I’m excited to share with you the first of several product reviews I’ll be sharing over the next several weeks. These are products that yes, I’ve actually used–and not just once! But rather, bottom of the bottle, finished it off, tried, tested, unsponsored reviews.
One product that has been getting A LOT of attention on the beauty scene lately has been facial oils. They are everywhere and saturating the market! However, not all products are the same. When shopping for a good facial oil (or any beauty product) here is what I like to keep in mind:
- Know your skin type: is it combination (oily and dry), oily, dry, acne prone, sensitive, etc.
- What does the product have in it? Because I have sensitive/combination skin, I tend to look for products that provide moisture yet won’t break me out or clog pores. I also prefer to stay away from products that have parabens, synthetic ingredients or sulfates.
- Price: this is a big one, ladies. Know that often times, the more expensive the product, doesn’t always guarantee it is better. Sometimes, drug store products can work just as well or better as higher priced ones. Best advice: do your research before you fork over a ton of money for a product! Trust me *wink emoji*
Ok, on to the review! I purchased this product last August at Sephora. I had run out of a higher priced oil from a brand I trust and wanted to try out a less expensive one. I settled on
Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light. I chose the “Light” as opposed to its sister, the 100% Pure Argan Oil, as I prefer a lighter oil that I can use as a moisturizer under make up.
First, the pros:
1. As advertised, this oil is very quick absorbing, and I loved the way it disappeared into my skin as opposed to sitting on top of it. The beauty of oils is that they can replace moisturizer. I prefer them as opposed to a heavier cream.
2. I used it not just on my face, but tips of my hair, around my cuticles, even mixed it with body moisturizer for enhanced “glow” on arms and legs. I LOVE a multi-tasking product!
3. Over time, I found I enjoyed using it more as a nighttime treatment, leaving it on my skin at night and waking up to moisturized, less-red skin in the morning.
Next, the cons: (I know…womp womp)
1. After about two months (a little goes a long way!) the smell of the oil became a little stronger. I am not exactly sure why. It smelled almost like black licorice. If you’re sensitive to smell, this could be a con.
2. While I will continue to use this product in a pinch, I realized I missed my previously trusted more expensive oil. It helped shrink my pores and provided a little more moisture than this lighter oil, and because I’m starting to see fine lines, I appreciated the benefits for those with the other product as well.
Overall, this is a fantastic product. Not all facial oils are created equal, so do your homework. I’d recommend purchasing a small size (like the 1.5oz) and giving it a go, especially if facial oils are uncharted territory for you. Have you used this product? What did you think? Leave a comment and let me know!
XO, Anna Anderson