Paula Begoun the Cosmetics Cop Top 10 list of best beauty buys

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Find out all the different forms of hair removal and pick the one that's right for you

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair removal article Because of the stigma sometimes associated with facial hair, you can become self-conscious, suffer from self-esteem issues and/or become reluctant to enter into a romantic relationship. But, don't despair! Check out these options on removing facial hair now. Find out

Hey Gorgeous! Enjoy these timely tips from Paula Begoun-she knows her stuff! Visit her at www.beautypedia.com for more information!
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Searching for the perfect shade of red lipstick or that must-have waterproof mascara can make for an exciting Saturday outing with the girls. That is, as long as you know what you’re looking for. Today, the options are endless, and unless you have an unlimited budget, you’re probably unable (or unwilling) to try every product available. That’s where Paula Begoun comes to the rescue. Together with her Cosmetics Cop Team, the international best-selling author and skin-care expert has just released her special report touting the best makeup buys on the market today regardless of lifestyle or budget.

“Makeup can be a powerful tool,” says Begoun. “That’s probably because makeup delivers such instant gratification.” It’s so true. Swipe on a new lipstick or blush, and your whole mood can change for the better. Find that perfect foundation for your oily skin, and you’re ready to sing its praises to whoever will listen. It boils down to this: The right makeup can be transforming by making you feel beautiful. And when you feel beautiful, your whole outlook changes—for the better!

Of course, for all the excitement makeup stirs, there are just as many questions: Which products are the best? Which are worth the splurge? Which ones will make me look the most gorgeous (with the least effort and time) day in and day out? That’s where the following report will prove invaluable. Keep reading to learn Paula’s 10 Makeup Commandments, as well as the best cosmetics with reasons why Paula and the Cosmetics Cop Team recommend them so highly.


