In the pursuit of miracle serums for beauty, nothing is quite perfect. Yet Josie Maran Cosmetic’s argan oil comes close.

Formulated for the skin, it also works to condition you hair and split ends and helps heal cuticles. You can use it on your face and your body. But what is it exactly, and how does it work?

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Argan Oil – An Introduction

Argan oil is produced by the Argan tree, a native of Morocco. The green nuts produce a vitamin E-rich oil that is also filled with skin healthy fatty acids. Unlike other nut oils, argan oil isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. This makes it a perfect choice for moisturizing and healing. The argan oil sold by Josie Maran is 100 percent organic and contains no fillers or chemicals. This means it only contains the rich oil and nothing to aggravate sensitive skin.

Uses
Vitamin E is well known as a healer of scars. Argan oil helps eliminate stretch marks if applied regularly. It can also diminish acne scars and add suppleness that helps erase fine lines and the signs of aging. Since it absorbs so quickly into the skin, it makes an excellent moisturizer beneath your makeup, or you can use it as a night time moisturizer treatment for dry skin. Rubbing it into you split ends tames frizzies and gives your hair a smooth shine. It can even combat dry scalp and flakes.

Pros and Cons
Customer reviews of Josie Maran Cosmetic’s argan oil are overwhelmingly positive. Even those that suffer from acne report that the oil doesn’t aggravate their skin or cause breakouts. The main issues with the product surround the packaging and application. The bottle tips easily, which can result in spillage of the entire bottle. The best tip to avoid this is to use the eyedropper included and place just a few drops in your hand before quickly rubbing it into your skin. Like all new skin products, you skin may need to acclimate to the argan oil. Use only a small amount until you are sure it won’t cause whiteheads or a breakout.

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Thin lips paired with the appearance of fine lines can leave your mouth looking less than kissable. But short of collagen injections, what is a girl to do? Thankfully, there are cosmetic options, including lip pumper that work to actually make your lips plumper and fuller, not just provide the optical illusion of more luscious lips.

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How they Work
Lip plumpers use a topical application of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other chemicals that safely make your lips fuller while smoothing out some fine lines around your lips. Many plumpers include a gloss or tint so you can use them to accentuate your natural lip color for day time wear, while others are strictly night time formulas that plump your lips while you sleep so you wake up with a fuller, firmer pucker in the morning.

The Fusion Beauty LipFusion XL plumper is one of the most popular plumpers available. Applying this night based formula micro injects collagen into the skin cells of your lip area, making your pout more luscious and pronounced. Although it’s primarily a night time treatment, it doubles as a gloss so you can continue to wear it during the day if desired. LipFusion tingles when you first put it on, but it isn’t an unpleasant feeling and the tingling is just a result of the active compounds penetrating your lips to help make them fuller and plumper.

Application Tips
Lip plumpers that work require proper application for the full results to manifest. Each brand carries its own set of instructions, but most generally require application on clean, dry skin. Overnight treatments, like the LipFusion, also work to exfoliate dry skin and hydrate your lips. Rubbing your lips gently with a rough washcloth during removal of the gloss further helps remove the dead, dry skin cells so your lips are smoother and develop a better color.

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The best makeup accentuates our natural beauty, but many cosmetics are heavy and result in an overly made up look that is neither desired nor attractive. An airbrush make up machine combats this issue by using an application gun to paint on a smooth, thin layer of makeup.

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Benefits
The primary benefit of using airbrush makeup is that it gives you the flawless look of a magazine model. The machine works by spraying thin makeup over your entire face, giving you a smooth foundation that doesn’t rub off on your hands or clothing. You can use it for foundation, bronzing, eyeshadow and even blush. The fine layer of makeup blends naturally into your skin and smooths out any imperfections so you only left with a natural looking glow.

