Limited edition review: Josie Maran "Model Citizen" Argan Oil Collection for Earth Day

Argan oil has been more than a beauty buzzword of late, and no one embraces the potency of this antioxidant-rich beauty bounty more than Josie Maran.

"Model Citizen" Argan Oil Collection review

In honor of Earth Day, Maran teamed up with two other supermodels, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall, to create the artwork for bottles of her signature argan oil. See how the collection measures up.

Because they're supermodels (and hence everything they do is aesthetically perfect) and because they're fond of charities, Josie Maran, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall teamed up to create their own artwork for three distinctly beautiful bottles of argan oil.

The limited edition "Model Citizen" campaign launched right in time for Earth Day and also supports three charities: Women for Women International (which offers women survivors of war the tools to become self-sufficient); Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit dedicated to rebuilding schools for children who have survived natural disasters; and Healthy Child Healthy World, which empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals.

Expectant mother Maran was glowing when we interviewed her about the collection. And indeed, her face was flawless. "That's all I use [on the face]," she said regarding argan oil. Petra Nemcova too, swears by hers. "I use it when I travel, especially when I am on the plane and when I get off because my skin gets really dry," she says.

It's hard to believe that a single oil has so many benefits. Take a look at what it can do:

• It can tame frizzy hair in no time (plus, it's an extremely nourishing massage for your scalp)
• The oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids
• The omega-6 and omega-9 essential fatty acids are perfect for oily skin too (Maran doesn't have one zit). Argan Oil as a whole helps reduce the production of sebum
• Argan oil can also act as a sunblock (although I would recommend that you use SPF as well)
• It improves hydration and skin elasticity
• It's great as a body oil -- although this can be an expensive treat
• Argan oil has been proven to be effective in treating psoriasis and eczema
• It is also excellent to heal stretch marks
• I also use it on my lips and it heals a chapped pout instantly

Josie Maran's Limited Edition "Model Citizen" Collection of Argan Oils is too pretty not to collect. Maran's design pays tribute to friends, family and co-workers that help inspire and support her each day. Nemcova has a youthful, fresh take (a child being carried away by balloons) in support of her charity. Lindvall says that the "simplicity of the dandelion symbolizes what I would like for the future of our planet: an environment free from toxins and harmful chemicals that grows and exists peacefully."

As for the oil itself, a little goes a long way. I use it to prevent and treat stretch marks and also as a moisturizer for my face. It does feel a bit rich and thick if you apply too much, but when you feel your skin, you'll realize that this is not a greasy oil at all. Rather, it's pretty light and easily absorbed into your skin.

My advice is to use a dime size amount for the face -- truly! While you may be tempted to think you need more, a little goes a long way. Also Maran's argan oil is 100 percent pure, hence its price tag of $48 per bottle. But it's better to splurge on the good stuff than to buy a cheaper imitation that's been diluted.

Does my skin look and feel better after using the limited edition "Model Citizen" collection? Most definitely! There were times when my skin did long for that good old fashioned moisturizer though, so you'll need to test this out to see if it's right for you.

If it is, this collection is a true treat (and you'll feel good about giving back to society too). Buy it at Sephora while supplies last, during April's "Earth Month" theme.

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