♥ Be-Love series: Bésame mucho ♥

'Bésame Mucho' is a Spanish-language song written by Mexican songwriter Consuelo Velázquez in 1940. According her states, she wrote this song even though she had never been kissed yet at the time, and kissing as she heard was considered a sin.

The Spanish singer Emilio Tuero was the first one who recorded the song. I am posting the lyrics below:

Bésame, bésame mucho

Como si fuera esta noche

la última vez

Bésame, bésame mucho

Que tengo miedo a tenerte,

perderte después

Bésame, bésame mucho

Como si fuera esta noche

la última vez

Bésame, bésame mucho

Que tengo miedo a tenerte,

perderte después

Quiero sentirte muy cerca

mirarme en tus ojos

verte junto a mi

Piensa que tal vez mañana

yo ya estaré lejos

muy lejos de aquí

Bésame, bésame mucho

Como si fuera esta noche

la última vez

Bésame, bésame mucho

Que tengo miedo a perderte

perderte después 

Bésame, bésame mucho

Como si fuera esta noche

la última vez

Bésame, bésame mucho

Que tengo miedo a perderte

perderte después

Pedro Infante, the Mexican singer and actor, sang the song in English in his 1951 movie 'A Toda Maquina'. 

The Beatles included the song in their setlist during the band's audition for Decca Records, their first EMI recording session and the Get Back sessions. They sang their rendition of the song with English lyrics that  don't correspond to the original Spanish lyrics.

After this romantic song from the 40's, I would like to introduce you a vintage-inspired makeup brand.

Bésame Cosmetics

In 2004, an Argentinian woman called Gabriela Hernandez founded Bésame Cosmetics. She emigrated from Buenos Aires to New York, when she was 12 years old. Gabriela was a distinction student, she taught English on her own and after finishing high school in Los Angeles, she became a Fine Art professional from the prestigious Art Center in Pasadena, California.

Gabriela Hernadez

What was her inspiration? Gabriela's hobbies and career include photography, art direction, design, makeup and a huge background in cosmetic historian. All of them make her a great artist who wanted to combine the elegance of  vintage world with the spirit of the women and lifestyle that would buy her products: A wise move for lovers of good taste. I fell in love with them! ♥♥♥

'I want to make a mark of what I am and who I was in the world'

'I want to contribute something worthwhile through this line and inspire young women to follow their dreams'  

I definitely follow you Gabriela! You are great! ♥_♥

Bésame Cosmetics 'creates' (doesn't make) unique artful cosmetics, hand crafted to empower women to feel feminine, sensual, elegant, and glamorous. Their luxury products enhance natural beauty and encourage individual expression, as well as beautify the world in their own right. Another positive thing is that Bésame Cosmetics doesn't test on animals.

Do you want me to show you two of my Bésame Cosmetics products?

1. Crimson Cream Rouge: As far as you know, I am a blush-a-holic, I can't get by without many blushes, seriously I love them haha. This product reminds me of Benetint by Benefit Cosmetics (My review: here),  but it's a cream one, so it's easier to apply. It offers a natural flush from but a pat of product.

'For instant rosy cheeks and lips there is nothing more timeless than our vintage inspired cream rouge. Just a touch of this concentrated cream will give you a natural flush, just like the very first time you were kissed! Apply with your fingertips to lips and cheeks. Feels weightless and blends beautifully with any skin tone. Designed to stay on all day, our cream rouge is sure to delight. Packaged in a vintage styled recyclable tin'

2. Sweetheart Balm (Cherry): woow! Superb! honestly, it keeps my lips moisturized throughout the day! Do you love bitten-lip look? or even that look of having just eaten berries? this balm is for you!

'The Sweetheart Balm is a luminous lip moisturizing balm with a hint of color that gives you an elegant, long lasting finish. Gabriela carefully crafted a healthy formula that deeply moisturizes and conditions, while fortifying with antioxidant vitamins C and E. It is highly emollient and protective as it drenches the lips with exceptional comfort and hydration in sheer, shiny pops of color.

