Although I've mentioned Paula Begoun several times here on Blaq Vixen Beauty (exhibit A, exhibit B, and exhibit C),  I thought I should end 2009 by mentioning her gem of a manual - "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me."

At the moment, I have the 7th edition of this book. I found out today that Ms. Begoun is launching the 8th edition in January 2010. I hope that Ms. Begoun includes more brands formulated with women of color in mind and more drugstore brands as well.

When I first became the Style and Beauty steward for the website Helium, my knowledge on the cosmetic industry in general was limited.

However, I had a passion to learn  so I did this by researching and buying products to test. I would  then write articles and report my findings. I also drew on my personal experiences with makeup to write articles.

When I started Blaq Vixen Beauty (then Blaq Vixen), I crafted features and articles based on the knowledge that I gleaned from the pages of this wonderful guide.

Out of all the cosmetics books that I have, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" is my favorite. It's wonderfully comprehensive - I've spent countless hours reading (and rereading) Ms. Begoun's mini reviews on the hottest products on the market today.

It's perfect for the product junkie that wants to stop wasting her money on overhyped products. It's a must-have for the makeup beginner who wants to expand her knowledge on different brands and products.  I'm not saying that you have to agree with everything Ms. Begoun says but just read with an open mind. I've read quite a few of her reviews about certain products that I've tried and I agree with her. For example, here is what she had to say about M.A.C.'s Mineralize Skinfinish:

:) $$$ Mineralize Skinfinish ($24.50) is a sheer, talc-based pressed powder that looks wonderfully natural on skin. It's almost impossible to make this powder look heavy, thick, or dry. Those with normal to dry skin will appreciate the slight sheen this leaves behind (and remember, talc is a mineral, too, so M.A.C.'s name for this product is accurate.) All five shades are neutral and highly recommended, but there are no options for very dark skin tones.

I picked up Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark back in May. To date, it is the only M.A.C. product that I bought that I actually love. Even though the product that I bought is slightly different from the original Skinfinish, Ms. Begoun's glowing review applies to the Skinfinish Natural as well. Whenever I apply it, it gives me a subtle, shimmery but matte glow that I've grown to adore. At first, I didn't notice it when the MUA applied it over the Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation but I did when I applied this powder over bare, primed skin.

Ms. Begoun's invaluable expertise and experience is evident in each review. She provides her readers "with substantiated and documented studies and analysis about skin care and makeup products from other lines based on her extensive research and years of experience." I have to agree with this statement. I particularly love how she includes data from medical journals to either make or break a claim. The way she reviews beauty products is the way I want to review products one day (maybe in 2010!). She includes the highlights and shortcomings of each product so you know that you're getting an unbiased, but balanced review.

Anyway, "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" is a fabulous primer - either for you or your favorite beauty addict. Of course, you can't lug this bulky, 1,000+ page book to you to the cosmetic's counter. However, I recommend that you write a list of products that you want to try that have earned positive reviews. Then, I would see what my favorite bloggers have to say about that product. I used to do this a lot when I first started getting into the whole beauty blogging scene.

I'm happy to say that I have some beauty knowledge under my belt but "Don't Go to the Makeup Counter Without Me" still remains as a crucial beauty resource!

Twitter: @PaulasChoice