Argan Oil has become a beauty buzz word over the past couple of years. There are now a plethora of “natural” skin care lines that are using it in their formulas. Argan Oil is extracted from the kernal of Argan fruit, which is found in Morocco. The process of removing the pulp and cracking the kernal is labor intensive and for the most part, done by hand. The explosion of the Argan Oil business has great social and environmental impacts for Morocco: women’s co-op’s have sprung up all over, and the Argan tree is protected from being clear-cut.
One of the first companies to use and promote Argan oil for cosmetic use, was Josie Maran Cosmetics. Josie, herself, is a super model, activist and “ecopreneur.” Having tried a number of Josie’s beautiful products, I was eager to chat with her. So, enjoy my interview below!.
| .
S.U. What inspired you to create a cosmetics line? J. M. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I started asking the makeup artists I worked with for non-toxic, natural makeup that would be safe for me and my baby. They had nothing to offer me, so I decided to create a line like that myself. The rest, as they say, is history!
S.U. What are the top 6 ingredients that we should try to avoid in beauty products? J.M. Get ready for a mouthful: Synthetic fragrances, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, talc, and Formaldehyde-Releasing Ingredients (such as Diazolidinyl Urea & Imidazolidinyl Urea). . S.U. Your line is based on Argan oil, why? J.U. As a supermodel and the face of Maybelline, I’d been traveling the world on assignments for years. While I was on a shoot in the south of France, I struck gold. I met an older woman with beautiful skin. She looked 40, but I found out she was nearly 70. I begged her (through a translator!) for her secret. She told me about argan oil, and I tried it, and I was hooked. When I started my own line in 2007, I knew I had to base it on 100% pure, 100% organic argan oil.
S.U. Is Argan oil appropriate for all skin types? J.M. It is! Argan oil balances oily skin by controlling sebum production. It balances dry skin by deeply hydrating the layers of the skin. All skin types benefit from argan’s magical way of replenishing of essential fatty acids—they aren’t naturally occurring in the body, but everyone needs them for healthy, glowing skin.
S.U.What are your top makeup tips for achieving a natural, yet flawless look? J.M. Now that I’m a busy mom, I need a great look that takes no time. That look always starts with Argan Oil, which leaves my face looking its best. Then I take a few swipes at my lashes with GOGO Instant Natural Volume Mascara, dab some Argan Color Stick on my cheeks, and color my lips with Magic Marker Lip Stain. Polished in two minutes or less.
S.U. Do you wear makeup everyday? J.M. On days when I’m just kicking around with the kids, I go au natural, or put on my two-minute face (above). But give me an excuse to get glammed up, and I’ll take it!
S.U. What is your overall beauty philosophy? J.M. When it comes to makeup, I’m a huge believer in “less is more.” I created my makeup to bring out women’s natural beauty; not conceal it. My purpose is to help women love themselves and their looks, not hide their true selves behind a mask.
S.U. What about diet and exercise? You know that old saying, “You are what you eat?” I believe it. On a good day, I eat organic, and drink lots of water, and squeeze in a yoga class or a hike. But I try not to beat myself up about my less perfect days. I have two bouncing, growing daughters, and a bouncing, growing business, and I can’t always exercise. I love kale salad, and I love sausage pizza, too. I think living well is all about balance. Balance, and forgiving yourself.
S.U. If you could take just 3 items to a desert island, what would they be? J.M. A deluxe-size bottle of my 100% Pure Argan Oil. Assuming the sun shines on this island, I’d bring plenty of Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40. And I’d definitely pack a huge platter of sashimi from my favorite restaurant in L.A., Itacho Sushi. |