I read a fabulous book called "The Green Beauty Guide" by Julie Gabriel.
I have always been interested in homeopathy & natural products, and after receiving some fantastic organic baby stuff as a gift my interest (now obession) peaked, and this book caught my eye for $10 at Shopper's Drug Mart of all places. (Oh the irony!; p )
In in, she suggests that Paula receives incentives from some of the big make-up and skin care manufacturers for extolling the virtues of cheap & "tried & true products" - which is ofcourse appealing and reassuring to consumers. A win-win for her and them; people buy her book because she is, afterall "an expert" and then run out to buy a good ol' tub of Vaseline to remedy all their woes. I think Green Beauty Julie may be on to something ... : o