She included beneficial ingredients including aloe leaf extract and shea butter, known for soothing, healing and antiseptic properties, and jojoba, a naturally-derived oil that is easily absorbed into skin. She also included rosa canina extract, a fragrant extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamins C and E, antioxidants that fight free radical damage.

Sweetheart Balm is a refined lip balm that soothes, hydrates, and protects the lips. Use it alone for a subtle sheen or on top of your favorite lipstick for a shiny finish.

Cherry is a deep cherry hue with a berry pop of color and natural cherry flavour'

Formulated without:

- Parabens

- Sulfates

- Synthetic Fragrance

- Artificial sweeteners

- Phthalates

Crimson Cream Rouge & Cherry Sweetheart Balm

Crimson Cream Rouge & Cherry Sweetheart Balm

Crimson Cream Rouge

Cherry Sweetheart Balm

Unfortunately, my camera is not able to capture the true colour on the skin and lips :( Actually, they are very intense rouge colours despite in the pics, they seem very dull. However, hand swatches show true colours. Have a look!

Swatches

Swatches

Have you ever heard about this brand?

Did you like it?

Love,

♡Lorena Be-Bop♡

Frosty Blondes

Men prefer blondes and the director Alfred Hitchcock fetishized them. During his career, he glorified them as 'Frosty blondes', perfect women.

Anny Ondra in Blackmail (1929)

A succession of beauties girls combined feminine refinement and sex appeal in a way that was meticulously stylized. Hitchcock heroines tended to be lovely, cool blondes who seemed proper at first, but when aroused by passion or danger responded in a sensual, animal or even criminal way.

Carole Lombard in Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941)

While they all shared some qualities, it would be a mistake to view them as a cookie-cutter blondes. The continuous and symbolic evolution of the Hitchcock heroine made them very different from each other.

Marlene Dietrich, in State Fright (1950), was one of the earliest of the type and a knowing, glacial heroine. In the film, Charlotte Inwood, a glamorous singer, with her chiseled cheekbones and sharply arched brows, murders her husband, and then tries to pin the crime on her lover.

Marlene Dietrich in Stage Fright (1950)

Kim Novak was more voluptuous, and throughout Vertigo (1958) tantalizingly wore her hair in a tightly coiled French twist (a thinly veiled Hitchcockian metaphor, of course, for tightly coiled feminine passion).

Kim Novak as Madeleine in Vertigo (1958)

Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest (1959) possessed, by comparison, a brittle and seductive perfection. She plays Eve Kendall, and she is not as innocent as she looks. 

Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint in North by Northwest (1959)

Even the choice of lipstick colour could be loaded with symbolism. Hitchcock's 'good' female characters wore cool, barely-there makeup to minimize their sexuality, while lipstick blatantly signified sex. For instance, Kim Novak as the idealized Madeleine in Vertigo has light-pink lips and blonde hair, but as 'imperfect' Judy has coppery hair and red lips.

Kim Novak as Judy in Vertigo (1958)

My little tribute for Vertigo and Kim Novak

Madeleine and Judy, Vertigo (1958)

But it was Grace Kelly who was the quintessential 'snow-covered volcano'. Kelly was one of the definitive beauties of the 1950's. An icon of elegance and refinement, she effortlessly portrayed the haughty allure that so appealed to Hitchcock, for whom she starred in Dial M for Murder (1954), Rear Window (1954) and To Catch a Thief (1955). She retired from film to become Monegasque royalty in 1956, but always credits Hitchcock for being her one, true cinematic teacher: 'He taught me everything. It was thanks to him that I understood that murder scenes should be shot like love scenes, and love scenes like murder scenes'.

Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock in Rear Window (1954)

Rear Window (1954)

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief (1955)
♥♥♥I love this couple ♥♥♥

On the other hand, the director once said, 'You know why I favour sophisticated blondes in my films?' 'We're after the drawing-room type, the real ladies, who become whores once they're in the bedroom'.

I bet, he preferred the white bird haha x)

Love,

♡Lorena Be-Bop♡

Tears of St. Lawrence

Today, I'd to write about a marvellous perfume house and cosmetic brand: Guerlain. It was a family company from 1828 to 1994. It was acquired in 1994 by the LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton group, a French multinational investment corporation specializing in luxury brands.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as you can imagine, yes, it has Be-Bop spirit ;)

If you are interested in reading further information about its history and background, just click here

Vintage Victorian Advert for Oleine Emulsive by Guerlain.

Introduced in 1830 Oleine Emulsive was the world's first whitening skin care cream.

 (Visit original Source)

The first time ever I heard of Guerlain, it was when I was a little girl. My mum used to buy Avon Cosmetics and once she bought those multicolored pearls. Since I saw that little box, I found them fascinating: they looked like magic marbles. I loved getting my hands on them, and I have to admit that...I used to crush them he,he >:) 

I was wondering what was that multicolored mosaic and she told me they were Météorites and were inspired by a famous Guerlain product...Unfortunately, my mum never owned them, but it will be one of her Christmas gifts :)

As far as I am concerned, if I can get a luxury makeup product, I'll buy it without thinking it twice. I'm never disappointed with them. Cosmetic fetishism exists and it's obviously something difficult to explain, either you love it or you don't mind.

I recommend you this product whether you are a makeupholic or you are looking for something designed to brighten skin, to perk up your complexion and to give you a radiant, luminous glow. 

Packaging:

Météorites Perles come in a lovely little tin, which reminds me of a vintage hatter, made of silver-plated metal. On the cap, there is an enameled rosette which is Météorites Perles logo. The cap clicks into the tin and it's very easy to open it. After removing the top cap, we find a soft white rubbery sponge. I guess, this one is just to hold Météorites in place and not to use as an application tool.

Gorgeous packaging! ♥

Product: 

According to the official description of the product: 

Météorites Perles by Guerlain are inspired by light. When white light passes through a prism, it separates into a spectrum of different colours. Inversely, all of these colours together recreate ideal light. This is the principle behind the descomposition and recomposition of light. In photography and film, white light is used to erase imperfections and soften features. In 1987, Guerlain decided to use this technology to add dazzling radiance to women's faces and thus created Météorites...In 2010, Météorites have added a new chapter to their legend. Evanescence, lightness, and transparency...They now come in 3 colour harmonies, holding the secret to the purest radiance ever for each skin tone.

Many people confuse Météorites for a highlighter, but it's more like a light setting powder. It can also be used over your regular powder to add a touch of glow. 

As the official description says, they come in 3 different shades: 

01 Teint Rosé:

#01 Teint Rosé

-Corrective effect (Green and Mauve marbles):  Mauve reflects light and brightens up the shadowed areas of the face. Green diminishes redness.

-Unifying effect (Pink and Champagne marbles): Pink evens out the complexion. Champagne accentuates this action by reflecting light.

-Light-enhancing effect (White and Gold marbles): White, a touch of light par excellence, illuminates the complexion without ever making the skin appear pale and gold adds an extra radiance.

02 Teint Beige:

I chose this one (the best seller, indeed) because I think, it matches better to my skin tone. The pearls smell like violets and to me that is part of what gives this product a luxury vintage appearance. This is such a Be-Bop scent that reminds me of my grandma's perfumes or baby powder in my childhood. So delicious! ♥♥♥

#02 Teint Beige

-Corrective effect (Mauve and Pink marbles):  Mauve and Pink add a healthy glow to dull complexion.

-Unifying effect (Beige and Apricot marbles): Beige and Apricot add a warm glow to your face.

-Light-enhancing effect (White and White-Gold marbles): White and White-Gold accentuate the light reflecting result.