Disadvantages
Moisture is the main problem with airbrush makeup. Tears and sweat leave a mark in the makeup that can only be removed by taking it off and reapplying it. You must remain mindful and avoid sweating when you wear airbrush makeup, carefully dabbing your eyes if you begin to tear up or moving to a cooler location at the first signs of sweat.
Top Airbrush Makeup Machines
The machine resemble a small handheld gun. Compressed air is forced through the makeup in the chamber so it comes out in a small puff that you can aim at the desired application point on your skin. This results in the thin even coverage desired.

The Luminess Air Beauty System is easy to use because the airbrush gun is barely larger than a pen. Makeup choices come in a variety of tones designed to match your skin. The Glam Airbrush Machine system is another popular choice. Although primarily made for use with foundation, you can use eye shadow and other makeup items formulated for use in an airbrush machine.

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It’s a wonderful feeling when acne problems begin to clear up, but then something unsettling can happen. The scars left behind can be just as troubling or more so than the original outbreak. Learning how to heal acne scars will give you multiple options to eradicate the last vestiges of acne so your skin looks fresh and smooth again.

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Topical Treatments
Topical treatments, including creams and serums, are the least invasive methods for treating acne scars. These treatments help soften scar tissue and minimize their appearance. Topical treatments work best on mild to moderate scarring. The over the counter products are most effective on light scars, while more moderate scarring is better treated with a dermatologist prescribed cream

Simple Procedures
Dermabrasion and laser resurfacing work best on moderate to severe scars that are too deep for a topical treatment to work on effectively. Dermabrasion, performed by a dermatologist, uses a scrubbing brush to buff away the top layer of scar tissue. It takes 10 days or longer for your skin to regrow the skin, but the new skin is typically scar-free. Laser resurfacing removes the top layer of damaged skin with a laser. It takes less time than dermabrasion to complete and typically heals a bit quicker, too.

Surgical Treatments
The only reliable treatment for severe, deep acne scars may be surgery. Deeply indented scars are surgically removed. This eliminates the hard scar tissue and allows your skin to regrow supple, healthy tissue. In some cases surgery can be avoided by the use of injections designed to raise the scar tissue furrow. Healing time varies, but can take a month or longer before you see the final result.

With all the different ways for how to heal acne scars, determining the correct one for the condition of your skin may require a consultation with a dermatologist. The good news is you don’t have to live with the scarring forever.

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If cosmetics cause you to break out in acne or develop red skin from irritation, you are one of millions of women who are caught in a tricky situation. You need makeup to cover slight imperfections, but they only result in further imperfections that need camouflaging. Chances are your skin is reacting to the cosmetic, a situation easily rectified by using one of the best hypoallergenic makeup brands.

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Common Cosmetic Allergens
Fragrance is by far the most common skin irritant contained in makeup. The chemicals that give cosmetics their scent are the primary cause. An allergic reaction results in dermatitis, including itchiness and red bumps, acne and other signs of irritation. Chemical pigments can also cause reactions, so many hypoallergenic makeup selections feature only natural pigments and fragrances, or they are completely fragrance free.

Is Your Makeup Affecting Your Skin?
We aren’t all affected by the same allergens, which is why one brand of makeup can cause dermatitis while another doesn’t. The primary allergens differ between all women, although most of us are sensitive to one or two chemicals. Only 10 percent of the population has severe reactions that make it necessary to only choose allergen-free makeup. Selecting only hypoallergenic cosmetics ensures healthy skin, especially if you have had problems in the past.

Hypoallergenic Cosmetics
Since allergens vary between each of us, even a hypoallergenic brand may cause a reaction if you are allergic to one of the natural components it contains. Almay is a well known option for those with sensitive skin. As one of the best hypoallergenic makeup types, Almay provides an extensive line of cosmetics and skin care items that are fragrance-free and formulated to contain no known allergens. If you do experience irritation from makeup, wait for your skin to heal completely before wearing cosmetics again, otherwise even a hypoallergenic formula may cause further irritation.

