I am the author and publisher of several best-selling books on the cosmetics industry. My first was Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, published in 1984 (which was revised four times); then came Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me (currently in its seventh edition); and Don’t Go Shopping for Hair Care Products Without Me (there have been three editions of that book). Over the years I have been a syndicated columnist with Knight Ridder News Tribune Service, a consultant to other cosmetics companies, and a consultant to dermatologists.
My research and writing have been based strictly on my earnest desire to get beyond the hype and chicanery of the cosmetics industry and to disseminate straightforward information that a consumer can really use to look and feel more beautiful.
My expertise and background, like that of any other consumer reporter who covers a range of topics, is based on extensive research in the subject area. What makes my situation unique is that I also have over 25 years of personal experience from working as a professional makeup artist and aesthetician and from selling makeup and skin-care products at department stores, salons, and my own stores, developing my own line of products, and helping other cosmetics companies develop new products.
I use my reporting background to continually and extensively research the cosmetics industry. I base all my comments on comprehensive interviews with dermatologists, oncologists, cosmetics chemists, and cosmetic ingredient manufacturers, and on information I’ve gleaned from both medical and science journals as well as cosmetics industry magazines. I am constantly reviewing scientific abstracts and studies. I do not capriciously or abruptly make any conclusions. Everything I report is supported by studies and information from experts in the field, and I document my sources throughout this book. Naturally, there are many who disagree with my assertions, and I do the best I can to present other points of view whenever possible. However, I assure you that more often than not a great number of people in the industry agree with my conclusions, even if they can’t state so publicly.