Cargo PlantLove Botanical Lipstick

The newest approach to beauty takes on a decidedly greener stance, and that's especially evident in the Cargo PlantLove Botanical Lipstick. Centered on natural, wholesome ingredients, the lipstick brings a new formula to the market and raises environmental awareness at the same time.

Treat your lips right with natural ingredients.

Green and glamorous are hardly synonymous with one another, but in this case the two stand united. The Cargo PlantLove lineup originated with the lipstick, which was introduced to much fanfare and consumer interest. Based on its success, and the ever-growing desire to do something good for the planet, the rest of the PlantLove line was born. It has grown to include blush, lip gloss, lipliner, lip balm, eye shadow and eyeliner.

More impressively, the line is the only one in existence to be awarded the ECOCERT distinction, which ensures that all products, their manufacturing methods and their packaging meet the strict standards for organic, natural and environmentally friendly content. The planet-friendly formulas are promising not only for their eco-sensibility, but also for their brand name. Cargo is one of the beauty industry's leading names, and the lineup is as glamorous and stylish as the company's other well-reputed products.

It didn't take long for me to flip for Cargo PlantLove Botanical Lipstick. Available in 20 shades that run the gamut from bold and sexy to neutral and understated, the lipsticks boast a smooth, silky consistency. The moisture-rich formula leaves the lips feeling exceptionally soft, as if I had applied lip balm instead of lipstick. In fact, it's so moisturizing that I immediately went in search of more information regarding its ingredients. The main players on the list don't surprise me, because they're all known for their potent moisture.

• Shea butter
• Jojoba
• Orchid complex
• Meadowfoam seed oil

It's also noteworthy to mention that the entire PlantLove collection is free of parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes, phthalates and fragrances. Cargo even ensures that they're manufactured only in countries that have records of solid environmental practices.

The earth-friendly ingredients are also quite good to my sensitive skin. I've experienced breakouts and irritation from various lip products in the past, but this lipstick didn't cause any problems.

The nourishing formula treats the lips gently and leaves them conditioned for hours, but what really drew me in first was the impressive color selection. Though nearly all of the colors seemed to hold some kind of appeal, I narrowed it down to four particularly eye-catching shades:

• Cece: This is a brilliant shade that looks deeper and more dramatic than it is when actually applied, thanks to the sheer formula. A striking blend of plum and berry, the color is tempered slightly by a hint of brown and also has a faint hint of shimmer.

• Joshua Tree: Though it's tough to dig up a neutral color that's versatile enough to wear year round, this flattering shade is warm enough to wear even during the winter. The natural hue is touched by a bit of deep cinnamon, which lends it a radiant undertone.

• Muir Woods: Anyone who has a love for "your lips but better" tones will appreciate this unique shade. It's neutral, but with a hint of drama. It boasts a flattering blend of mauve, toasted almond and cinnamon.

• Yakushima: While I love red lipstick shades, I can't pull them off easily. This sheer, shimmery shade allows me to do so because it's blended with a touch of rosy brown. The result is a very wearable, versatile shade.

Staying power is always crucial when it comes to lipstick. As with so many lipsticks that are creamy and moist, the PlantLove lipsticks do have a tendency to fade after several hours. To their credit, they seem to leave a bit of a stain on my lips even after the moisture has worn away, but I usually have to reapply once or twice throughout the day.

The ever-growing interest in greener living means that products like these may soon become the norm. Right now, though, they enjoy great importance because they're innovative and stand out from the pack. Of course, the environmentally friendly factor is just icing on the cake in this case. PlantLove boasts one of the most comforting lipstick formulas I've tried to date, and the selection of colors offers something for women of all skin tones. It's a good idea to head to Sephora to test the colors beforehand. These are definitely worth trying!

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