Josie Maran Earth Day Essentials Kit

This is another lovely set that JV from www.makeupmerriment.com sent to me. I've been interested in the brand since it was launched a couple of years ago, but it's still US only, unfortunately. 

The hero ingredient in the Josie Maran line is Argan oil. She uses it in a lot of the products, as well as selling pure Argan oil too. Many of the products are paraben and petrochemical-free, and use organic, natural ingredients where possible, without compromising on texture and performance. There is a symbol system that disclose whether each product is organic, petrochemical-free, recycled packaging etc, and a full ingredients listing on the website here. There are silicones and non-natural ingredients in the line, and palm oil is a featured ingredient in quite a few. I can't find any information on the website about the sourcing of the palm oil, so I cannot judge if it is sustainably sourced. 

The products come nicely presented in book-style packaging. The selection of products in this set is very good; it gives a good introduction to the line and the colours of the lipgloss and cream blush are flattering and wearable on a variety of skintones. The kit contains:

• 4ml Argan Oil
• Black Mascara
• Black Eye Pencil
• Cream blush in Sunrise (a peachy pink)
• Plumping Lip Gloss in Daring (a sheer warm rosy pink)

Apart from the Argan Oil, all other products are full-retail-sized products.

Swatches of the eye pencil, cream blush and lip gloss.

I've been impressed with the quality of all the products in the kit. I've been using the Argan Oil as a night  moisturiser over my serum, and it sinks in well and moisturises without clogging pores. The pencil isn't the blackest black eye pencil, but it stays put after an initial window that you can smudge it in and doesn't give me Alice Cooper eyes by the end of the day. Similarly, the mascara isn't the most lengthening/thickening mascara, but it blackens and emphasises my lashes nicely, doesn't make them feel crispy and doesn't smear or flake.

The blush is a flattering peachy pink and blends well into the skin with no stickiness. I like the colour and texture of the lipgloss (not sticky at all), and I don't mind the smell of it (it's described as dulcet de leche, and is sweet and slightly artificial) but I can't understand why on earth they'd sweeten it with saccharin. I hate the taste of saccharin, and it makes me wince and pull a face each time I lick my lips. I wish they'd take it out of the formulation. The lipgloss states that it contain marine collagen to plump instead of 'irritants or stimulants' but it does contain ginger, and I feel a definite tingle when I first apply. I could live with the ginger, but not the saccharin. I'll persevere as I love the colour on me, but I couldn't recommend it wholeheartedly.

Picture of all the products applied. The only other cosmetics I'm wearing are my rms Beauty concealer and Rouge Bunny Rouge Solstice Halcyon eyeshadow.

I mostly love the products in this kit, and would be interested in exploring more of the line (the eyeshadows are calling me). I hope it comes to the UK soon. The website is at www.josiemarancosmetics.com, and it's also stocked at Sephora in the US.

Almost completely off-topic, but does anyone else think that Josie Maran really looks like Natalie Portman? I did a double-take at the box (that's her pictured on it, unfairly gorgeous creature).