Josie Maran Argan Color Stick

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick ($22), an argan oil-infused, sheer color stick, supplies a long-lasting, natural flush to cheeks and lips. I purchased two before Christmas and set them aside when they arrived right before my surgery. Now that the weather is as dry as it gets, I'm enjoying the natural flush they are providing my cheeks.

Maran's dual-purpose lip and cheek color provides flattering, subtle color while treating the skin with Josie Maran's signature argan oil. The stick is intended to be used as a blush or lip color (nice two-for to throw in your handbag). The color stick leaves a very natural dewy finish that complements any skin tone while repairing and replenishing the skin. It looks real - like you only better!

Argan oil is produced from the argan tree in the deserts of Morocco. The oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which have anti-aging properties. Argan oil is an organic ingredient known to help or prevent dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and sebum production. Even oily skinned gals can use argan oil. It is your answer to healthy, youthful, and radiant skin.

There are two shades available. Since I couldn't decide online, I purchased both - and I love both. Rosy is a dusty rose, and Petal Pink is a neutral pink. I took some photos indoors in sunlight to show you the shades.

Petal pink is shown at the top of my arm, with Rosy below. Rosy is not as peach as it looks in my photo, but of the 10 photos I took, it translated as peach with my camera. It's definitely rose. I think the Petal Pink right next to it, a beautiful pink, gives Rosy a peachy look in sunlight. Rosy is the shade shown in Josie Maran's photo at the top of this feature.

Neither shade shimmers. That's the sun glinting off my arm. Instead, they glow. You'll glow too when you wear them!

Here's a second photo. Charlie isn't usually interested in my photography endeavors, but the day I took these photos he was insistent on joining me. My not-so-little blue-eyed boy was being pesky. Can you see the devilish look on his face?

The packaging of the color sticks is thoughtful, with an outer cap and an inner cap to protect the sticks from drying out. That's a nice luxury. I keep the inner caps on when I close them.

These are superb cream blushers. They blend easily, leaving behind a natural glow that's extremely pretty. You can't go wrong with them!

You can purchase them at Sephora and Josie Maran's Web site. They also have "balm" versions available at QVC.

Photo at top courtesy of Josie Maran