Based in Washington D.C., Ayren Jackson-Cannady is so savvy that we wished she lived closer to NYC so that we could swap products with her. This beauty writer knows what’s up (she’s written for Fitness, Glamour, and Gloss Daily) and we’re excited to have her sharing her know-how and multi-culti beauty expertise as a contributing editor.
One of my beauty girl crushes is Kimora Lee Simmons. Not only is she incredibly successful, but her cheekbones are ridic, she’s got the best skin, and her eyebrows are crazy-perfect. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to speak with her directly and get the 411 on her beauty regimen. The Cliff’s Notes version is this: Simmons just launched her own skincare line (Shinto Clinical), her grandma taught her everything she knows about being gorgeous (drink your water!), and she love love loves anything packed with Argan oil (i.e. Shinto Pore It Out, FIXX Argan Oil Shampoo, and Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion). Check out my one-on-one after the jump, and then tell me who your beauty girl crush is in comments.
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We’ve long been fans of model Josie Maran’s eco-chic skincare and makeup line, especially her pure argan oil products. I’m obsessed with the extra moisturizing oil, so I was thrilled when I had the chance to meet Maran last week and find out about her new limited edition argan oil set, which launched on Tuesday. The collection of three oils, called Model Citizen, features packaging designed by Maran and fellow models, Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall.
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You may have noticed lots of your favorite brands coming out with oil-based products in the last year, and for good reason. These products are a far cry from the greasy, dirty kind of oil that clogs your pores and weighs down your hair. In fact, these oils are all about working with your skin and hair type to either cleanse or hydrate. My favorite cleansing oils fit the old adage “like attracts like” by pulling out the bad oils and leaving skin with plenty of moisture, not stripped. My must-have hydrating oils sink in immediately and are much longer-lasting than moisturizers. Check out a few of my all-time faves below.
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Photo: Urban Bush Babes
Most girls identify their hair as straight, curly, thick, or thin, but I can only think of one word to describe my hair: hard. I was born with abundant black locks that feel like strands of al dente spaghetti to the touch. Even gallons of conditioner can only soften it so much — by day two, it’s back to its original resistant state. But I’ve finally found something that can tame my mane: Redken’s All Soft Argan-6 Oil. I’ve been rubbing it into my hair post-shower every night, and it makes my hair remarkably soft and pliable. The secret is right on the label: a high concentration of fair trade argan oil.
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Josie Maran Argan Self-Tanning Cream, $32, josiemarancosmetics.com; Josie Maran Blemishes R Gone, $28, josiemaracosmetics.com; Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Day Creme SPF 15, $95, lauramercier.com; L’Oreal Color Riche Star Secrets Lipcolour, $7, ulta.com; Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara, $22, josiemaran.com
We want to introduce you to our new best friend: Argan Oil. This miracle product can be found everywhere from moisturizer to hair products to makeup. And a huge plus? The oil helps to support fair wages for women. All the oil made today is produced by 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 let’s talk makeup. Argan Oil has the power to moisturize, reduce fine lines, get rid of acne, tame hair AND condition your lips — just to name a few of its magical powers. Although it’s been around forever, it’s recently been cropping up as an ingredient in tons of products, which is good news for me. I plan to incorporate one of the above products into my regimen sometime soon.
—Kara
For more miracle products, check out our Birchbox Shop.
Beyond my eyelash curler, I don’t use many special makeup tools. Most of the time, I find that my fingertips make better smudgers and blenders than the best brushes (then again, I’m not going for precision). Which is why I can’t get enough of cream blush and highlighting palettes. My first love is the Jouer’s Weekender Collection’s cream tint and highlighter duo (not available separately but you’ll want the whole palette anyway), which is tiny enough to slip into a clutch and comes in a flattering neutral tones. Recently I’ve also been using Josie Maran’s Finger Paints compact, which has four shades of argan oil-infused cream blushes and highlighters — all you need for on-the-go spring beauty. And for simplicity, I love RMS Beauty’s all-natural Lip2Cheek tint — Smile is a cheery coral color that brightens up even the palest winter face.
—Mollie
Get ready for spring getaways with Jouer’s Weekender Collection.
Check out our roundup of spring’s best beauty trends.
