In the next few days, I will be posting my recent VIB Rouge haul in bits and pieces with corresponding review; that way, I can give you my final thoughts and recommendations in time for your holiday shopping. First on the list? lipstick junkies, say hi to Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in 1933 Merlot ($22, 0.12 oz).
affiliate
1933 Merlot is described as dark brown brick red with creamy matte texture. The faux gold case with red floral imprints reminds me of old Hollywood glamour, just what the brand embodies: vintage elegance. Both sides of the tip are cut slanted, and for the most part, it is designed for precise application along the lip line. Well not for me. This one requires patience because the tip is not congruent to the size and shape of my lips. Meaning, it isn’t your swipe-and-your-good-to-go type. Apply slowly or better yet, use a lip brush to prevent unsightly errors.
There are seven shades (in varying reds) available in the Classic Color line. Interestingly, the years written beside the lipstick name indicate the year that color was originally produced. 1930s marked the era of pencil-thin eyebrows and lipstick obsession (popular colors were maroon and raspberry red, my jelly jams in present time!)
Do you own a similar shade? Here’s Besame 1933 Merlot in comparison to my men, I mean Tom Ford lipsticks. Tom Ford Matte Black Dahlia (review here) and Tom Ford Lip Color Wes (review here) are pulling more berry tone while Tom Ford is Lip Color Pavlos (review here) is on the brown side. Tom Ford Matte Velvet Cherry (review here) is quite close to Merlot, pigmentation-wise.
The longevity of 1933 Merlot is relative. It does not budge, feather or fade if left untouched but practically gone after a meal or upon wiping. Make sure you exfoliate your lips and moisturize prior to application because it does accentuate dryness, a pretty common occurrence amongst matte and dark lipsticks.
Final thoughts: The phenomenal pigmentation compensates for the tricky application. If you’re into mattes and/or adore old Hollywood beauty vibe, Besame Classic Color Lipstick is worth checking out.
OMG, this is G O R G E O U S, twinsy! Nobody rocks a vampy red like you!
Such a gorgeous shade! The packaging is sealing the deal for me, too… so pretty!
I wish that Sephora carried more of the Besame product line in the stores, or I wish that Besame would open a store in Boston. I am so drawn to their vintage-inspired products but I need to see them in person. With my dry lips, I'm having a tough time with mattes so I'm glad I read your review. The Merlot shade is gorgeous on you. I'm hoping to try one of their regular satin lippies. And I am dying to smell their new fragrances but I don't want to buy them without trying them first.
That packaging! I also like the shape of the bullet; should be fun to work with that. I'm drooling over your Tom Ford swatches.
I haven't tried anything from Besame, but man oh man are the colors of their lipsticks gorgeous and I always hear great things. I was looking at their website and they have such a nice selection and I love the bold deep reds.
I love this color, so pretty!
That's a gorgeous shade on you and the packaging is divine.
I keep hearing so much about this brand, I've got their lavender powder on my wish list! Also, the tip of that lipstick is so unique!
The packaging of Besame is what gets me. So old school glamorous.
I've got this one and it's one of my favorite go-to fall lipsticks!
I've been a Besame fan for a long time but this shade is gorgeous.
Wow that looks amazing- would you say that it's more pigmented that the Tom Ford matte lipsticks? Seems a bit like it from your swatches x
Claudia | http://www.maximalista.co.uk
Such a gorgeous shade! I love the vintage feel Besame packaging has.
This looks gorgeous- I really need to seek these out!
I love the vintage packaging of Besame but I just don't reach for their products often enough.
I haven't tried that brand yet! Love the color and packaging!
Ooh this looks so fancy!