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My wedding coordinator gave me a list of things to gather in one bag for the wedding, and one of them is lipstick. Even if the makeup artist we book for our wedding will of course bring all the cosmetics required to prettify us, that doesn’t stop us brides-to-be from bringing our own tried and tested products—at the very least, the lipstick shade and brand that works for us.

Besides being in the shade we like, our wedding day lipstick should also, ideally, last all day and be water-proof, smudge-proof, and kiss-proof. Imagine all the kissing we’ll be doing (we don’t want our groom wearing our lippie too, do we?), not to mention all the drinking, eating, and yes, crying we’ll be doing on our big day. Our lips need to stay flawless for the countless photos of us that will be taken. And if your makeup artist will not stay throughout the ceremony and reception, how will you retouch with the same shade you started with? Really, you have to have your own preferred tube of lipstick, so it’s just up to your coordinator and maid of honor to help you retouch your lipstick whenever necessary.

I’ve been searching for my wedding lipstick, and I think I may have found it. Cargo Cosmetics, the beauty brand used by makeup professionals behind some of our favorite films and television shows, recently released a line of water-resistant, longwear beauty products called Swimmables. This is heaven-sent for us Filipinas, especially now that the rainy season is upon us. It’s also perfect for the beach and weddings—given the considerations I listed above. There are four innovative Swimmables products so far: Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick, Longwear Eye Shadow Sticks, Waterproof Mascara Top Coat, and the Dare to Flair Mascara.

Cargo Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick (P995) in (L-R) Montauk, Cape Town, Newport, Portofino, Brighton, and Sorrento.

The Swimmables Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick is ideal for brides, and they come in six flattering shades. I have a candidate for my wedding lip color: Cape Town, a nude pink shade that goes with the fresh-faced look I want for my big day. The smudge-proof lippie follows the recent trend of ultra matte lip colors. Its high coverage longwear formula dries quickly (make sure to even it out and dab it in 10 seconds!) because it doesn’t smudge or transfer once it dries, even when submerged in water. It has a pleasant lightweight feel on lips. On-the-go women need not worry about retouching after drinking or stepping out on a rainy day, and brides can be sure it will stay on all day.

Photo taken by Stephen Tronco immediately after doing my makeup and applying Cape Town on my lips

I road-tested the Longwear Matte Liquid Lipstick during our prenup photo shoot, and I asked the makeup artist to use Cape Town for my first look. We all gushed about how nice the baby pink shade looked against my skin and complemented my blushing bride look (see above). It lasted throughout the first two layouts, even when I had to kiss my fiancé on the lips for some shots. It even stayed put throughout lunch! In fact, the only way to remove the lipstick is to use an oil-based makeup remover. I tried using just facial foam and water, and the lipstick just won’t budge! Warning: You might also need to use an oil-based makeup remover when it smudges on your teeth and you’re unable to wipe it off immediately. Take my word for it.

Prenup photo by Love Train Studios

My makeup artist recommended I switch to a brighter shade for the succeeding looks because Cape Town somehow changed to a very pale nude after some time (see above), making my lips blend into the color of my skin. I’m now considering Brighton (a darker, warmer nude) for the wedding.

Cargo Longwear Eyeshadow Stick (P1,050 each) in (L-R) Glacier Bay, Hudson Bay, Island Bay, Palm Bay, Paradise Bay, Sandy Bay, Botany Bay, and Morro Bay.

Meanwhile, the Longwear Eye Shadow Sticks collection includes lightweight, crease-proof, and water-resistant eye shadows in a cream formula that glides on smoothly for a flawless finish and locks that pop of color into place. To use, apply lightly for a sheer wash of color or layer it on to intensify. Once applied, you have 20 seconds to blend the cream before it sets.

To complete any makeup look, we need defined lashes that can only be produced by a hardworking mascara. Cargo’s answer is the Swimmables Waterproof Mascara Top Coat (P1,150), which transforms any mascara into a waterproof formula in seconds. This transparent top coat sets and protects your mascara without clumping or drying your lashes. You should also bring this along on your big day for your makeup artist to use on you—it’s more sanitary to use your own mascara anyway.

Cargo Cosmetics is exclusively distributed by Stores Specialists, Inc., and is available in Beauty Bar stores located at Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central, Alabang Town Center, Eastwood, Glorietta 2, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, and TriNoma. Visit beautybar.com.ph, facebook.com/BeautyBarPH, and ssilife.com.ph for more information.

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