CARGO Cosmetics Overview

If you follow me on twitter you've most likely read some ecstatic tweets regarding recent items sent to me from CARGO Cosmetics. A brand that doesn't seem to get a lot of attention in the beauty blogging community despite the fantastic quality of their products.

The lovely Jessica (virtual hug if you are reading this) sent me four products...

1. blu-ray high definition pressed powder in shade 10
2. Tinted Moisturizer spf 20 in shade 02 Nude
3. One Base Concealer + Foundation In One in shade 01
4. Beach Blush in the shade Sunset Beach

This powder is heavenly! It immediately caught my eye on the website and lived up to expectations. I wore it with my MUF Foundation and it definitely made it last longer. After 8 hours it stayed put and still managed to look fresh!

The colour suits my skin perfectly (fairest shade you can get) and doesn't leave the classic 'cakey powder' look on my face-score!

In general I love the idea of a tinted moisturizer. CARGO's version has all the perks one can imagine... paraben free, spf 20, formulated without chemicals. Unfortunately 02 is too dark for me. When I tried it on it applied well, looked very natural and gave a nice light coverage. I could still see some of my acne scarring, but hey, that's tinted moisturizer.

 So I gave it to my Mom to try and she really likes it! She isn't much of a makeup girl but found this to be really hydrating for her dry skin. 

Out of the four products they sent, this was the dark horse for me. A dofut applicator for concealer? Say it ain't so.

The past week I've had a general lack of sleep and this concealer (in conjunction with a nearby coffee place) has been my saviour! It covers dark circles, blends well and is build-able. After all, I don't look like a zombie every morning. I also used this to cover some redness/discolouration around my nose and liked the effect.

The brown and deep pink tones warm up my face while the shimmer gives my cheekbones a bit of definition. I'm not one to stray from Nars blushes but the past few days I've been using this nonstop. I think this colour would look good on people with olive or darker skin tones as well. It is pretty in the package and on my cheeks!

^ mediocre swatch alert. I will make an effort to improve my camera skillz.

Expect products from this post to pop up in my September Favourites! If you're interested in their products take a gander at their website.

In other news I finished a Lush Fresh face mask (Cosmetic Warrior). Let me know if you're interested in a review/ramble! 

Review: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation

Can't believe it's taken me so long to review this, but better late than never! I bought this foundation during my first ever trip to Sephora in March 2010. I remember using it for the first time and wondering how I would make it last, I worried I would love it so much it would be finished in 4 months!

Well, this tube is only about half full (or half empty depending on your point of view) and this is partially due to the fact that I love trying out new things and though this is a fantastic product there are other liquid foundations that have caught my eye such as MUF HD, Vichy Dermablend and recently Dior BB Cream. But I still come back to this product for a couple reasons...

1. This is beyond superficial...but it smells beautiful!
2. Can apply using sponges, brushes or fingers, very easy-to-use.
3. A little goes a long way. A pinky nail amount can cover my whole face.
4. The "luminous coverage" claim is true. This foundation never looks heavy.

I wouldn't necessarily say this is a long lasting foundation, as the day wears on, it wears off. I find if I have dry skin it will become patchy around those areas. I've never tried using it with a setting spray or a primer but I'm sure those would make a difference. I have fair skin and was on vacation at the time. I bought the shade Rose Ivory. During the summer it is perfect! But the rest of the year I think it is a tad off, however it isn't noticeable. The cost is $42, pricey but in my opinion worth it! A good foundation is key to any makeup routine so I'm willing to drop the cash. On other more 'trivial' products such as bold eyeshadow or even mascara, it's easy (and better) to save your money.

Have you tried Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation?

What are your thoughts?

Hope you are having a good week! 

Review: Vichy Dermablend Corrective Foundation

First of all I want to say thanks to everyone reading, there is now 26, and though it may not seem like a lot of people...it is really cool to me and I am quite proud! :D


Now, here's the dealio on this foundation. Though it doesn't feel heavy the coverage is full and if applied half-hazardly it looks awful. This isn't like a tinted moisturizer you can just rub on and it looks finished. Whenever I use this product it requires some blending, patting and light fingers.


At the Shoppers location where I bought it, there were only two shades. Naturally, I chose the palest thing I could. In this case it is called 15 Opal. I find the colour is a tad yellow for me but it works nonetheless. It has good lasting power and wasn't too expensive. 


The package claims that this is 'corrective foundation' I didn't use it religiously enough to give a fair account of the corrective properties. But after using it off and on there were no results. My biggest issue with this product is that it gets messy. As in, it is difficult to control the amount of product and it seems to squirt and just bleed product for a couple minutes after opening. However, that could potentially just be the bottle I got.

Overall, it's not one of my favorite foundations. But I would certainly recommend it to people who like full coverage and have enough experience (or bravery!) to play around with this foundation :)

On another note... has anyone been watching the real housewives of vancouver?

I am really enjoying it so far, who are you liking?

xx Veronica

Review/Ramble: Clinique Powder

Although I would classify myself as a 'liquid foundation kind of girl' I dabble in powder every once in a while.


I bought this clinique face powder duty free in Newark Airport. Total steal-I paid less than $15 american! When I want a more matte finish to my skin I apply this using the Sonia Kaschuk powder brush. It has a flat top and is good for both packing product on and blending. 


It feels smooth and silky on my skin and the packaging is very compact so I can carry it in my purse and reapply during the day. Another powder I am curious about is by NARS. I've only ever used NARS blush and lipgloss but have enjoyed both. What do you think, do you have any recommendations?

Hope you're all having a great week, happy hump day! :P