My constellation of six multicolored pearls. Love them!♥

03 Teint Doré:

#03 Teint Doré

-Corrective effect (Mauve and Blue marbles):  Mauve and Blue eliminate the yellow hue in a golden complexion.

-Unifying effect (Beige and Chocolate marbles): Beige and Chocolate enhance a golden complexion.

-Light-enhancing effect (Gold and Apricot marbles): Gold and Apricot brighten a golden complexion.

Swatches:

I regret to say that:  'It was impossible to take a right pic, where the result over my face could be visible', that's why next picture shows some fingertips swatches. As you can see, my fingers, under sunlight, sparkled, however the powder is traslucent.

I recommend to use a kabuki brush or blush brush to swirl it over the pearls and dust over your face. I am using this one, Blush Brush by Real Techniques.

Swatches

Where did I buy them?:

Perfumerias Primor. Free shipping to Spain

But there are several websites, where you can buy them. It's very important to compare prices, to find best deals in your country, when you are shopping online. 

I am very grateful to my sister, Nata, as I have this excellent makeup product thanks to her :) I'll never do without them he,he.

Hope you enjoy reading about my little Perseids :), that's why I named the post after a phrase 'Tears of St.Lawrence'. This is the way Catholic People refer to The Perseids, since 10 August is the date of that saint's martyrdom. The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle, that happen in August. They are so-called because the point from which they appear to come, called the radiant, lies in the constellation Perseus. The name derives in part from the word Perseides (Περσείδες), a term found in Greek mythology referring to the sons of Perseus.

Perseids in 2007

Love,

♡Lorena Be-Bop♡

My Benefit broody hen!

Hello! I was pretty busy last few days, so let's catch up! I'd like to show you an adored makeup product: Powderflage by Benefit Cosmetics Some months ago, I wrote about another product: Benetint. I do love this brand, it fulfills all the requirements to be my favorite one.You are attracted to a brand when it stands for something you believe in; Benefit Cosmetics has Be-Bop spirit :). This is shown on its packaging, what is it that makes Benefit packaging so sexy and so god damn cute? It's irresistably retro, femenine and funny. It reminds me of those hilarious comedy films starred Doris Day. It's not only a sweet packaging, we can also find a brand that takes care of the details, high quality products with excellent cosmetic ingredients. 

Please, don't think I am a sponsor; this review was based purely on my own experience and I bought it with my money. Be-Bop Lashes is a humble blog ;)

In spite of my opinion, there is some controversy about the brand: Many people think Benefit inflates the prize of the products, I mean they are good but very expensive. I'll refer to my favorite saying 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder', the best way to know 'what's the best product for me' is to prep yourself a bit before making your choice: reading a lot of opinions and testing it on a Benefit makeup stand :)

It's corn but they love it

Powderflage by Benefit is a light diffusing powder concealer for under eyes and face therefore it's a specific product. It's not a concealer, so don't assume that this powder will camouflage your dark circles without using a concealer. People who use a concealer and would like to set it all day, they will find an excellent product, because it prevents caking or creasing. Your current loose powder might be an option, however the under eye area is very sensitive and it will dry out your skin. The result will be little wrinkles and creases that make you look old and tired. The best choice is silica powder like this product. 

Step by step lesson by Benefit

What can I write about the packaging? The camouflage pattern of the tin is adorable (that's why Benefit makes a pun in its name 'Powderflage'). 

Powderflage is camouflaged in the forest!

Inside the tin, we find a little box that reminds me of an egg. That's why I couldn't resist the temptation to make a photo perfomance ;) 

We can see a proud broody mum who is showing off her 'babyflage' while her neighbours are gossiping about her. I enjoyed taking the pics! even though my boyfriend thinks, I am completely nuts xD

Gossip hens :)

Let's cook!

