The Elusive Perfect Red - Besame Lipstick

Dress from Trashy Diva
Photos by Audrey O'Neil at Tell A Story Studio

From the moment I started to wear makeup, I've been wearing red lipstick. Not only is it the classic retro shade, but it's so strong. Like many pin up staples, its not for the faint of heart. It lights up your face and it defines your features like no other shade can. My love for red lipstick has even inspired one of my tattoos. I've searched and searched and tried many different shades, and usually stick to MAC classics like Ruby Woo, Relentlessly Red, and Russian Red. Dita Von Teese seems to swear by MAC, replacing the tubes of lipstick with vintage gold embellished tubes she finds in antique stores.

I felt like I struck a goldmine when I stumbled across Besame Cosmetics. Besame creates makeup based off former makeup practices, almost cosmetic anthropology. From cake mascara, to violet brightening powder with boudoir brushes, Besame has vintage makeup covered. Their packaging is as beautiful as the products they hold, everything comes in gold embellished cases that look like you might have found them in your local antique mall. The lipsticks themselves are dated by year, from 1920 - 1969, and the website will tell you their inspiration, many were inspired by Old Hollywood Starlets.

 I chose their 1959 Red Hot Red, touted to be based off Marilyn Monroe's favorite shade. It's a warm red, and a semi matte. Semi-matte scared me a little, former experiences with not-fully-matte lipsticks had left me with bleeding lipstick, and a lip line that grew larger every time i tried to cover my bleed marks up. I was pleasantly surprised when my lipstick arrived, it was smooth enough that my lips didnt dry out, but didn't move around either. I wore it all day at the salon, eating candy, drinking tea, and only having to retouch after a big lunch. I've even worn it to my hot yoga class, and it's survived so well, I've been recommending it to all my fellow yogis post class. 

I'm looking forward to trying more makeup from Besame. I'm so impressed with the quality and presentation of the product, their lipsticks are so beautiful and easy to wear. The tube its self is a unique, tipped shape. I find this makes the application easier, and you can use one side as a lip liner too. My lipstick tube usually takes this shape after a lot of wear and tear anyway, so it suited me just fine. Besame has created the perfect blend of long wearing practicality and beautiful presentation to make any vintage heart swoon.

Love, 

Rose Darling