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· September 26, 2007 3:43 PM by
Colleen Shirazi
· February 24, 2008 6:38 PM by
missilita
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Beauty Notebook: Rings, and Things, and Fine Array, An Interview with Bésame Cosmetics (part 2)
Beauty Notebook: Rings, and Things, and Fine Array, An Interview with Bésame Cosmetics (part 2)
Posted by Dain, Wednesday, September 26, 2007 2:43 PM (Eastern)
If you haven't heard by now that red lipstick is back, then you've been hiding in a hole for too long. One day in May, I went to Holt's in Montréal, and applied one Giorgio Armani, and everyone I met insisted it was "my lipstick". The only other lipcolor that's garnered so many compliments has been NARS Gothika, my go-to, YLBB, everyday lipcolor. I was taken by the notion. Why not red for everyday? Why not? I wear heels, don't I? And I'm so sick of sheers and glosses. It's done. Red lipstick is classic and ladylike and I'd be the only one wearing it. I suppose that last bit is no longer the case, but it launched a search for my perfect red, an idle signifier before, which I settled on as somewhat on the cool side (because my blush is cool), a raspberry red. I got that Armanisilk lipstick, but it's LE, so I'm still in the market for another.
If you are, too, do yourself a favor, and check out Bésame. While my reviews of the other products have been lukewarm, I can barely hold back the commendations for Enchanting Lipstick ($18). Truly, this is what lipstick should be: the richest, truest pigment, the cute little gilt bullets, creamy and comfortable without fading or migrating, a soft vanilla scent reminiscent of MAC's. The shape of the lipstick itself puzzled me at first, but now I appreciate how it enables me to draw crisp lines without resorting to lipliner, and find myself endeavoring to preserve its shape. I actually like how petite they are in this case: just a dose of glamour that fits into the tiniest evening bag. I also like how smoothly they apply: pigmented, matte lipsticks are notorious for emphasizing flakey lips, but Bésame's lipsticks apply very smoothly. I recommend, however, the smoothest lips beforehand if possible, and a light hand when it comes to application, as this lipstick product does not fool around with pigment. I find Enchanting Lipstick superior to every other lipstick, from YSL to Revlon, but its appeal is somewhat limited, since most of the shades lack shimmer and none are sheer, though more subdued shades do exist.
Exotic Pink is a heartstoppingly bright fuschia. It makes me think of the 80s, of Miami, perfectly paired with pool blue or emerald shadow (for a real bold look) or black liquid liner (for a graphic one). As magenta lipcolors go, I prefer them somewhat darker (NARS Schiap), but it might be lovely against a toasty Mediterranean complexion. It is fussily feminine, and perhaps requires a diva to wear it.
Red Hot Red, as the name implies, is a bright bright red, just a tinge of orange for a little heat. Absolutely perfect on blondes, who require brighter reds to equal their bright hair.
Bésame Red is close enough to Red Hot Red that it begs the question, does one really need both? The intensity is similar, but this is a true, neutral, bright cherry red for that pinup-girl lip. Probably anyone who desires bright color can wear it, because it is neither warm nor cool, but again, I favor bright reds on blondes. If you're a brunette, consider instead...
Red Velvet has my vote as the most wearable red on earth, for those who are only just dabbling in the trend. I dislike the advice that colorphobics should attempt a sheer red instead. Though it is a "classic", red lipstick is not for the faint of heart; confidence is a requirement. It's supposed to be a bold look. But I can understand that not everyone wants a killer stiletto but maybe instead a mary-jane pump, and if so, Red Velvet is just the thing for you. It is still red, just tempered by enough rose to soften red's natural aggression, a really rich soigné color.
Cherry Red suits my Snow White complexion best. It is a deep red, slightly cool, with a slight leaning towards bright cool pink in the stain, the color of a perfect red rose. It has plenty of drama, but the sort of dangerous beauty of Lady Macbeth.
Noir Red is a very dark, purplish, vampy, Gloria-Swanson, black-cherry red. Surprisingly, I really like this—not full strength, I'm all for power lips, but this is a bit much—but as a stain, with a tiny bit of lip balm on top. It makes the most heaven-sent gorgeous plum.
The best thing about Bésame? They send samples of each and every product they sell! Why don't other companies do this? It is a brilliant, a brilliant marketing strategy. You can judge for yourself, in the comfort of your own home, over time, without some desperate SA breathing over your shoulder. That's just consumer kindness, that is. I would like to try Merlot, which by all accounts seems like the cool berry red that might replace my Armanisilk when the time comes, and Chocolate Kiss, out of curiosity.
Labels: beauty notebook, besame, lips
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September 26, 2007 3:43 PM,
drools
February 24, 2008 6:38 PM,
I stumbled across your blog only this week and I LOVE your reviews of Besame's lipsticks. I am also an aficionada of Besame products (as well as NARS lipsticks) -It's a pity they no longer sell samples like they used to...
Your swatches are very helpful as I am craving more colors (I have Besame Red, Champagne, Portrait Pink, Carmine and Red Velvet)Now I know I want Coral, Cherry Red and Dusty Rose. Thanks so much for these detailed descriptions and pictures.
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