Category Archives: CARGO

My Summer Makeup Regimen: A Five-Minute Face

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Ahhh! Warm weather has finally arrived and it feels so good. With the change of seasons, I always switch up my makeup regimen because, well… because it’s fun.

Oh, and I’ll tackle skincare for another post… as that could also take a while. :)

First and foremost, I’ve become a highlighting nut, you guys! I ran out and bought Laura Mercier Primer in Radiance ($40) after seeing it on gorgeous Jessica of Getting Cheeky. I start with this peachy primer all over my face to wake up my complexion, which has been looking oh-so-tired on its own lately. This primer does not feel heavy or silicone-y at all, which is why I don’t mind adding this extra step in my routine. I find that this gives the skin a soft focus effect that it covers any little breakouts I might be having.

To conceal under my eyes, I am still using the best combo in the world I wrote about here. I now do MAC Pro Longwear NC35 Concealer first, then MAC Bright Forecast Prep + Prime Highlighter on top. I make sure to highlight the outer V as well. It does wonders for brightening the eyes; this tip was from Jessica (another Jessica!) of BEAUTEZINE.

To keep the coverage light and luminous, I set my skin with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark ($34). I use a cream blush, shu uemura Creamy Dome Blusher in Fairy Pink *, and blend that in with my fingers. Then I faux tan with my beloved Guerlain Terracotta Light in 03 Brunettes * (review).

I’m back to using a lighter powder eyeshadow like MAC Eyeshadow in Coquette ($18) on my eyebrows. I like the soft definition that it gives my brows these days. On the lid and the inner corners of my eyes, I do a sheer pearly champagne from the CARGO Color Palette in Vienna ($28). No primer as it’s so sheer and pretty even when it creases. I then line the upper waterline with a black pencil, YSL Dessin Du Regard Waterproof in No 1 Black Ink * ($30), smudged for a is-she-or-is-she-not-wearing-eyeliner? effect. I only line the upper waterline because as the day goes on, it transfers naturally to the lower waterline and creates the illusion of thicker lashes. Lots of mascara of course, and these days I like Maybelline Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara in Blackest Black * ($8.99). It provides clean definition to the lashes, no crunchiness, and I love how really black it is.


Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Melon

Lipstick depends on my mood. Most days I wear coral like NARS Lipstick in Niagara (review) or today, Joe Fresh Matte Lipstick in Melon ($6). Hello, neon.


Laura Mercier Radiance Primer, Joe Fresh Melon Lipstick, shu uemura Fairy Pink Creamy Dome Blusher


Champagne eyeshadow from CARGO Vienna quad, YSL Black Ink Dessin Du Regard, Maybelline Volum’ Express Mega Plush Mascara

What are your summer makeup staples? Have you mastered the science (art?) of the five-minute face? Let me know in the comments. :)

In other news… I miss you!!! I’ve been struggling to find blogging time lately, but I think I finally got my blogging mojo and time back. I have so many products to talk about, so stay tuned!

Glitter Geek Holiday Gift Guide: Makeup Edition.

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Ahhh where did the time go?  Apparently there are only 15 days before Christmas and I just started my Christmas shopping.  For round two of Glitter Geek Holiday Gift Guide, our favourite thing: Makeup!

MAC ‘Tis Noble To Give Viva Glam Lip Bag ($43.50)

If you or someone in your life is a lipstick junkie, then you can’t go wrong with this set.  It includes my favourite, Viva Glam V lipstick, and the coordinating Viva Glam V lipgloss.  Also, if you happen to love this set and want to give it as a present to yourself, do it!  All proceeds go to the MAC AIDS Fund.

Sephora Beauty In A Box: NARS Junkie ($80)

Yes, I still love this set.  Why should you get it?  I outlined it here before, complete with math calculations for you geeks out there.

Cargo Lumieres du Monde Palette ($29)

I had never seen this palette until I dropped by the CARGO counter for a makeover (with Makeup Junkie Joy no less!) today.  What an incredible value!  The palette itself has a mix of shimmery and matte eyeshadows, all of which have a good amount of pigment.  The blush/bronzer in the middle is also very flattering on the skin.  I don’t think your $29 could do as well anywhere else.

Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick Set (US $28)

These cute bite-sized bullets of lipstick have stolen my heart!  So. much. want!  From a recent Sephora adventure, I managed to swatch these and glad to say that they are very creamy and pigmented! :)  I’m not sure what the Canadian price is anymore ($35?) because it is now sold out online on Sephora.com.  So, hurry up if you want to get it!

Chanel Tentation Cuivrée Eyeshadow Quad (probably a lot of $$$)

This one — just for me.  You know, in case you have some extra money lying around. :D

EOTD: Graphic Teal and Blue.

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Sometimes I do pretty makeup, but there are days when I just want to put on over the top, I-really-hope-no-one-rings-the-doorbell-right-now makeup.  Today is one of those days, LOL! ;)

Swatches (from left): joe fresh Peacock, Annabelle B-Ray, blue from CARGO Venice quad, MAC Arena, MAC Soft Brown

Get the Look

  1. Start with an eye primer (Urban Decay Primer Potion) all over the lids up to the brows to make colours appear as vibrant as possible.
  2. With a flat synthetic brush, pick up an icy blue (blue eyeshadow from CARGO Venice) and apply to the inner third of the lid and inner third of lower lash line.
  3. Flip the brush over, then take a matte teal (joe fresh Peacock) to the outer two-thirds of the lid and middle of the lower lash line.  Blend the two colours where they meet.
  4. Then, using a pointed crease brush (MAC 226), trace out the wing with a deep matte navy (Annabelle B-Ray).  Fill in the wing on the outer third of the lid.  Line the outer third of the lower lash line.
  5. Take a fine tipped liner brush and emphasize the shape of the wing with the same navy eyeshadow.  See pictures for details, it’s kinda hard to explain.
  6. I didn’t like the blue inner corner highlight on its own, so I applied a shimmery peach (MAC Arena) on top.  Highlight the brow bone as well.
  7. Blend lightly above the navy with a mid-tone warm brown eyeshadow (MAC Soft Brown).
  8. Line the upper lash line and waterline with black eyeliner (MAC Blacktrack Fluidline).
  9. Apply mascara, and false lashes (Ardell 120 Demi) if you like.

Click here to see more pictures!