Paula Begoun has been around for many years, writing books, newsletters, and giving her opinions on skin care and cosmetics. She now sells her own line of skin care and cosmetics available through the mail and her Internet site, paulaschoice.com or by phone at 1-800-831-4088.

Paula’s Choice Skin Care
These items can be bought individually or as a set. I tried the products marketed for oily skin. Trial size products and sets are also available.

One Step Face Cleanser Normal to Oily/Combination Skin (8 oz $ 9.95)
I found this to be an excellent cleaner, it is a gentle non-foaming cleanser that removes all makeup including eye makeup easily.

Final Touch Toner Normal/Oily Combination Skin (8 oz $8.95)
As far as toners go it was fine. It’s a very gentle formula.

Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 15 with Antioxidant (6 oz $10.95)
Finding a sunscreen that oily skin can tolerate is a challenge. This product is matte and light. A dime size dollop is recommended as sufficient to cover the face. I found this to be a winner. It protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Completely Non-Greasy Moisturizer Normal to Oily Skin (4 oz $10.95)
This product is recommended for nighttime use. I suppose it is an option if it’s needed. Remember, oily skin does not automatically require a moisturizer. I did however, like this product. Michigan’s weather and the constant furnace heat can dry out even my skin. Summer humidity is another subject all together!

1% Beta Hydroxy Acid Solution (4 oz $12.95)
It absolutely feels weightless on oily skin. I experienced no skin peeling as I do with AHA products.

Blemish Fighting Solution (2.5% benzoyl peroxide) (6 oz $12.95)
This along with the 1% Beta Hydroxy product is a valid consideration for oily, blemish prone skins. They both feel light on the skin and work well together.

I found Paula’s customer service representatives and service to be outstanding. I placed orders by phone on Tuesday and had the products by Friday or Saturday in 2 out of 3 times. The reps are friendly and very generous with samples even when I ordered nothing at all. The fast, friendly service took the sting out of shipping charges.

Paula’s Select cosmetics, brushes and miscellaneous
Paula has often warned consumers to try products before buying especially color products so it’s somewhat ironic that she is offering her own color choices which she divides into cool, warm and neutral categories. As with most catalogs, the color photos are not a true color representation.

Soft Matte Lipstick (ten shades)
$6.95 for one or $2.00 of a set of five warm or cool tones
This is a very matte, opaque lipstick. If you like this type of texture this is a good choice. The mini lipstick sets are a good way to try the product. I don’t think her cool tones are all that "cool".

Long Lasting Anti-Feather Lip liner (9 shades or clear) ($5.95)
This is an automatic pencil that works well. Replace the cap after each use or it will dry out and crumble.

Soft Matte Eyeshadow
Cool Tones or Warm Tones Set $34.95 (ten shadow)
Don’t expect any shimmer shades or trendy colors here. These are great shadows to build a neutral, professional eye design. They are a great texture, go on well wet or dry and are very easy to build with. Even the dark colors can go on softly or strongly. Great texture for eyeshadow lovers.

Soft Matte Blush
Cool Tones or Warm Tones Set includes five colors $34.95 (ten total colors)
I love the blushes and was surprised that 4 out of 5 colors went well on my light skin tone. I love Pale Rose and Dusty Rose. Great texture and like the eyeshadows they go on soft or strong. All the colors are matte with excellent staying power.

Lush Mascara ($6.95)
This is one of the few mascaras that I can wear on my bottom lashes with no smudges. It builds length and thickness well. For $6.95 it wins over my favorite Lancôme mascara.

No Slip Concealer ($6.95)
This concealer lasts and lasts and is not greasy. A real find for me. I guessed at Light Neutral as my shade and it was right on.

Brow/Hair Tint ($7.95)
I haven’t tried too many of these products and tended to avoid those I did as they made my dark brows too dark. This is a light product with a great brush. It lasts all day. A nice product.

Brushes - sold individually or as a set with case for $64.95
The bottom line is I paid over $60.00 for an excellent Bobbi Brown powder brush with no case. For $64.95 you can try the whole set with a great travel case. The Powder and Blush brushes are incredibly soft and luxurious. The Lip Brush is great and can be retractable for easy travel. It is quite similar to the one I have by MAC. The Eyeliner brush is a small traditional brush, very unlike the large eyeliner brushes favored by Stila and Bobbi Brown today. The eyeshadow brushes are flat, not fluffy and do a good job of putting on color. The wedge brush puts on shadow very softly for under the brow or as an eyeliner brush. These brushes are great either to augment your set or as a complete set.