Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil

It's been a long time since I purchased a Josie Maran product. I think the novelty wore off, and I stopped buying. However, when I saw Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil ($18) online at Sephora, I was newly intrigued, so I decided to give Josie a whirl again. I wish I hadn't.

Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil is a colorful formula inspired by Josie’s bestselling argan infinity intensive creamy oil, now in tints for lips and cheeks. I purchased Limitless Pink, one of the lightest shades. It's described as medium pink. This product is made for those looking for a pop of dewy, natural color that can be used on lips and cheeks.

Described as hydrating, nourishing, and argan oil-infused, this tinted treatment "tarts as a cream and melts into an oil for a pop of natural-looking, never-greasy color. The formula is 97 percent natural and petroleum-free." Maran says it's ideal for use on all skin types and all skin tones.

“I love putting my Argan Infinity Intensive Creamy Oil on my lips and cheeks to battle dryness and keep them soft. So I thought, why not make a tinted version to add a kiss of color? I’m in love with these cute color wonders. The tint is transparent, so it looks natural, but the popping pigment brightens up lips and cheeks instantly,” said its creator, Josie Maran.

I took swatch photos in full sun, applying a tiny bit of product to my fingertip and then swirling it onto my arm. I noticed immediately that it has a texture similar to an ointment. It's heavy, like Vasoline or an ointment.

While the warm pink color you see on my arm is beautiful, it does not translate this way to my lips or cheeks. When applied to my lips, it feels like Vasoline - very heavy. I assumed the texture would guarantee some longevity to the color. Wrong! The product stayed on my lips for hours, but the pretty pink color was gone in 10 minutes. I don't understand how the color "went poof" while the underlying vehicle stayed in place. After 10 minutes, I might has well have had Vaseline on my lips.

I had an entirely different experience when I applied it to my cheeks. Limitless Pink is dark on me and very hard to blend. It dries on contact. In order to blend it, I have to mix it with moisturizer.

If I can't wear it on my lips or cheeks, I fear that I have to give a fail to Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil. That's ashamed. The color on my arm is pretty, and I admire Josie Maran for her commitment to eco-friendly cosmetics.

You can purchase all of Josie Maran's products at Sephora and at her own Web site.

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

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

Josie Maran Argan Lip & Cheek Color Stick Set Giveaway Contest

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 looks like a makeup lover's dream - too cute to leave behind. The color selection looks wonderful - the full range from champagne to plum. 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.

This set of Josie’s portable Argan Color Sticks comes in four vibrant summer shades: Beautiful, Pink, Coral, and Twinkle. The sticks look travel or makeup bag sized at 0.21 ounces each.

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 have one set to give away.  How can you enter to win this giveaway contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com (the contest address, not my "personal" e-mail) and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). Please make sure I have your e-mail. If I can't notify you, you can't win - even if your number is drawn. I can't believe the number of winners I haven't been able to find in the past.

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title and link in your tweet. If you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

You will automatically earn a fourth entry if you have commented here during the last two weeks. I will know if you have.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 6, at midnight. I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to anyone anywhere. Here are the terms. If the product is lost or stolen in transit, I may not be able to replace it.

The winner must be able to provide me with a "mailable address," meaning the U.S. Post Office recognizes it or its street, province, and other "elements" the way the winner provides them. I've had some trouble with both U.S. and international addresses lately.

For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck! Please remember that I am now moderating comments. It could be awhile before yours appears. Don't worry and type it in twice. It will publish when I can get to a computer.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

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

Josie Maran Argan Beautiful Eyes Palette

I can't resist neutral eye shadow palettes! There I was, surfing Sephora, when I saw that Josie Maran's Argan Beautiful Eyes ($36) had just arrived. There are three color palettes: Beautiful Nudes, Beautiful Purples, and Beautiful Smoke. That choice was easy for this nude shadow lover.

