Cargo Cosmetics is Finally Available in the Philippines!

While my age is no secret, I still chuckle every so often upon realizing how much I've grown up with my blog. From its humble beginnings on Multiply to Blogger to Wordpress to SwipeSomeGloss and back, I'm amazed how its brought me to various places and phases. The best thing about it? I made great friends for life along the way. :)

Has it really been 5 years since we're all at the same place, at the same time?

Sometime in 2008, Sophie (aka. The Beautynomist) and I would ask our friends to score us Cargo BluRay Foundation abroad. We were so all over it because it was the best pressed powder foundation back in the day. It doesn't hurt that we're younger but our skin was super smooth and clear on photos whenever we wear it. Think of it as the mother of all real life filters!

Cargo Cosmetics never had a physical store locally and because of its sheer inconvenience to source, it was sadly replaced by other go-to brands in our boudoirs. Imagine my reaction 8 years later when I saw this counter last Thursday at Beauty Bar (Bonifacio) Central Square:

I was over the moon to see some favourite Swimmable Blushes still available in the exact, same packaging from the mid-90s (I couldn't live without Bali then)! The Cargo Swimmables Collection is comprised of the following superstars:

• Cargo Swimmables Lip Liner (Php 895)
• Jaipur
• Caharia
• Moscow
• Oahu
• Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencil (Php 850)
• Black Sea - Black
• Pebble Beach - Brown
• Secret Beach - Nude
• Cargo Swimmables Blush (Php 1250)
• Bali - Medium Rose Pink
• Ibiza - Shimmering Hot Pink
• Los Cabos - Soft Tangerine
• Cargo Swimmables Bronzer (Php 1350)

For those who want the perfect marriage between blush and bronzer, you have to try their Beach Blush (Php 1450). There are 4 shades available and here's just 2 of the lovely lot:

They also have well coordinated palettes to make packing for us travelers a breeze.

Cargo Eye Shadow Palettes in Land Down Under (cool, Php 2350)  and The Essentials (neutrals, Php 2750)

Cargo Eye Contour Eye Shadow Palettes (Php 2150) 

Cargo Contour Kits in Malibu and Monaco (Php 1850)

The Cargo_BluRay line's been long discontinued, it's been replaced by the Cargo_HD Picture Perfect range. My favourite? Definitely the Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Pressed Powder (4 shades, Php 1750 each).

I naturally had to try my shade (I use #30) to see if it compares to its predecessor. Cargo Cosmetics enthusiasts swear by the Magic Brush (Php 1850) and I had to do a quick test on it too.

The ultimate all-in-one brush for all of your face products and a go-to for creating a flawless, air brushed complexion that never looks chalky or heavy. The Magic Brush’s scientifically engineered synthetic brush fibers act like a magnet to deposit powder evenly on the face. Equally effective when used with liquid and powder products, the custom domed brush allows for precise application without streaking; ideal for contouring and highlighting the face.

The result: totally getting this tag team on payday.

This rave worthy powder's is well complemented by the following HD camera ready make-up:

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Eye Shadow Primer (Php 995)

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Lip Primer (Php 995)

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Mattifier (Php 1450)

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Liquid Foundation (Php 1850)

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20 (Php 1750)

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Concealer (Php 1350)

• Cargo_HD Picture Perfect Liquid Foundation (Php 1850)

Cargo Cosmetics also brought in One Base (a 2-in-1 lightweight conditioning foundation and professional strength concealer in 7 shades, Php 1550), Essential Lip Colors in Bordeaux, Napa, and Kyoto (Php 1050 each), Boundless Lashes (Php 1350), and their award winning, extra travel friendly Liquid Foundations (11 shades, Php 1850).

Cargo Cosmetics is available in select Beauty Bar stores: Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Trinoma, Glorietta, Alabang Town Center, Central Square, Shangri-la Plaza, Ayala Center Cebu and beautybar.com.ph.