It's a a chalky, pinky-white powder and it comes with a tiny fan brush. The brush is not my favorite one, I prefer using a dense soft brush. It has light diffusing particles which means it's a little shimmery. It looks like crushed chalk but it is really silky and smooth on the skin. Some makeup artists use pink to cover dark circles while others think it should be avoided at all costs. So, who’s right? Well, both. Let me explain,given that, Powderflage is a pinky-white powder also. The opposite of pink is a bluish-green on the color wheel. So, if you have dark circles under your eyes, which tend to take on a bluish hue, in theory, pink should help to fade them away, right? The problem? Pink + blue = purple, so beware when using this shade. Instead, look for a pink corrector with a hint of warmth or a subtly orange undertone, like salmon, which is a bit more inconspicuous in covering under-eye blue. My favorite one is 576 Concealer Supracolor by Kryolan.

Anyway don't forget the best remedy for dark circles and puffiness is a good night’s sleep:)

Swatches

Check this link, if you want to see 'Before and After pic' using Powderflage by Benefit and an excellent review in French.

There are cheaper options to set the concealer: HD Microfinish Powder by MUFE, ELF HD Powder, 

Prime And Fine Translucent Loose Powder by Catrice, they are good choices but they might dry out the under eyes skin. Nevertheless this is something that will depend on your skin type and the type of concealer too.

In my opinion, Powderflage by Benefit is the best one!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
P.S. Todos los posts los traduzco a castellano en Facebook

With love,

Lorena Be-Bop

My tocaDior

Is there anything more feminine than a boudoir? They are so coquette, dainty and sensual!. Tocador means Boudoir, in Spanish, that's why I made a pun: 'TocaDior', I want you to keep reading...:)

The term derives from the French verb bouder, meaning 'to be sulky' or boudeur, meaning 'sulky'. They originated in the XVIII century in France, where were called 'toilette' because women used to wrap their cosmetics and personal hygiene items in a delicate linen cloth before they put them in a chest.

There were a lot of different types of boudoirs. Nowadays you can choose yours to decorate your bedroom. Some have elaborate mirrors and beautiful carvings. These're my favourite ones. I think that the mirror is the most important part of them because I'd rather put my makeup on in the sanctuary of the bedroom. Drawers are very handy for makeup and beauty items too:)

They

♥

Boudoir

Next pictures show a little performance. I took them using a mini boudoir. 

It's my Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Collection :)

TocaDior

Strawberry&Chocolate

- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss no.631: It's a pearl coral pink lip gloss.

- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss no.663: It's a coral pink lip gloss with golden pink shimmer.

- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss no.686: It's a fuchsia lip gloss with silver shimmer.

- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss no.557: It's a cotton candy pink lip gloss with multicoloured shimmer. 

- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss no.471: It's a frost beige pink lip gloss.

- Dior Addict Ultra Gloss no.521: It's a cold brown purplish lip gloss with green! shimmer. Yes, it is MAC club eyeshadow for your lips.

Swatches

To finish, I'll write about 'Boudoir Photography'. It's not anything knew and it has its roots in history that goes back thousands of years. If you were to look back in history there has always been tastefully done paintings of women is various states of undress. Almost all of the old master painters admired the human form and tried to depict that on canvas in flattering detail. These paintings were usually commissioned work and hence were expensive, luxury gifts for the very wealthy and these paintings are still prized possessions today. 

With the invention of the camera, the photographic process and then mass production printing, photographs and pictures of women in various states of undress became more widely available. The Pin Up girls have been around since the early 1900′s and as the century evolved the photographs became more risqué. By the 1950's, models were posing in skimpier clothing, smaller bathing suits, lacy lingerie or partially nude. During the major wars of the century, World War II, the Korean War and of course the Vietnam War it was not uncommon for solders to receive Pin Up photographs of their wives or girlfriends to remind them of their loved ones back at home.

