2.10.2013

{Vintage Beauty} Besame Violet Powder

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Ok, so truth be told I'm a dedicated MAC girl. I always try other brands, and always come back to MAC. Plus they have a recycling program, which I'm all for. My one problem is, as helpful as the makeup girls are at the counter, they always seem to want to "warm up" my complexion. I get caught up in the new makeup experience (there isn't much better than breaking the seal on a new batch of foundation and powder), and I buy them, and they're great, but after a while I get a little tired of my paleness being just a little off. 

A few weeks ago Besame Cosmetics asked if I would like to review a product of theirs, my pick. I was so excited! Besame is one of those vintage girl staples, everyone seems to have some favorite from them they just can't seem to live without. I was close to choosing a lipstick, as lipsticks are actually the one thing I don't care for with MAC, and Chanel discontinued my perfect red. But while browsing I came across the Violet Powder

It sounded so...well, so elegantly old fashioned, and unique to the brand, I thought you might like a review of that more.

At first I used the violet powder over my foundation and regular powder. Other than the scent, I didn't really experience much of a difference. About a week into using the previously mentioned combination, I tried subtracting my normal powder and replacing it with the violet powder. I tapped some into the lid, dipped my brush into it, and dusted it from my brows to my neck. 

And that's what I've done ever since. 

My complexion was cooled, soft, and slightly brighter, and it may be a subtle effect, but if you told me you were going to take away my violet powder tomorrow, I might throw you in a pit of angry wasps. 

(Insect or people? Whichever you find most terrifying.)

I don't think I would have tried such a frivolous sounding product on my own dime, as $22 for 0.21 ounces of  powder sounded like more of a treat than a makeup staple. But now that I have, I can equalize the price tag to what I'd normally spend on powder. And next time I order this, I'll add a lipstick to the mix and let you know how that pans out! 

They do have a store locator on their site for a list of shops worldwide in your area that carry Besame products. 

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17 comments:

Betty2Tone said...

"(Insect or people? Whichever you find most terrifying.)"

This might be the funniest thing you've ever written in your blog :D I'm lucky I didn't wake everyone up laughing

Witchcrafted Life said...

I adore the fact that I have a pale complexion and actually - much like many a lady in the days of yore - try not to tan in the summer to preserve my fair skin tone year round (ok, who are we kidding, I don't tan anyhow, I burn faster than a piece of toast and than that fades into a tan by default), but there's a fine line between looking sweetly pale and looking like you're at a Twilight casting call. As such, I'm all for powders that help add a bit of very natural looking flush to one's complexion and would truly try this offering from Besame one day as well.

♥ Jessica

Anonymous said...

I've been desperate to try this for a while, it sounds like a dream product? and the packaging! its so romantic and looks straight out of the 40's! I think I will have to treat myself! xx

Katy said...

I've always wanted to try this, so I'm glad you've reviewed it!

I agree make up counters seem to want us pale girls to have a tan and sometimes I end up looking either jaundice or orange!

This is on my list to try :)

Katy
xox
Http://vintagewife.co.uk

Abbi Jane said...

I always have trouble finding make up that suits me because I am pale, but have a very olive-y complexion. So, in the make up department most things make me a different color than I am. I don't want to be a different color! lol. The box for the Violet powder is gorgeous. If it doesn't work out, I will still have a pretty box. Oh, does it smell like violets? Violet is my sisters favorite scent, but the only violet perfume she ever saw was discontinued a long time ago.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to try this for myself! I have their mascara and the Besame Red lipstick and they're AMAZING! The mascara smells like carnations and cinnamon. I've never experienced anything quite like it! I used to work as a makeup artist years ago, and was always a MAC girl myself, but I'm not too happy with some of the business moves they've made lately :( I really think you should try the lipstick in Besame red if you're looking for that perfect shade. I really love it :)

Naomi said...

I usually go with Revlon, but I love trying things you suggest! You have the best style~

The Occasional Indulgence

Siân Singleton said...

Such beautiful packaging. I'd be sold on the smell alone! I'll buy my own though as the thought of wasps (insects) terrifies me! xx

Unknown said...

I use this & it does wonders for my complexion. I don't want the 'shimmer' that seems to be in fashion & the moment - I want the porcelain look this one is great for an authentic vintage look <3

Gail

www.ggspin-upcouture.co.uk

Anonymous said...

Great review! I've always wanted to try this. I wear very little makeup but always use powder. I'll have to give it a try.

Librarian Tells All said...

Not only did this post introduce me to violet powder (and I have a bit of a violet scent/flavor obsession; violet pastilles are my favorites). It also introduced me to the only shop in my state that stocks Besame: A crazy boutique called Moonshine Nettie that I can't wait to visit this weekend! I'm so excited now--these two things together made my day. Thank you, thank you.

Anonymous said...

That packaging alone is worth the $!

Rothmonsteress said...

I think I need to give this powder a whirl. I was looking at their products online just the other day. I want to buy everything.

Unknown said...

This powder is on my wish list (along with their powder compact and blush, plus about 3 additional lipsticks). How about a picture of you with the violet powder on?

nana said...

im latina and my skin is brown, would this powder work on me?

Steph said...

Nana, the gal who created Besame, or who at least runs it now, has somewhat darker skin and may be Latina and I know she wears it. Check out their site and their videos.

Aly Rose Vintage said...

Love Besame! Anna Sui happens to make a purple loose powder as well. She's actually the only other purple powder I've come across. I love using it in the winter when I turn paper white. Maybe I'll try the Besame one now.