Cargo Cosmetics Blush In Tonga Is My New Favourite!

I've heard of Cargo Cosmetics for a while now but have never tried any of their products. As I did my usual online research before purchasing any products, I decided to try out one of their blushes (it had the best reviews).

After looking at multiple swatches online and having a sales associate apply two different shades on me (might I add the SA was pretty rubbish at applying blush), I decided upon Tonga.

The gorgeous Tonga is described as a "pink terracota" and the slight brown tones makes it easier to pair up with different products. Which is something I definitely needed because all my blushes are pretty colour specific. Tonga allows me to not have to think so much about what will go with what and that's what I love the most about it.

It comes in a round, lightweight tin; which I like aesthetically, but I'm not too thrilled with the lid. It comes off pretty easily (If I held it by the lid, the pan drops out) and I can just imagine all that lovely blush powder lining the inside of my makeup bag.

You don't need to do much to pick up a lot of product with this blush. In fact, the photo you see above is what happens when you gently tap the brush onto the powder once. What you see on the brush is enough to add a good amount of colour to the cheeks, the pigmentation is just that wonderful.

It has a wonderful texture; soft and creamy (the way it feels on my fingers reminds me a bit of the Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation), plus it blends very well. Although, I do find that it blends better when using brushes with shorter, denser bristles (i.e. the Sigma F40 brush or the EcoTools bamboo blush brush).

As for wearability, I confess I haven't worn it for an extended period of time, but I have easily gotten 6-8 hours out of this blush.

(Tonga applied over Chanel Vitalumiere in 10 Limpide)

Now that I've tried out one of their blushes, I'm eager to get more acquainted with the Cargo brand. So far I have my eye on a few other blushes (Catalina, Rome, & Laguna), their colour palette eyeshadows, as well as their blu-ray line. Oh, and I had the opportunity to try out their Plant Love lipsticks in store and they are lovely.

If you haven't tried out Cargo Cosmetics before, I definitely recommend trying out their blushes. They retail for $26 CAD and if you're in the lower mainland, you can find them in Eccotique Spa locations. They really are so easy to work with, have such a beautiful texture and are very pigmented; definitely well worth the money spent.

Have you tried Cargo Cosmetics before?

Runway Beauty - Photos That Rocked My World This Weekend

(all photos are from Spring 2011 RTW/CTR show found on style.com) 

Hope you lovelies had an awesome Easter :)

Collection Spotlight: Isabel Marant - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

I think it's safe to say I haven't yet seen a collection as casual and as easy as this. I love all the sweaters (especially the striped ones), the florals (I've been bit on florals as of late) and can we talk about how amazing those footwear are? 

One of my favourite looks is the 1st photo in set 5, featuring one of my favourite models of the moment, Freja Beha Erichsen. I love the tiered, ruffle skirt and the mesh tank underneath (not sure if it's part of the dress or not)... Also the pattern of the dress combined with the slouchy boots keep the look from becoming too sterile.

Any picks from this collection?

All About Eyes: Runway Edition- Oscar de la Renta

(photo from Makeup For Life)

This is my take on a gorgeous, green look that was seen in Oscar de la Renta's Spring/Summer 2011 Runway show, which I pretty much fell in love with. Check it out:

Products Used:

Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Palette - Original (teal)

Sephora Color Play 5-in-1 Palette - light blue-green & white-green

MAC Fluidline - Blacktrack

Clinique High Impact Mascara - Black

With an eye shading brush (I used Sigma's E55), I packed on the light blue-green shade on the lid, ending about halfway across the lid and just at the brow bone. With the same brush, I applied a teal shade along the outer half of the eyelid, creating a subtler flick than the one found on the model. Then with a pencil brush, I used the light blue-green shade again and applied to the the inner third of the lower lash line. With the same brush, I applied the teal shade along the rest of the lower lash line, blending it into the shadow at the outer corner. Next, I applied the white-green shade along the edge of the socket and the brow bone to soften the edges a bit. I used a large, fluffy eyeshadow brush for this.

I wanted the eyebrows to be quite natural, so I simply brushed through the hairs with an EcoTools brow groomer. Then with an EcoTools angled eyeliner brush, I applied Blacktrack Fluidline to the upper lash line, upper water line and lower water line. I created thicker line than one you would find on any of the models because I find my smaller eyes need a bit more definition. Lastly, I curled my lashes and applied 2-3 coats of Cliniqe's High Impact mascara.

Hope you like it :)

Collection Spotlight: Giambattista Valli - Spring 2011

(photos from style.com)

Giambattista Valli's resort collection made me think of a Safari and Spring 2011's gorgeous Roman-esque dresses remind me of... Well, what else? As if I haven't been bitten hard by the travel bug, already :p.

Call It Beauty's favourites are: Dress 1, Set 1 - love the shot of tangerine with the sheer draping along the shoulders. Dress 2, Set 2 - what a lovely LWD. Love the sheer sleeves and the subtle pattern on the skirt.   Everything in Set 5 - Love the prints, the textures, the mix of yellows... But my absolute favourite? The mustard yellow/nude gown; what a stunner!

Any favourites from this collection?

Collection Spotlight: Balmain - Spring 2011

(photo from style.com)

Rock & roll, baby!

I adore the studded leather biker jackets, the super skinny capri pants (red & silver lamé, anyone?)... Love the collection and it's so refreshing to see something so dark & grungy in the Spring.

I never thought I'd use the words "refreshing" and "grungy" in the same sentence :p.

Any favourites from the Balmain collection?

NOTD: L'oréal - "Mango Water"

* Apologies for the messy lines. I couldn't be bothered to use tape :p *

Ever since my birthday when I branched out from single shade NOTDs (click here to see the photo), I've been eager to use more colourful shades together. When I picked up Mango-Get-Em ($6.99 CAD at Shoppers Drug Mart), a gorgeous coral-y shade, I knew I wanted to pair it up with something that would sort of clash.

Like Waters Edge, Mango-Get-Em is a creamy shade; although it is more streaky than WE and takes one more coat before it becomes opaque. I really love it and I have a feeling I'll be using it a lot this Spring/Summer.

What shades are you sporting on your nails?