Tag: Cargo

Holiday Shopping Makeup – An Afternoon Out

holiday shopping makeup on Belle Belle Beauty

I got a touch overwhelmed with work yesterday. You know that point when you approach complete lack of productivity? Yeah, I hit that. So, I put on some winter makeup and headed out for some holiday shopping. I took the opportunity to use some odds and ends in the makeup drawer and want to highlight some favorites:

  • Laura Mercier ‘Art Deco Muse Collection’ Lip Lacquer in Laque Rouge: I got so many compliments on this shade. It was balanced – not too warm and not too cool. The finish was ultra-shiny, it was easy to apply and I got a couple hours of wear out of it.
  • stila ‘all over shimmer’ liquid luminizer  (sample from birchbox): Highlighter can approach too disco on me, but this version is blendable and fairly sheer. I love it on my cheekbones.
  • Tarte EmphasEYES Waterproof Clay Shadow in Black: This liner applies like a gel and is super long-wear. The best part is the ultra-fine brush it comes with for a perfectly precise line.
  • CARGO Blu_ray Pressed Powder: This oil-free powder uses photochromatic pigments to automatically color correct make-up. It is micro-fine so lines are filled and imperfections are camoflauged. This is a great addition to tinted moisturizer or BB Cream when you just need a touch more.
  • NARS Illuminator Orgasm: I’m just not a fan of Orgasm blush on me, but this Illuminator is a different story. The sheer nature keeps it from being too orange. I love the subtle color on my cheeks when I am more fair during the winter months.

While I was out, I stopped at the local Le Métier de Beauté counter to check out their newest eye kit – it is a beauty! 

Shades include (from top to bottom):

  • Axiom: sublime bronzed umber
  • Graphic: silver liquid metal
  • Crucible: rich pomegranate
  • Genre: deep gun metal  

Loads of new and fabulous things are happening at Belle Belle for the holiday season and new year. The aforementioned overwhelming feeling was completely born from fabulous projects and partnerships – all on a happy note. Speaking of happy… I am thrilled to report I reached 10,000 Pinterest followers yesterday! Thank you followers – and for those of you who aren’t… link here. Cheers!

Belle Belle Beauty on Pinterest

CARGO Cosmetics Blushes, Highlighters and Concealer

While I was attending NYFW, I was invited to stop by Birchbox Sample Stop for a beauty pit stop. The pop-up was right across the street from Milk Studios and a true makeover oasis. Not only did I stock up on some samples to help me make it through the rest of the week…. but I was treated with a mani and a makeup makeover from Cargo Cosmetics.

While I have heard of the brand, I hadn’t experienced many of their products. I was about to be plesantly blown away. My makeup looked natural and lasted the rest of the afternoon and evening. The fomrulas were lightweight but pigmented with beautiful, neutral colors. While I wanted to basically take home everything, a couple products jumped out: blushes and highlighters.

The Contour Palette in Malibu  is a dummy proof all in one. But you can also expect beautiful finishes and shades. The artist taught me to use one side of a blush brush for contour (below your cheekbones, on your hairline, and below jawbones). Then flip the brush over, pick up some of the cheek shade, and press into apples of the cheeks. Then, use the end of the blush brush to pick up highlighter – apply on brow bones and cheek bones. This palette also comes in Monaco if you want slightly warmer shades.

The Cargo Beach Blush in Tenerife is a canister of four shades packaged together. While beautiful, I don’t think you can use them individually (except as maybe eyeshadow). But when you see the blended color, you won’t want to use anything else. This iconic product is a perfect marriage of bronzer and blush. I apply it as an all over color on my cheeks, forehead, nose and below my jaw bone. It warms up the face with a balanced, energetic finish. Tenerife is matte, but I also like Echo Beach for a shimmer finish. There are six different shades so no matter your complexion or style, you’re sure to find one that works.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Jetlag Concealer. These pen/highlighting concealers are ubiquitous. I know… but this version has some super-powered skin care. The coverage is on the heavier side compared to other pens, with a slightly matte finish. After application, there is a little cooling effect as it nourishes and repairs the skin. Long term use (according to clinical testing) shows a reduction in puffiness and dark circles after 28 days.

White Lupin Extract reduces puffiness and dark circles in the eye area. Citrulline, a unique mineral extracted from watermelon rind, plays an essential role in the function of filaggrin (essential component of your skin/epidermis), a critical part of the skin’s own moisturizing complex. And peptides and flavanoid reinforce thin, fragile and transparent under-eye skin.

Jetlag and the Contour palette are made in Canada. The Beach Blush is made in Italy. Shop my Cargo Cosmetics favorites using the widget below: