From the guy who doesn't know the difference between a foundation and a powder, I offer some buying tips from Paula Begoun and her cosmetics cops team. She has come up with "100 Best Makeup Buys" including foundations, moisturizers, concealers, powders, blushes, bronzers, eyeshadows, eyeliners, mascaras and lipsticks.

I like Begoun because many women spend a lot of money on makeup and Begoun tests enough makeup to know that the pricey products aren't always the best. And here's another important tip of hers: DON'T BE AFRAID TO RETURN A MAKEUP PRODUCT, EVEN IF YOU'VE USED IT. Most department stores, drug stores and Wal-Mart will give a refund if a receipt is provided. (Target will not accept opened cosmetics for returns.)

Okay, sorry about the all caps, but women need to be more aggressive with cosmetics companies.

Paula Begoun's best makeup buys can be found here, including a superior pressed powder for only $3.49 (from Aldi!), the best bronzing powder that's only $2.99, one of the few eyeliners (eye pencils) worth its higher price ($18), a $1.99 mascara that provides long, defined lashes, and Paula's personal favorite matte lipstick ($22).

Another reason I like Begoun's advice is that unlike the recommendations from beauty magazines, she's not beholden to advertisers. She does, however, include 12 of her own Paula's Choice products in the list.

Does anyone who doesn't work in the cosmetics industry have an opinion about Paula's picks? Heck, add your two cents even if you work in the industry but it's nice if you disclose it.