I’ve been using the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil for around two years now and while I switch it up with a few other facial oils, this is a hands-down favorite. After seeing the Argan Skincare Ritual set while standing in the check out line at Sephora, I couldn’t resist trying out a few other products from the brand. The premise of this set is to: 1) cleanse; 2) nourish and; 3) protect so I’ll give each of these products a review in that order.
Step 1: Cleanse
I went online to the Sephora website to find directions on how to use this cleansing oil. I’ve used a few different cleansing oils in the past and each had a different set of instructions. The Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil instructions followed the trend; the oil is applied to a damp face with the fingertips and massaged directly into the skin. Then, mixing with water, the oil is supposed to turn into a creamy foam. The process worked but unlike its claims, I had a difficulty removing my eye makeup with it, specifically my mascara. I don’t use mascaras that are hard to remove because I refuse to scrub at my delicate eye area.
I’ve had never had trouble removing a mascara with any other cleanser either, so this was a strange experience. The rest of my makeup came off really easily and my skin felt smooth and hydrated after cleansing but I don’t know that this is going to be the cleanser for me.
Step 2: Nourish
The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil is a holy-grail level facial oil for me. Many nights, this is the last thing that I apply to my skin before bed. I especially like dotting it on my eyelids, though I don’t actually know if I’m supposed to get it so close to my eyes! I haven’t had any trouble so far. I also use it on the backs of my hands and have also used to it very sparingly to smooth down any fly aways during days when my hair is a little more unruly.
I have highly acnegenic skin and I haven’t experienced any breakouts or clogged pores from using this oil. It’s also great to use when treating an acne flare with intense topical creams or gels that cause peeling. A tiny bit of spot treating with the oil under a makeup primer in the morning can help with visible flaking, too. I’ve even tried mixing a drop in with my foundation to see if it gave me a glow, as it does for some people– no dice on this last one but this is definitely a product I can recommend.
Step 3: Protect
This is the product I was most excited to try– unfortunately, it didn’t work well on my skin. I was hoping this would be a great moisturizing SPF-packed treatment for under my makeup. Instead of absorbing, it sat on my skin and left a noticeable shine that I tried to powder away but couldn’t. I’ve read online that formula changes have played a role in this product’s development, which makes me curious about other reviews I’ve read, both positive and negative.
I do really love the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil so I think I am going to give this another shot once the weather is colder to see if this works better for me in the late fall or winter.
If you have a question or suggestion, be sure to leave a comment. Thanks for reading!
