Frizzy hair, skinny lips, skimpy lashes, lumpy thighs - for every dilemma, there’s a product that’s claimed to solve it. But many don’t, and lots of us have been suckered into buying stuff that doesn’t work, which we all know PLRGs cannot afford to do.

And, poof, just like a fairy-godmother, the March 2010 issue of ShopSmart, from the publishers of Consumer Reports, appears and gives us the lowdown on bad beauty deals:

Lash Growers
Lash growers are regulated by the FDA as drugs. (Latisse is FDA approved, but ShopSmart doesn’t recommend it because of risks.) You’ll still see plenty of other “lash lengtheners” on the market though. Some have been issued warning letters by the FDA because they contain drugs.

ShopSmart says Stick with mascara. Lancôme Définicils, $24, was top-rated in their last test.

Hair Smoothers
Ads for Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT), a popular salon technique, claim that it leaves hair smooth and healthy-looking for months. But a main ingredient in BKT is formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen that is not banned by the FDA in hair straighteners.

ShopSmart says Try a straightening iron. They like Revlon Perfect Heat Ceramic RVST2001C, $30.

Lip Plumpers
The results for lip plumpers were unimpressive for increasing lip volume, though some, including products from Clinique and DuWop, temporarily smoothed lip lines a little.

ShopSmart says Try makeup tricks instead. Line your lips with pencil just outside your natural lip line, then dot highlighter just above the upper lip and just below the lower lip. If you want a more permanent pout, see a cosmetic surgeon for temporary injections.

Scar Eliminators
No product can completely eliminate a scar or stretch marks.

ShopSmart says See a dermatologist. Certain laser treatments can reduce redness and smooth skin so scars are less noticeable.

Bust Boosters
There are no ingredients that have been scientifically proven to enhance or firm the bust.

ShopSmart says Use a moisturizer or bust cream if your décolletage needs softening. Or try a push-up bra or bra inserts, aka “chicken cutlets.”

Under-Eye-Circle Erasers
Many products promise to erase under-eye circle, but they’re hard to treat due to enlarged veins and very thin skin under the eyes.

ShopSmart says Some eye creams with caffeine can offer temporary help for puffiness. If the problem is allergy-related, try antihistamines or topical hydrocortisone cream. You can also see your dermatologist for cosmetic surgery.

Double-Chin Slimmer
A $20 infomercial gadget called the Neckline Slimmer promises to eliminate a double chin with resistance exercise, but the device mainly exercises neck-flexor muscles that have nothing to do with a double chin.

ShopSmart says Try losing some weight or see a cosmetic surgeon. A scarf might also do the trick.