Betty Grable

Gina Lollobrigida

Today Boudoir Photography is about creating beautiful, intimate, tasteful and empowering fine art photographs. Boudoir photographs allow you to express your sensuality, your sexuality, your beauty and most importantly your individuality. Although these photographs are often taken with clients in lingerie or partially nude, Boudoir Photography is all about attitude and very little to do with your clothing, your figure or your age.

Bar Rafaeli

Boudoir is definitely a synonym of the word 'sensual'. Dior, too

Lorena Be-Bop
P.S. ¿Te gustaría leer el post en castellano? Léeme en Facebook!

You make me blush!

Hello Dearies! Do you like Gil Elvgren illustrations? It's one of my favourite pin up artist. I chose three sassy pin up girls for my post. 

What do these lasses have in common?

I wrote about stockings in my last post. How do you get blooming cheeks? A couple of months ago, I posted about my adored Benetint. It is not my only one, I love powder blusher as well. 

During my holidays in Spain, I swatched two of my favourite rosy delirium: Hussy by Illamasqua & Frankly Scarlet by MAC Cosmetics.

1. Hussy by Illamasqua: On its nice cardboard box it reads: 'Illuminate, radiate, make your face come alive with the colour and drama of Illamasqua Powder Blusher. Colour-Intense and highly pigmented, use it to shade, brighten, enhance and define the shape of your face. Be bold, be daring, be the centre of attention'. What a big truth!. This is a matte blush that will never be chalky and patchy. It's very pigmented and the colour is pinky/corally. I think it smells like sweet vanilla, softer than Frankly Scarlet by MAC Cosmetics but it lasts a little bit less on your cheeks. The packaging is very nice, I don't have any problem (maybe because I am very careful with my makeup products) but I read some people found Illamasqua packaging very weak because they may break easily.If you want to see it on a makeup look, check out this post, I used it on the 60's Barbie makeup look.

2. Frankly Scarlet by MAC Cosmetics: This is a matte blush as well. It's a very long wearing one. It might look scary in the pan because it looks bright red. However, with careful application, it gives you a healthy flush, like skating in the early morning of spring!. I think it smells like baby powder fragance. I'll use it in future makeup looks but if you want to see it now, check out this link from Call of Beauty blogspot. The packaging is very high quality, you know, it's a MAC product!;)

What can I say? Highly Recommended!! If you want to look like a bubbly cheesecake!^^

Vintage query: Porcelain Skin

Hello readers,

Meg Eileen Carroll, asked me if I had a recommendation for porcelain skin. She wanted to know about a pale foundation that created a vintage look.

Meg, I am going to write about several options, low cost and high quality cosmetics. I recommend you if you can afford it, to buy a good one, but it will be your personal choice:)

HIGH QUALITY OPTIONS:

Well, my current foundation shade is MAC Matchmaster 1.5 . It is a matte foundation and lighter than the famous MAC Studio Fix. I love it. As you can see ,there is a paler shade: MAC Matchmaster 1.0. It may be a good option for you.

MAC Matchmaster swatches

If you are looking for a matte full-coverage foundation, you will choose MAC Studio Fix. Its application could be a little bit difficult, it dries quickly therefore make sure to kind of work in sections, making sure that each area is blended well before moving onto the next. My shade is MAC Studio Fix Fluid NW20 or NW25.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid swatches

As you have seen on the MAC website, there are two types of Studio Fix Fluid: NW and NC.

NC means 'Neutral Cool' which is for people who have yellow undertones in their skin. Like somebody who is olive, golden beige color skin.

NW means 'Neutral Warm' which is for people who have red/pink undertones in their skin. Like somebody who is pink beige color. 

How do you know? Well the best way is testing it on the bottom on your cheek, past your jawline. There is a famous trick, but it is not a fixed rule: If your body veins are bluish, you will use a NW foundation but if they are greenish, you will use a NC foundation.

The palest shade is MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC15 or NW 15. Another option for you.

