Hello Beautiful!
I purchased Josie Maran’s Argan Matchmaker Powder Foundation earlier this year and finally got around to trying it out. I was excited to try out the argan infused foundation powder which promises to nourish and hydrate the skin! Let’s see how this Sephora Exclusive lives up to the expectation!
Exclusively Available at Sephora for $34 in 3 Shades (Fair, Light, and Dark).
This customized, one-step complexion-perfecting foundation is formulated with Matchmaker’s signature chameleon pigments and infused with 100 percent pure argan oil to balance, hydrate, and nourish the skin. This pressed powder instantly adjusts to match your unique and changing natural skintone and applies easily with the included dual-sided sponge. This talc-free powder goes on sheer and builds to medium coverage. The skin mattifiers absorb oil and the soft focus finish leaves skin velvety-smooth and protected.
Ingredients:
- Please click the image below for a closer look at the ingredients. I’ve seen other photos of this foundation that claims 20 SPF on the packaging, but mine didn’t call it out. When I took a look at the ingredients, it lists Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which provide sun protection.. but not sure why it wasn’t called out on the packaging. Usually, brands are quick to call out any and all claims especially when it comes to SPF. My guess is that the version I picked up may not have contained enough of the SPF ingredients to qualify/claim the SPF 20. Maybe there was a reformulation at some point? Either way, there seems to be 2 versions of this foundation available and it’s a bit confusing.
- At least it’s formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOs, and Triclosan
- Like all Josie Maran products, it contains 100% pure argan oil promises to nourish and hydrate the skin
click below for an enlarged view of the ingredients list
Packaging:
- Open the shiny rose gold compact and you’ll find 2 compartments. The top compartment holds the dual sided sponge: a traditional side and a velvety side which can be used wet to apply the foundation for fuller coverage. Once the top compartment is flipped open, it holds a mirror and the foundation.
What I liked:
- The powder promises to “instantly adjusts to match your unique and changing natural skintone.” It delivered on this claim, but this might be because I applied it with a brush which provided sheer coverage. Hard to go very wrong with color match if you’re looking for sheer coverage.
- Although it claims to be a “foundation“… it provides a sheer to medium coverage at best. If you’re looking for a full coverage, this is not the powder for you.
What I didn’t like:
- I have dry skin so I really was hoping that the argan oil in this product would provide the hydration that most powders lacked. But I was disappointed. The powder was dry and dusty and settled into my lines and wrinkles.
- I tried applying it with a heavier hand to see if I could get more of a full coverage. Take a look at the swatch on the back of my hand. You can clearly see the powder sitting on my skin… looking dusty/powdery.
Here’s a closer look at the product. One thing I noticed right away about this product was the powdery fallout. I typically don’t have much luck with powders that have a lot of fallout in the compact. I know powders are supposed to be powder (duh)… but what I mean by powdery is when there’s a ton of fall out causing the compact packaging to get very messy and dusty. Below is a photo just after one finger swipe. I can only imagine how this compact would look after a few days in my purse. The neat freak in me is screaming inside.
I really love many of Josie Maran’s products (click here and here for some favorites), but this is not one of them. Having said that… I have very dry skin so that might be why it didn’t work for me. If you have normal or oily skin, I suggest giving it a try. 
Good luck!~
