CHICOLOGICAL GUEST POST Zoe of Macaroon Original

As a curator of all things chic in fashion, beauty, and baby goods, Zoe Schaeffer truly has an eye for the "next big things." Zoe's blog, Macaroon Original, profiles everything from vibrant new nail polishes to snuggly onesies for baby. Zoe embodies the modern American mama: fashionable, beautiful, and oh yeah, a great parent. Check out what Zoe has to say about her adventure sampling all-natural deodorants.  

Zoe:

I remember while working as a beauty editor for Mademoiselle, we weren’t allowed to write about deodorant because it was “too gross.” Well…copy that. But as I grow older, learn more about my familial history with breast cancer and read about the dangers of parabens and sulfates in beauty products, I’d say it’s a topic worth broaching, nasty or not. My blog, http://macaroonoriginal.com/ is devoted to all things beautiful, but this not-so-beautiful subject is what’s on my mind this moment, making it hard for me to write about anything else.

Summer in LA is not a choice time to make the big switch, this was my season of transition. When researching brands of natural deodorant to try, I asked a bunch of friends (whose collective response was “yeah, they don’t work”). So I decided to take it to the web. Some of the big name beauty brands were getting slammed left and right, and I will not mention them out of respect. But along came some comments about Living Libations, a company I’ve known about, that have some other groovy products with things like, “Love Wine” and “Seabuckthorn Hot Lover Lips.” Now we’re talkin’! If I’m going to rub essential oils under my arms, it’s gonna be from a company that also makes “Wild Child Healthy Gum Drops.”  Meaning, this might mean a lifestyle change for me too! I remember hearing about their Poetic Pits (Yup! That’s the name) and how its small roll-on has a lovely scent and is cute to boot. And then I read an emphatic quote online from a devoted yogi that said, “I wore this to my Hatha Yoga class and when I came out, someone told me how delightful I smelled.” Really? Let’s give this a whirl. The one I chose was “Rose Glow” (the one the yoga lady suggested) and it’s made up of lovely things like sandalwood, rose otto, and geranium, which sounded better than parabens and aluminum any day.  My road test occurred while blueberry picking in a farm outside LA, where I surrounded myself by safe friends and family (so not to offend anyone outside the inner circle.) And while I kind of reveled in my new modern hippie persona, subtly smelling of floral essences while plucking berries with my children, I must admit, I still felt a little unprotected. I’m used to surviving Manhattan summers, subways and all, feeling like I could brush up against an ex-boyfriend, and still feel cool as a cucumber. But being outdoors in the wide-open plain and still feeling a bit vulnerable was a challenge.

My verdict? While this roll-on is the one I will continue to use (it’ll be amazing on balmy days and cool evenings,) it’s going to take a little getting used to.

Josie….do I smell a new product launch in the works?

GREEN YOUR ROUTINE Superpower Ingredients

Here at JMC, we are bonkers, cuckoo, crazy about Argan Oil. We love its anti-aging and hydrating properties, its ability to clear up blemishes, and the dewiness it lends to our skin. That’s why Argan Oil is infused into nearly every one of our products, from eye shadow to lip gloss. But there are lots of other exciting ingredients in our products, too! Let us introduce you to a few of them.

Hyaluronic Acid: This hydration-boosting miracle acid naturally occurs in skin and helps repair tissues. Applied topically, it boosts elasticity, hydration, and the production of collagen. We've added it to our Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain, to help keep your lips plump and hydrated, never tight and dry. 

Coconut Oil and Coconut Water: Coconut oil has long been known as an incredible skin moisturizer. Recent research suggests that this thick, white oil, solid at room temperature, also helps prevent and control psoriasis, eczema and skin infections. Coconut oil makes an appearance in our Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter, where it pairs with Argan Oil to give some love to your dry, rough patches. Coconut water is also a skin-soothing miracle. It’s yummy to drink, and also awesome for the skin. That’s because it’s packed with cytokinins— plant hormones that guard against aging and boost elasticity. Plus, coconut water is full of antioxidants, which contribute to skin health and vitality. Here's an insider secret: our Product Development team has added whopping amounts of coconut water to an upcoming JMC product that we’re all excited about. Keep your peepers peeled for its debut. 

