Finding Your Signature Scent: Bésame Cosmetics Decades of Fragrance review

Now it's about that time of year, whether you're changing your perfume for the new season, repurchasing (or you need to), or just trying to find your signature scent; Well Bésame has the glamorous line you need!

A little bit about the company itself, Bésame Cosmetics was created by Gabriela Hernandez and is based in Burbank, California. Even if you don't live in or near Burbank you can still purchase any of their products off of their website- http://besamecosmetics.com - as well as the fact that their products are now being offered in Sephora! Bésame Cosemetics are a cruelty free make up company, that gets paid meticulous detail to every product by the owner herself, Gabriela Hernandez. Bésame is a glamorous yet very useful brand that feels uniquely made just for you & creates a new experience every time you use it.

*Disclaimer: Bésame Cosemetics did not pay me or ask me to endorse their products, I'm just very passionate and in love with their products. As a girl who doesn't find putting on makeup the funnest thing in the world, their products make me feel like a glamorous 1940's vixen getting ready for my close up. They make it a new adventure every time I put it on and who doesn't want to feel like a 1940's vixen?!

The fragrance line I will be reviewing in this post is called the "Decades of Fragrance" line starting from 1910 to 1960, this line was created exclusively by Bésame Cosemetics which it took them six years of research based on popular scents from each decade to get this line perfectly right, which they definitely nailed.

1910- Of course starting off with day one I started with the first decade in the line, 1910. When thinking of 1910 the first women of cinema probably come to mind, with their long spiral curls and minimal makeup. I sprayed on this perfume early in the morning, before my day had begun~ the moment I put it on I felt instantly glamorous and transported to the time of the beginning of cinema. I felt as if Lillian Gish herself had lent me her perfume for the day. It smelled fresh and clean but had a bit of a floral musk and a sweet feminine scent but was not overpowering. To my amazement it stayed throughout the whole day!

The scent according to Bésame:

Art Nouveau, Belle Époque, Klimt, 1910's Floriental 

Top notes: Lemon, Orange-Flower, Ylang-Ylang

Heart notes: Tuberose, Saffron, Jasmine, Peony

Base notes: Nubuck, Vanilla, Civet, Sandalwood

1920- As Lillian Gish had lent me her perfume the day before, when I put on the 1920's perfume it was like Clara Bow had lent me hers. This scent is exactly what you would expect from the flappers jazz age, it left me questioning where my finger waved hair and long string of pearls were. It's a warm scent accompanied with a musk and a bit of sweet. The scent was strong at first but then mellowed out through out the day beautifully but the scent power never faded. 

The scent according to Bésame:

Hollywood, Rumours and Scandals, 1920's Floral, Ambery, Musky

Top notes: Mandarin, Juniper Berry, Galbanum 

Heart notes: Jasmine, Violet, Muguet, Suede

Base notes: Cocoa, Myrrh, Amber, Musks

1930- On the day I sported the 1930 scent I felt as if I was spending the day with Marlene Dietrich. This scent was warm and comforting in the beginning then seemed to progress to a powdery sweet musk. The perfect mixture of a feminine sexy musk that stays with you all day.

The scent according to Bésame:

Marlene Dietrich, Cigarette and Seduction, 1930's Oriental 

Top notes: Mandarin, Cinnamon, Clarysage

Heart notes: Tobacco, Heliotrope, Lavender

Base notes: Vanilla, Cedar Wood, Musks

1940- The moment I put this scent on it sang out to me Lauren Bacall, so it pretty much made me feel like the gorgeous noir femme fatale type. It was warm floral scents coinciding with an amber aroma, it started out strong but ended sweet and warm staying all day long.

The scent according to Bésame:

After Prohibition, NYC Jazz Club, 1940's Aromatic, Floral, Ambery

Top notes: Bergamot, Cognac, Davana

Heart notes: Rose, Clove, Labdanum 

Base notes: Sandal Wood, Amber, Benzoin 

1950- Now being completely in love with the decade of the 50's I was most excited about this scent, and I was not disappointed! It was instantly powdery, sweet, and soft yet very easy to smell- it made me feel like I was in a glorious robe with my hair fresh out of curlers, sitting at my vanity about to put on my makeup to go to a fabulous party. It was a beautiful scent from start to finish and lasted all day.

The scent according to Bésame:

Billie Holiday, Intoxicating Gardenia, 1950's White, Floral, Powdery

Top notes: Mandarin, Mango, Freesia

Heart notes: Gardenia, Frangipani, Tuberose 

Base notes: Vanilla, Cashmere Wood, Musks

1960- This is the scent I was most excited to tell you all about due to the fact it's my absolute favorite and (to me) stands out above the rest! As someone who's never really had a signature scent I can 100% say I found it in 1960. This scent automatically makes me feel like Jackie Kennedy, feminine and elegant. It's very floral and fresh, it smells just like spring! It is so easy to smell and gives an aroma all around you but isn't too strong or overwhelming.

