Besame Cosmetics has been a favourite of mine since I got into vintage. I came across their vintage inspired makeup some years ago and in 2015 I got the chance to visit their store in Burbank, California. It’s impossible to not fall in love with their stuff. Today I’m glad to show you (and review) some of my top picks from Besame Cosmetics.

Are you ready to go back in time? Here I’m wearing the Eleanor Velvet Halterneck Evening Dress from Dolly and Dotty.

Besame Cosmetics is a California based company specialized in vintage cosmetics. Founded by Gabriela Hernandez in 2004, the brand evoques classic Hollywood glamour, history and feminine style. And not only that: Besame Cosmetics do not test on animals and all their items are created in the United States of America. I really admire their ethical values.

So…take a seat, have a drink and enjoy this trip to the past. Elegance and glamour are ageless! 

Let’s begin with foundation, shall we? Besame Cosmetics launched last year their new Cashmere Foundation Stick, which comes in 8 different shades. I’ve always used liquid foundation and at first I didn’t think I’d be pleased with the result but…This product has become a favourite! Here I’m using the Natural Beige Shade and I still have to try the Bisque shade. My skin is pale with red tones so I wasn’t sure which tone would match my skin best. If you are looking for the perfect matte face effect and full coverage, I’d highly recommend this foundation!

Now let’s move on to the cheeks. After applying the foundation my skin looks so pale! I find it essential to use some blush on the cheeks to give my face a natural aspect. Here I’m using the 1915 Rose Delicate Rouge, a replica from the blush used by women in the early 20th century. It’s a highly pigmented rouge so make sure to use it wisely!

Lipstick is definitely my favorite makeup product. To me, it’s an essential no matter the day and mood I’m in. Having previously used Besame Cosmetics lipsticks, I knew I’d be amazed by their quality. I had always got my eye on Besame’s Victory Red Lipstick and let me say this replica of a true 1941 shade is simply perfect.

What about the eyes? Eyeliner and mascara are a must if you want to achieve an authentic 1950s or 1960s beauty look. One of their best sellers is their Cake Mascara, available in brown and black. Cake Mascara was very popular in women’s beauty looks in the early 20th century and it wasn’t only to enhance your lashes: it was also used for brows and for the eyeliner. So versatile! To use it, dample your brush, mix with a drop of water on the cake and apply on the preferred area.

Besame Cosmetics now offer International Shipping and the packaging of their products is so authentic. If you are in California you can always stop by their stores because it’s such an experience.

Special thanks to Dolly and Dotty for this beautiful halter neck velvet dress, matches my Faraway Berlin hair accessory perfectly! This dress is available in black and red and is perfect to wear on a fancy occasion. I’m wearing a size 12 and sadly it’s too big…I should have gone for a smaller size! The material is quite stretchy so I really recommend to size down for a tighter fit.

Do you own any Besame Cosmetics makeup products? I will film a makeup tutorial featuring these items in the following weeks, stay tuned!

Photos by David Durand

Disclaimer: Whilst these items were gifted to me by Besame Cosmetics & Dolly and Dotty, all opinions expressed are my own. The integrity and honesty of my blog are very important to me, as are my readers.