March Beauty Favorites

Peyton has inspired me to tinker around with Polyvore a bit more and I thought that in addition to sharing her monthly favorites, I'd like to share some of mine as well!

Great Gift Sets From Josie Maran! AKA: A Gift Guide Part Deux

If you've been a reader for a while, then it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Josie Maran Cosmetics. So of course I had to mention some of the great gift sets the brand has to offer this holiday season:

Moroccan Bazaar Argan Skin & Hair Bestsellers

The Moroccan Bazaar Argan Skin & Hair Bestsellers ($39 at Sephora) is a set of Josie’s bestselling products for healthy skin and hair. What it does:This must-have set features Josie’s best Argan-infused essentials for lustrous skin and hair. Perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this set includes Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil, Argan Cleansing Oil, Argan Balm, Whipped Argan Oil, Argan Hair Serum, and Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40, each in a perfectly portable travel size! 

(This would be the perfect introduction for someone who does not know the wonders of Josie Maran Cosmetics and argan oil. I love that it is perfect for traveling as well or pick your can't leave home without it pieces to throw in your purse!)

Moroccan Bazaar Shimmer & Glow Argan Essentials

The Moroccan Bazaar Shimmer & Glow Argan Essentials ($28 at Sephora) is a set of Josie’s must-have products for luminous skin. What it does:Get a glow on the go with a handcrafted Moroccan makeup bag full of Josie’s must-haves for radiant skin. The handcrafted makeup bag was carefully woven in Morocco and supports sustainable employment for artisans. This set includes Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil, Argan High Gloss Lip Quench, Argan Illuminizer, and Argan Color Stick in Rosey, all in adorably portable travel sizes. 

(This set is great for the little lady in your life! I'm super picky about the cosmetics I allow my oldest (12 year old) daughter to wear, but I would have no qualms at all about her using the items in this kit. I think it's quite lovely for anyone that is looking to simplify their makeup routine or incorporate more natural pieces to their collection.)

Get Glowing - Argan Beautiful Skin

The Get Glowing - Argan Beautiful Skin ($64 at Sephora) is a five-piece set of Josie’s must-haves for naturally glowing skin. She believes that healthy skin is happy, beautiful skin, and this collection has everything you need to nourish your body and face from the inside out. Explore the versatility of Argan Oil and use it to hydrate and nourish from head to toe. The Argan Balm is a fragrance-free, petroleum-free formula that leaves the skin soft and supple and the velvety body butter soothes skin while indulging the senses. Top it all off with the illuminating powder and a swipe of pretty, pink gloss to complete your gorgeous glow. This set contains an 8 oz. Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, 0.5 oz 100% Pure Argan Oil, 0.12 oz Argan Natural Volume Lip Gloss in Petal Pink, 0.28 oz Argan Illuminizing Powder, an a 1 oz Argan Balm.

(I'd legit swoon if I received this gift set! The Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter is full sized, and Sephora.com can't keep it in stock! Add to that the powder, balm, and lip gloss-if you can get your hands on this deluxe set, you'll be making someone a very happy camper!)

I hope you lovelies find these guides helpful. I will keep on the look out for goodies, deals, and gift sets from my favorite brands to share, and I hope that you get to take advantage of some of these great deals. This is the perfect time to introduce your loved ones to your favorites or take the opportunity to find a new favorite for yourself! Until next time...

How to Look Like a Party Girl, Without the Party! AKA: A FOTD (Just not from today)...

I did this look a while ago, so I can't quite remember how I achieved it (my bad), but I can tell you what I used to get it...

I Know I Can Be Faithful... AKA: What I'm Loving RIGHT NOW...

I go through a lot of product (well, maybe not a lot... more like, more than the average... who am I trying to kid? I go through a lot of product, quite happily). Some things I  love, some things are so so, some...not so much. Get a shopping list ready, these are the things I'm loving currently and though the lineup may swiftly change, all of these goodies come with Mama's stamp of approval....

photo via BathandBodyWorks.com

We CAN Have It All: My Interview with Josie Maran!!!

