Cosmetic Review: Besame Classic Color Lipstick

I've been very behind with this blog post but finally I'm glad to be able to share it with you. Part of the delay was in getting some good photos that I was happy with, but the other night I finally managed to get the elements together that I wanted for the photos.



The lovely Gabriela from Besame Cosmetics sent me a 'Classic Color' lipstick to try out for myself. I'd long been an admirer of the range both for its vintage appeal and also the natural pigments- the reds of which are reproductions of the shades used in old Hollywood films. How glam! :)

Of the ingredients, Gabriela says on the website:


Formulations that I consider responsible luxury, non-toxic, natural, and beneficial to your skin, while still retaining the feel and performance of a truly luxurious product. A mix of today's cutting edge technology and some wonderful natural ingredients that have proven benefits to your skin.

Aloe, ginseng, olive oil, green tea, jojoba oil, rose waxes, lavender flower extract, avocado oil, just to name few. Ingredients that go beyond the glamour and contribute to your well being, delivering the quality that has become synonymous with Besame Cosmetics.

The lipstick arrived in my mailbox the morning I left for a trip, I was excited to try it out but had to wait until I got back. It went in my suitcase and gave me something to look forward to when I arrived at the hotel.

This version of their lipsticks comes presented in a cute velvet pouch for safekeeping. The case is a nice metal embossed with the signature chysthanthemums and the Besame name.

It is heavy enough to be substantial but not too heavy. The size is a little bit smaller than my Maybelline Color Sensational, but still plenty big enough.

The lipstick itself is in the old 'blunt bullet' shape which means you can use either the edge for lining or the blunt face for coloring. Very handy actually!



The shade I tried out is called 'Dusty Rose'. It's a nice, slightly dark pinky brown. The Classic Color comes in 12 different shades, with a good range including a coral-type for those girls who like their bright colors.



I also got a pamphlet in the package which tells a bit about some of the Besame range. The Classic Color lipstick includes Vitamin A, E & C as well as aloe and green tea. I definitely noticed this when I tried it out. Felt very moisturising, but not too shiny or slippery- almost like a balm which is a nice change from the usual drying-out feeling I get from some other lipsticks. (The website describes the CC lipstick as "semi matte"). It also has a slight but pleasant fragrance, nothing too strong but quite soothing which I am guessing is from the aloe and other oils used in the products such as jojoba and avocado.

Photo showing me with makeup but before applying the lipstick.

The colour coverage was great; It only took one sweep to get a deep colour. While I didn't do any heavy-duty eating, I did have a drink out of a glass and while there was a little bit of transfer (usual I think with moisturising lipstick) it wasn't anything major. For me, I usually reapply after eating or drinking so personally I wouldn't find it a problem at all had it been more left.




As I don't usually wear a lipliner for everyday (non-work) wear, I tested this the same way, with just the lipstick. I didn't notice any feathering, even though the colour is quite dark on me. I hate it when my lipstick feathers so this was a plus for me. I think for a deep red a liner would be a good idea anyway, but for this shade it wasn't really necessary.



Another way I tried this lipstick was to put it on & then blot some of the colour away, leaving more of a stain and then some gloss on the top for a more understated look. I liked this method for times when I didn't want so much colour. For night time wear, I'd probably wear it right out of the tube. The only negative would be if you don't like a lipstick that's not matte. In which case one of the other formulas might suit you better. For me, I don't like totally matte so this is a nice compromise.

Overall, I really liked this lipstick, and when payday allows will be getting one of the reds for work. =)

Currently the Classic Color is available to purchase online for $22USD. Considering the packaging I think this is very reasonable. In Australia, the Maybelline I used everyday retails between $12-16AUD and my L'Oreal between $22 to $30AUD. Those are lipsticks I don't know the ingredients of and also with plastic packaging. Besame Classic Color comes in a very attractive tube which is more substantial and an accessory in itself!