Argan Beautiful Eyes features four eye shadows and one shadow liner expertly coordinated to offer the ultimate range of customized looks. These naturally formulated shadows are richly infused with argan oil and a blend of floral and fruit extracts, resulting in soft and nutrient-rich textures. The palettes offer iridescent, matte, and satin finishes.

I "tore into" my new Beautiful Nudes palette immediately after I snapped a palette photo, swatching on my arm and eyelids. I realized immediately that the colors are very light. That's good for me, but will not be good for those with darker skin.

I swatched in counterclockwise order, starting with the shimmering gold in the lower left and ending with the "dark brown" in the upper left corner. I did not swatch the chocolate brown liner in the center. The liner is a lovely shade. It's a pretty liner on me - very natural. On others? Like the shadows, it may be too light.

The shimmering gold is extremely pretty. It's a little hard to get it to adhere, though, even with a primer underneath. It's very "crumbly." You'll definitely need a primer if you want to get an even golden pop. I had difficulty applying it with a brush. The sponge-tipped applicator I used for my swatch photos may be the best applicator. The shade next to it in the palette appears to be a satin-finish gold, but you can see on my arm that it's more of a white-toned yellow on my skin. It's a good base shade. The shade in the top right of the compact is a very pretty, shimmering, light bronze (I applied it heavily for the photos). The shade at the bottom of my arm is a medium-toned, matte brown. Like the other shades, it applies much lighter on the skin than it looks in the palette.

I have mixed feelings about Beautiful Eyes. The shades are very pretty, and when I'm in the mood for a very natural look, they will come in handy - despite the fact that I have duplicates of all the shades. My reservation about the palette is the difficulty I've had achieving a nice, even application using one of my usual eye shadow brushes and a primer. My first impression is that it's not perfect for us dry-skin types. I'll keep playing and update you if I discover a magic technique. I'm going to try a different primer and different brushes.

I don't want to leave you with an incorrect impression, but I did want to warn you to try before you buy, unlike me. Make sure to have a look-see if you have fair skin! The shades are absolutely perfect for us. If your lids are not as dry as mine (my lids are very dry, and I use a creamy primer), you may not have any trouble at all with application. The palette has received very good initial reviews at Sephora, where Josie Maran Argan Beautiful Eyes is an exclusive.

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

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

Josie Maran Argan Blend Concealer

New for Spring 2011, Josie Maran's two-shade Argan Blend Concealer ($28) provides long-lasting, repairing coverage that hides imperfections while hydrating the skin with Josie’s signature ingredient, organic argan oil. The dual shades are intended to work together to correct and conceal flaws and highlight skin tone, helping women address the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, while concealing dark circles, blemishes, age spots, and redness.

You probably know that argan oil - a hot skin care and hair care ingredient - is produced from the argan tree from Morocco. The oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which have anti-aging properties. This organic ingredient is known to help and prevent dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and sebum production. It's the basis for Josie Maran's fabulous line of beauty products, many of which I love.

Argan Blend Concealer is a very nice, creamy, long-lasting concealer. I have only one problem with it. The lightest color duo is too dark for my skin. It's available in three color combinations, Sand (light), Suede (medium), and Chestnut (dark). I purchased Sand from Sephora online.

The concealer duo has two shades, one yellow-based and one pink-based. You can use them alone or mix them - theoretically to customize a shade that's perfect for your skin tone or the place on your face where you need concealer. With Sand, both shades are too dark for my skin, and they are no lighter when mixed.

It's not going to be easy for you to see that in my swatch photo. I applied the shades with a sponge-tipped applicator to try to show the shades adequately. At the top - if you can see it at all - is the yellow-toned shade. The pink one is in the middle. A mixture of the two is shown at the bottom. My photo was taken in full sun. The yellow shade is very yellow. The pink one is very pink - almost unnatural. Mixed, they are no better on my skin.

