Besame Classic Color Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) recently popped up on Sephora with six shades, and I bought two of them to try out. The formula is supposed to have a “satin, matte finish that delivers full coverage in one coat.” It also is supposed to “leave lips feeling soft and hydrated.” Both of these were pigmented, comfortable to wear, and long-wearing. They’re not ultra-hydrating, but they were lightly moisturizing to the point where after six hours, my lips still felt good (no need to rush for the balm). The consistency is lightweight and thin but still yielded good coverage and glided on without pulling on the lips. I didn’t have any color that bled or feathered outside of my natural lip line (though I am not prone to either, but I have experience both occasionally). The formula had a sweet, vanilla scent to it but no discernible taste.

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “cool berry red.” It’s a subdued, medium-dark red with cool, raspberry undertones and a satin finish. It had very nearly opaque coverage (you can just barely see my lip freckle peeking through) that applied evenly and smoothly. The color lasted for six and a half hours and was lightly hydrating over time. Clinique Cherry Pop (P, $18.00) is lighter. MAC Stunner (LE, $16.00) is warmer. Anastasia American Doll (P, $20.00) is lighter, brighter, less glossy. Tom Ford Beauty Ruby Rush (07) (P, $50.00) is lighter, warmer. NARS Deadly Catch (LE, $26.00) is warmer. Kat Von D Hexagram (P, $21.00) is lighter, warmer, less glossy. MAC Frank-n-furter (LE, $16.00) is darker, less glossy. Chanel La Desiree (327) (LE, $34.00) is warmer. Chanel Rouge Byzantin (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, darker. MAC Just a Bite (LE, $16.00) is darker, glossier. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick ($22.00 for 0.12 oz.) is described as a “true red with a cooler, blue-toned base.” It’s a brightened, medium red with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. It had full color coverage that applied with smooth, even color without dragging or tugging on the lips. The texture was lightly creamy but didn’t slide around (but it isn’t transfer-proof). It was comfortable to wear during the six hour period it lasted. MAC MAC Red (P, $16.00) is darker. Chanel La Precieuse (317) (LE, $34.00) is warmer. MAC RiRi Woo (LE, $16.00) is less glossy. MAC Ronnie Red (LE, $16.00) is darker. NARS Deadly Catch (LE, $26.00) is darker. MAC Ruby (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer, glossier. Kat Von D Hexagram (P, $21.00) is more muted, less glossy. Too Faced Melted Ruby (P, $21.00) is glossier. Anastasia American Doll (P, $20.00) is warmer, less glossy. MAC Tenor Voice (LE, $16.00) is lighter. MAC Opera (LE, $16.00) is lighter. Tom Ford Beauty Ruby Rush (07) (P, $50.00) is warmer. MAC Kinky (LE, $16.00) is warmer. Kat Von D Outlaw (P, $19.00) is warmer, less glossy. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick

Besame American Beauty 1945 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick

Besame Besame Red 1920 Lipstick