Aloe for Hair: After a sunburn, there's nothing that cools your skin quite as well as a dollop of Aloe Vera gel. But, have you ever tried it on your hair? It’s got antibacterial and antifungal properties that keep dandruff and scalp irritation at bay. Aloe also contains magnesium lactate, which soothes itchiness. Aloe juice has been used for centuries to hydrate strands and promote shinier hair. You can find it in our Argan Bohemian Waves Hair Mist. 

INTRODUCING The Argan Skincare Ritual

Remember those three-step skincare systems that every thirteen-year-old girl got from mom when she started having problems with her skin? Well, this kicks it up a notch, without using harsh chemicals. Josie's Argan Skincare Ritual is a cleansing, nourishing, and protecting system infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil. Argan Cleansing Oil dissolves makeup and impurities, 100% Pure Argan Oil nourishes and hydrates skin, and Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 keeps your complexion safe from the damaging effects of the sun. Made with natural, good-for-your-skin ingredients, this new 'n improved skincare ritual is perfect for all skin—even you extra-sensitive types.

JOSIE PRESENTS Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist

So many people ask me how to get easy, breezy boho hair. Enter Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist. Take a peek at the video to find out how I achieve my favorite hairstyle with this hydrating salt spray. I promise, it's so simple—just as it should be. 

With love,

Josie

P.S. I'm back on QVC tonight for the first time since Indi Joon was born. Tune in at 9PM PT/ 12AM ET to catch me and my amazing new TSV! So excited! 

GET-THE-LOOK Jenn's Purple Haze

With a shock of purple running through her black hair, and a love of t-shirts with dinosaurs on them that change color in the sunlight, Jenn is one of JMC’s most vibrant characters. (And, as you can imagine, we have no shortage of vibrant types.) As our Manager of Product Development, Jenn's always introducing us to the next big thing in beauty and skincare, leading us toward the latest trends. Here, Jenn schools us in the art of the vibrant eye, featuring her signature shade: purple.

1.     Apply your shade of Argan Tinted Moisturizer to your face to even out your skin tone. (Jenn blends Linen and Desert to make her perfect match.)

2.     Apply Argan Color Stick in Petal Pink to your cheeks and blend toward your temples.

3.     Blend together the two lightest shades in the Argan Beautiful Eyes in Beautiful Purples palette and swipe across each eyelid.  

4.     Using Magic Marker Argan Liquid Liner, line your lower and upper lashlines.

5.    Pack both the light lilac and rich amethyst shades from the Beautiful Purples palette onto your brush.    Apply on top of the liner, smudging out to create a soft effect.

6.     Apply the lightest shade from the Beautiful Purples palette to the inner corner of the eyes to highlight.

7.     Apply two coats of GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

8.     Finish the look by applying a rich coat of Argan High Gloss Lip Quench, and shine on! 

BABY LOVE Diapers, Shampoo, & Swaddles

Now that Miss Indi has arrived, everyone's been asking me about my fave mommy must-haves, so I'm going to start blogging here as I discover them. 

In the six years since I was choosing diapers for Rumi Joon, a whole lot of great eco baby-care options have been invented. One of my new favorite businesses is The Honest Company, which was founded by Jessica Alba & Christoper Gavigan. I’ve been using their chlorine-free, biodegradable diapers on Indi.  A bonus? They give you a choice of super-cute diaper prints—gingham, pink stars, ice cream cones—to keep that baby bum eco-adorable.

Honest also makes shampoo. I tried it on Rumi and Indi and we love its yummy vanilla-tangerine scent! It's gentle on Indi’s tender newborn scalp and Rumi’s usually-tangled hair.

 

To keep Indi snug, I swaddle her in Aden + Anais Bamboo Muslin Swaddle Blankets. The fabric's an incredibly soft combo of muslin and bamboo, so even during the humid Pennsylvania nights, Indi stays cool. The blankets come in packs of three coordinating prints. My favorite is the Mela collection—it has a peacock print that Rumi and I both love. We're pretty sure Indi approves, too.

With baby love,

Josie

JOSIE PRESENTS Beauty Doesn't Get Any Purer Than This

If you're an NYC gal, hopping in and out of cabs on a daily (or hourly) basis, you might have seen Josie's Beauty Doesn’t Get Any Purer Than This video on your Taxi TV. But, if you haven't taken a cab ride since the last time you were late to the airport, you can just watch the video here. Enjoy!