It's really too bad because I like the texture, consistency, and blendability of this concealer. I prefer concealers that are just slightly lighter than my own skin tone because they brighten while they conceal. When a concealer is too dark, it draws attention to the areas I'm trying to conceal, making them look muddy. I wish Josie Maran had introduced a color that would work for us extremely fair types.

If you are interested in Argan Blend Concealer, don't buy it online, sight unseen like I did. Go to Sephora and test it to make sure one of the three shade duos will work for you. You can also order Argan Blend Concealer online from Josie Maran's own Web site.

Photo at top courtesy of Josie Maran

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

Let's Do Another Giveaway Contest - Enter to Win a Josie Maran Makeup Set

Congratulations to vrtish55! She won the Josie Maran set.

We already have one fabulous giveaway contest going. If you haven't entered to win Cold Plasma, what's stopping you? You have to write a few words to explain why you want or need Cold Plasma for a chance to win a $150 wonder-product. How hard is that? The deadline for entering the Cold Plasma contest is Tuesday, July 27.

Right now, we start a giveaway contest for the Earth Day Essentials Green-On-The-Go Kit by Josie Maran. The kit from Sephora is a $98 value, filled with Josie's best-selling and award-winning beauty products.

Green-On-The-Go is sure to bring out your natural beauty with universally flattering shades that will leave your skin glowing. Josie's kit is an eco-chic way to get gorgeous, and it's a perfect introduction to the Josie Maran line if you have never tried it.

This set contains these lovely products that will suit almost all skin types!

• 100% Organic Argan Oil (3-5 uses) that will hook you no matter what your skin type
• 0.14oz Plumping Lip Gloss in Daring (sheer shimmering rosy nude)
• 0.12oz Cream Blush in Sunrise (soft pink)
• 0.17oz Mascara in Black
• 0.04 oz Eye Liner in Black

By now, you know that Josie Maran's products are earth- and skin-friendly, formulated without the ingredients we are all trying to avoid.

• Parabens
• Sulfates
• Synthetic Fragrances
• Synthetic Dyes
• Petrochemicals
• Phthalates

Be good to your skin and enter! How? Just leave a comment here once. After you comment, feel free to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

The contest is open to anyone - from any place in the world. The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 31, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected.

Naturally, I'll be posting this contest at Free!Grechen, my giveaway contest partner and a great site to visit often.

Good Luck!

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil Giveaway Contest

Congratulations to Ginger! Random.org called her number.

Josie Maran's Argan Bronzing Oil ($52) leaves me humming Summer Breeze, an old Seals & Crofts song that brings back memories of those days of fresh, bare, and bronzed "beach faces," lit by the sun and scented by warm sand and waves. I think this is a perfect July giveaway!

Josie Maran's ultimate organic bronzing oil will give you a healthy bronzed glow anytime of year. You don't have to limit its use to summer. With Josie's signature ingredient argan oil, which is rich vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this lightweight and moisturizing bronzing oil can be applied to face and body.

It's not a self-tanner; it washes off. It's a tinted oil that's good for your face - and your looks. It's easy to apply, whether you use it straight out of the bottle or mixed with your moisturizer. It gives me a nice, lightly tanned appearance - something different since I stay out of the sun (or wear heavy-duty sunscreen). The color is fabulous because it's believable. The extra-added bonus is the argan oil, which is good for every complexion and skin type. You can read a little more about Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil at my May post.

How can you enter to win it? Just leave a comment here once. It's that easy. You don't have to subscribe to the blog or tweet the contest - although I would love that - or comment repeatedly! Once is enough.

After you comment, feel free to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

The contest is open to residents of the United States, Canada, and Western Europe. The deadline for entries will be Saturday, July 10, at midnight. The next morning, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner at that time. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected.

I will post this contest at Free!Grechen, my favorite giveaway site on the Web. If you like giveaway contests, you will love Free!Grechen.

Good Luck!

Update 7/6: Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy holiday! I hope you had a great weekend.

