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How to: Purchase makeup

By Jessica Elliott, The Dallas Morning News, Source: MCT News Service

Since her first book, "Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal," in 1986, Paula Begoun has been busting beauty myths and fighting false product promises for truth. The 25-year cosmetics-industry veteran has her own product line, Paula's Choice, and her best-selling book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" is now in its seventh edition. We caught up with Begoun during her recent visit to Legacy Books in Plano, Texas.

Q: Mineral makeup: fact or fad?

A: The concept of mineral makeup has become a silly joke. The ingredient many of these companies use is bismuth oxychloride, which is about as natural as polyester – it's a synthetic powder. It makes dry skin drier. Right now, mineral products are all over the place. Now they are calling eye pencils mineral and mascaras mineral. It's a hyped marketing term.

Q: Are organic and natural products superior to chemical-packed cosmetics?

A: The issue with natural and organic products is it's more about the quality of the ingredients as opposed to their benefit for the skin. What does the research say in terms of the efficacy of the ingredients in terms of what you want them to do? Research about skin is pretty significant – we know that antioxidants are good for skin, we know that being gentle is a big deal, that inflammation destroys collagen and breaks down the skin cells. ... I've seen a lot of all-natural ingredients that contain lavender oil, which causes cell damage, and even alcohol. I haven't seen a drop of research that says that organic ingredients are better than other products.

Q: What are the best drugstore buys?

A: Jane eye shadows and blushes. Rimmel and Sonia Kashuk for general excellence. Maybelline's new Colossal mascara is outstanding, and also CoverGirl LashBlast. In terms of skin care, Olay Regenerist (though their new Pro-X is a joke). CeraVe face wash and moisturizer are perhaps the best formulated and cheapest things at the drugstore ... very impressive.

Q: What's an expensive product that's worth breaking out the credit card?

A: Allergan just came out with Latisse, which is their glaucoma-derived eyelash grower ... there is no question it grows lashes. What I care about is, can a product that says it can do something, do it? There isn't an anti-cellulite product, an anti-wrinkle product that works ... Latisse really grows lashes.

Q: What's the one product you wouldn't live without?

A: Sunscreen. I am the neurotic sunscreen queen. I prefer mineral sunscreens that are just the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Neutrogena Mineral Sheers with SPF 20 and Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex has a great SPF 15 sunscreen – those are probably my two favorites for the least amount of money. Neutrogena Sunblock Lotion SPF 17 Sensitive Skin, which is just titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, is very, very good. And Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF is very well done.

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PAULA'S CHEAPER CHOICES

Begoun's subscription Web site, www.beautypedia.com ($24.95 per year), is a great source for product info and reviews. Here, her recent roundup of recession-proof beauty picks. Prices will vary by location.

Best inexpensive foundation without sunscreen for normal to dry skin

_ Cover Girl TRUblend Liquid Makeup, $9.49

_ Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Liquid Makeup, $10.49

_ Rimmel Recover Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Foundation, $7.99

Best inexpensive foundation without sunscreen for normal to oily/combination skin

_ L'Oreal Paris Ideal Balance Balancing Foundation for Combination Skin SPF 10, $12.49

_ Maybelline New York Pure.Makeup, $5.99

_ Prestige Cosmetics MultiTask Wet/Dry Powder Foundation, $7.49

Best inexpensive foundation with sunscreen for normal to dry skin

_ Revlon ColorStay Makeup with SoftFlex for Normal to Dry Skin SPF 15, $12.99

_ Clinique Dewy Smooth Anti-Aging Makeup SPF 15, $21.50

_ Almay Line Smoothing Compact Makeup SPF 15, $13.99

Best inexpensive foundation with sunscreen for normal to oily/combination skin

_ Revlon Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup SPF 15, $12.99

_ Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Makeup Oil-Free SPF 20, $10.99

_ L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup SPF 17, $9.99

Best inexpensive blushes

_ Jane Blushing Cheeks Powder Blush, $3.79

_ Wet n Wild Silk Finish Blush, $2.99

_ Maybelline New York Dream Mousse Blush, $7.49

Best inexpensive concealers

_ L'Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer, $7.39

_ Revlon Age Defying Concealer SPF 20, $8.99

_ Boots Botanics Totally Concealed, $7.99

Best inexpensive lip glosses

_ e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15, $1

_ Rimmel Vinyl Lip, $5.50

_ Avon Lip Swirls Gloss, $3.99

Best inexpensive lipsticks (All listed have a creamy texture and soft gloss finish)

_ Jane Lipkick Rich Color Lipstick, $4.49

_ Wet n Wild Wild Shine Lip Lacquer, $2.99

_ N.Y.C. New York Color Ultra Moist LipWear, $.99

Best inexpensive long-wearing lip color

_ Cover Girl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor, $9.99

_ Maybelline New York Superstay Lipcolor, $9.99

_ Wet n Wild MegaLast Long-Lasting Lip Color, $3.99

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(c) 2009, The Dallas Morning News.

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