Yep, you read it right! I got to interview THE fabulous Josie Maran! I've been writing posts about her and her SPECTACULAR products for ages, so you lovelies know that I'm a fan. Of course I LEAPED at the opportunity to interview her. I hope that you find her answers as inspiring as I did; she is proof positive that women are capable of finding happiness, fulfillment, and success in all avenues of life. It's all about focus and balance...

When the new CEO of Yahoo, Marissa Mayer, announced her pregnancy it ignited an instant debate. Mayer, like many other mommy CEO’s, will continue to prove that women can “do it all.” Mayer faces criticism from people like Brian Sullivan from the MSNBC show “Morning Joe” and Anne-Marie Slaughter from The Atlantic’s website, who claim that she should take time off to raise her baby and work on the company, and her career, later.

Many other well-known female CEOs have proved and continue to prove that women can “have it all,” being successful in the business world and as a mom. For example, Josie Maran has found a way to make it work. 

"I started my company when I was pregnant with my first daughter," Maran says, "and I only stopped running it for the four hours it took me to birth my second, earlier this month" (in July). Our company's COO (my husband) was right there with me and the midwives. He caught the baby. It's crazy-making hard sometimes, but so are most things worth doing. I believe that every woman and every man can do it all, and do it all well. I send my love and support to Marissa Mayer. I know what she's going through."

Josie has proven it is possible to balance family and work life – nurse your new baby, build a company and do it all again the next day. More than just the face and founder of her brand, Josie Maran is also the key product developer, working on new products and ensuring that each formulation is made with the safest ingredients and delivers top performance.

      

Is it difficult balancing a life full of demands as a business woman with being a mother? How do you stay grounded and what advice do you have for working mothers? What does your every day schedule look like?

When you’re ready to take on the world, great things can happen. My advice? Never take “no” for an answer. All my life I had people telling me I couldn’t do it all and have it all. I couldn’t be a model because I’m short, I couldn’t have a business and a family, I couldn’t make natural cosmetics. If I’d listened to them, I wouldn’t be where I am and JMC wouldn’t exist. If there’s something a woman really wants to do, she should just do it! 

My schedule changes from day to day. If I’m in LA, I go to the office. If I’m elsewhere I phone in to conference with my coworkers. My husband Ali and I make our kids a priority. I’m lucky to have a job where I can bring my kids and have them with me at work. Rumi loves seeing all her friends at JMC, and I’m sure Indi will love coming to work soon, too. The best advice I can give to working moms is to be present in all you do. When you’re with your kids, be with your kids. Don’t divide your attention, and savor each moment.

      How does being a mother influence 1) your work ethic, 2) your outlook on life, and 3) your style choices/the way that you dress?

Becoming a mom changed my life. It makes me work harder for a better world and a better future for my kids.  They’re my inspiration for everything I do.  You could say that I’ve perfected the “natural look”—some days I’m lucky if I have time to swipe on some lip gloss! I love makeup and fashion, but my daughters will always come first.

         What is your skincare routine? Hair care? What are your go to products?

My skincare routine is super simple. I use my Argan Cleansing Oil to dissolve dirt and makeup, and follow up by putting my 100% Pure Argan Oil all over my face and body. That’s my beauty must-have. It’s 100% organic, and it keeps my face moisturized all day. Then I put on my Argan DailyMoisturizer SPF 40 to protect my skin from the sun. It protects me from sun damage, which can cause wrinkles and discoloration.

I keep my hair routine simple, too. Less is more in beauty. I don’t wash my hair every day—shampoo can be really drying and stripping. I wash it every other day and keep it moisturized with my Argan Oil and Argan Oil Hair Serum, which adds shine and makes my hair smell amazing. Every week I use an Argan Hot Oil Self Heating Hair Treatment, especially if  I’ve had to heat-style my hair for a photo shoot. It really perks up dry strands.

Beauty on the Go

Beauty Must Haves For Travel by mamafashionist1 featuring a thick eyeliner

This weekend I had the opportunity to test drive and experiment with my ever growing makeup stash in order to fine tune not only a simple go to look (similar to my Basic Face), but also looks that would last all day (in the Georgia heat), be easy to touch up if necessary, and help me look put together but not overly made up. The arsenal above proved to be exactly what I needed and they will definitely be in my travel beauty bag from now on! 

