The Hunt For The Perfect Lipstick -- Cargo Plant Love Sheer Lipstick ("Mariska")

Though I'm a red lipstick person, I enjoy looking at other lipsticks.  This one's from CARGO's Plant Love line, an eco-friendly line.



Candidate: CARGO Plant Love Sheer Lipstick (Mariska)

Purchased: Sephora (Columbia, MD)

Cost: $20.00

Brand Info: CARGO Cosmetics of Canada
Cosmetics artist Hana Zalzal had a mission in life that she finally acted upon in 1996: To create a professional color cosmetic line that top makeup artists would covet, yet would be easy enough for all women to enjoy. She recognized that makeup is an intimate part of a woman's identity; it's her "cargo," a form of self-expression that also enhances a woman's well-being,  With the 1996 launch of CARGO, she succeeded.

CARGO is constantly making innovative changes in the packaging, especially in its "Plant Love" line of lipsticks--makeup tubes created from a type of corn and boxes made of paper impregnated with wildflower seeds (just plant the box under soil and water well).

The Tube: White, odd-feeling plastic (probably due to the high content of corn syrup in the plastic manufacturing).  Decorated in red and orange 60-ish wacky hippy flowers.  The word "Plant Love" is in a heart on the tube with the word "CARGO" in red beneath it on the top 2/3 of the tube; a white sticker with pink rimmed printing "CARGO Cosmetics of Canada" surrounding black print that contains the color information "Mariska".

The Product: Brownish red.  This lipstick was "inspired" by Mariska Hargitay (Law and Order: SVU), so it's a dark brownish color to go with Mariska's olive complexion.  Bullet-shaped product with teardrop delivery point.

The Application: Goes on quite smooth.  It's sheer, so it takes several coats to get a real color on the lips.  Sculpting is perfect.  The finish is matte.

The Taste: Somewhat crayon-like.

The Blot: The first blot is chocolate.  That's the best description of the color.  The second blot is lighter. 

The Wear: Shockingly, it wears like iron for a sheer.  It's a matte finish, even for a sheer; if you want shine, put on lip gloss.

The Verdict: It's brown, it costs $20, and it's really not my color.  But if you like your lipsticks eco-friendly, check out CARGO cosmetics.