Review of Besame Cosmetic's Signature Compact

Upon my return home yesterday afternoon, I noticed UPS left a package on my front porch. It was my Besame Cosmetics order! In this shipment, I received Besame's Signature Compact and a Classic Color Lipstick in Red Velvet.

I have been a huge fan of Besame lipstick but until today, I was not familiar with their famous Cashmere Powder compact. I had been wanting to try out the powder for a while but I was hesitant due to several reviews lamenting the compact's size. One reviewer stated the compact was meant for a doll, not a human being!

Nevertheless, I wanted a vintage-looking and pretty compact for my handbag. I love my MAC Blot Powder but the boring, black plastic compact is, well, boring. I have a vintage 1940s compact that belonged to my husband's bubbe which I usually fill with coty loose powder and rubbing alcohol. Recently, the 'bubbe' compact's clasp has started to loosen and as a result, it won't close properly. Since I prefer vintage, I decided to '"bite the bullet" and buy a Cashmere Compact. It retails for $38.00 USD. Compact refills are $15.00 USD.

After opening the light yellow box above, I pulled out this:

 A red velvet drawstring back with gold string and a goldtone Besame logo.

I opened the bag and pulled out a small, yet heavy-feeling compact:

I love the floral details! So feminine and classic!  Now this is the compact opened. The shade I ordered is the lightest available, Porcelain:

 The refill is magnetized so when you run out of powder, simply insert a tiny screwdriver (like the ones used to repair eyeglasses) or needle into the round notch on the edge of the powder pan and pop it out:

As for the size of the compact itself, here is how it compares to a standard compact (in this case one from MAC):

Here is a view showing the thickness of the powder pan itself:

 When comparing the amount of product Besame gives you to the amount found in MAC, it is obvious that you do get less. So, despite it's "doll size," is Besame Cashmere Powder worth spending $38.00 bucks?

For one, Besame touts this powder as a powder foundation. When I compared the powder opacity to MAC Blot powder, the Cashmere had more coverage while the MAC powder was more like a thin, chalky veil. However, when I compared Dior's Diorskin Forever Compact Foundation to Besame, the Dior was more opaque. Basically, MAC Blot powder is intended to a powder that blots off shine throughout the day. It is just too weak in consistency to be a proper foundation.

The Cashmere Compact is a primarily a sheer coverage foundation. If your skin has flaws or imperfections, this powder is not going to be a good choice because it will not provide enough coverage. So, what is this powder for?

I have been experimenting with it and what I have discovered is that if you use blotting papers and a powder puff, this powder is great for touch ups. The tiny foam puff the powder comes with is pretty useless. It is too small and after a few uses, it seems dirty and worn out. I threw mine out.

Throughout the day, my skin gets very shiny. I blot oil with a couple of blot sheets from Clean and Clear and then using a puff, I lightly apply a small amount of Cashmere powder to my forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. If you use this powder without blotting, its thicker consistency will make your skin look cakey and heavy. You need to blot first with oil sheets!

Also, if you want a more sheer coverage, simply apply tinted moisturizer and using a larger puff, apply a light dusting of Cashmere powder to set. Moreover, if you are blessed with tiny pores and flawless skin, this powder as a foundation alone with work for you.

In addition to this powder's different uses, the vintage look makes it worth its price. It looks so pretty on a vanity table and it is perfect for nights out. Imagine pulling that gorgeous compact out of your gold clutch!

I like the fact this compact is re-fillable. The MAC Blot powder is 23.00 USD. When I run out of product, I need to spend another 23.00 dollars. Like I stated before, the Besame compact refill costs 15.00 USD.  I also think the dense-quality of the powder and the fact the pan is small will help me reduce my need to touch up my makeup!

So, if you are if you are looking for an authentic-looking vintage compact along with good-quality powder that has a myriad of uses, then give Besame Cashmere Powder a try!