Bésame is a line of cosmetics inspired by authentic vintage beauty products and makeup. I’ve been using their lipsticks for years. Now that it is winter, I’m currently in a cream blush/gel stain makeup mood. I want a dewy complexion so I’ve switched to cream-based products.
Besame 1938 Crimson Cream Rouge is exactly what the name implies. It’s a vintage inspired red cream rouge for lips and cheeks.
The packaging: Besame is a great brand because they’re dedicated to every detail. This is a painted tin that really does look like it could be from the 1930’s-1940’s. The tin is actually larger than I expected based on the photograph on the brand’s site.
The color, the finish, etc. : Crimson is a blue-based cherry red. As you can see it’s very red in the packaging. The finish is a nice satin matte finish. There’s no shimmer. There’s no scent. The company says this color should work with all complexions. I think it would look very natural “flush” on a variety of complexions.
As you can see, the color is really concentrated. It blends out really easily without being streaky. Plus, it looks really great over my veins, sorry about that.
My experience: The product is very concentrated so it doesn’t take much. Start “light” and build up if needed. I dabbed a little on my cheeks with my fingers and then blend with my fingers. It’s so easy to use. I was also impressed by how long-wearing this product is. It lasts as long (or longer) than a cheek stain; however, it has the pretty finish of cream blush. I also applied it to my lips using a lip brush. With this, more pigment is distributed so the color is brighter and well, more crimson!
I’m pleased with the results. I love cream-based products and multi-purpose products. I’ve been sick for two weeks and I’m getting over pneumonia. I feel like this does help me look alive and healthy. FYI – I just applied this over AmorePacific Cushion Compact. I’m wearing a coat of mascara and Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in my brows. As far as makeup looks go, it DOES NOT get any easier than this!
Overall, I’m very pleased with this product. I love the color and the formula. *Technically* if you wanted a vintage inspired “cream rouge” look, you could use a matte red lipstick as a blush. I’ve tried this and well, it doesn’t turn out as nicely as this does. The lipsticks don’t wear as long or the texture isn’t that great. This product has been much better and easier for me to use.
Retails for $22 at Bésame. There’s also a warm peach color too.
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That color is gorgeous and it looks very natural on your skin. I’m afraid of cream face products because my skin is so oily so I’m happy to see how nice it looks on your lips as well. Admittedly, I kind of want it for the packaging alone…
I hope you’re recovering quickly from being the pneumonia!
er, from having pneumonia. Clearly I did not adequately fill up my coffee cup this morning…
I feel ya. I didn’t get coffee until 2 pm today…I’ve been a dummy all morning.
Yeah, creamy stuff or stuff with wax can make a mess of oily skins 🙁
Besame has the best packaging. I initially tried the brand because of that. And I was happy that the products were actually good too!
Thanks. I’m feeling so much better.
Haha, I just noticed your comment about photos being snapped in natural sunlight – which in Seattle means really, really gray skies. Gah I miss Washington – it’s not that bad! I’m headed back in Feb to visit the parents – can’t wait for those gray skies, teehee.
It’s not so bad but it does get really, really old by February. However, I should stop complaining. We’ve had a rather sunny November 🙂
I hope you are feeling better! Pneumonia is nothing to mess around with.
I adore this line’s packaging. It reminds me of the make up that my grandmother. I wonder why cosmetic companies switched to such unappealing packaging.
It sure isn’t.
I’ve noticed this line in many TV shows/movies that present a certain era since they’re “historically authentic”.
I don’t get it either. I assume cost is the big one, but still. Like even a change of font or a subtle tweak can make a rather cheap looking product look so much better.
Thank you for your very personal and honest reviews. I appreciate it. It makes reading them a tremendous joy especially after a tough day. I appreciate the hard work that goes into these. I hope it’s a labor of love for you.
Thank you so much for leaving this comment. I really needed to hear this right now. Thank you so much!
[…] like Clinique High Impact Lipstick in Red-y to Wear. I’d pair this with a cream blush like Besame Crimson Rouge. This is my go-to quick and easy look. I’m also into false eyelashes again. I’m a fan […]