Regular readers here at Focus Organic know that I recently became interested in trying all sorts of new cosmetics. When I was a teenager, I tried a lot of different products, but I also didn't know that most cosmetics contain harmful ingredients. Today, I'm learning that it can be somewhat difficult to find products that don't contain these ingredients... but it is getting easier.
One newer line of cosmetics that I was happy to try is PlantLove. From CARGO Cosmetics, PlantLove revolutionized eco-friendly beauty with their lipsticks, the first-ever environmentally friendly lipstick in a compostable tube made entirely from corn. Now the brand carries a full line of cosmetics, from foundation to lip balm and eyeliner.
About PlantLove
The entire PlantLove Collection is natural in origin, free of parabens, phthalates, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances. The cute compostable packaging is made of Polylactic Acid (PLA), a polymer made entirely from corn, whos production emits less greenhouse gas than traditional plastics. Boxes are made from 100% post-consumer waste paperboard, and the mill supplying this paperboard manufactures under carbon-neutral conditions, using 100% renewable energy. The cosmetics are only manufactured in countries with solid environmental and labor records, which means that PlantLove is entirely in harmony with the Earth, and has received ECOCERT™ certification. ECOCERT™ is a global designation ensuring that all product, process and packaging meet the strictest standards for natural, organic and environmentally friendly content, which guarantees that products dramatically reduce their environmental footprint.
I received loose powder foundation, botanical lipstick in Majella, lipgloss in Magnolia, and eye liner in Midnight Blue. The only product I don't use after testing is the foundation, and that is not because I didn't love it (I did!), but we'll get to that in a minute. Other products in the line include pressed powder, baked illuminator, bronzer, blush, lipliner, eye shadow, and the Green Goddess Collection, which includes four eye shadows and two blushes.
My Thoughts
Let me first say that I have extremely sensitive skin. No, not just with cosmetics, but with everything. 90% of the time I touch cardboard, I break out in a rash. The same goes for canvas shopping bags! I also get a rash at random times from who knows what, so cosmetics (and all other personal care products) have to be gentle, or I can't wear them.
Loose powder foundation: If any of these products would give me a rash, it would be this one. It didn't. I had a bit of trouble getting the container open - not sure if I was being fumble fingers. The foundation went on smoothly. It evened out my skin and looked completely natural, except for one thing (the reason I haven't used it again!) - the color I was sent is too dark for me (I think I need 01, the lightest available). In the interest of reviewing the product more thoroughly, I decided to wear it all day despite the color difference.
At the end of the day, the foundation covered as well as if I had just put it on, and still looked completely natural. The best part - no rashes! My skin felt soft and healthy, and looked good. I'm giving the foundation to my mom, since it is more her color, and hope to get myself some in the right shade! This is one I definitely approve of.
Botanical lipstick: This product comes in 20 shades, 11 of which are designed by celebrities. I received Majella, which is described as "sheer rose plum." I have very pigmented lips already, so I don't normally wear lipstick, especially because they are also sensitive, and tend to dry out easily. Most lipsticks I've tried in the past emphasize this, but PlantLove's didn't. It glides on easily and gives the "my lips but better" look. When it wore off, I didn't feel like I had been wearing anything - my lips weren't dry or left with that goopy lipstick feeling. The only lipstick I've ever had that I'm likely to actually use! Did I mention that it comes in a box embedded with wildflower seeds to plant? Two dollars from every sale lipstick benefits the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®.
Lipgloss: This product is available in 8 shades, all of which are floral inspired. I received Magnolia, described as "icy pink." This one I carry with me at all times. Doesn't go on clumpy like you might expect from a lip gloss wand. Like the lipstick, it glides on easily, and it gives my lips a nice but not overdone shimmer. When I tried this over the lipstick, it added a little pop of color and shimmer and looked very pretty. The lip glosses are infused with Karanja Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Apricot Wax to moisturize and improve lip texture. I'm hoping to try this product in Poppy, and Sunflower looks very interesting!
Eye liner: I have an on again, off again love affair with eye liners. When I received PlantLove's eye liner in midnight blue, I was a little worried it would look bad with my pale, yellow undertoned skin and dark brown eyes, since blue tends to bring out the yellow. I feel like an advertisement with how much I'm loving these products, but they really are great, and the eyeliner is no exception. Despite my worries of the color, it actually made my eyes stand out more, and, unless I was seeing things, they almost seemed to sparkle. The eye liner is super easy to use and goes on smoothly. It is very smudgable for a great smokey eye look, which I am happy about. I tend to like how my eyes look at the end of the day when wearing eye liner because of how it gets a bit smudgy. This one I would love to try in Bronze and Khaki.
At the end of the day, none of these products bother my skin, and I continue to wear the lipstick, lip gloss, and eyeliner. Of the other products, I look forward to trying the blush and lip balm, especially. PlantLove is created by CARGO and the full line can be purchased through Sephora. Prices range from $16 for the lip liner and eye liner to $36 for the Green Goddess Collection.
May 14th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I have always wanted to try their products. Luck girl! I love that they are natural as I have sensitive skin and usually have a hard time finding something that works.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I will have to let my finance know about these products. She has really sensitive skin as well and a brand like this seems like it would be a great fit for her.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I also have sensitive skin and I have to be selective with the cosmetics I use. These products look brilliant and aren't too expensive either, which is great! I had never heard of the brand.. but I have now
May 14th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
I am definitely going to try this out. I have very sensitive skin.
May 14th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
This just goes to show that even with cosmetics, it is possible for companies to produce a high quality, natural product that actually ADDS to the planet rather than taking away. When is everyone else going to follow suit?
Btw, do you know if is it possible to get this line in Australia?
May 18th, 2009 at 1:28 am
Lipstick in a compostable tube made from corn? It sounds like a very great concept here, Stefanie. I bet my girlfriend would love this stuff as you did!
May 19th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I am first time reading about this Cargo cosmetics. Thanks for the review. It is without debt a great recommendation to give them a chance.