The battle continues: Blu Ray vs. HD. Makeup Forever has favored the HD name for some time now with a wide array of pore-minimizing and skin perfecting products. Enter Cargo in the Blu Ray corner with a variety of face products, mascara and lip glosses all designed to diffuse light so the very best you shines through.

Lucky me was fortunate enough to attend the fabulous Chickadvisor Vancouver kickoff event at Joeys in Bentall 1 in which I received what has now become my new staple: the Cargo Blu Ray collection including gloss and highlighter. I was so enamored with the highlighter I promptly purchased the powder from Sephora the next day. I use both with a basic powder brush.

Blu Ray High Definition Lip Gloss: glides on well, has a minty tinge, a wide variety of colors and not sticky at all. I really love the funky Timestrip that slowly turns red and tells you when it’s time to replace your tube. The product really does fill in all the little lines and makes you feel very Jolie-esque.

Blu Ray Blush/Highlighter: provides a flawless finish and despite containing small shimmer particles isn’t too shimmery for day time. I pair this with the Cargo waterproof bronzer for a bit more of a summer tone. You can easily build the color up for more dramatic effects for the evening.

Blu Ray Pressed Powder: perfect coverage and not too powdery. You literately look perfect after a couple of sweeps with this stuff. Only gripe? The package is identical to the blush and neither come with a brush or sponge so you’re on your own.

All in all I’m loving the Cargo Blu Ray collection!

Most lip gloss (cheap or expensive) tends to leave my lips dry and flaking. Not so with this product! If anything, it does a wonderful job of smoothing and slightly plumping my lips. The gloss isn't over the top or too sticky, and the sparkle makes my lips look smooth and contoured.

My only issue is that it doesn't last all night so reapplication will be necessary. However, this is a small issue compared to having dried out lips halfway through the day or night.

I recently received the CARGO blu_ray lip gloss in "Belize" to test.

The Blu_Ray line was created for high def filming and has now been released to the public. I have no idea what is so "high definition" about it; for my purposes, I couldn't care less because this gloss needs to succeed for me on its own merit.

More accurately, this is a gloss plumper. I noticed plumping results immediately, and the tingling sensation that went with it. It is quite possibly the most effective plumper I have ever used. It's not remotely sticky to wear and what small minty scent it has quickly dissipates after a few minutes.

A most unique feature is the Timestrip technology. You insert a small strip into the slit at the top end of the wand at the time when you first break the seal. Over time, the strip gradually turns red and helps you keep track of how "fresh" the product is. The cap has a window so you need not remove the strip to mark the progress. Now all I'm wondering is why the mascara giants haven't figured that little trick out, because it's freakin' brilliant.

The color I have is Belize, a warm pinky tone. I won't offer much commentary on that point because it's a personal preference thing. I will probably wear this particular shade a lot during the summer when my skin is sunkissed and not so ghastly pale.

Highly recommended!