(For those of you who are eco-conscious, metal tubes are great for re-using once your colour is done- just Google for how to re-make your lipstick using the tubes)

Overall, I was very happy with the product and think any girl would love to have a little bit of glamour back in her makeup bag, without breaking the bank.

Thanks Gabriela!

Be sure to check out the Besame website as there are some cool instructional videos and other vintage-styled makeup products that might be just what you're looking for to complete your look.



(Note: In the interests of transparency; my Classic Color was sent to me as a gift from Besame Cosmetics. All views are my own and aside from the product gift I was not paid for my review. You should read my review in conjunction with the Besame website to decide if this product is right for your personal circumstance.)

Makeup: Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Foundation in Buff Beige, CG Eyeshadow Quad in Country Woods, CG TruBlend Minerals Powder Compact in #2 Creamy Natural, Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara in Black & Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in C212 Dusty Rose.

What A Cute Kitten...

One of my favourite stores is the lovely and oh-so-French "Kitten D'Amour" (formerly known as the Sex Kitten Boutique) in central Brisbane, just off the Queen Street Mall.

Kitten D'Amour specialise in handmade, limited-edition clothing for day and evening wear. Their boutique alone is worth a visit, the layout & visual feast is to die for =D

Anyway, I wanted to show you some of the goodies I have bought from them. The service is absolutely brilliant, whether I'm spending or just browsing, I always feel like a valued customer. Last time I was there, the fabulous & friendly Tegan helpped me, and she always remembers me even though she must have a zillion customers spending way more than me! But, I love the half hour of escape I get wandering around just looking at all the cute clothes & accessories :)

Ok, on to the pictures:

I love their bags, they just make me think of Paris & Shopping! As you can see, this first bag was before they changed the name. According to the manager, the liked their name but they want to expand to other countries and some places you can't get away with a boutique that uses the word 'sex'- plus they had lots of men coming in thinking it was a classy lingerie shop! ^_^
Attention to detail is really cute, your purchases are wrapped in pink tissue and sealed with a lovely little sticker. Makes you feel like you just spent a million bucks!
This is the latest pretty I bought,a cute handmade brooch/hair accessory. I just love the polka dot ribbon contrasted with the red feathers. It looks great on a plain cardi or on a stripy top. Very Parisienne...
A cute flower scarf/choker. The number of ways to wear this that Tegan showed me was amazing, things I'd never even thought of. She alsso combined it with their pink polka dot scarf to create a whole new look. I really need to wear this one more, it's so cute.
I just *love* this adorable little mirror & comb set, it looks so cute on my dresser. (It reminds me of Anna Sui as well) This would be a great little gift, as it was only $15 the set. Tegan was so good at her job, the service ethic is great, she even polished the mirror with Windex before she wrapped it up, how cute!



On my last visit, I even got this lip gloss as a gift, very nice of the girls...


All the goodies together :)


If you want to see what else is on offer (and you should, it's GORGEOUS!) Check out the Kitten D'Amour website by clicking here.

Style Is in the Air...

As a flight attendant, I'm always interested in anything which gives me an insight into those who flew the skies before me. Flight attendants, or stewardesses as they were known in the past, were always looked up to by society as ladies of grace, manners and composure.

Vintage airline memorabilia is also a great way to get a feel for the fashions and hairstyles of the day. Air hostesses were always well groomed, and airlines liked to have uniforms which were fashionable and reflected the beauty of their 'girls'.

Recently I've made a few additions to my sizeable collection of modern and vintage airline memorabilia.

Etsy is a fantastic place to find these collectible goodies!

















Vintage enamel Swissair jet pin. This will look great with a scarf for spring, or on a bag as decoration.

Vintage teen novel from the UK about 'air hostesses' (Etsy purchase)

Isn't this vintage Max Factor ad just darling?? It makes me think of raiding my mum's dressing table for pretty earrings and playing with her powder puff!