As soon as I was cleared to color, I began accumulating all manner of pots and polishes as well as magic serums and lotions. Whatever transformative claim a product made, I was ready to believe.

Naturally, I looked forward to meeting Paula Begoun, "the Cosmetics Cop," during her recent trip to Atlanta to promote the seventh edition of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" (Beginning Press, $29.95). Begoun has spent more than 20 years debunking the very beauty myths that have tricked me and hundreds of other women into spending thousands of dollars on products that promise some result they are unlikely to deliver.

"There isn't a myth we don't fall for," said Begoun, who is not makeup-averse. "What I care about is what works and the lies that get in the way."

Those luscious lashes in all the mascara ads? Fake. Those oh-so necessary eye creams that have flooded the market? Useless. The scientific studies claiming that Product X will make your skin look Y percent younger than before? Bull.

These are all among Begoun's findings woven into 1,200 pages that include reviews on products from Almay to Zapzyt. The book also summarizes the best product picks and provides a cosmetics ingredient dictionary. A newsletter with regular updates and new reviews was replaced last month by online posts at www.beautypedia.com.

So why would anyone need a cosmetics cop?

I was ready to blow $110 on an ounce of Creme De La Mer until Begoun's review (sad face = bad for face) gave me pause. The review said the pricey cream was a pretty "standard" moisturizer. I decided to keep using a sample until I determine if I'm getting meaningful results. I was happy to find smiley faces next to other products I have in rotation. Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil powder had no major issues, and Lorac Cheek Stamp blush got high marks for its weightless, silky texture.

Of course, not all cosmetics will live or die by the reviews in Begoun's book. One girl's disaster is another's desire. Still, it seems we do have some commonalities.

Begoun fields cosmetic and skin care questions from women all over the world — from Malaysia to Miami — and they always have the same questions.

"Everyone wants to know 'What's better than Botox? What's anti-aging?' " Begoun said. "That I'm needed the world over ... it helps my ego."

So she keeps giving us the dirt on the products that take advantage of ours.