Product Review -- Josie Maran Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation Fluid

I've had pretty decent luck with the Josie Maran products that I've tried.

I can't say that any of them have really blown me out of the water -- except maybe her old Argan Oil Tinted Moisturizer, which was my favorite tinted moisturizer of all time but has since been discontinued -- but none have been complete fails.

At the end of the day, I think that's a pretty good track record.

So when the brand came out with the Vibrancy Argan Oil Foundation about a year or so ago, I was definitely interested in checking it out but didn't feel the need to rush out and buy it right away.  I waited, getting distracted by other new foundations that hit the market -- until recently when I came across a review that touted it as being fabulous for dry skin.

And when I saw that there was a shade that actually looked light enough for my very fair skin, I definitely had to bite the bullet.

Product Review -- Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadow

I'm a pretty big fan of Josie Maran skin care and makeup products.

They're all designed to combine high performance with healthier ingredient,s and for the most part, they're pretty successful.

Of course, there are some duds, but that's to be expected in any brand's lineup.

Many of the Josie Maran products contain argan oil, but recently, the brand's been incorporating coconut water into some formulas as well. In particular, I absolutely love the Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelees, which give such a pretty, natural flushed look to the cheeks.

That's why I was so interested in trying the Coconut Watercolor Eye Shadows.

Review -- Josie Maran Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oils

If you had asked me what I thought of cream blushes back when I first started wearing makeup, I probably would have told you I hated them.

They just seemed so much harder to use that good old powder blushes and I didn't have any patience for it at all.

Fast forward several years when my skin started becoming drier and I may not be cream blush's biggest fan.

It can give the skin such a nice, healthy, dewy glow and in most cases, it looks so very natural on your cheeks.

(And even if you've got oily skin and don't feel like you can wear cream blush, try using it as a base for your favorite powder blush. You'll get more color and better staying power, I promise!)

As big a fan as I am of cream blush, I'm an equally big fan of Josie Maran's cosmetics. Now, I know they're probably not for everyone because they tend to offer a more natural, softer look, but I am hooked.

That's why I couldn't wait to try the Argan Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oils.

Review -- Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee

I absolutely love cream blush.

Especially in the winter when my skin starts to look seriously dry and dull -- because instead of just sitting on your cheeks like powder blush, the cream variety blends into your skin for a really natural, glowy look.

I just always think that it provides such a fresh, healthy look.

My cream blush obsession has gotten pretty out of control this year, actually, so I've tried a bunch.

I was particularly intrigued by the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelees because their consistency is somewhat unique -- it's kind of a cross between a cream and a gel, which makes for an interesting texture. It also contains 50 percent pure coconut water, so it's hydrating too.

A Few Recent Favorites

 In my last Favorites post, I explained that I was going to share my favorites whenever the mood struck.

Or whenever I had enough products to do one, really.

I've been trying out a bunch of new stuff recently, but whenever I'm experimenting with brand new products, I like to incorporate some old classics so I know that at least some of my makeup won't wind up looking like a total mess. So that's why some of my recent favorites are -- old goodies.

But there are a couple of new (to me) products thrown in for good measure.

June Favorites

Gold Star Products for June

So I was totally going to post my final review on the Balm goodies that I bought from the last Haute Look sale yesterday, but fate conspired against me.

Not only did I have camera issues, but my netbook died on me and I dropped my cell phone and shattered the screen.

Not a great day in these parts.

But then I realized this morning that it was nearly July 1st so I could do a June Favorites post today and that cheered me up a bit.

I really love these monthly favorites posts.  It's a lot of fun to share the things that I've been loving for some reason.

Friday Favorite: Favorite Tinted Moisturizer

Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer with SPF30

I tend to think of myself as something of a tinted moisturizer (TM) connoisseur.

There were so many years when I stayed away from traditional foundations because I was worried heavy face product would make my acne worse or that I wouldn't be able to find a shade that matched my super fair skin  - and during that time, TMs were my best friend.

Since they're on the sheer, it's easier to find a color that can work with my skin tone. I like that they add just a little bit of moisture to the skin.  And I absolutely love how lightweight and natural they feel on the skin.

Over the years, I've tried pretty much every TM under the sun (I remember distinctly that Neutrogena's was my very first at the ripe old age of 14.  Isn't it funny how certain memories stick in your mind?) so I feel like my choice of favorite in this particular makeup category is the most informed that I can offer.

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation & Powder Foundation

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation & Powder Foundation

Just a friendly reminder - there's still plenty of time to enter my Tarte Foundation, Concealer & Sigma Brush giveaway.  You can find all the details here.

In my April Favorites post, I included the Josie Maran Fresh Finish Hydrating Liquid Powder and mentioned that I was a fan of quite a few of her products.

April Favorites

Quite a few favorites this month...

 I know that I'm a little early with my monthly favorites list, but I always feel like I should do it when I think of it since I've been having a little problem with forgetfulness lately. 

And April's practically over  - I'm pretty sad to see it go because it's been a pretty good month.  Well, the Mets have played better than expected anyway and makeup wise, there were quite a few products that rocked my world.

It doesn't take much to make me happy.