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Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder Review, Photos, Swatches

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder ($45.00 for 0.42 oz.) is a medium, rosy bronze with warm undertones and a luminous sheen. MAC Nuanced (LE, $34.00) is warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Nude Glow (LE, $46.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Laura Mercier Rosé (LE, $42.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). NARS Hot Sand (P, $30.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS PYT (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Moodlight (Candlelight) (LE, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Smashbox Shimmer (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar). Milani Rosa Romantica (P, $7.99) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar). NARS Tempted (P, $30.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). Stila Sending My Love Highlighter (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar). LORAC Sunlight (LE, $23.00) is brighter, warmer (90% similar). Chanel Metal Peach (LE, $80.00) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar). Charlotte Tilbury Lightgasm Multi-Glow (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar). Surratt Beauty Coup de Genie (P, $32.00) is lighter (85% similar). MAC Pearl Sunshine (LE, $22.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Becca Rose Gold (LE, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar). NARS Unlimited (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery, lighter (80% similar). ColourPop Beach Party (LE, $10.00) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (80% similar). See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.

It seems like a new formula, as it recently popped up on Neiman Marcus (which is where I purchased mine from); the first thing I noticed about it was actually that it is a very large-sized powder–generous compared to most cheek and face products. The formula is supposed to “infuse the skin with luster” with a “satiny smooth powder.” It’s available in two shades (and I will review the other soon), and Bellissima ended up being the first one I tried. It has a firmer, denser feel to it overall; I wouldn’t describe it as stiff necessarily, but it doesn’t respond well to a feathery or really soft brush; I had to use a denser blush brush to get enough color to show up on me–I think it could be softer/looser overall. It has more medium coverage that’s buildable, and the powder is very blendable on the skin. It highlighted without emphasizing pores, and for me, gave a warming color on me. I expect on fairer complexions, they will see even more warmth, while deeper skin tones will find it highlights more. The color lasted for eight and a half hours on me before fading just slightly.

Bellissima

PPermanent. $45.00.
B+
B+
8.5
Product
10
Pigmentation
7
Texture
9.5
Longevity
5
Application
89%
Total

See more photos & swatches!

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder
Edward Bess Bellissima Threads of Silk Powder

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Foundation
  • Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Setting Powder
On eyes:
  • Makeup Geek Casino Eyeshadow
  • Makeup Geek Sin City Eyeshadow
  • Makeup Geek Venom Eyeshadow
  • Make Up For Ever I24 Aqua XL Eye Pencil
  • Make Up For Ever I32 Aqua XL Eye Pencil
  • Make Up For Ever S20 Aqua Liner Eye Pencil
On lips:
  • Chanel Tanami Glossimer

49 Comments

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KJH Avatar

Irrelevant reply: re: HG Mood Light primer. Very interesting. (ML is the only HG color I like). Longevity is excellent. The effect does show under TM. Have not tried any ‘real’ foundation. Goes on easily, but requires quite a bit of product, as sinks in. ‘Bout a nickel size dollop. Does not read as pinky as I expected and does not ‘cool’ the overproducts. No ‘correcting’ aspect, to my eye. The surprising thing is the lighting element in it. It is gold, not crystal or silver, very fine shimmer. Subtle, as expected. Even though it is an allover product, the light catches the planes of your face, differentially. That is the most surprising aspect of it. Flattering. To the subtle folks, it may be a game changer. As an everyday layer, think it would get expensive quickly. Possible use as a stand alone. Suggest you get a sample, when it reaches stores, bec it’s not at all what my conception was. Not in local stores here yet, either. Got it Sepho online.

Wednesday Avatar

Oooh thanks for this! I purchased in Luminous light and it is outrageously expensive given the size of the tube which is rather misleading. There is very little product held within. I actually was momentarily rendered speechless (rare moment indeed). But.. I do really like it. Thin non greasy texture, quick to absorb. I use a very very small amount. I know precisely what you mean regarding effect on face. I use only in small areas where I want to highlight. I use a diff primer on my nose, chin, forehead which is more satin finish (otherwise..in summer areas get far tooooo dewey decimal). So that keeps cost down and works better for my summer combination skin.

Argh, I love MLight..the powder. And I like your point about not screwing with base layer temperature. I find the powder has the same quality; can take down the look of sallowness, without overly cooling..neutralizes enough and that’s a bit of a feat.

Think I will definitely pick up the ML as well. I use primer more so now than I ever have because I’m trying to keep my base layers light. Big coverage looks so incredibly sh*tty on me at this stage. I’m better off with primer for a bit of skintone help and sticking to lighter coverage.

KJH Avatar

The textures in powder products just grow increasingly amazing. Would love to watch the mfg process. Have often tried, without success to imagine how machines make checkerboard products, like those d/c’d Neutrogena face products. The N replacements don’t do it for me at all. Different color sections w/embossing? Sunset Ribbon, this, Guo Pei, Chantecaille? How can we bear to touch them? Just display them, open.

Claire L Avatar

I love this! I have Stila’s dupe though so won’t be getting this. It’s interesting however that this is slightly more peach where the Stila highlighter is a bit more coppery.

Eileen Avatar

I bought this and have only worn it a couple of times so far as the weather here is still flashing warm, cold, warm, cold. . .LOL Once the weather has warmed up in earnest, I know I’ll get much more use out of this as it does impart quite a bit of color on my NC15 complexion. Because I have naturally rosey cheeks, I don’t need any additional blusher when I wear this. It’s a nice option for those times when I want a no-fuss look. BTW, I use a Tom Ford blusher brush which is soft to the touch, but very dense. It does a good job of picking up the color and buffing it on, but as you pointed out, Christine, the product could have been softer. I’ve read several reviews about it and that seems to be the only real complaint. I’m wondering if, with a bit of use, it will become softer like that pretty spring camellia blush that Chanel had a of couple years ago. It was stiff until the top layer was worn away. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Belissima will be the same.

Christine Avatar

The texture has me at odds, because it is not stiff like some of MAC’s powders that are hard to use… but it is not as soft as you might expect in a higher-end or such a finely-milled powder. I used Wayne Goss’ blush brush that is similar in density/shape as the Tom Ford blush myself, which had good results, but I don’t find that a highlighter brush works as well!

Aditi Avatar

Ugh that looks beautiful! Nice to see something different in a sea of pale champagne highlighters. I would definitely buy it if I didn’t already have too many highlighters/face shimmer blushy thingys. I do have rose gold though so I will try to satisfy my craving with that.

Alys Avatar

Okay, I’m so distracted by how this product looks in the compact that I totally have to know how they make it like that!! Nerd out time!

Rebekah Avatar

I saw these and was so curious!! I’m anxious to know if the darker shade leans more into the blush spectrum, it looks like it has some dark burgundy woven in? I love the sheen though…now that I’ve seen that beautiful finish, I may try it out! Thank you so much for your review!

BonnieBBon Avatar

I don’t own anything by this brand but I will now. I love the presentation with the threads. More importantly I think the swatch is beautiful! Thank you Trina for the QVC tip! The beautiful product and 2 brushes?! What a steal!

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