Like many shoppers, I want to know what I'm getting myself into before buying. So I scan every label, even the ones that make you cringe, like the nutrition information on Hostess Ding Dongs. Unfortunately, sometimes labels can fake you out. For example, "reduced fat" versions of some popular snacks might seem like great diet-friendly treats. But we found that they're hardly calorie-savers. And don't get me started about fast food! But there are some healthier choices available from fast-food chains, and we've picked a few right here.

Labels can throw you at the cosmetics counter, too. Ingredient lists on perfumes, nail polishes, and other beauty products are usually a jumble of unpronounceable chemicals. When we asked our scientists to figure out what's really in some of those bottles, they made a surprising discovery. The fact is, labels don't always tell the whole story. Sometimes they leave out important details, as you'll read in our special report What you should know about chemicals in your cosmetics.

At ShopSmart, we don't just read labels, we check out their claims thoroughly. And because we don't have to worry about upsetting advertisers (ShopSmart doesn't take ads), we tell you what you need to know--not just what the manufacturers want you to know. Understanding the truth behind labels can save time, money, and even your health. So read on, and don't let the labels fool you!

Lisa Lee Freeman
Editor-in-Chief

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Click any of the links below for a selection of articles from the Winter 2007 issue of ShopSmart;) Shoe showdown $500 Manolos go toe-to-toe with $69 Nine Wests and others Ask ShopSmart We answer hairy questions about pet fur, getting out of debt, and more How to handle a fast-food snack attack Yes, you can order at McDonald's without ruining your diet! What you should know about chemicals in your cosmetics We asked our scientists to figure out what's really in some of those bottles.