Photo courtesy of Josie Maran

Josie Maran Finger Paints - Lovely

♫ Summertime, and the livin' is easy...♫

Something about Josie Maran's Finger Paints in Lovely ($36) reminds me of my favorite song by George and Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward. Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke - there are so many stellar versions of Summertime, and I love them all.

Think you can't create sophisticated makeup looks with your fingers? Think again. It's summertime, and the livin' is easy! Makeup should be easy too, especially when you're on vacation. What could be easier than one compact; four gorgeous shades for eyes, lips, and cheeks; and no need for sophisticated applicators?

The palette holds four multi-use makeup shades specifically chosen to flatter every skin tone and intended to be applied with your fingers. The feather-light shimmers bring soft, glowy, summertime color to cheeks, lips, and eyes. One compact does it all.

I adore Finger Paints! All four colors work on my eyelids, and the two lightest shades are beautiful highlighters. The two darker shades work well on my lips. The shade at the top in my arm photo is gorgeous on my cheeks. Lovely indeed!

The innovative formula contains natural, organic ingredients, including argan oil. There are no artificial fragrances, parabens, or toxic ingredients. No animals suffered for our beauty either - that's important to me.

I bought my palette from Sephora. You can also purchase Finger Paints from Josie Maran at her Web site, where you can learn more about her brand.

Photo at top courtesy of Josie Maran

Josie Maran Argan Oil and Bonus Color Stick

QVC Bargain Alert!

Josie Maran Argan Oil with Bonus Color Stick ($48) is available only at QVC. Josie Maran's 100% Argan Oil, sourced from Morocco, is legendary for its ability to offer fast-absorbing hydration - and cure all kinds of skin ailments. While you can purchase Josie's argan oil products from Josie's own Web site or Sephora, the combo with the color stick is available only at QVC.

At QVC, if you order Josie's Argan Oil now, you will receive a fabulous argan oil-infused sheer color stick that tints the skin with a flattering rosey tone. You can use it on your cheeks (as I am today), lips, or anywhere else you want sheer, natural color.

Agan oil is a lightweight oil that's rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. As I have written many times, it may be used as a daily moisturizer or in the treatment and conditioning of everything from facial skin to cuticles to split ends.

If you were on the fence about trying Josie Maran's Argan Oil, this bonus color stick should help you make up your mind! I love mine. It's available at QVC.

Photo courtesy of QVC

Josie Maran Argan Protect Daily Sun Protection with SPF 40+

Among the many sun blocks available, there's one that's unique because it's SPF 40+ and infused with argan oil. Who makes it? Josie Maran, of course! Protect Daily Sun Protection with SPF 40+ ($32) was one of a batch of Josie Maran products I purchased not too long ago. I love it! I used it this weekend when I knew I would be exposed to brutal sun. The results? It worked - no sun damage for my pale face - not even a trace of redness! My face felt hydrated too.

Sun blocks are your skin's first defense against premature aging, sunburns, and the nasty hyperpigmentation that will develop when you get older (let's not even discuss skin cancer today). Josie Maran's natural formula physically blocks UVA rays that can cause up to 80% of premature aging. It also blocks the harmful UVB rays we encounter on sunny days or at the beach.

Unlike traditional sun blocks, the natural Protect Daily Sun Protection formula is infused with Josie’s signature ingredient, argan oil, which repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun, fights signs of aging, and improves skin tone for a radiant, renewed complexion. Argan oil has to be my miracle ingredient of the year. I can't believe it's so hydrating, yet those with oily skin and acne can join us dry skin types in using it with fabulous results.

Protect Daily Sun Protection is a daily-wear sun block for the face. The company says it provides protection levels superior to chemical-laden formulas. The active ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide - physical sun blocks. Naturally, there's argan oil, but it also includes organic or natural camellia leaf extract, aloe leaf extract, chamomile extract, pomegranate oil, and jojoba oil. It has a natural fragrance that's clean and mild.

