Paula Begoun

Paula Beth Begoun, born on November 14, 1953, in suburban Chicago, Illinois, faced personal struggles with acne and eczema. This early experience fueled her interest in skincare. She pursued science studies at Northern Illinois University before relocating to Washington D.C. in 1978, where she began her career as a professional makeup artist and esthetician. In 1981, Begoun opened her own cosmetics stores in Seattle, which marked her entry into business ownership within the beauty sector. Her commitment to understanding cosmetic ingredients and product efficacy began during this period.

Begoun’s career took a significant turn in 1982 when she accepted a consumer/feature reporter position at KIRO-TV in Seattle, Washington. In this role, she adopted an investigative journalism approach to report on the beauty industry, initiating her reputation as “The Cosmetics Cop.” This investigative work directly influenced her first book, “Blue Eyeshadow Should be Illegal.” After selling her business shares in 1984, she self-published this book in 1985. The book’s national attention led to numerous appearances on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and the development of a syndicated column, “Dear Paula.” The overwhelming response to her column, where readers sought specific product information, motivated her to write “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me,” which first appeared in 1992.

In the early 1990s, Begoun collaborated with cosmetic chemists to create her own line of science-backed skincare and cosmetic products, launching Paula’s Choice in 1995 primarily through online sales. She aimed to provide effective formulations based on peer-reviewed research, distinguishing her products by transparency and ingredient-focused efficacy. In 2008, she expanded her influence by creating Beautypedia.com, an online product review database covering a vast array of cosmetic brands and products. Begoun continues to serve as a consultant for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and major cosmetics companies, regularly appearing on prominent news and talk shows.