The only items not pictured that I utilized this weekend are my all time favorite highlight (and HG product) MAC's Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Superb, Benefit's  The POREfessional primer  and one of my favorite palettes, Smashbox's Click You're It Holiday 2011 Palette (which I also feature here). Here's a breakdown of everything else I used (as pictured above):

After washing my face, Maijan's Argan Oil was my moisturizer of choice. It was perfect for prepping my skin for makeup, but more importantly it left my skin smooth and glowing. Because my skin was in decent shape, I did not need a full face of liquid foundation. I simply smoothed on the Benefit primer, used Smashbox High Definition Concealer in Medium/Dark under my eyes (to brighten and highlight) and on a few blemishes, and apply a light layer of Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation with SPF 20 in Medium/Dark to even out my complexion and eliminate unwanted shine (and the gorgeous rose gold compact the foundation comes in is some of the prettiest packaging I have ever come across). I contoured with NYC New York Color SUN'n'Bronze Bronzing Powder in Montauk Bronze, added MAC Powder Blush in Fleet Fast from the Hey! Sailor Collection to my cheeks, and Superb Skinfinish for the perfect glow and dimension.

Everyday for the eyes, I started with MAC Bamboom Paint as a base. On Friday, I simply used the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black to make an intense cat eye and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil in Perversion to tightline. On my waterline, in the inner corner of the eye, and on my brow bone, I applied NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. I finished my eyes by curling my lashes and applying a few coats of Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long Wear Mascara in Black to the top and lower lashes (and the applicator in this mascara is perfect for grabbing every single lash, especially in the inner corners and lower lashes, and making the most of them). On Saturday, I went more delicate with the liner on my upper lash, added a bit of #6 from the Smashbox palette, and kept everything else the same. On Sunday, I did my traditional cat eye, used Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24/7 Eyeshadow in Edgy Emerald in the inner third of the lid and along the inner half of the lower lashline, applied #14 from the Smashbox palette in the crease and outer v, and #10 in the center of the lid, and #4 to highlight under my brow bone.

For lips, I kept it simple. Each day I started with my favorite (another HG) eos lipbalm in sweet mint, and used MAC Lipglass in Rebel (on Friday and Saturday when my eye look was simple) and a beautiful sheer, nude cream lipstick from Giorgio Armani on Sunday. 

The best thing about each of the looks was that, with the exception of reapplying balm, lipstick, and/or gloss, the only kind of touch up I needed throughout the long hot days was a bit of Mally Beauty Evercolor Poreless Face Defender to keep shine at bay. Another must that stayed in my purse all weekend long, was Sally Hansen's Gem Crush nail polish. I had Bling-Tastic on my toes and Showgirl Chic on my fingers. I love how adding these sparkle-licious colors to just one finger on each hand and one toe on each foot is enough to add a little extra something to your look! Plus if you chip the polish on any of your other nails, just covering the chip up with a bit of the Gem Crush polish adds a bit of unexpected flair that is really unique.

So that's that. After this weekend, I literally cleaned out my makeup bag and refilled it with these goodies (well, at least the ones that will fit into it). For the most part, I felt polished and put together this weekend, despite the crowds, heat, and my kiddies, and that was due in large part to the products. What's in your makeup bag? What products do you have to have with you where ever you go? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS-Some of the products mentioned above were provided to me by PR. I was not paid for this post and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. This post does contain affiliate links-if you click on a text link AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)

I Might Be Obsessed: Argan Oil Edition

I Might Be Obsessed: Argan Oil Edition by mamafashionist1 featuring Josie Maran body moisturizers

I LOVE ARGAN OIL! To me, it is like the nectar of the gods. Women in Morocco have been using Argan oil for generations to achieve more youthful, healthy skin. It reduces inflammation and redness, improves hydration, and can even be used to treat scars and acne. You can also use it as a hair treatment for deep conditioning or as a pre-styling product to add instant shine. It’s packed with twice as much Vitamin E as other oils so it's amazing for your nails and cuticles. I LOVE THIS STUFF! It's a good thing that there's an abundance of it on the market, and trust me, I've made it my duty to try every one. Here are the brands/versions I'm loving so far...

