JOSIE MARAN WATERCOLOR CHEEK GELÉE
When a friend tells you you NEED to try a product and that you’ll definitely love it you listen and make a mental note. When a fellow friend who happens to be a beauty blogger tells you you need to try a product, someone who tests products day in day out and knows exactly what you like, you really listen. In this case my pal Estée went so far as to pick this up for me in Canada (which was pretty necessary since unfortunately Josie’s products aren’t the easiest to come by here) and it’s been a complete love affair ever since.
Everything about Josie Maran is just lovely. The lady herself is a former model and face of Maybelline and now a savvy businesswoman with a lovely line of products. Not only is she gorgeous but she’s a girl who seems to be balancing it all – being a Mum, staying true to her values, doing her bit for charity, promoting health and wellbeing and creating awesome things. Ok this is starting to really seem like I’m writing a dating profile for her but she pretty much just seems great. I like it when I can see the real person behind the brand and I know what drives them and makes them tick, in the cosmetics world, it’s refreshing. Ok back to the product…
This looks more like a lip balm than anything else, but don’t let the size deceive you. This really packs a punch without being unworkably pigmented. It’s buildable and easy to work with (I usually use my fingers but a small stippling brush is another great tool) and has the longest wear of any cream/balm product I’ve tried, come to think of it even powders too. It wears more like a stain and blends seamlessly with your skin to give you a glow, and one that looks natural underneath bright daylight thanks to the texture. Often when I am having a great skin day and decide to just go with some concealer or a light tinted moisturiser using something like a powder blush really detracts from the natural vibe I’m trying to rock, but this looks so natural it would be perfect for wearing on holiday with just some sunscreen and a slick of waterproof mascara.
This isn’t a cream but it isn’t a gel either. It’s unique in texture compared to products giving a similar look like Bobbi Brown’s pot rouge or Benefit’s Benetint and is a world away from the cream to powder formula most brands offer up. When I first applied it I was dubious that it’s long-wearing claims would be true but they really are, and the fact that this boasts great natural ingredients like coconut water and is vegan is the cherry on top of the perfectly rouged cake. This has got me wondering what else Josie has up her sleeve, I’ve heard great things about her Argan Oil and although this makeup isn’t available there, her skincare range is stocked on QVC in the UK.
I am really impressed with the shade I have (Poppy Paradise) and I really hope that this is a brand that we will start seeing rolled out in the UK holding it’s in stores against other offerings.
In short – Josie, please come to the UK! Our faces need you. Thanks
You can find out more about Josie Maran here. Thanks Estée for the gift!
(Ps – Since Sephora now ships to the UK for a £10 fee on orders over £75 this may be a way to get a little Josie glow in your life, but I’ve heard conflicting reports as to whether or not this line ships to us!)
