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Bésame Cosmetics Review!


This post contains products that were sent to me for review consideration!

Hey True Believers!

Bésame Cosmetics is a vintage makeup line who bases their makeup and look off of luxury vintage cosmetics from the 1930s-1950s. They are cruelty free as well. They were kind enough to send me a few of their products of my choosing and I was super excited to be able to sample more of their line! They’ve recently be featured on American Horror Story: Freak Show on a few of the actresses, and there was even a segment that featured Jessica Lange, as Elsa Mars, putting on Bésame makeup! Check it out!

Bésame will also be used on the up and coming Peggy Carter: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. tv show which I’m SUPER excited about! Peggy will be rocking Bésame’s lipstick in Red Velvet! (Heads up to all of you Peggy Carter cosplayers!)

The following post will be super pic heavy! I hope you find my review helpful!

About Bésame Cosmetics:

Bésame Cosmetics was founded in 2004 out of a fascination with art, history, and beauty; a vintage makeup brand which honors the style, spirit, and sensibility of female beauty.

Through a keen eye for color and historical expertise, we recreate modern reproductions of classic luxury makeup from the 1920s, ‘30s, ‘40s, and ‘50s, designed to make women feel elegant, inspired, and empowered by their beauty. Pairing innovative, cutting edge technology with a historical milieu, our colors and formulations are painstakingly hand-crafted to a minutia of detail, from our custom-designed gold compacts to our signature chrysanthemum motifs. Based in Southern California, Bésame understands Hollywood’s ongoing fascination with the vintage aesthetic, and often helps production designers recreate accurate makeup displays for period film and television (catch a glimpse of our Crimson Rouge tin in the 2012’s Academy Award-winning film, “The Artist”).

The Review

These are the products I was sent. Let the review commence!

1930’s Black Mascara, $23.00

Before Mascara
After Mascara

Bésame’s Description: Our 1930s Mascara is a rich black cream mascara that works to set and moisturize the lashes. The formula is water resistant and can be layered without clumping. The 1930s mascara is a wonderful way to achieve the classic, elegant eye. Our formula contains natural conditioning oils and food grade colorants. This oxygenated hand mixed cream protects every single eyelash with a breathable coating.

My Thoughts: When I first pulled out the wand I was instantly confused at the lack of bristles on it. But I was assured that this is how it’s meant to be which is why I knew I needed to test it out. Because there isn’t any bristles, the mascara is actually able to be built up in levels and you have more control over the smaller lashes that are usually harder to get to with a big brush without making smudges. There was absolutely no clumping at all. It’s gives a very natural look and is great for every day wear when you don’t want to have a full face of makeup, but need to give your lashes a bit of pop. The difference is very subtle, so if you are looking for a dramatic mascara, this isn’t it. But it is very period accurate for vintage looks. I don’t wear makeup daily, but I could work this into my routine easily.

Brightening Violet Powder, $22.00

Before powder application.
After powder application

Bésame’s Description: A translucent violet powder that brightens any skintone. The finely milled formula sets makeup beautifully, leaving a soft, matte finish and a subtle violet fragrance. Wear it alone, over foundation, or around eyes to instantly lighten dark circles.

  • Formulated without Parabens
  • Gluten-Free
  • Made in the USA

My Thoughts: It is actually violet in color, but does go on translucent without adding that color on top of your foundation. It smells really nice, very lightly floral, but not so fragrant that it would bother you. It worked well in setting my foundation and kept me from getting shiny for quite a while. It also did brighten my complexion slightly, but again, it didn’t change the color of my foundation. I also liked the packaging in how the powder puff is separated from the powder sifter so the powder puff doesn’t get saturated with powder. Because of this, it makes it very easy to pop into your purse or makeup bag when you’re out and about. This is something I will be doing on my makeup days! I like this product!

1938 – Apricot Cream Rouge, $22.00

Bésame’s Description: There’s nothing more timeless than Apricot Rouge. Packaged in a stunning vintage reproduction tin, this concentrated cream give lips and cheeks a natural, weightless flush and blends beautifully into any skintone. Apply the formula straight from the tin with your ring finger using light patting motions.

My Thoughts: I really like this product. You can use it as a blush, or as a lip product, and products that do double duty are always nice to have in your kit. It is easily blendable and buildable and you have a lot of control over it once it’s applied. It’s not a product you should be afraid of because it’s so easy to work with. I applied with my fingers, but you can also use a stippling brush if you rather not use your hands. It is also very nice for a soft, natural glow, or to give yourself some warmth.

1970 – Chocolate Kiss Lipstick, $22.00

All Besame lipsticks come in these cute/elegant red velvet bags!

Bésame’s Description: Neutral milk chocolate brown, especially flattering on red-heads. A semi-matte finish with one coat full coverage. The highest natural pigment content for a smooth, indelible, feather-proof finish. Enriched with squalene, vitamin C and aloe. Our vintage reproduction reds are the exact shades used by your favorite Hollywood starlets.

My Thoughts: Because it’s fall/autumn, I totally have a thing for brown toned lipsticks right now! So I picked this nice milk chocolate one, that actually does smell like chocolate! (I noticed all their lipsticks do! Yum!) This lipstick was incredibly moisturizing on my dry lips. It went on smooth, creamy and very pigmented. I also noticed that the wear time was very long and once it was removed, my lips were much more moisturized than they were before I put it on. It felt really nice to have on! An added bonus is the shape of this lipstick which is flat on both sides. It makes it very easy to get nice, sharp lines and to also get a nice sharp cupid’s bow.

1933 – Merlot Lipstick, $22.00

Bésame’s Description: Semi-matte brick red. Neutral enough for daily wear on any skin tone. A semi-matte finish with one coat full coverage. The highest natural pigment content for a smooth, indelible, feather-proof finish. Enriched with squalene, vitamin C and aloe. Our vintage reproduction reds are the exact shades used by your favorite Hollywood starlets.

My Thoughts: I am a total sucker for a deep, darker red and this lipstick did not disappoint! It also smells like chocolate! This lipstick was incredibly moisturizing on my dry lips. It went on smooth, creamy and very pigmented. I also noticed that the wear time was very long and once it was removed, my lips were much more moisturized than they were before I put it on. It felt really nice to have on! An added bonus is the shape of this lipstick which is flat on both sides. It makes it very easy to get nice, sharp lines and to also get a nice sharp cupid’s bow.

Final Thoughts:

I am totally in love with the packaging! Everything is very classy and elegant and would look so good if you go out, glammed up, and popped into the ladies room to touch up your makeup. It exudes luxery. It would also look really good with your Dapper Day outfits as well! Everything is excellent quality, the makeup lasts and it’s as accurate to vintage/period accurate makeup as you can get.


Filed under: Make Up Reviews Tagged: ahs, american horror story freak show, besame, besame cosmetics, classic makeup, cosmetics, Makeup, peggy carter, Reviews, swatches, vintage makeup
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