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If you want a natural looking makeup that doesn’t irritate your skin, a mineral makeup may be the best choice for you. Mineral makeups contain natural minerals without all the added chemicals and oils found in traditional cosmetics.

I’ve found that Amazon usually has good prices on mineral makeup:

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Understanding the ingredients and how to apply these cosmetics helps you choose the best mineral makeup for you.

Basic Ingredients
Mineral based cosmetics contain a variety of minerals, including mica, zinc and titanium dioxide. These same minerals make up the base in most other cosmetics in small amounts, but mineral makeup doesn’t contain the chemical binders that other makeup types use. There are rarely synthetic dyes or fragrances used for a mineral makeup, instead most are scent free and only use natural pigments, often from clay, to provide color.

Application
Application also varies with mineral makeup. It almost exclusively comes in a loose powder form, once again because no synthetic binders are used. You apply the powder with a large brush that buffs the makeup onto your skin. This provides even, shear coverage that smooths out imperfections while still looking completely natural. Most mineral makeups are expensive compared to traditional cosmetics, but the containers last a long time when it’s applied properly since a small amount goes a long way.

Selecting Mineral Makeup
Most concerns around mineral makeup revolve around claims that it dries the skin. In part, this is because it doesn’t contain moisturizers like other cosmetic types. Using a regular facial moisturizer daily offsets most of these concerns. When selecting a mineral makeup choose a type that closely matches your skin tone. Overly light or dark shades can look ashy so they don’t brighten the skin as nicely as they could. BareEssentials, one of the most well known and best mineral makeup brands available, offers unique color matching that further helps ensure you buy the mineral cosmetic products most suitable for you.

If you want a natural looking makeup that doesn’t irritate your skin, a mineral makeup may be the best choice for you. Mineral makeups contain natural minerals without all the added chemicals and oils found in traditional cosmetics. Understanding the ingredients and how to apply these cosmetics helps you choose the best mineral makeup for you.

Basic Ingredients
Mineral based cosmetics contain a variety of minerals, including mica, zinc and titanium dioxide. These same minerals make up the base in most other cosmetics in small amounts, but mineral makeup doesn’t contain the chemical binders that other makeup types use. There are rarely synthetic dyes or fragrances used for a mineral makeup, instead most are scent free and only use natural pigments, often from clay, to provide color.

Application
Application also varies with mineral makeup. It almost exclusively comes in a loose powder form, once again because no synthetic binders are used. You apply the powder with a large brush that buffs the makeup onto your skin. This provides even, shear coverage that smooths out imperfections while still looking completely natural. Most mineral makeups are expensive compared to traditional cosmetics, but the containers last a long time when it’s applied properly since a small amount goes a long way.

Selecting Mineral Makeup
Most concerns around mineral makeup revolve around claims that it dries the skin. In part, this is because it doesn’t contain moisturizers like other cosmetic types. Using a regular facial moisturizer daily offsets most of these concerns. When selecting a mineral makeup choose a type that closely matches your skin tone. Overly light or dark shades can look ashy so they don’t brighten the skin as nicely as they could. BareEssentials, one of the most wellknown and best mineral makeup brands available, offers unique color matching that further helps ensure you buy the mineral cosmetic products most suitable for you.

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Plain water and soap doesn’t remove the residue left behind by makeup. Leaving cosmetics on while you sleep or exercise can result in clogged pores, blemishes or dull skin.

Which is the Right Makeup Remover For You?

You must also remove old makeup completely before applying fresh, such as when transitioning from day to evening. Selecting the best makeup remover depends on your skin type, the type of cosmetics you are removing, and personal preference.

Makeup Remover Types
An all-purpose makeup remover works well on most cosmetics, including lipstick, foundation and eye makeup. If you wear heavy eye makeup or waterproof cosmetics, it may be necessary to use a remover formulated specifically for the eye area.