This sun block is extra mild (my sensitive skin is happy) and absorbs quickly. It can also double as a great makeup primer, which alone makes it unique. Some sunscreens leave me a bit oily since they must be applied over moisturizer (I have super-dry skin, so it's hard to make me oily). Protect Daily Sun Protection is lightweight, PABA-free, and recommended for all skin types.

Rather than repeat myself about the virtues of argan oil, I'll direct you to my review of Josie Maran's Argan Oil and Argan Oil Primer Mist at this link. I've reviewed other argan oil products, and I love them all. Argan oil is a great source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. Our skin loves it.

As if Protect's many virtues aren't enough, it's housed in a pump dispenser, allowing you to dispense what you need and no more. Josie thought of everything!

There you have it - a rave review for my favorite new sun block! You can find Josie Maran's Protect Daily Sun Protection and her other wonder-products at the Josie Maran Web site and Sephora. Stay tuned. I have more to tell you about my Josie Maran purchases.

Photo courtesy of Josie Maran

Josie Maran Argan Bronzing Oil

♫ Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind♫

Josie Maran's Argan Bronzing Oil ($52) leaves me humming Summer Breeze, an old Seals & Crofts song that brings back memories of those days of fresh, bare, and bronzed "beach faces," lit by the sun and scented by warm sand and waves.

Josie Maran's ultimate organic bronzing oil will give you a healthy bronzed glow anytime of year. You don't have to limit its use to summer! With Josie's signature ingredient argan oil, which is rich vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this lightweight and moisturizing bronzing oil can be applied to face and body.

It's not a self-tanner; it washes off. It's a tinted oil that's good for your face - and your looks. It's easy to apply, whether you use it straight out of the bottle or mixed with your moisturizer. It gives me a nice, lightly tanned appearance - something different since I stay out of the sun (or wear heavy-duty sunscreen). The color is fabulous because it's believable. The extra-added bonus is the argan oil, which is good for every complexion and skin type. Read my April post on Josie Maran Argan Oil to learn more about the benefits of argan oil.

You can use it on your legs if they are pasty white and you want to wear a darling sundress to a party. Or give your whole face, neck, shoulders, and chest a silky summer glow. This is a versatile product.

I think this bronzing oil is great for those with fair to medium skin. The lighter you are, the more color it will impart. It's probably too light to leave a sunny look on anyone with dark skin. With its hydrating properties, though, it would serve as a nice tinted and glowing moisturizer for dark-skinned beauties.

Josie Maran Argan Bronzing Oil comes in a recyclable bottle with a dropper for extracting a little bit at a time - perfect since you don't need much to cover your entire face and neck. Please remember to recycle the box! Josie's vision is, "There is no 'away'...reuse, recycle, or compost."

I purchased a lot of Josie Maran products a few weeks ago. I will work my way through the reviews over the next few weeks. You can already draw one conclusion since I keep buying more - I love Josie!

Josie Maran products can be found at her Web site and Sephora. You should check out Josie's Web site or Facebook page now and then. There was a code (SAMPLE3) published mid-May to receive a sample of Argan Bronzing Oil with any $30 purchase. I haven't tested it to see if it still works.

Photo courtesy of Josie Maran
Lyrics from Summer Breeze by James Seals; music by James Seals & Dash Crofts

Josie Maran Argan Oil and Argan Oil Primer Mist

You know I'd write about Josie Maran Argan Oil eventually, didn't you? We have talked about Argan Oil in comments. Anna, a frequent reader, told us it heals blemishes almost overnight. Kari at Fabulous Over Forty reviewed it not too long ago. She used it on her scalp to relieve the itchiness that comes with eczema. While I had tried another brand of Argan Oil, I had never used the Josie Maran Argan Oil ($14 or $48) until recently. The verdict: I love it!

Josie Maran Argan Oil is a legendary moisturizing and healing oil that's grown organically in Morocco. Argan Oil is known to have many treatment benefits, including hydrating, nourishing, toning, and firming skin. It's gentle enough to use on all skin types - even babies - and counterintuitively helps many with skin conditions like acne.