JOSIE'S TIPS Argan High Gloss Lip Quench

I'm super-excited about a yummy new lip product we've come up with here at JMC.  Argan High Gloss Lip Quench drenches dry, cracked lips in Argan Oil, while moisturizing, healing and—bonus! — adding a luscious shine. The ultra-luxurious formula is a combo of nature's best moisturizing ingredients: Pure Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, and softening Murumuru Butter. Get the most of our your tube with these tips.

1. Apply a thin coat of Argan High Gloss Lip Quench before bed. The moisturizing ingredients will work overtime while you snooze.

2. Swipe a coat of Lip Quench over dried-out lipstick to revive color and keep it from flaking or cracking. 

3. Want the appearance of fuller, juicier lips? Who doesn't? Apply Lip Quench only to the center of your pout to make your lips look too good not to kiss.

With love,

Josie

Images via: Tumblr Recipes for the Soul Sinussister Pinterest

GIVING BACK Giveaway

Did you know? JMC is all about “Luxury with a Conscience” because our products are made from good-for-your-body-and-the-planet ingredients. But there's more good to JMC than meets the eye (or the skin): we also give back to the community. Being kind and conscious really matters to us, and we know it matters to our customers, too. Here are some of the ways in which your JMC purchases help make the world a better place:

City of Hope & GOGO Mascara

Prettifying your lashes can help cancer survivors feel pretty too. For every tube of GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara purchased, our Give One Get One campaign donates another mascara to a City of Hope cancer patient or survivor. After 5,000 mascaras have been donated, the campaign continues to donate $1 per mascara to women’s cancer research at City of Hope.

Bear Naked Wipes

With the ice melting under their big, furry paws, polar bears need a little human help. You can give them that helping hand when you buy a pack of Bear Naked Wipes. A portion of each sale goes to the Natural Resources Defence Council’s Polar Bear SOS Initiative. 

Moroccan Women’s Co-Ops & Sustainable Harvest

In 2002, the Moroccan government helped establish women's cooperatives to manufacture Argan Oil--while providing Moroccan women with a steady income, fair wage, and healthy working conditions, as well as literacy and education classes. The co-ops also give women a sense of empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated society. Dedicated to responsible harvesting practices, reforestation projects, and environmental protection policies, this program helps preserve Argan forests and women's jobs. The purchase of Josie’s 100% Pure Argan Oil contributes to their success. 

Marocavie

Each time we source our 100% Pure Argan Oil, we donate a portion of our purchase price to Marocavie, a charitable organization in Morocco dedicated to improving economic, social, and environmental conditions in the Southwestern regions of Morocco, where Argan Oil is harvested. The organization works to improve education for children, provide socio-economic opportunities for families, and prevent the spread of the desert and rural exodus.

We know that you, our beloved customers, are out there doing good things for the world too. Tell us how you contribute to the well being  of others, and you’ll have a chance to win your shade of Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation SPF 20. Just type your answer into the comments section. We'll announce our world-changing winner on Monday, July 30. 

GET-THE-LOOK Taunia Does Siren Red

Our lovely Product Development Coordinator, Taunia, is always rockin’ some fresh and fab lip looks using different shades of our Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain. Yesterday she came in looking all kinds of fierce, and we asked her to recreate her look for us today. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting Taunia’s look, including those siren-red lips.

1.  Apply your shade of Matchmaker Serum Foundation to face to create an even canvas. (Taunia is Light/Medium for reference.)

2.  Using your fingertips, apply Argan Color Stick in Rosey to the apples of the cheeks, blending toward your temples.

3. With an eyeliner brush, swipe the darkest shade from the Argan Beautiful Eyes in Beautiful Nudes palette onto your lower and upper lashlines, creating a soft wing at the outer edge of the eye.

4. Blend the lightest shade in the Beautiful Nudes palette onto the inner corners of your eyes to make you look wide awake.

5.  Apply a rich coat of Magic Marker Lip and Cheek Stain in Flamenco to your lips, using the tip of the marker to line the lips before filling them in.