Simply sun-kissed: Josie Maran Cosmetics' face + body self-tanning argan oil review

​As someone with incredibly fair skin (I'm probably the palest Cuban/Italian you'll ever meet), I have an unbelievably difficult time finding the perfect sunless self-tanner. It is either too orange, too streaky, too smelly, too gradual, not gradual enough... the list goes on and on... But Josie Maran Cosmetics' Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Face and Body Oils are an absolute godsend.

Here are my thoughts on these heavenly oils, and some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect golden glow (without the damage from harsh UV rays).

+ Before taking these self-tanning oils for a spin, make sure to exfoliate and moisturize all over for the perfect application. My all time favorite body exfoliator is Arbonne's Awaken Sea Salt Scrub (it exfoliates and moisturizes all in one step!), and to moisturize my face, I either reach for Honest Beauty's Younger Face Deep Hydration Cream or Josie Maran's Whipped Argan Oil Face Butter.

+ Once your skin is feeling baby-soft and perfectly prepped, take about 5 drops of the Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Face Oil in your palms and rub the product into your face, neck, and ears. What I like about this particular self-tanning face oil is that the color is incredibly subtle and gradual, and left my sensitive skin breakout-free and feeling replenished. This formula dries down quickly, has a whisper of a Tahitian Vanilla scent throughout the day, and leaves a healthy glow that builds quite naturally with time. You can replace this product with your everyday moisturizer (though I like to layer for extra hydration), or even drop a bit into your foundation for a youthful, nourished radiance. And - don't forget to wash your hands quickly after to prevent any unwanted tanned palms!

​+ What I love most about the Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil (for the body) is that it really is fool-proof. Give the bottle a good shake (and shake periodically as you apply), pour a bit of the golden elixir into the luxuriously plush mitt, and begin to rub it all over your skin. The caramel ingredient gives you a slight bronze right away which helps you see where you still need to apply, and the mitt feels absolutely divine on skin. Not to mention, there is literally zero dry-down time. No staining your clothes or your white sheets.

+ The Vanilla Apricot scent of the body oil is lovely, though there is slight 'self-tanner smell' that sticks around for a few hours if you have a particularly sensitive nose. This smell didn't bother me, but it was a bit 'overpowering' to some of those around me. Into the day following initial application, there is still a subtly sweet caramel/apricot scent that remains on the skin, but I find it quite pleasant and not at all overwhelming. (It also happens to layer beautifully with my MAC Velvet Teddy Shadescents fragrance that I reviewed here). The first shower you take after applying the oils (I took mine about 24 hours later), there may be a little bit of color that rinses off, but not enough to really affect your new golden glow.

+ Not only does the oil dry down almost immediately, but within about 5-10 minutes, I was about 2 shades darker the first time I ever tried this product (and kept gradually getting darker the more I layered every day or two). I love how my skin turns a richly tanned hue, with literally no orange-y undertones or streaks. It truly looks as if I spent the day at the beach, without the burn. Not to mention, the argan oil leaves me feeling so smooth, plump, and delicious. This self-tanner has officially made my holy grail list of products - and although it's a bit pricy, I find that a little oil goes a long way.

+ And here's a little tip: if you do happen to leave a streak around your wrists or ankles (which I have yet to do), you can literally 'erase' your mistake by taking a slice of lemon and rubbing the streak away. Thanks, Mother Nature!

Josie Maran Cosmetics has quickly become my newest obsession. Which products from her range have you tried?