I’ve been a huge fan of Paula Begoun’s “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me,” a telephone-book sized, Consumer’s Report-style guide to what’s good, bad and ugly in cosmetics and skin-care products. While there are good products out there, there’s also a huge amount of hype that Begoun cuts through. (Just remember, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better.) Unfortunately, the book (which you can probably find at the library) has become a bit dated.

The good news is that Begoun has a free 23-page report, “Best of Beauty 2006,” which provides an update with both trends (which cosmetic brands have revamped their lines) as well as specific product picks (at a variety of price points). Definitely worth reading.