Thursday, March 24, 2011

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil

Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil ($32) has quickly become one of my favorite oil-based cleansers. This gentle, all-natural cleanser is extremely effective, removing my makeup and every trace of my mascara in a pleasant, easy wash. To my nose, it has a delicious, light citrus scent.

This multitasking cleanser removes makeup and skin impurities (i.e., environmental grime and dirt) while providing deep hydration. The non-greasy texture leaves the skin feeling moisturized, not tight or over-dried.

The first ingredient on the list is argan oil, followed by an impressive list of natural and organic oils that include almond, safflower seed, grape seed, and grapefruit peel oils. The oils effectively cleanse the skin's surface and renew the skin. The grapefruit peel oil has to be responsible for the luscious scent.

Sephora, the exclusive retailer for this cleanser, says this product is ideal for all skin types. I can tell you that my dry skin loves it. Argan oil is an effective natural cleanser, restoring the skin's natural moisture and pH balance. It is produced from the argan tree in the arid lands of Morocco. Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this organically grown ingredient is known to prevent skin dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and excess production of sebum. Naturally, as with other Josie Maran products, Argan Cleansing Oil is formulated without a lot of the not-so-nice ingredients we like to avoid.

One of my favorite features of cleansers is a pump dispenser, and Josie Maran has obliged with an easy-to-use pump that requires no struggling. The box says to rub 3-4 pumps of the oil into dry hands and apply evenly over the face. Then wet the face and massage the oil into a rich milk. To remove it, rinse with water. It slides off very easily, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and clean. What more can you ask?

Josie Maran's Argan Cleansing Oil has a much nicer price point than some of the other cleansing oils I use. I highly recommend it. You can find it at Sephora, where it has Sephora's natural seal.

Now, if Sephora would just put up a heart-stopping 500-point or 1,000-point reward, I would be a happy customer. I've been building points for so long, my total is getting ridiculous. I don't want glittery eyeliner, men's products, and skin-care samples that aren't right for me. Even their free samples have been pretty boring (obnoxious fragrances galore), but you shouldn't really complain about free. While I'm whining about Sephora, I didn't like the padded envelope in which my last order arrived. Who likes to pay full price for squished boxes? Sorry, Josie. Not your fault!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

12 comments:

kkc135 said...

I so agree about the Sephora's point rewards. I have over 3000 points and would love to get get something I could use/ enjoy. I joke that I am saving to buy a Sephora! Have a great one. - Kim

Barbara said...

I totally agree about Sephora and the points. I just moved back from France. There, you get samples every time you make a purchase at the store. And quarterly or so, you receive a card that gives you a 20% discount. I think it makes you much more loyal to shopping at Sephora. Here I try to go the beauty supply stores (of course I live in Los Angeles so there's a lot to choose from). support independent stores!

Eileen said...

LOL Saving to buy Sephora--that's a good one! As for points, like most Sephora frequent fliers, I seem to have a gazillion of them that go unused. And how many times have you been sent a card or e-mail about a special perk just for VIB's and yet, when you went to the store to redeem it, you were told the store was already out? Of course, that's assuming you get any notice at all. For awhile there, our fair Charlestongirl wasn't getting the word and I shudder to think how much she spends at Sephora on a yearly basis.

On to Argan oil: I love what it does for cosmetics and can easily imagine what it would do for a cleanser. I also love argan oil straight from the bottle. I use it on my nails and cuticles. I also use it on my hair to tame fly aways and nourish dry ends. Just the tiniest amount--a drop or two at most--does the job. When the bone dry Santa Ana winds blow, I carry a small vial of it in my purse so that I can dab some on my face whenever I'm feeling dried out. Just one drop lightly patted on the dry spots goes a long way towards soothing my skin without upsetting my make-up. I bought Josie's all purpose wonder oil at Sephora during Friends and Family :-)

Jody said...

Ugh, i so agree about the free samples and their point rewards. The rewards are so measly for what you spend and I dislike having mostly fragrance samples as my choices for free samples. Sephora should have more frequent discounts instead of only their annual F&F.

Clarisse said...

I can't say anything about the Josie Maran products which haven't yet reached the other side of the Atalantic.
I tend to use argan oil from Morocco just like Eileen and I am very happy about it!
On to Sephora: I have noticed several times that you all seemed to complain about this chain which doesn't seem to do a good job over there(=it seems rather cheap)
I am surprised since here, it is very good and I confirm Barbara's opinion.
At mine, they all know me and are very helful with all their customers, they give you all sorts of samples (even creams or EdT or EdP and if they don't have ready-made ones, they take the pain to prepare jars or bottles just for you, so that you can try the products before buying them. Then there are alwaus samples that you choose after buying your products(either Edt or creams)
When you have bought 150€ you receive a -10% reduction on all the products. And every 2 or three monts, you receive a gloden card you can use as many times as you like in one week offering -20% reductions on everything! I really love the system and I am a rather faithful customer!
If they don't have the brand in my town, (Cargo for instance which is not much in demand) they order it for me to try!This is all rather sweet and on the whole very different from what you seem to get in the USA. Morever if I order online, the packaging is great and safe! Your Sephora should be coached by their French collegues:-)))

lovethescents said...

Just fell in love with Shu's Cleansing Oil. Aside from price, how does this compare?

Many thanks!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi everyone!

I wish everyone would complain to Sephora. If only one or two of us do, it won't make a difference. If they hear from all of us, maybe they will rethink their "rewards." :)

You gals in France don't know how good you have it! At our local Sephora, I had to ask them for samples for a registered member who had just spent over $100. They offered her nothing!

Charlestongirl said...

Lovethescents, Shu Uemura and Bobbi Brown were the two brands I was thinking about when I wrote that. This one is every bit as good - for less money!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen, I don't use argan oil on my hair, but you just motivated me to try it. Hope I don't look like a blond, greasy mess!

Eileen said...

Hi Charlestongirl,
Just use a drop, rub between your palms, and then stroke over your hair concentrating on the ends. Frizzies be gone! It gives a nice soft sheen to the hair as well.

Charlestongirl said...

I'll give it a go, Eileen - on a day when it won't matter if I recover. My experience with oil on my hair has not been good, so far. :)

Bourne Natural said...

Another simple beauty secret is pure vegetable oil to remove eye makeup. Just put a little on a cotton pad and see how you go. I find some of the eye makeup removers too harsh for my skin so I am experimenting with natural products.

Bournenaturalbeauty@gmail.com