It's very 100% pure organic oil, so naturally it does not contain parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance or dye, petrochemicals, or phthlates. You can use this oil on your skin, hair, cuticles, lips - anywhere you need some help.

When I finally broke down and bought this legendary product, I decided to give it the ultimate test. I substituted it for my moisturizer four nights running. I used the dropper to put a small amount in my hand and realized very quickly that a little goes a long way. I applied it over my entire face (avoiding my eyes) and neck. It was interesting to me that I didn't feel like I had an oil slick on my face. The oiliness, if any, lasted only a minute or two. After that, I was simply dewy, and there was no fragrance (natural or otherwise) left behind. There was no oil transfer to my pillowcases. The Argan Oil sunk right into my skin. When I awakened each morning after I had used it, my skin was as hydrated as if I had used one of my regular cream moisturizers. It was definitely still there, though, protecting my skin. I could feel it on my face when I started my morning shower. Overall impression? Josie Maran's Argan Oil is worth its weight in gold.

Here is how Josie Maran describes Argan Oil.

Argan Oil is an all-natural, 100% organic, chemical-free beauty marvel. Produced from the Argan tree in semi-deserts of Morocco, Argan Oil has been used by Moroccan women for centuries for its nutritional and cosmetic benefits. Commonly referred to as “liquid gold” or “The Gold of Morocco,” Argan Oil is an incredibly rich source of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It has astonishing healing, conditioning and anti-aging properties to keep your skin and hair nourished and revitalized and to keep you looking beautiful from head to toe. Argan Oil is not only a “super food” for the skin and hair but for the whole body. Having twice as much Vitamin E as olive oil including vital antioxidants, Argan Oil plays a major role in a healthy diet and is commonly used in traditional Moroccan recipes.

A cosmetic so good and pure you could eat it? Literally? That is the ultimate in natural beauty. After all, why would we put something on our face that we would not put into our bodies?

Argan Oil comes in a recyclable bottle with a dropper for extracting a little bit at a time. If you aren't willing to commit to purchase a $48 bottle, you can try the $14 bottle - perfect for travel or a trial size.

Argan Primer Mist ($36) is a new product for spring 2010. This lightweight formula comes in a spray container. It harnesses the power of Argan Oil infused with naturally-derived stem cells harvested from sea fennel. The innovative formula stimulates new cell growth, repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun, fights signs of aging and improves skin tone for a radiant, renewed complexion. Your skin stays hydrated and bright all day.

The primer mist instructions say to spray it on your face before makeup application and then to refresh your skin throughout the day. Trust me, it works - without any blurring or running of makeup or oiliness. It's amazing stuff!

There is much more to the Argan Oil story than just a pretty face, glowing skin, and gorgeous hair. Argan Oil not only helps you look and feel great, it also helps women and the environment. Produced exclusively from the nuts of the Argan tree in the semi-desert region of Morocco, the extraction of the Argan Oil is a labor-intensive process that has been perfected by the women native to southwest Morocco. In 2002, the Moroccan government helped establish female cooperatives to manufacture Argan Oil. These programs provide women of rural Morocco with a steady income, a fair wage, good working conditions, as well as literacy and other education classes. Perhaps most importantly, the co-ops give women a keen sense of empowerment in this traditionally male-dominated society. These programs also help protect the Argan forests’ limited supply of trees. The co-ops are dedicated to responsible harvesting practices and reforestation projects, which - along with environmental protection policies - aid in the preservation of the Argan forests and women’s jobs. That makes me feel good.

I ordered the Josie Maran Argan Oil and Argan Oil Primer Mist from Sephora. You can get them from Josie Maran's Web site, where you can also purchase other Argan Oil products.

Want to learn more about Josie Maran, model, actress, and now cosmetics company guru? Just visit her site!

Photos courtesy of Josie Maran