If you would like to get a paler foundation, you can buy a white one and use it as modulator even with your current foundation, blend them well. In my opinion this is the best way to get your desired shade. Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 1 may be a perfect option for you.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 1

I don't recommend you to use it as a foundation, because you shouldn't makeup your face whiter than your body. It wouldn't suit you.

If you set the foundation with HD loose powder, it would be an extra whiteness touch on your face. Makeup Forever has kind of become famous for its HD line.

They are wonderful, because set the foundation and matify the skin without changing its natural contours. I love to use them to set the concealer, but there is a drawback, they shine under the camera flash. Don't use them for a special event, like a wedding.

After my foundation, I use Too Faced Primed&Poreless that gives my skin a very smooth vintage looking complexion. It's a super fine texture. 

An expensive option can be NARS Loose Powder in Snow shade. It can be too much money, but it will be a good purchase, given that it contains a lot of product.
You can use both of them for pics, no problem with flashes.
LOW COST OPTIONS:
I love using Revlon ColorStay Foundation.It's an oil-free product that will give your skin a fresh look. I use SAND BEIGE shade. It is a MAC NW/NC 20/25 dupe because its undertone is neutral. You could choose between two shades that are paler than mine. The IVORY shade is the palest one.

I recommend you as well, CatricePrime and Fine Translucent Loose Powder, to set your foundation and/or concealer (don't use them if you are gonna take pics, because they are HD powder). 

Some people apply talcum powder on their face, because it's a cheap choice to give a whiteness touch on their skin. Please don't do that, talcum powder will dry out your skin, and it doesn't look smooth and soft. It's a bad tip. You have a lot of specific makeup products:)

TO SUM UP:
Low Cost: Revlon ColorStay + Catrice Prime and Translucent Loose Powder
High Quality: MAC Matchmaster + NARS Loose Powder
Or you can buy a white foundation (Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 1) and use it as a modulator with your current one. NARS Loose Powder or Too Faced Prime&Poreless are expensive, but very good investment, in my opinion.

I hope, I have been able to help you with your right shade :)

Love,

Lorena Be-Bop

The Balm Cosmetics

Hello Dearies! I got around to swatching. Let's introduce a makeup line: The Balm Cosmetics.

This vintage inspired brand was born in San Francisco CA. The founder & CEO is Marissa Shipman. One day, a brilliant idea popped up in her head, there were some must-have products in her makeup bag to feel glamorous and felt that other women could need the same, so she brought several makeup books in Amazon on how to make cosmetics and mixed ingredients in her kitchen:) After a lot of hard work, she created the brand which is now a bestseller in Sephora USA and is a favourite with famous makeup artists. 

The Balm packaging is absolutely lovely. Pin-up girls and beefcakes, curtsey cards containers and cheeky names such as Sexy Mama, Nude'Tude, Hot Mama and so on. It reminds me of Benefit Cosmetics, with the advantage that the most of their products are under €20. The Balm also represents an important vegan culture as they aren't harmful to animals.

Now, I would like to show you my first two choices, I bought them on the website: Maquillalia

Mary Lou-Manizer: It is a beautiful, shimmering champagne highlighter that is flattering on all skin tones, giving an instantaneous boost of luminosity. Also it can be an eye shadow (I use it as a brow eye shadow) . It has a big mirror inside and doesn't put any glitter onto your skin. The texture is very creamy and there is a lot of product.

Mary Lou-Manizer (The Balm Cosmetics)

Hot Mama: This is a coral pink blush with golden sheen that will give your cheeks such a lovely sunny flush. Some people think that is practically identical to cult favourite NARS Orgasm. The texture is very soft, it has shimmer in but no glitter. It can be a sexy shadow and lovely blush, all-in-one!, so it's a good purchase.

Hot Mama (The Balm Cosmetics)

I will use them in future posts for new makeup looks, anyway I made some swatches on my arm for you.

The Balm Cosmetics, a trendy-vintage makeup line for Vargas-girls;) 

Love,

Lorena Be-Bop