Besame Lipstick Review: Your Guide to These Vintage-Inspired Shades
An Inside Look at Besame Cosmetics
Besame Cosmetics is a niche makeup brand focused on recreating vintage beauty products with clean, modern ingredients. As described on their website, "Bésame Cosmetics brings the spirit of retro glamour into the modern world through high-quality, luxury cosmetics."
The company was founded in 2004 by Gabriela Hernandez, an Argentinian designer and cosmetics historian. Gabriela drew inspiration from her grandmother‘s classic, minimalist makeup routine and wanted to design products channeling timeless 20th century elegance.
All Besame products are cruelty-free, thoughtfully formulated with natural ingredients, and made locally in Los Angeles. Rather than carrying a wide range of makeup, the brand concentrates on lipstick, powder, mascara and eye products that capture different eras between the 1920s and 1960s.
Inside the Besame Lipstick Formula
The hero product in Besame‘s lineup is their vibrant lipstick collection. Each lipstick is named after the specific year it represents and created to match lip colors worn by prominent actresses and historical figures of that time.
What sets these lipsticks apart is their high-pigment formula giving rich, saturated color payoff. The lipsticks have a luminous finish and creamy, lightweight texture that feels comfortable on the lips.
According to the ingredients list, Besame lipsticks contain skin-nourishing components like aloe leaf extract, olive fruit oil, chamomile flower extract and vitamin E. The subtle sweet vanilla scent and flavor is a signature touch.
1920s: Bold Red Makes a Statement
Besame Blood Red (1921)
Transport yourself to the height of the vibrant Roaring Twenties with Besame Blood Red. This gorgeous red has strong blue undertones, resulting in a deeper burgundy-red. Inspired by daring flappers, its striking shade makes a bold statement.
Over 275 glowing testimonials praise the stunning color. One reviewer shares, "I love how beautifully pigmented this lipstick is. The color just pops on my lips…It has great staying power even after eating and drinking."
1930s: Deep Purple Captivates
Besame Noir Red (1937)
Channel an alluring 1930s film star with the rich Noir Red lipstick. Its deep reddish-purple shade feels mysteriously elegant. One happy buyer writes, "Noir Red is so creamy and pigmented. I am very impressed with how smoothly it glides onto the lips."
With blue and burgundy undertones, this versatile color flatters both cool and warm complexions. It‘s ideal for formal affairs or anytime you wish to unleash your inner bombshell.
1940s: Standout Magenta Makes You Shine
Besame American Beauty (1945)
Influenced by 1940s starlets and pin-up girls, American Beauty‘s blue-based berry magenta pops against all skin tones. One Besame reviewer shares, "This highly pigmented cool-toned pinkish red looks so glamorous on me. It makes me feel like Rita Hayworth!"
Over 300 happy testimonials prove this electric matte shade is a customer favorite. American Beauty adds striking richness that‘s fitting for a night out on the town.
Most Popular: Besame‘s Bestselling Neutral Red
Besame Red Velvet (1946)
By far Besame‘s top-selling lipstick, Red Velvet boasts over 2,300 glowing reviews. This blue-toned red has a more subtle finish compared to most reds, making it more universally flattering. One reviewer explains, "Red Velvet gives the perfect pop of color without being over the top. It looks great on me as an everyday shade."
Customers love this versatile neutral-red for its ability to complement diverse skin tones. Thanks to its muted warmth, Red Velvet works well for both bright complexions and richer skin.
1950s: Be a Bombshell in True Red
Besame Red Hot Red (1959)
Red Hot Red allows you to emulate the most famous 1950s blonde – Marilyn Monroe. This lipstick recreates her signature true red shade favored for its vibrancy. One reviewer shares, "I love how smoothly it glides on and that it actually stays on! Such a gorgeous color."
With its balanced undertones between blue and yellow, this fiery red brightens all complexions. It packs serious drama that‘s fitting for weddings, date nights or whenever you wish to unleash your inner Marilyn.
1960s Chic: Soften Up With Pink
Besame Portrait Pink (1963)
Influenced by Jackie Kennedy‘s refined style, this softer pink has a near-neutral undertone working on diverse skin tones. Happy buyers love its creamy texture and demure color. As one shares, "This is the perfect MLBB (my lips but better) shade! Portrait Pink gives my lips a pretty, polished look."
Subtler than most shades, this versatile pink provides a touch of color without overpowering your features. It‘s ideal for formal business settings or conservative affairs.
Besame Dusty Rose (1969)
As we reach the hippie era, Besame Dusty Rose offers a bolder take on pink. Its rosy-mauve tone with grey undertones resembles the darker lip colors popularized then. Reviewers compliment its smooth, hydrating feel. As one shares, "I really love this color! It makes me feel groovy and beautiful at the same time."
