Have you ever wanted to wear makeup that didn’t look like makeup?  Or have you ever been frustrated by the fact your beauty products seem to contain more chemicals than a nuclear reactor?  If so, then we have the beauty solutions for you.  Josie Maran has modeled for Glamour and Sports Illustrated and appeared in films like The Aviator and Van Helsing.  Now, she’s eco-entrepreneur whose eponymous cosmetic line is one of the greenest on the market. 

But first, how does an actress turn into a green makeup icon?  Maran was raised in a bohemian-like household in Northern California where her mother “never wore a stitch of makeup and was…still is a true beauty.”  Maran herself began modeling at age 12.  “As I began to land jobs, I discovered what a lot of girls already know: the power of makeup.  I saw that a little could go a long way.”  As a green girl, she wanted to keep her makeup natural.  After spending hundreds of hours in the makeup chair, she realized she was uniquely qualified to design her own line of chic, luxurious and healthy cosmetics.  And so, Josie Maran Cosmetics was born.

And what a calling!  Josie Maran Cosmetics are made “with superior ingredients and come in biodegradable packaging.”  Her complete, 70-piece line is free of parabens, toxins and petrochemicals.  The look of the company is about enhancing, not covering, and it emphasizes healthy, natural and vibrant shades.  As Maran points out, models and actresses look fresh faced and makeup free for one reason.  They know how to apply makeup to make it look that way.

Recently, Maran shared some of her best beauty tips exclusively with Greenopia.

Greenopia: After a long winter, we’re finally heading into summer.  Do you have any great natural beauty ideas or tips for the “outside” season?

Josie Maran:  Sun protection is a must; we have to keep our skin looking beautiful always!  I suggest wearing a light tinted moisturizer with an SPF for light coverage and protection.  My tinted moisturizer has a built in SPF 30, so it’s perfect for the summer months when we’re outdoors more often. 

Greenopia:  What is your favorite product, particularly for the sun season?

Josie Maran:  Since Argan Oil is our top seller; we wanted to give our clients a way to use the wonder treatment as a beauty product as well as a skincare staple. I developed Bronzing Argan Oil to give women a nourishing formula that delivers a dewy glow without chemicals or UV exposure.  Use it everyday for an instant-tan, that’s completely safe, beautiful, and beneficial.

Greenopia:  I’m a green girl who loves makeup, but hates to look like I’m wearing it.  What are your best tips for a natural look? 

Josie Maran:  You can achieve a natural look with using tinted day-cream instead of heavy foundation.  Then, go in with a concealer to cover blemishes. For small areas use a pointy brush. This way you can place the concealer where it is really needed. I’ve just introduced two new shades of tinted moisturizer and concealer in my collection, so that everyone can find their most natural match.  

Greenopia:  You are considered an icon for eco-fashion.  Who is your favorite eco-fashion designer? 

Josie Maran:  Evidence of Evolution makes the coolest dresses and shirts for women, plus shirts and hoodies for men; I love their clothing! Locally designed and sewn in Los Angeles, they even have an organic line which is very eco-chic.  

Greenopia:  What do you see as the biggest trends in natural beauty for 2009?

Josie Maran:  Natural beauty doesn’t always have to be about muted color palettes and simple looks.  You can create drama with all-natural makeup, too!  A big trend for 2009 is the smoky eye, which you can create easily with Josie Maran Mascara and Black Eye Liner.   

Greenopia:  And finally, what is the one green makeup item you can’t live without?

Josie Maran:  I can’t live without Argan Oil.  For morning and night, it is my favorite moisturizer for skin, hair and nails. So, it was a must that I include this 100% organic wonder-ingredient in the Josie Maran Cosmetics line. Our Argan Oil, housed in a recyclable glass bottle, is purchased from women’s cooperatives in Morocco, thereby supporting their social and economic welfare. These cooperatives also work within a UNESCO biosphere reserve which ensures the protection and reforestation of Argan trees.  

Want to get in on the hottest green makeup trends?  Be sure to check out the rest of Josie Maran’s line at josiemarancosmetics.com.   They are also available at Sephora, Barneys New York and Barneys San Francisco.

>> Check out "Beauty Goes Green" for more on safer cosmetics options!