Wondering What Vintage Cosmetics Were Like? By Susan McLean

I found Besame Cosmetics on Instagram and quickly became obsessed. 

According to their website:​

Besame has been making luxurious cosmetics inspired by the golden age of cinema in Los Angeles, California since 2004. We are a family company driven by a passion for quality and design that touches everything we make. Mixing history, science, and art to create exceptional products that inspire and define the power of the classic woman. Artfully crafted, Bésame cosmetics offers something truly different, nostalgic and glamorous. Get ready to be admired......
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Bésame Cosmetics was created by artist, cosmetic historian, and designer Gabriela Hernandez after a life-long love affair with vintage beauty. At 12, Gabriela immigrated to the U.S. from Buenos Aires, always fascinated by her grandmother’s sophisticated beauty routine. She fully realized her passion for the creative arts with a fine art degree from Art Center in Pasadena, California, and became a photographer, art director, and published author (Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup, Schiffer). With her creative background, historical know-how, and cherished memories of her grandmother’s makeup, Gabriela finally developed the beauty brand of her dreams, filled with rich, historical details in wearable long-lasting formulas. She wanted Bésame to bring romance back into the makeup industry, allowing women to feel excited and passionate about their own beauty rituals again.

Check out this video where totally adorable founder Gabriela Hernandez explains how it's a family business and how her daughter helps add a young perspective. 

We love the multi-generational girl power!

I was lucky enough to be able to try a few lipsticks, a loose powder, and a blush.

Hernandez speaks about how in years past, all girls wore was red, and not there aren't so many different reds out there- that she likes to provide a variety of flattering reds. She calls herself a makeup detective, re-creating vintage shades using current FDA standards. 


Besame is totally cruelty free and never tests on animals, and some products (loose powders, pressed powders, and cream rouges) are vegan.

​I tried the lipsticks in Victory Red and Noir Red, as well as the loose powder in Vanilla and the blush in Raspberry.

The blush is a reproduction of a color from 1930, Noir Red also from 1930, and Victory Red from 1941. 

I really love that the website provides swatches on a variety of skin tones- I think that kind of inclusivity is highly important in the makeup world.

All of the products perform extremely well- the lipsticks are creamy, pigmented, long lasting and smooth. The tip is squared, so application is a breeze. Plus, the little gold tubes are metal and look so so amazing on your vanity!

The blush is a very unique, highly flattering and super versatile. I can wear it with almost any look and it adds instant life to a look. 

Again, the packaging is adorable, the lid twists off to reveal a lot of product. 

The loose powder is very brightening and looks great under eyes to add that awake look to your face. It's almost similar to banana powders- but very fine milled and so smooth. 

I really love the products I've tried and can't wait to try more. I think Besame Cosmetics provide a really interesting, unique perspective on makeup today and I think it really adds that special something to any collection.