Touchably Soft, Beach Ready Hair with Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist

In honor of the birth of Josie Maran's beautiful baby girl (she was born via home birth on July 1st), I thought I'd share one of my favorite Josie Maran products with you lovelies! With summer vacations and backyard barbecues in full swing, this is the perfect time to try Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist to achieve that effortless, tousled look that's great for any summer occasion.

Josie Maran Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist

Sephora Presents Josie Maran Argan Oil

I've written a post about about Josie Maran and her growing family, her charitable work, and my love of oils (including Argan oil), so when I stumbled across this video on YouTube, it only seemed fitting that I post it here as well...

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Isn't here daughter adorable! I'm pretty much addicted to her 100% Argan Oil; I use it as part of night time ritual and it has made a real difference in my skin. I was truly skeptical about using oil on my oily skin, but trust me, it works! If you're on the fence about trying it, Sephora has a trial size vial for $14. It contains enough product to make you a believer!

There is also a full line of Argan Oil infused cosmetics, including an instant, self adjusting, oil absorbing powder foundation (in a gorgeous rose gold compact)...

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker  Powder Foundation SPF 20 in  Med/Dark

A convenient, multi-purpose lip and cheek stain...

Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Tango

And even an Argan Oil Hair Serum...

If you couldn't tell already, I'm a fan of the line. It's truly worth checking out the next time you head to Sephora (because you know you were heading there anyway!). What products are in your beauty arsenal that you were originally skeptical about, but now can't live without? What do you highly recommend? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS: All photos are via Sephora.com. If you click on the pictures of the products, it will take you directly to the page you can order them from. FTC Disclaimer: I was sent the products mentioned by PR for my consideration. I was not paid to review them and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

Speaking of Oils...

Hello lovelies! Since I previously wrote a post about Josie Maran and just recently shared my obsession with oils (including Argan Oil), I thought I'd share this press release with you...

INTRODUCING THE “MODEL CITIZEN” ARGAN OIL COLLECTION

FROM JOSIE MARAN COSMETICS

THINK: Luxury with a conscience, beauty for a cause.

WHAT THEY ARE: Three Model Citizens.  Three charities to support.  Three bottles of Limited Edition 100% Pure Argan Oil.  It takes more than a pretty face to be a model citizen—but in the case of supermodels Josie Maran, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall, it sure helps. They may be famous for their beauty, but these three activists are committed to improving the world we live in, bringing new meaning to the term “model citizen.” That’s why the eco-beauty maven behind Josie Maran Cosmetics tapped fellow models Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall to join her in creating limited edition artwork for the bottles of her signature Argan Oil to benefit the causes they believe in. Launching in conjunction with Earth Day, each of the three limited-edition designs supports a cause close to one of the model’s hearts.

“Living in a sustainable, earth-friendly way that benefits the planet has always been an essential part of beauty for me,” explains Josie Maran. “Petra and Angela are also so dedicated and passionate about the causes they support, and I wanted to share our enthusiasm with the world. We want to encourage everyone to join us in becoming ‘model citizens,’ and the limited-edition Argan Oils are a great place to start.”

ABOUT JOSIE AND HER CHARITY:

Josie Maran is a supermodel, mother, and the founder and Chief Eco Officer of Josie Maran Cosmetics, a company committed to creating Luxury with a Conscience beauty products that are both good for you and safe for the Earth.

Women for Women International gives women survivors of war tools to become self-sufficient. Since its creation, Women for Women International has given hope to more than 299,000 women survivors of war and conflict and helped them move toward economic self-sufficiency with our year-long program of direct aid, rights education, job skills training, and small business development. We have distributed $95 million in direct aid, microcredit loans, and other program services. Since 1993, Women for Women International has mobilized more than 250,000 women and men in 130 countries worldwide to reach out and support women survivors of war – one woman at a time.

About the Design:  “My mother, daughter, friends, and coworkers are all women who inspire, support, and challenge me everyday.  To empower each other, to hold each other up and to stand together is how we’ll change the world. I wanted my bottle to capture this powerful message and to reflect this truly important cause.”

