Explanation of Ratings

 Paula's Pick Identifies a product that exceeds expectations and goes beyond the criteria for a product in its category with minimal to no concerns. Note: Hair-care products never receive a Paula's Pick rating because there are so many excellent products with remarkable similar formulations, none stand out as truly "superior."

 Paula's Pick / Overpriced Identifies a product that exceeds expectations and goes beyond the criteria for a product in its category with minimal to no concerns, but is unreasonably priced. Note: Hair-care products never receive a Paula's Pick rating because there are so many excellent products with remarkable similar formulations, none stand out as truly "superior."

 Very Good Specifies a great product that is highly recommended because of its performance or impressive formulary characteristics.

 Very Good / Overpriced Designates a great product that meets and/or surpasses the criteria set for that category of product but is unreasonably priced.

 Average Indicates an OK but unimpressive product, or an OK product that can cause problems for certains skin types. I often use this face to portray a dated or old-fashioned product formulation.

 Average / Overpriced Indicates an ordinary, boring product whose excessive price makes it ludicrous to consider.

 Poor Reflects a product that is truly bad for skin from almost every standpoint, including price, dated formulations, performance, application, and texture, as well as potential for irritation, skin reactions and breakouts.

 Unrated When a product is unrated, it can be for numerous reasons; most often, it has to do with limited or non-existent research confirming the efficacy of a controversial ingredient(s). Certain skin-care products are also unrated if they can be customized by a skin-care professional. Because the level of customization varies, in all likelihood a happy, neutral, or unhappy rating wouldn’t remain consistent. Unrated products should be considered carefully, if at all.