The scent according to Bésame:

Classic vs Modern, the Graduate, 1960's  Chypre Floral

Top notes: Grapefruit, Armoise, Coriander 

Heart notes: Rose, Reseda, Jasmine

Base notes: Patchouli, Oud, Oakmoss

In my overall review of this fragrance line I would give it a 100% rating because not only did I find a personal favorite but I know there is something for everyone to love in this line; not only that but the bottles are beyond beautiful! Below I will have listed the prices and the link to the website in which you can purchase the perfumes.

http://besamecosmetics.com/collections/fragrance

1910 ~ 1960 50ml glass bottle with travel cap and atomizer pump: $68.00

Decades of fragrance set (includes decades 1910 through 1960 in 5ml glass dollar ball in gold vials): $45.00

Thank you for reading and I hope this post either helped you discover Bésame Cosmetics or helped you find a new perfume to try! I will be posting weekly blog posts from now on which will be announced on my Instagram accounts: personal Instagram- instagram.com/jackiekennedys 

Old Hollywood Instagram- instagram.com/oldhollywooddaily |

Please comment and let me know of any questions you may have or any future blog posts you would like to see! 

~Lawnie💛

How to Build Your Own 'Audrey'esque Wardrobe

Step One: Out with the old, & in with the new!

Now let's be honest, you probably have at least twenty clothing items in your closet right now that you haven't worn in the past couple of months or ever for that matter! To add on to your wardrobe you must first donate/sell old items to make room- no one likes clutter so take this as an opportunity to give yourself (& your closet) a refresher.

Step Two: Where do I start?!

It's easy to over think this process & over buy when starting your new wardrobe- so stand back, take a breath, & make a list! Lists are your best friend in this situation. First write down the (few!) things you kept in your closet, then write down the things you do (& don't) like in today's fashion; that way you have a general idea of what you do & don't like, so this prevents you from making a rash buying decision & ending up with an item that holds vacancy in your closet for months without use.

Step Three: Stick to the basics

When building a new wardrobe & keeping an Audrey feeling to your outfits, basics are perfect in this case. When wondering which basics to stick to, the answer is any & all neutrals (white, black, brown, etc) are in the safe zone and the perfect building grounds to any wardrobe. It's also nice to stay with simple patterns; Audrey approved patterns such as any type of stripes, polka dots, & sometimes florals. Having basics in your closet will give you the perfect opportunity to mix & match your outfits.

Step Four: The Audrey Must Haves

•A Little Black Dress- the nice thing about a LBD is that it can go with pretty much any occasion & comes in very different designs.

•A White Shirt- think 'Roman Holiday' in this case, not only did Princess Ann sport this shirt in Rome but Audrey had multiples of simple white shirts- whether it's short sleeved, a button up, or a simple sweater, this piece can never go wrong!

•A Trench Coat- The perfect way to stay warm & still look chic, through out Audrey's career she loved to sport a stylish trench coat.

•A Professional Outfit/Suit- this is one must have item in your wardrobe, but unlike the others you don't really multiples of these, one will suffice. 

•Capri Pants/Cigarette Pants- These were Audrey's first choice it seems when it came to any form of bottoms, typically in black. The straight pants leg with a short hem really showcased her figure & gave an elegant look without having to put in much effort.

•The Turtle Neck- Audrey loved to wear turtle necks and were worn through out her whole life but let's face it not everyone likes to wear turtle necks so you can easily opt out for a simple swoop neck to keep the elegant look.

•One show stopping dress- okay, unless you're planning on going to some big souireé or your high school prom, you may not have a need for this item. But if you do, think 'Sabrina'.

•The Trio- Not everyone has the time or needs to wear the best of the best every day so invest in some high waisted jeans/shorts, light weight button up shirts/a plain white tee, and a nice pair of white keds or some simple strappy sandals.

•Ballet flats- Audrey loved her ballet flats so they are an absolute must have in your wardrobe, they are not only adorable & elegant but also go with everything!

•Kitten Heels- Audrey herself, like a lot of people, wasn't a huge fan of wearing heels but sometimes you just HAVE to wear heels. So make room in your wardrobe for a pair of simple black/white one to two inch heels.

Step Five: Must Have Accessories

•The Scarf- Perfect for days you woke up a little late to do your hair or just to add a slight air of lady likeness to your outfit.

•Dark Sunglasses- The sunglasses are possibly one of the most iconic things associated with Audrey, everyone needs a nice pair of sunglasses for their collection.

•Simple & Small Jewelry- Audrey was not one to wear a lot of jewelry, so maybe add a nice pearl necklace & invest in a nice pair of simple earrings, then you're set!

•Hair Pins/Ribbon- Audrey almost always had her hair pulled back in some way, it's an easy way to do your hair without actually doing much.

•A Killer Hat- This one is up more for your own interpretation, it's no secret Audrey loved to wear hats & they're a great way to add a bit of chic-ness to any style.

Step Six: Audrey's Rules to Dress By

•Wear your clothes, do not let them wear you.

•Don't wear something that doesn't make you feel beautiful.

•Don't buy into every new trend, try to stay towards classics.

•Dress accordingly. Don't over dress to a ball game and don't under dress for a wedding.

•Always look your best. Do not put on that wrinkly shirt that's been sitting in a ball on your floor for two days.

•Emphasize your favorite features. Audrey tended to emphasize her waist and by wearing things that ended at her wrists and ankles to add to the look of her thin figure.

•Fit is everything! A shirt could be the cutest in the world but if the fitting of it isn't right, it can throw off the entire outfit.

•Posture, Posture, Posture! Having bad posture can completely ruin the whole look you're going for. So walk tall with your shoulders back, head high, & SMILE!

Step Seven: Add your own look to your Audrey style!

You are unique & style is one way to showcase that, so add your own touches to your new Audrey wardrobe.

Sincerely, 

Malana

Thank you for reading & I hope this helped in any way possible! If you have any future blogs you would like to see or you have any feedback please let me know :)