Face Time | Josie Maran

Tina Turnbow is a professional makeup artist who is known for lending her celebrity clients editorial polish.

Josie Maran has created an eponymous line of all-natural cosmetics that are infused with the super oil argan. After working 17 years as a model as well as doing some acting, she knows a thing or two about makeup. She wanted to create products that would satisfy the needs of the most discriminating makeup artists … and she succeeded. She’ll be at Sephora’s 597 5th Avenue location on April 21, where she’ll celebrate Earth Day from 6 to 8 p.m. I caught up with her for a minute, between bicoastal QVC excursions, for a little face time au naturel.

How, when and where did you discover argan oil?

I was turned on to it by a makeup artist on a modeling job in the South of France. I use first cold-pressed argan oil; it’s the purest. In Morocco, they cook with the edible version. It makes you beautiful from the inside out.

Any natural ingredient challenges lately?

Well, the replacement for parabens has been phenoxyethanol. That is now looking like it has unhealthy side effects. We’re trying out the honeysuckle flower as an effective alternative.

What do you think is the key or keys to your success at QVC?

I think the fact that I’m comfortable in front of the camera. I’m relaxed, honest and passionate. I also have a story to tell that draws folks in. And most importantly, the product works and is beneficial to you, another plus.

How about your makeup for the camera and the dreaded HD?

I start with my Primer Mist, foundation and concealer. I’m enjoying a bronzey eye lately; Chianti is a great color. Then Jive lip stain, a juicy orange. I top it all off with my matte bronzer. It adds warmth but not shine. You want to stay away from to much shimmer and shine for HD.

And blend, blend, blend! What is your favorite blending tool?

My fingertips are my favorite makeup brush! I especially like to apply my eye shadow with them, get it nice and smudgy. All my favorite makeup artists used their fingers to apply and their hand as a palette.

Would you consider yourself a businesswoman first and foremost?

My husband is the businessman in the company. I would consider myself an inventor at heart, or reinventor. I picture my daughter, Rumi Joon, as my future partner.

I have the feeling you like a challenge.

The more difficult and challenging, the better. If you tell me I can’t do something, it just makes me want to do it more.

What do you think is the most important green thing you should do?

Taking your clothes to a natural and organic dry cleaner. It is better your body doesn’t absorb chemicals from your clothing on a daily basis.

Which of your products are you loving right now?

My self-tanner. It is 100 percent natural. A safe way to get a suntan.

Do you use products from other lines?

A Shu Uemura lash curler — the best.

When do you feel the prettiest?

When I haven’t looked in a mirror, or at a Blackberry, in a long time. In a remote place, removed, near the ocean … maybe Bali. With a bottle of argan oil on hand, of course.

Any idea why you have done so well in such a competitive arena?

If you love something as much as I love my product, others will do the same.