Remover also comes in oil or water based formulas. Oil based removers can leave a greasy residue on your skin. These are most commonly for use on the eye area because they work best at waterproof makeup removal. The eye area also tends to be dry and resistant to blemishes, so it can handle the oil in these removers. Water based formulas leave behind no residue and are best suited for most skin types.

Pads vs. Liquids
Removers also come packaged in two main ways. The standard is a liquid or cream remover. These are smoothed onto the face then either rinsed off with water or wiped off with a clean towel. Pad removers have the soft pads imbued with the remover. These works especially well for removing makeup from only specific areas of the face. For example, you can use a remover pad to take off old eye makeup without disturbing the rest of the cosmetics on your face.

Natural Removers
Natural or organic removers don’t contain harsh chemicals or fragrances than can irritate your skin. These removers may not work with all cosmetics and are usually formulated to work with the line of natural cosmetics that they are part of. Natural makeup removers are an excellent choice if you have sensitive skin that reacts to the normal chemical based cleansers.

Top Remover Choice
While many excellent removers are available, my choice for the best makeup remover is Clinique’s Take the Day Off line. The cleansing milk formula removes heavy eye makeup just as easily as it cleans away foundation, blush and lipstick. It can even cut through greasy sunscreen residue. The gentle formula is also well suited to most skin types and it doesn’t leave a residue on your skin.

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Foundation is the first step to a beautiful face. It provides the base upon which you apply all your other cosmetics, making it important to choose the best makeup foundation for your skin. The wrong foundation can look too heavy or leave that unnatural mask line around your jaw and neck.

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Keys of Good Foundation
The right foundation must match both your skin tone and your skin type. Dry skin benefits from an oil based foundation, while oily and combination skin are best served by water based formulas. Fragrances and harsh chemicals can also irritate sensitive or acne prone skin, making it best to avoid foundations that contain these elements.

The amount of coverage necessary also plays a factor in selecting the right foundation. If you prefer light coverage or a natural look, a sheer foundation or tinted moisturizer may be a better choice. For medium or maximum coverage that helps even out redness or camouflage blemishes, you need a heavier foundation that blends away these imperfections. It’s vital to choose a foundation that closely matches your skin tone. If you can’t find an exact match, select a color slightly lighter than your natural skin tone. Darker or excessively light cosmetics leave an obvious line where the foundation ends and your natural skin color resumes.

Application Tips
Foundation is only as good as its application. It’s vital to apply it correctly so it covers smoothly and looks natural. Dot the foundation onto your cheeks, chin, forehead and nose, then use a makeup sponge or your fingertips to smooth it on evenly. Feather it lightly beyond your jaw line and onto your neck so it blends evenly onto the uncovered skin in these areas. It’s best to apply foundation lightly – you will be applying all other cosmetics on top of this base so you don’t want to start off with a too-heavy application.

One of my favorite foundations is the Estee Lauder Double Wear line. As the best makeup foundation, it comes in over 20 shades which makes it easy to find a color match for your skin tone. The makeup goes on matte, so there is no unnecessary shine, and supplies a sheer natural look while still providing full coverage. Better yet, it stays on all day so there is no need to reapply it and it doesn’t cause your other cosmetics to bleed or fade.

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Quickly gaining in popularity, natural makeup choices range from those containing a few natural ingredients to fully organic beauty care lines. The best natural makeup contains an all-natural formula while providing light coverage for a natural look. The result is better looking skin that is also healthier and less prone to irritation and problems later.

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What is natural makeup?
While the term varies between cosmetics companies, it’s generally accepted that natural makeup doesn’t contain a lot of heavy chemicals or known skin irritants. Most natural makeups are instead made of naturally occurring elements, including plant extracts and minerals. The best cosmetics contain no synthetic ingredients at all and purely plant and mineral based.