For ladies who wish to channel bohemian flower child aesthetics, this sophisticated pink-purple sets the mood. It also works well on cooler complexions desiring a punchy lip.
Why Customers Can‘t Get Enough of These Lipsticks
Scouring over 100 ecstatic Besame lipstick reviews reveals some clear reasons why these vintage-inspired lippies have amassed a cult following.
Unrivaled Color Payoff
Reviewers can‘t stop raving over these lipsticks‘ rich pigmentation yielding true, opaque coverage. The vibrant matte finish makes lips pop while feeling weightless.
Luxe, Nostalgic Packaging
From the glamorous gold tubes to the practical rounded tops, Besame‘s ornate lipstick cases transport you to past times. One happy customer writes, "Not only do these lipsticks look stunning, they make me feel special when applying my makeup."
Smooth, Comfortable Feel
Nearly every reviewer compliments the lipsticks‘ ultra-creamy yet lightweight texture that‘s never drying. The moisturizing ingredients leave lips supple for hours.
Subtle, Sweet Scent
Buyers adore Besame‘s signature vanilla fragrance both in the tube and on their lips. One reviewer gushes, "These lipsticks smell absolutely divine! I can‘t get enough of the sweet, subtle vanilla scent."
Accurate Shade Reproductions
As a history buff myself, I appreciate how meticulously Besame formulates lipsticks matching exact shades worn decades ago. Reviewers feel the colors authentically transport them to past eras.
But Are These Lipsticks Worth the Investment?
At $24 each, Besame lipsticks fall on the pricier end compared to average lipsticks. However, given their stellar formulation and components, most reviewers feel the quality justifies the cost. As one shares, "I rarely pay this much for lipstick, but Besame is worth every penny. The pigment, texture and packaging blow me away."
Compared to luxury brands like Tom Ford or Chantecaille hovering around $50 per lipstick, Besame costs nearly half as much. Taking into account the brand‘s conscientious practices and attention to detail, these thoughtfully-designed products deserve their mid-high price point.
While Besame lipsticks aren‘t cheap, devotees consider them sound investments compared to lackluster drugstore varieties. As evidence by the brand‘s near-perfect ratings, fans happily pay extra for these top-notch, nostalgic lippies.
Save on Besame Cosmetics With Their Rewards Program
Beauty lovers wanting to save on Besame products should enroll in their rewards program. It‘s free to join and easy to earn points redeemable for discounts.
You gain points by writing reviews, referring friends, following Besame‘s social channels and simply spending money. Once accumulating at least 200 points (equal to $10), you can redeem credits toward purchases.
Signing up for Besame‘s newsletter is another smart way to discover promotions and seasonal sales as soon as they launch.
Where Can I Buy Besame?
Customers can browse Besame‘s full collection through their elegantly-designed website BesameCosmetics.com.
Those in the Los Angeles area can visit Besame‘s flagship boutique in Burbank, CA featuring their makeup, brushes and accessories.
You may also spot select Besame lipsticks, foundation and mascaras sold via third-party retailers like Amazon and Walmart. However, availability varies.
Besame Shipping, Returns and Contact Info
Shipping Policy
Besame provides free shipping within the United States, Canada, Australia and the majority of Europe on orders over $55 USD. Under this threshold or for other international delivery, calculated shipping fees apply.
Orders typically process within one business day and ship via USPS. Delivery estimates range between 3-10 days depending on location.
Return Policy
The brand offers hassle-free returns and exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment.
Do note that a $7.95 return processing fee applies per exchange. Besame also won‘t refund initial shipping charges.
Contact Information
Reach the Besame Cosmetics team via:
Phone: 818-276-9400 (Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm PST)
Contact form on BesameCosmetics.com
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Besame test on animals?
A: No, Besame products are 100% cruelty-free.
Q: Where is Besame makeup manufactured?
A: All products are thoughtfully formulated and produced in Los Angeles, California.
Q: Are Besame lipsticks gluten-free?
A: Yes, the entire range is gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease.
The Verdict: Vintage Beauty Lovers Need These Lipsticks
If words like "retro", "nostalgic" and "old Hollywood" make your eyes light up, you need these vintage-style lippies in your makeup bag. Channel your inner starlet with gorgeous shades inspired by beauty icons across iconic eras.
Thanks to their meticulous craftsmanship, Besame lipsticks make you feel like you‘re time traveling decades back with each application. Beyond their novelty, these smooth, pigmented lippies simply perform impeccably well.
So if you consider yourself a makeup minimalist but want a couple statement-making lipsticks, give Besame‘s collection a gander. Or if you‘re a devoted vintage fashionista wishing to complete the look, these tubes are calling your name.
Either way, through precise shade reproductions and luxe packaging, Besame lipsticks promise to make your beauty routine feel magically nostalgic. It‘s easy to justify investing in these splurge-worthy stunners.
