Besame Cosmetics: Timeless Beauty For The Vintage Woman $191 Giveaway~ 11/19

Momma Told Me: There was once, such a thing as glamor.

While the term has more modern meaning as the title of a Fergie song, or term for vampire entrancement, 'glamor' is precisely the emotion which inspires Momma Told Me, and me in my every day. Its a word that defines an era, an attitude, and a very special type of beauty. I can recall, around 5, Momma went into the Sears portrait studio to take some glamor shots post cancer, remission. The photos were very vintage Hollywood, her lips a voluptuous vixen red, her lashes long and sweeping, the rouge on her cheeks creating dramatic shadows along her jawline. And the way those giant lights hit her, it was like she was the only person in the room that ever mattered, simply stunning in her femininity. I absolutely adored those photos, which decorated my father's 'office'.

Ever since then I've secretly admired old family portraits, photos of my grandparents as young teenagers in love, and the general romance of vintage. By gone eras where the man was expected to open car doors, and the woman would coyly flirt through wayward glances and the touch of their hands. Times when beauty was mysterious and a woman had to rely on elegant ruffles, fabric, and lipstain to tempt...not with an excess of skin and pretense (like today). It's hard to imagine there was ever a time when a coy smile could drive a man wild, when modern models practice the art of 'wearing less', and the internet offers all all they could ever desire. But make no mistake ladies, there is something to be said for understated beauty and vintage glamor. After all, I know many men who crave something different, why not give them that with a beauty tactic that has been neglected for far too long?

Besame Cosmetics was founded in 2004 by Gabriela Hernandez, Argentina migrant and Fine Art professional. Arguably a classic beauty herself, this strong willed, independent woman holds claims an accomplished makeup artist, designer, and cosmetic historian. Her inspiration for Besame was a flawlessly vintage cosmetics collection that combined the elegance of modern romantic architecture with the fierce individual spirit of the women that wore it. As a mother to her own 7 year old daughter, Gabriela has designed the entire line and brand to hold strong moral values and honor the tradition of beauty that every woman possesses. Besame is committed to creating truly unique artful cosmetics, hand crafted to empower women to feel feminine, elegant, and glamorous.Their products enhance natural beauty and encourage individual expression, as well as beautify the world in their own right.

Besame's entire line exudes luxury and romance, with elegant containers, sashes, and colors to create everything from a smoldering eye to a perfect pout. In fact, the collection's design inspiration was drawn from Gabriela's grandmother, herself- and a few vintage lipstick tubes. While the exterior of these cosmetics didn't fail to solicit a gasp (from me), the formulas inside are designed with an equal amount of consideration. These responsible formulas feature quality ingredients along with the expectation of strict European performance standards. They're a combination of today's cutting edge technology and powerful natural ingredients with proven benefits to your skin.Ingredients including; aloe, ginseng, olive oil, green tea, jojoba oil, rose waxes, lavender flower extract, and pampering avocado oil. Naturally, Besame never tests on animals, either.

An especially interesting aspect of Besame Cosmetics, and rare for a luxury brand, is their return policy. Because color is a personal preference, they understand that not every shade will display the same in person as it will in print or online. Besame offers a complete exchange for unopened products, and a 50% return for colors that simply do not match or meet your personal palette needs. I received a selection of Besame Cosmetics for review here on Momma Told Me during Christmas Wishes. All of the products arrived bundled in vintage/romantic packaging with an equal amount of consideration for mood and theme. I first unwrapped Besame's Cashmere Powdered Compact, and experienced a moment that first took my breath away, then put a smile on my face, and inspiration in my heart. Inside the square box was a red velvet pouch (the shade of Royal Red), laced with gold colored tassels. Inside that pouch was the most beautiful golden compact locket I'd ever seen, with red vintage etchings and a push clasp.

To say I was instantly in love would be an understatement, I was head over heels for this brand, which continued to charm through an array of classic cosmetics fit for the finest starlet's vanity. From Besame's new Sweetheart Balms, in dainty glass pots with rosa canina extract and antioxidants, to their easy apply Crimson Cream Rouge, the cosmetics perform to my highest expectations. I must admit, while most women might be drawn to a wide variety of shades, I favor the carefully selected palette Gabriela has chosen. I found that I love the vintage shade of crimson, which offers a natural flush from but a pat of product. It's packaged in a recyclable tin that's almost as light as it is to wear (a true star in any cosmetics bag).

Their Voluptuous Lip Colour Set features Besame's signature lipstick with mineral stain and rose wax conditioner. Also included is a black velvet travel sleeve (for lipstick), automatic lip pencil, ergonomic lipstick brush, and complete instructions for a variety of smoldering looks. Rounding out the collection is the impressively simple, yet stunning finish of Besame's 1930's Mascara. Packaged in a golden tube, with soft and creamy product texture this mascara goes on easy and naturally conditions the lashes to their fullest and longest capability. When combined, Besame makes for an incredibly easy, flawless look that's sure to garner compliments and behind your back 'How's she do it?'s.

What Daughter Says: Bring back true glamor with Besame, this holiday season.

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win the same collection of Besame Cosmetics as reviewed above! Ohh-la-la!