Paula Begoun’s 10 Makeup Commandments

1.Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better! There are good and bad products in all price categories, and there are brilliant inexpensive products you should absolutely consider before going for the expensive stuff.
2.Shop With A Clean Slate! If you plan to test foundation or concealer, visit the store or salon with a clean, bare face that’s prepped for makeup application, or be willing to take off the makeup you have on.
3.The Right Light is Key! Always check foundation, concealer and powder colors in natural light. Department store lighting is deceiving; what looks perfect under artificial light can look glaringly wrong in broad daylight.
4.Tone Down the Shine! Be careful with shiny blush and eyeshadow. Generally, for daytime makeup, a blush with a matte finish or just a hint of sheen works best. Shinier makeup is best reserved for evening use or special occasions.
5.It’s All in the Tools! Whenever possible, test powder-based products (e.g., blush, eyeshadow) with the appropriate brushes. Avoid sponge-tip applicators for eyeshadows and those cheap, super-tiny brushes often packaged with powder blushes.
6.Protect Those Peepers & Lips! Never test mascara or liquid eyeliner in the store. Even if the brand offers disposable applicators, you don’t know how many people have double-dipped, how old the testers are, or how contaminated they may be. We know it’s a pain, but for the health of your eyes, it’s best to purchase these products and test them at home. The same is true when it comes to lip glosses. Most glosses have sponge-tip or brush applicators that can harbor germs from other people. It’s best to swipe the gloss on the top of your hand so you can get a sense of how the color “reads” on your skin and can assess its texture and finish.
7.Smack On Lips, Not Germs! Before you test a lipstick on your lips, have a salesperson sanitize it for you with an alcohol-based spray. Lipsticks at the counter can become contaminated with germs and microbes that you don’t want near your mouth. No alcohol spray? Then wipe off several layers of lipstick with a clean tissue or have the sales associate “shave” off the top portion of the lipstick with a disposable spatula.
8.Take Cues from the Pros! See a cosmetics salesperson whose makeup you admire? Ask them for application tips, especially if their skin tone is similar to yours. Chances are good you’ll pick up some great tips and begin to feel more confident about selecting the best colors for your needs.
9.When In Doubt, Take It Back and Try Again! If you buy a product that doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to take it back. Almost all drugstores and mass-market stores (think Rite Aid and Wal-Mart) will provide a complete refund on cosmetics purchases if you have the receipt—even if the item has been used.
10.Bye, Bye Blues! Lastly, as stated in Paula’s first book, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, AVOID blue eyeshadow. Unless it’s a deep navy, which can almost pass for black, most shades of blue are difficult to work with. Plus, they do not play up blue eyes; actually, the opposite is true. The same goes for any eyeshadow shade that’s too colorful, including orange, green, fuchsia, teal and especially red, which can make your eye area look inflamed rather than attractive. Not ready to give up such shades? Think of the fashion magazine covers you’ve admired, and then ask yourself: How many of those models or celebrities were sporting bright, colorful eye designs?
The Best of the Best
The following is a partial list of products that not only rated extremely high for performance but also really impressed Paula Begoun and The Cosmetics Cop team. Given how many thousands of makeup products Paula and her team review annually, rest assured that these are among the best of the best. For the complete reviews and lists of the best products in every makeup category, please visit Beautypedia.com on your computer or mobile phone FREE for a limited time!
1.Boots No7 Cheek Tint ($9.99)
•Generously-sized cream-to-powder blush that can go from sheer to intense
•Application is super-easy and all of the colors are gorgeous
2.M.A.C. Haute & Naughty Lash ($18.00)
•Two mascaras in one component, each with impressive, distinctive effects
•Wears beautifully yet is easy to remove
3.Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick ($12.00)
•Elegantly smooth cream texture imparts rich color
•Brilliant range of shades without garish frost or sparkles
4.Neutrogena Healthy Skin Custom Glow Blush & Bronzer ($12.49)
•Beautiful pressed powder blush and bronzer in one sleek compact
•Looks great when used separately or together
5.Victoria’s Secret VS Makeup Soft Focus Liquid Foundation SPF 20 ($16.00)
•Outstanding sun protection from gentle mineral actives
•Supremely silky with a satin glow finish to enliven dry skin
6.Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara Waterproof ($8.49)
•A waterproof mascara that does everything right, but nothing too extreme
•Quickly enhances lashes, then wears without a worry
7.Revlon Luxurious Color Satin Eye Shadow ($4.99)
•Powder eyeshadow singles that’s shine done right
•No matter how much you apply, the shine won’t flake!
8.Revlon Age Defying Moisturizing Concealer SPF 25 ($8.99)
•Creamy, eye-area concealer with broad-spectrum sun (and wrinkle) protection
•Provides great coverage without magnifying the look of lines
9.Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation ($14.95)
•A powerhouse of potent sun protection to help prevent wrinkles and discolorations
•Enviably smooth texture with a soft, flattering matte finish
10.N.Y.C (New York Color) Extreme Lip Glider Lip Gloss ($3.00)
•One of the least expensive lip glosses with a smooth, non-sticky texture
•Enticing range of sheer colors in a convenient squeeze tube for quick application
BONUS: Paula’s Choice Illicit Lash Maximum Impact Mascara ($10.95)

•Nimble rubber-bristled brush reaches each and every lash fast
•Brilliant way to get longer, defined lashes with a soft curl
Want to know if one of your favorites got a top rating? Visit Beautypedia.com FREE through February for a complete list of the best makeup and skin care.




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Remember: you are beautiful! Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!

Cosmetic Cop Paula Begoun does the spf math for you!

Readers' Top-Rated Face Wipes

See which facial cleansing towelettes topped our list

This is a TotalBeauty.com best and worst skin care products article Nothing quite takes the place of washing your face with cleanser and water, but the next best thing is a face wipe, no? TotalBeauty.com readers share which towelettes are their BFFs for removing grime post-workout, after a late night of partying, etc. See products

No. 9: Almay Makeup Remover Towelettes, $1.45

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"I am in musicals and wear a lot of makeup, so I need a good remover pad …"

No. 8: Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"These remove all my makeup/gunk and …"

No. 7: Dove Daily Hydrating Cleansing Cloths, $5.69

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4

"They cleanse my skin with a gentle scrub and leave it …"

Want to see what other products made the list? Click here!

Hey! In Arizona, we wear sunscreen all year and as the heat is getting turned up by the minute, it's time to up the anty of sunscreen spf factors. Below is an article by Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop, with excellent math ( it's simple and there will not be a test!) on how to figure out what spf number is right for you to keep yourself protected.
Please read it and enjoy and to get a list of Paula's preferred sunscreen choices be sure and visit her website http://www.cosmeticscop.com
Enjoy!
Your Personal SPF: Determining Your Number

The Basics
Sun protection is an everyday must for anyone concerned with keeping their skin in top shape (and that includes avoiding wrinkles, brown discolorations, building collagen, keeping skin firm, and even preventing skin cancer). SPF 15 is the minimum rating to look for and greater is better for some skin colors and conditions; all sunscreens must be liberally applied; and UVA protection is critical.