Natural cosmetics are often without fragrance or only contain a naturally occurring fragrance, usually supplied by herbs such as lavender and chamomile. Many are also cruelty free products that do no testing on animals, making them an ethical choice as well.

Common Ingredients
The natural ingredients provide color, coverage and sometimes skin treatment. Berries, fruit and vegetable extracts, and some mineral ingredients provide color. Minerals are typically used for skin coverage while berry and fruit extracts are used for color tinting in blushes, lipsticks and eye makeup.

Ingredients also usually include those that improve the health of your skin. Organic oils and lanolin provide moisture to dry skin, while water-based formulas cut greasiness on oily skin. Flower essences, herbal extracts and minerals such as clay can also improve the cleanliness and health of your skin while providing just enough coverage to give you a healthy, natural look.

Top Natural Choice
While many natural makeup brands provide quality products that I like, my favorite is Physician’s Formula. The extensive line of guaranteed organic products makes it the clear choice for the best natural makeup. The Organic Wear line doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or synthetic colors and fragrances. It’s preservative free and only contains organic natural ingredients. It even comes in recyclable packaging.

The Organic Wear line contains all your makeup needs, a boon for those of us that don’t like to combine cosmetic brands. Foundation, blush, powder, concealer, lip gloss, eyeliner and shadow and mascara are all available. Physician’s Formula Organic Wear is a botanical line of makeup, as opposed to some of the mineral lines out there. Most natural cosmetics are either botanical or mineral based. If one type doesn’t provide the necessary coverage or irritates your skin, try the other type to see if it works better for you.

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Excessive skin oil often results in acne and pimples. Attempts to cover blemishes with makeup may backfire, since the oil causes makeup to look caked on or it slides right off. Selecting the best makeup for oily skin provides you with even, natural looking coverage and can also help minimize oil production and future acne breakouts.

I like reading other comments by people on Amazon makeup products to get a better idea of what I want to order:

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An optimum oily skin makeup should provide the following:

- Water-based formula. Many types of makeup use oil as a base, which only adds more unwanted oil to your skin. A quality product for oily skin always uses water as its base.

- Light coverage. Heavy makeups tend to clump on oily skin, resulting in an unattractive cakey look. Lighter coverage evens out skin tone, hides minor blemishes, but is sheer enough that it doesn’t clump or look unnatural.

- Doesn’t contain mica. Mineral based foundations are a favorite, but many contain mica. Mica clogs pores that produce too much oil. If you prefer mineral-based products, read the ingredients carefully and avoid those with mica.

- Provides oil-absorbing properties. Makeup formulated for oily skin usually contains elements meant to absorb the excess oil produced by your skin throughout the day so they can provide long lasting coverage.

- Doesn’t contain irritants. Fragrances and some common ingredients are known to irritate the skin, causing the pores to increase oil production. Makeup made especially for oily skin doesn’t contain any common irritants.

One of my favorite choices for oily skin is Clarins Truly Matte Foundation. It contains pigments that absorb the excess oil produced by your skin, resulting in smooth coverage that doesn’t cake or melt away during the day. Clarins also contains an SPF of 15, an important factor when you consider that even a light sunburn can cause pore blockage and increased acne from skin oil production. The product doesn’t clog pores nor does it leave behind a residue that can lead to blockage.

It’s vital to choose the right makeup. Makeup formulated for dry or combination skin is usually oil-based, as mentioned. These oils block pores. Blemishes usually occur when pores continue to produce too much oil, which becomes infected when the oil can’t escape through the blocked pores. Makeup formulated for the wrong skin type also doesn’t remain color true. The oil produced by your skin alters the pigments in these makeup blends, leading to an unnatural appearance when the color no longer matches your natural skin tone.

The best makeup for oily skin will leave your face radiant, not just for a few hours but all day. Best yet, it won’t cause irritation that makes you pay for today’s beauty with increased breakouts tomorrow. Read the label carefully and avoid high-moisture and oil-based formulas for the best results and coverage.