Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation & Powder Foundation

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation & Powder Foundation

Just a friendly reminder - there's still plenty of time to enter my Tarte Foundation, Concealer & Sigma Brush giveaway.  You can find all the details here.

In my April Favorites post, I included the Josie Maran Fresh Finish Hydrating Liquid Powder and mentioned that I was a fan of quite a few of her products.

All of the brand's products are centered around the use of argan oil, which is supposed to be fabulous for the skin (and hair) and have anti-aging properties. I actually use argan oil in conjunction with my regular moisturizer when I need a little extra hydration and I've liked the results. When it comes to Josie Maran's cosmetic products, I don't know how much the inclusion of argan oil really makes a difference in how good the makeup is for my skin - but I do know that I really like the way the products look and feel.

Lately, I've really been enjoying the Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation and Powder Foundation, both in the fair/light shade.  I think I've mentioned before that I'm always skeptical about foundations that claim to magically adjust to your specific skin tone, and while that's the claim with these products (the packaging actually says they contain 'Chameleon Pigments'), I have to confess that they are a perfect match for my skin.

However, I suspect that's just because the foundations are both extremely fair and if someone whose skin is darker than mine tried them, they would would up being too light.  But I'm not sure.

Whatever the case, both work beautifully on my skin.

 The Serum Foundation, which comes in a convenient pump bottle and contains 1 fl. oz. of product,  is a somewhat thick, white liquid that becomes flesh colored when you blend it into the skin.  While it is somewhat thick, it feels extremely lightweight on the skin and provides light to medium coverage.  If you've got dry skin, this foundation is ideal because it's a nice moisturizing formula that doesn't get cakey or cling to drier patches.  The finish is also beautifully dewy, which I really love.

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

Argan Matchmaker Foundation in fair/light (unblended)

Argan Matchmaker Foundation in fair/light  (blended)

The one minor issue I've found with the Serum Foundation is that it can sometimes look slightly orange if you let it sit on the skin for a bit before you blend it in.  It doesn't oxidize on my skin when I'm actually wearing it, though, so I'm not sure what that's about.  You can avoid the problem by blending it in as soon as you apply it.

And FYI - I've found that it blends equally well whether I use my fingers or a brush.

The Matchmaster Powder Foundation is a similar concept to the Serum Foundation - it's a flesh colored powder with specks of white sprinkled throughout.

When you stroke the brush across it, the different shades blend together for a color that matches my skin pretty much perfectly.

Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation in fair/light

Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation in fair/light swatch

I've never worn the powder foundation on its own - it layers beautifully over the Serum Foundation and quite a few of my other foundations as well - but I'd say the coverage is fairly light, though buildable. It comes with a good quality sponge, though I usually use a fluffy brush to apply it.

It comes in a pretty rose gold metallic mirrored compact (which shows fingerprints very easily) and contains 6 grams of product.

While the Serum Foundation doesn't have an SPF, the Powder Foundation has an SPF20, which is nice.

All in all, I'd recommend both of these products - provided there's a shade that works for you.  According to the packaging claims, there should be one for everyone thanks to the Chameleon Pigments, but I'd recommend checking the shades out at Sephora to be sure.

What are your thoughts on self-adjusting foundation products?