[Review] Josie Maran -100% Pure Argan Oil Light

My acne is getting worse, my mood has been down and my search for mild yet effective skincare for ultra sensitive skin continues. Sometimes it’s just so hard I skip putting anything on my face though I know I must still moisturize at the least. 

In the peaks of my skin’s dryness I bought Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Light to try. It’s my first time using oil as skin care and I must say I’m pleasantly surprised. So here goes. 

Brand:  Josie Maran
Product:  100% Pure Argan Oil Light
Size:  15ml
Price:  US$16 
Type: All-natural oil for skin and hair
Website: Sephora website for Josie Maran 

THE PACKAGING



I bought the smaller 15ml to try. There is the standard 50ml size too but this smaller size is great for travel. 

I love the design. It’s simple and classy in a glass bottle and dropper system. 







Love these small symbols all saying good stuff:

  • Natural ingredients
  • Argan oil
  • Recyclable 
  • Paraben free
  • No synthetic fragrance
  • Gluten free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty free

When you have acne skin, it’s great to have all-natural products without anything synthetic. I won’t want to risk it by doing more damage to my skin 😦

THE PRODUCT

Argan oil is produced from the fruit kernels of the “Argania Spinosa” or Argan tree, endemic to the Northern African country of Morocco.

Rich with antioxidant phytochemicals and essential fatty acids, argan oil is about 80% unsaturated fat by composition, of which about 32% is essential linoleic fatty acids and 47% oleic acid.

What it is:
An ultralightweight, quick-absorbing version of Josie’s cult-favorite 100% Pure Argan Oil. 

What it is formulated to do:
A featherweight version of the world champion of oils, 100% Pure Argan Oil Light moisturizes deeply and absorbs quickly, leaving a semi-matte finish. Produced by Moroccan women’s co-ops, this top-grade Argan Oil is extracted from the nut of the argan tree, then first-cold-pressed to protect its healthy, hydrating properties. Wear it under makeup or instead of makeup, and fear not if your skin is oily. This must-have oil actually reduces sebum production, so it is ideal for all skin types, especially breakout-prone and sensitive. 

What it is formulated WITHOUT: 
– Parabens 
– Sulfates 
– Phthalates 

What else you need to know: 
“I’ve been asking chemists for years if there was a way to get an ultralightweight version of Argan Oil. After years of development, using a proprietary process we are able to release the lightest elements of Argan Oil while still maintaining all the amazing skin benefits. This new, ultrafast-absorbing version is the perfect partner to my classic 100% Pure Argan Oil.”—Josie Maran 

Research results: 
Argan Oil is clinically proven to significantly improve skin. In a 4-week consumer study: 
– 86% agreed skin felt and looked more hydrated and supple 
– 84% agreed skin felt and looked smoother 
– 82% agreed skin felt and looked more radiant 
– 84% agreed skin texture improved 
– 81% agreed skin felt more balanced 
– 80% agree skin felt calmer and soothed



With all the good claims and raving reviews, I had to try and I went for the Light version of this brand.  The last thing I want is my face to feel more greasy and gunky. 



THE TEXTURE AND SCENT



Love the dropper system. Perfect for dripping dots of oil just how much you want it. Simple and effective. No mess at all. 



To my surprise, the texture is really light! Almost flows like water. A lot of toners and lotions are so much thicker than this. Loveeee the lightweight texture!

Although it is an oil, I won’t use the word greasy to describe it at all! It may feel slightly so at first but it’s so lightweight it blends into your skin so quickly and really does not leave any sticky or greasy feel (see last pic). 

I can also feel how moisturizing and calming it is on troubled skin, just what you need when you have angry red spots. Almost like a healing agent but with all the skincare benefits your face needs. 

The scent is also mild and natural. Although not fragrant like aromatherapy oils, it is still a calming mild scent that I like. 

MY VERDICT

Pros:

  • Ultra lightweight texture. And I really mean ultra
  • 100% All-natural oil. No synthetic stuff at all. Good for any skin type. 
  • Calming, moisturizing and healing. Suitable for even acne or oily skin. 
  • Absorbed into skin very quickly. No greasy or sticky feel. 

Cons:

  • Still oil texture so I don’t use it everyday when I’m in hot and humid Singapore. It’s great for dry weathers or as an in-flight moisturizer. 

Overall:

I’m so glad I gave this a try. This really changed my impression about using oil as skincare and I might give other raved about oils (like coconut oil) a try too. I like to put this under eyes or areas extra dry with fine lines or wrinkles when I don’t want to apply on the whole face. It really feels like it deeply moisturizers the area despite the lightweight texture. 

My search for acne prone moisturizers still continues though. Let me know if you’ve tried really good ones!

USA Haul 2015

My first haul post! So lucky to be able to come Boston and all these were hauled at Natick Mall, Massachusetts 🙂

Haul #1 – Estée Lauder



Actually all I got was just the Advanced Night Repair – the rest are free goodies! Just awesome, right? ^^

There is a special Estée Lauder x Lisa Perry collaboration and those goodies are not for sale! Only comes when you purchase above a certain amount (which I did) 🙂



Simple circles. Bright bold colours. I like it~ makes me feel all ready for Spring 2015 ^^



A closer look at the Eyeshadow palette. Love the packaging! Fits perfectly in the matching pouch. 



Very wearable light-to-dark neutral colours. Mixture of satin, matte and shimmer textures. Very excited to try!

Haul #2 – Sephora



I can never resist not walking into a Sephora, regardless of which country I am in. 

Sunk into a few wants:

  • Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light.  Argan oil is all the rave now and my skin has been really sensitive and angry lately. Hope this helps to calm and moisturize it…
  • YSL Rouge Volupte in #13 Peach Passion.  I love peachy coral everyday type of colours and been eyeing this for a while.  Really buttery and creamy texture. And lasting power not bad! 
  • Beauty blender.  Needs no introduction. I just had to get and try. 
  • Clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion +.  A best seller from the brand so..  the free mini mascara and chubby lipstick provides yet another reason to get lol. 

Haul #3 – Drugstore (Maybelline)



So so raved and used by most Korean beauty youtubers I am following. I didn’t see it in Japan or Singapore, so I can’t miss this in USA! 

Noticed there is Instant Age Rewind for Eraser Dark Circles and another for Eraser Dark Spot.  Hmm not sure if there is any difference in texture or pigmentation.. in times of doubt, just get both LOL XD

Haul #4 – Bath & Body Works



Gonna travel abit this year so bulking on shower gels.  Hotels tend to provide body bar soap but it’s just so much easier with shower gel.. 

Great buy – 3 for $12. And all the fragrances are so yummy. 

Haul #5 – Abercrombie & Fitch



Abit on apparel haul on top of beauty stuff~~ I love the styles of this brand but just sooo expensive outside US. There was a sale going on so just had to grab a few pieces ^^

Ok I am broke now! I’m so excited to try the beauty stuff~ lemme know if you’d like to see a review on anything!