UVA protection depends on the active ingredients in the product you are using so be sure one or more of these active ingredients are included: avobenzone (sometimes listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl (ecamsule) or, outside the U.S., Tinosorb.

Decisions, Decisions
There are several important factors that influence how you choose and should apply a sunscreen:

1.How long you are going to be in the sun or sitting next to a window (UVA radiation, the sun's most damaging rays, come through windows). The longer you are going to be in the sun or exposed to UVA radiation via windows the higher the SPF number you need to look for.
2.Are you willing to apply your chosen sunscreen liberally? No matter what SPF rating you choose, you have to apply it liberally. If you aren't applying it liberally always go for a higher number to assure you are getting as much sunscreen ingredients on your skin as possible.
3.Will you be swimming or perspiring heavily? If so, go for sunscreens labeled water resistant or very water resistant. Be sure to reapply as directed, especially after toweling off.
You'll also want to take into consideration your skin type and whether or not you'll be wearing makeup.

1.Those with normal to dry skin should use sunscreens in a lotion or cream base.
2.Those with oily or combination skin should go for sunscreens formulated in a lightweight lotion with a matte finish, a liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Many spray-on sunscreens are excellent for oily skin.
3.If you're going to be wearing foundation, you can choose a foundation with sunscreen and pair it with a moisturizer with sunscreen and a pressed powder with sunscreen!
What's Your Rating?
Your ideal SPF number is a multiplication figure based on your skin color and the SPF number on the product.

Identify Your Skin Color:

Level 1 skin is very fair and often freckled. It burns easily within about 20 minutes of direct sun exposure and never tans. This is common for people with blue eyes and blonde or red hair.
Level 2 skin is fair to light and often burns with about 30 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning may occur but is minimal. This is common in people with blue, green, or hazel eyes and red, blonde, or light brown hair.
Level 3 skin is light to medium or olive and sometime burns with about 40 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning is possible, but typically sunburn happens first. This level can apply to those of any hair or eye color.
Level 4 skin is medium to tan skin that rarely burns but can turn pink in about 60 to 90 minutes of direct sun exposure yet often tans easily. This is commong for people with dark hair and eyes.
Level 5 skin is brown to dark brown skin that very rarely burns and tans easily in about two hours of sun exposure. Those with dark hair and eyes and of Middle Eastern or African-American descent are usually at this level.
Level 6 skin is black skin that never burns and always tans, though a tan is usually not apparent due to depth of natural skin color.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR SKIN COLOR AND HOW EASILY YOU TAN, WRINKLES, SKIN DISCOLORATIONS, AND SKIN CANCERS ARE PRIMARILY CAUSED BY UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE!

Next, Do the Math:

•Your Level of Sunburn Risk x by the SPF Rating = Safe Sun Exposure for Your Skin Color
•The SPF number is a rating that determines how long you can stay in the sun without burning when you wear that product without needing to reapply it. It does not indicate quality of protection, just length of time. Here's how to do the math. If you have:


•Level 1 skin (very fair): That means you usually get a burn in about 15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 20 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 20 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 20 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•Level 2 skin (fair to light): That means you usually get a burn in about 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 30 minutes = 450 minutes (7.5 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 30 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 30 minutes = 1,350 minutes (22.5 hours) of protection
•Level 3 skin (light to medium/olive): That means you usually get a burn in about 40 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 40 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 40 minutes = 1,200 minutes (20 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 40 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
•Level 4 skin (medium to tan): That means you usually get a burn in about 60 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 60 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 60 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 60 minutes = 2,700 minutes (45 hours) of protection
•Level 5 and Level 6 skin (brown to dark brown or black): That means you usually get a burn in about 120 minutes (2 hours) of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin's response to various SPF ratings works like this:
•SPF 15 x 120 minutes = 1.800 minutes (*30 hours) of protection
•SPF 30 x 120 minutes = 3,600 minutes (60 hours) of protection
•SPF 45 x 120 minutes = 5,400 minutes (90 hours) of protection
*Note that level 5 and 6 skin should do just fine with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 15. However, liberal applications is still important. If you do not think you'll be applying the sunscreen as liberally as you should, consider a sunscreen rated SPF 30.


Remember: you are beautiful!Thank you for visiting the blog and check back for promotions and beauty giveaways!