Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée in Poppy Paradise

I was hesitant, while shopping online at Sephora, when I saw the color of Josie Maran's Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée ($22) in Poppy Paradise. It looked orange, but was described as a cool-toned pink. When It arrived, I opened a pot of bright orange and went to check my order. I had ordered Poppy Paradise, and that's what arrived. So, I hesitantly swatched, and found a beautiful, light pink. Pfew!

This innovative coconut water-infused cheek gelée offers 14 hours of wear and hydration. This cheek color is a buildable, blendable blush hybrid that provides the natural look of a cream blush with the long-lasting hydrating color of a gel stain. Underline stain.

Infused with 50 percent-pure coconut water, it instantly hydrates while nourishing with the powerful benefits of vitamin E-rich argan oil. Like a refreshing sip of coconut water for your skin, this moisture-packed blush instantly drenches the cheeks in a cool veil of color.

It's definitely a stain. After swatching it with my fingers, I had a pink fingertip and had difficulty removing the color from my arm. Those who find that cream blush melts on their faces will love this product.

I took swatch photos in full, mid-day sun, using my finger to apply the blush. It applied easily, and the color was easy to build. It doesn't dry terribly quickly, so I had plenty of time to apply it - to my arm and my face - before it set into color that won't budge.

The pink is a beautiful color for my complexion. Just as advertised, it's cool in color - but it's not blue-cool. I think it's very flattering. You can also see that it's semi-sheer, so when you wear it, it won't look like makeup, just a more blushing you. Don't want pink? There are six shades available.

Josie Maran said, “Living on the beach in Oahu, I became a devotée of coconut water - and noticed that drinking lots of it seemed to make my skin and hair glow. I created Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelée to bring that hydrating color to my face, and yours. Have a sip of coconut water for your face with this blush that's cool to the touch.”

Josie Maran, a former model, has designed a line that features pure, natural cosmetics in a luxurious array of colors and textures. Packing formulas with botanical ingredients, and housing products in recyclable and biodegradable packaging, Josie Maran Cosmetics embraces eco-friendly practices with products made with love - for people, animals, and the planet. She also donates to shelters for abused animals.

You can feel good about buying Josie Maran products. Sephora and Josiemarancosmetics.com are the exclusive retailers for Maran's products.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty