So we’ve discussed the Nars Monoi Body Oil, and the Moroccan Hair Oil, so I thought I’d do a quick review on the Josie Maran Argan Oil (for the face.)

According to Sephora:

What it does:
Josie Maran Argan Oil is a legendary oil that’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, and grown organically in Morocco. Argan oil is known to have many treatment benefits, including hydrating and nourishing skin, as well as toning and firming. It’s gentle enough to use on all skin types and is believed to help with skin conditions including acne.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrance
- Synthetic Dye
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
The oil is housed in a recyclable glass bottle, and purchased from women’s cooperatives in Morocco to support their social and economic welfare. These cooperatives work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve that ensures the protection and reforestation of Argan trees.

Now, I like the way all of that sounds. Natural oils, recycled bottle, no chemicals, sustainably harvested…but none of that was enough to allow me to get past the fact that this stuff, put simply, smells like manure. Not a slight, musty stroll-through-the-stable smell, but a full on bury-your-face-in-a-pile-of-it stench. Needless to say, I returned it, and for future reference, I think argan is Moroccan for horseshit.