Are you guys familiar with Paula Begoun, the self-proclaimed Cosmetics Cop? I don't think I've ever linked to her website, so I thought I'd hop on the blog and do so, as it's a great resource for those of you who are curious about all those mysterious ingredients listed on the labels of your beauty products.
Begoun's Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary is pretty comprehensive--try looking up an ingredient in your moisturizer; the dictionary will tell you why it was added and, in some cases, whether it's proven effective at what it's supposed to do.
Find out what a natural ingredient like coffee can do for your skin.
She also offers tons of really useful reviews of beauty products, including makeup. While she does sell her own products, the reviews are widely considered to be pretty unbiased and accurate, even by other high-profile people in the beauty industry (who shall remain nameless). Plus, they're pretty amusing at times. Example (from a review for a shine-control product which shall also remain nameless): "Is meant to cut oily shine on contact, and the talc- and calcium carbonate-based formula's dry texture and finish will do that. The problem is that the single shade is an unattractive grayish-white that's laced with shine. It applies almost colorless, but adding shine to a powder meant to minimize it is sort of like jogging with a cigarette dangling from your mouth." Ha ha!
Do any of you rely on this site, or is there another one you turn to for trustworthy product information and reviews? I know lots of you are Makeup Alley fans. Where else do you find good info? Do you guys take the time to investigate the ingredients you see on labels, or take more of an "I don't really wanna know" attitude?
Related: Online Beauty Product Reviews: Have They Changed What You Buy?
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