January 20, 2011

Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer Review, Swatches, Photos

At a 1.5 oz size and $42 my tinted moisturizer of choice from Laura Mercier is pretty costly. Better deal?

The new Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer at 1.7 oz, $38, and oh by the way an SPF 30 instead of Laura’s 20.

Score!


A protective lightweight moisturizer, sheer foundation, and sunscreen in one.


This definitely runs a bit heavier and creamier than the normal TM’s out there so keep that in mind if your skin is oily. Personally my dry skin sucks it up and adores it however oily skin users might want to stick with their current TM of choice or just use a little less of Josie’s version should you indulge.

Formula is rich, creamy, and thick with plenty of pigment and a nice rounded out SPF 30 (Shade pictured below is the Light color available). I only need a very little bit as the product goes a long way at evening out skin tone and creating a nice dewy finish for makeup. I’m not sure how well it’ll wear in the Summer due to the thicker texture however I figure I can easily cut the amount I use in half during the warmer weather and still get a beautiful finish.

I’m duly impressed with the pigmentation as it has just enough color pay off to create a nice even complexion but not so much so that you look made up. On my skin I get a hydrated, dewy finish after use and it eases dullness drastically, creating a flawless canvas for my makeup.

The SPF 30 is a welcome add on as most TM’s sport 20 or lower. The lower price tag and larger size are also very welcome as Laura Mercier has a lower SPF, a smaller size, and a higher price tag.


Nothing to rant about here…works a treat!

  • Anyone who uses cream foundations already (if you use cream foundation or BB Cream like I do this will fit right into your regime for lighter coverage).
  • Those with dry skin (if you have dry skin, this is a given, you need it).
  • Those who want their tinted moisturizer to have good pigmentation sans a runny, watery formula plus a decent SPF.

  • Those with oily skin (beware as this might prove a tad too heavy for those with oily skin and might even feel a bit greasy).
  • Those who want super light weight wear from their TM (this will feel pretty heavy compared to other TM’s you might have tried in the past).


Overall, this was an instant winner for me. Could be because I’m a user of� BB creams daily so I’m very familiar with the texture and feel of such products. Josie did a good job with this and I’m very impressed with the overall feel, price, and quality behind the product.

Likey!

It doesn’t quite get a Muse Approval since I’m unsure how it will work in the Summer plus the creamier nature of the formula doesn’t quite fit it in with other TM’s I’ve tried as hey, we do reach for TM’s for more lightweight coverage and this runs a bit heavier…but I will say it’s pretty brilliant and deserves some investigation if you’re at Sephora. Have a little swatch and a play, I think you’ll be impressed.

Available now at www.sephora.com and www.qvc.com

Anyone try it?

Thoughts?

Do share!

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • Laci

    I know it’s pricey, but I won’t use anything but Laura Mercier. I actually hauled the LM set Sephora had around the holidays (they may still have it) that had a full-sized tube, a travel-sized tube and a travel-sized primer for $55. It only comes in Nude, but thankfully that’s what I use. 😉

    I think I’m set for awhile. LOL

    • the Muse

      can’t blame you laci I love LM too ;-D oh yes I didn’t get that damn ;-D that’ll last agessssss! plus she always does flawless sets around spring if you did/do run out ;D

  • Lisa

    Thank you so much for reviewing this product, Muse! Sometimes, I want a little more coverage than what Laura Mercier’s TM can provide. I’m definitely going to give it a try. =)

  • savannah

    I use this and it is amazing for my dry skin. Everyone asks me how i get my “glow”.

  • KristyQ

    I’ve wanted to try this forever! Right now I’m using Dior’s Hydra Life Pro-Youth Skin Tint and I find it a bit thicker and more pigmented than LM’s TM. It’s $39 for 1.7 oz. so almost exactly the same price, but the SPF is 20. I have combo skin, so I have to be careful about how much I use…LM’s doesn’t make my skin feel oily but the Dior does if I use too much, and I def need setting powder 🙂 Sounds like Josie’s is pretty much the same!

    • the Muse

      kristy the dior one actually has a similar texture as this ;-D maybe even a bit thicker but oh so lovely on my skin! 😀

  • Katy

    Hey Muse, thanks for the great review! Just curious..have you tried Philosophy’s new Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer? I’m interested to see how the two compare. Not much JM stuff at my local Sephoras so I don’t have her TM to try out 🙁 Just curious if you have a review coming up anytime soon 😉

    • the Muse

      not yet kathy. no review planned as of yet since I don’t love Hope in a Jar and was worried the TM would have the same nasty smell..but MAYBE ;-D

  • CJ

    Hey Muse,

    Were you able to try this last summer? Or recently since it’s spring? I’d love to hear an update on how it holds up in the hotter months since I also have dry skin in the winter and then my skin changes to combo during the summer.