible!

While Ms Begoun might have some personal biases, such as not recommend using bright colours (apparently a heading from an earlier edition was "Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal"), that doesn't change the fact that if she recommends a certain line's eyeshadow, that eyeshadow is going to have good application and texture whatever colour it is. This book is not the law - the make-up police will not be knocking at your door because you wear metallic green nail varnish! (Yes, that's another of her pet hates.) You don't have to follow her advice to the letter - or even at all.

Admittedly, the product reviews are based on ingredients - but a review of 30 000 products that she has personally tried would be an impossible feat. Besides, what works for one woman does not work for another, as Ms Begoun so often states. What the reviews do help you do is make an informed choice. I was considering spending £22 on a new moisturiser, a treat after the £2.25 stuff I've been using. After checking out the review of the really rather expensive moisturiser, and then looking at the ingredients in my cheapy stuff, well, I've decided to stick with the cheapy stuff - even better, the bottle is four times larger: 200ml as opposed to 50ml, which works out as £88 for an equivalent quantity! This book really makes you think "Am I paying far too much?" and then helps you decide whether you are.

One gripe I've heard is that the book list some products that are available in the United States and not here in Britain - and of course, there are no reviews of Boots' own brands, for example, or a few of the other lines you might come across. But all the major ones that you'd find in Superdrug or at the department store are there - if you still want to pay for them after reading this book! And if you're considering something that isn't reviewed, then there's a list of ingredients that you can check to see whether it's going to irritate, clog your pores, etc, etc.

As for pushing her own line of skincare and make-up products, Ms Begoun is very honest. She sets out what she thinks should be a good skincare regime, and her products follow her recommendations. For those complaining that she didn't use her happy/unhappy face-style rating for her own products - do you think there would be any unhappy faces in that section?! And she does point out that while her products are formulated to be suitable for as many people as possible, there are some that won't find them possible. Anyway, Ms Begoun's line is only available her in Britain if you can be prepared to pay rather steep delivery costs - a shame, as I'd certainly be interested in trying it out!

It should be said, that this book is not the be-all and end-all. I'll say it, and Ms Begoun says it. If you disagree, fine; if a product that works for you but gets a bad review, you don't have to stop using it. This book is invaluable for giving you more information than anywhere else, unless you feel like reading scientific journals to find out whether that extract of oak root will really get rid of your wrinkles.

Buy this book. You will be better informed, and it will undoubtedly save you money.

Paula- PLEASE BRING OUT A BRITISH VERSION- I think it will be snapped up like the proverbial hot cake or should that be pan-cake (excuse the pun).