ABOUT PETRA AND HER CHARITY:

Petra Nemcova is a model, host, author, philanthropist and the founder of the Happy Hearts Fund (HHF).

Happy Hearts Fund is a non-profit foundation dedicated to rebuilding schools and restoring hope and opportunity in the lives of children after natural disasters. HHF works during the period after emergency response is complete, implementing sustainable practices to ensure a lasting impact.  Globally, HHF is active in nine countries and has built/rebuilt 56 schools and kindergartens. Since inception our programs have benefited more than 34,412 children and 337,450 community members.

About the Design:  “Like the girl in the artwork, I hope all the children that benefit from HHF are uplifted from hardship to a brighter future after natural disaster.  That’s what the balloon hearts symbolize to me – a better life for those children. After what they’ve been through, they deserve this and I will always make this a mission of mine.”

ABOUT ANGELA AND HER CHARITY:

Angela Lindvall is a supermodel, actress, mother, an active environmentalist and a health advocate.

Healthy Child Healthy World ignites the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals by expanding awareness of unnecessary toxic risks to children's health, encouraging easy actions and responsible lifestyle choices, advocating for corporate policies and government legislation that protect children from environmental health risks and engaging communities to take collective actions to create a healthier world.

About the Design: “The simplicity of the dandelion symbolizes what I would like for the future of our planet: an environment free from toxins and harmful chemicals that grows and exists peacefully, and the promise of hope for the children of the world. From an early age, we’re taught to wish on dandelions and I hope to inspire people to remember to be positive and to always look forward.” 

I'm already a fan of argan oil (and Josie Maran) so I think this is a wonderful venture. And the charity connection definitely makes the splurge more worthwhile in my opinion. What is your experience with Josie Maran products? Does a product's or company's charitable affiliation make it more likely for you to make a purchase? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and tell me all about it. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

Is Argan Oil Good for Stretch Marks (It's good for everything else)?

Argan oil is one of the latest popular ingredients in numerous cosmetic, skin, and hair care products, and for good reason!  It’s rich in vitamin E, fatty acids, antioxidants, and carotene among many other good for you components. 

The first time I heard about argan oil as a cosmetic and skin care ingredient was when I learned about Josie Maran Cosmetics. I recognized her name from her days as a model, and was drawn to her products not only for their quality and benefits, but also because of her company's policy of giving back globally and its motto of "Luxury with a Conscience."

I also respected the fact that Josie was not only a beautiful woman that branched out from her modeling career to starting her own business, she is also a mommy. And now her daughter, Rumi Joon (LOVE that name), is going to be a big sister!

Josie and her beautiful daughter, Rumi Joon

Well, congratulations are in order, as Josie Maran is now pregnant with baby number 2! It will be interesting to see how she will balance the demands of her burgeoning brand with the joys of a growing family.  Here is a special note from Josie:

 “Motherhood has been a truly inspiring experience. As you might know, during my first pregnancy, I became even more aware of what I was putting inside my body and on my skin, and that motivated me to create my all-natural cosmetics line. I’ve learned a lot about myself by watching Rumi Joon grow up.  Just seeing her smile makes me realize that being happy is the ultimate beauty secret, and I can’t wait to welcome this new addition to my family. I’ve already gotten back into pre-natal yoga, and I’m just bracing myself for the weird food cravings to kick in. As all you moms and moms-to-be know, this is an amazing time in a woman’s life, and I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with you.” 

I can so relate to those sentiments!

Motherhood is such an ever evolving responsibility; it seems that as soon as you become accustomed to one stage, life is swiftly propelling you in to the next stage. Dealing with pregnancy is different from adjusting to life with a newborn, having a newborn is totally different from dealing with a toddler, and let's not even talk about the tween and teen years! When you take on the additional tasks that accompany having multiple children-the responsibility can (at times) appear crushing! 

How do you handle the balancing act of motherhood and family life, with having a satisfying social life, AND a successful professional life? Do you have any tips for making it all work? And how do you do it all AND maintain your sense of self and style? Inquiring minds want to know!

Until next time…

Ciao, XxO

Q

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