Josie Maran Argan Lip & Cheek Color Stick Set - Swatched

As you know, I was browsing at Sephora online and saw this new Josie Maran Argan Lip & Cheek Color Stick Set ($34). I ordered one for myself and decided to order another for a giveaway contest. The set is a makeup lover's dream - four colors for lips and cheeks for a very reasonable price. The color selection is wonderful - the full range from champagne to plum-pink.

I love Josie Maran products. I've purchased Color Sticks before. You can use them on your face and lips, and they are tremendously hydrating. Now that I have these in hand, I'm very pleased with them.

This set of Josie’s portable Argan Color Sticks comes in four vibrant summer shades: Beautiful, Pink, Coral, and Twinkle. The sticks are small - 0.21 ounces each - but perfect for throwing in your handbag or makeup bag for travel.

Summer a go-go! These four travel-sized color sticks come in some of the most fun shades under the sun. Infused with 100% organic, 100% pure argan oil, you are moisturizing while adding a pretty flush to your lips and cheeks.

“This set includes my travel-friendly Color Sticks in four of my favorite shades. These nourishing face and lipsticks are infused with 100% pure argan oil to quench dry or damaged skin. They glide on and blend easily to give you the perfect natural flush to cheeks and lips, " said Josie Maran, founder of Josie Maran Cosmetics.

These dual-purpose lip and cheek color sticks provide flattering, subtle color while treating the skin with Josie Maran's signature argan oil. To be used as a blush or lip color, the color stick leaves a natural and long-lasting dewy finish that complements any skin tone, while repairing and replenishing the skin. Argan oil is a superior source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. You can also count on Josie Maran for the purity of her products, which are formulated without parabens, sulfates,  synthetic fragrances, phthalates, GMOs, or triclosan.

I took swatch photos in full, lunchtime sunshine. From left to right above, the colors are Twinkle, Coral, Pink, and Beautiful, which is actually beautiful. I swatched straight from the tube in that order on my arm, starting at the top with Twinkle. I applied each shade heavily. These are fabulously sheer, but "sheer" doesn't always photograph well. My photos are a little dark, a result of the bright sun tricking my camera.

As you can see, Twinkle is very sheer and nude. On the skin, it adds a subtle highlight, a dewy glow, without much color. Coral, below Twinkle on my arm, is a sheer coral - very pretty for summer.

Pink is a medium rose pink. Beautiful is a blue-tone rose - also medium in intensity. Naturally, you can mix these shades on the skin to get the color you prefer. Want to tone down Beautiful? Apply Twinkle over it. Too blue? Mix with coral to warm the shade. Each color offers a sheen, but no overt sparkling.

If I were applying these on my cheeks, I would apply them directly from the tubes and then blend with a foundation or other synthetic brush. They blend easily. Remember that you can use them on your lips too. I would apply them straight from the tubes. The wide tubes appear less than efficient for lip application, but they work very well. Remember to keep their double plastic caps on to protect them.

Don't forget that I'm giving away one Argan Lip & Cheek Color Stick Set for this week's giveaway contest. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, July 6, at midnight. Good luck! If you don't enter or Lady Luck doesn't smile on you, you can find this darling little set at Sephora.

Update 7/6: Comment on the contest post to enter it, please.

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