Face by Stace

The Business of No. 5: How Chanel Turned a Fragrance into a Global Empire

Chanel didn’t just create a perfume; she created a business model. When No. 5 launched in 1921, the fragrance industry was still rooted in small perfumers and boutique production. Chanel approached it differently — as a scalable luxury product that could be manufactured, marketed, and distributed with the same precision as fashion.

She partnered with the Wertheimer family, owners of the perfume house Bourjois, to industrialize No. 5. Their factories could produce the fragrance at a volume Chanel could never achieve alone, allowing No. 5 to reach international markets. In exchange, the Wertheimers received a controlling share of the newly formed Parfums Chanel, a decision that would shape the brand’s future for decades.

Chanel’s promotional strategy was equally modern. She understood that luxury required visibility, not scarcity. No. 5 was placed in elite department stores, advertised in fashion magazines, and gifted to influential women. Chanel herself wore it constantly, turning her personal image into a form of marketing. By the 1930s, No. 5 had become the first truly global designer fragrance, a commercial success built on industrial production, strategic partnerships, and a new understanding of how luxury could be scaled.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!
do you feel fabulous today?

Besame Cosmetics: Victory Red Special Edition Set

The Victory Red Special Edition Set, which includes of course the Victory Red lipstick…hold on. Let’s rewind to the beginning. First, what is Victory Red lipstick? No, I don’t mean the straightforward answer to the question but rather the backstory. Yeah, this lipstick has a backstory. How often do you hear that, right? Well, much like with Besame’s Holly Pink lipstick, which also has a backstory, Victory Red lipstick does too. Let’s begin. It all started when WWII was in progress, in both countries America and Canada, that the government encouraged women to wear lipstick specifically a shade of red to showcase strength, hope and confidence, so women opted for a hue called Victory Red. Interested for more! I know you are. Check out the full story here on Face by Stace: Victory Red Lipstick & the Importance of it, Plus Materials for Lipstick Were Scarce During WWII – Face by Stace

With Besame’s special edition set, enjoy the essence of 1940s elegance. This brilliant formula offers exceptional colour which happens to be a blue undertone based red, making it a true red hue, which embodies the colour of the 1940s red lipstick; true red. Delivering a subtle satin finish, made locally with the highest quality ingredients.

Why Did Besame Create Victory Red Lipstick?

Besame created the Victory Red lipstick because during World War II, “Victory Red” became a symbol of strength, positivity and hope. A lipstick that inspired by the original shade worn in 1941, Besame carefully re-created this historic red through extensive research and colour matching to bring its timeless spirit to life once again.

The Look: Classic glamour with bold, confident colour.
The Emblem: A tribute to the legacy behind this iconic shade.
The Feel: Smooth, saturated hue with a satin finish.

Mineral-free
Paraben-free
Not tested on animals
Gluten-free
Fragrance-free

“I remember the day vividly when I set out to create the Victory Red Lipstick. As the founder of Bésame Cosmetics, my passion for history and timeless beauty inspired me to capture the essence of an era in one powerful, elegant shade. This lipstick is a tribute to the courageous women of the 1940s, who donned red lips as a symbol of strength and resilience during wartime.

Rationing and lower production during the early 40’s made finding an original tube to duplicate the shade a treasure hunt that lasted for 6 long years.

Victory Red isn’t just another lipstick; it’s a piece of history that you can carry with you. The deep, vivid red is meticulously matched to the original Victory Red worn by women serving in the U.S. military during World War II. When you glide this rich hue across your lips, you’re not just applying color—you’re embracing a story of bravery and grace.

Every detail of Victory Red was carefully considered. From the luxurious, vintage-inspired gold packaging to the creamy, long-wearing formula, I put my heart and soul into ensuring it offers both beauty and comfort. The lipstick is enriched with nourishing ingredients to keep your lips hydrated and soft, making it a perfect blend of historical elegance and modern luxury.

Creating Victory Red was a journey of passion for me. I wanted to honour the past while empowering women today to feel confident and unstoppable. I invite you to experience the magic and legacy of Victory Red and join me in celebrating the timeless beauty that transcends generations.

With love and dedication,”

Gabriela Hernandez
Founder, Bésame Cosmetics

All sales are final.

Enjoy this Victory Red Special Edition Set! Have you tried it, yet? If so, let me know, I’d love to hear from you!

Price: $57

For more information, please visit: besamecosmetics.com

Stacey Says: I sure do love a true red lipstick, specifically Besame’s Victory Red. I love everything about this lipstick and this set. Enjoy!

Victory Red Lipstick & the Importance of it, Plus Materials for Lipstick Were Scarce During WWII

It was in both countries, America and Canada, that the government encouraged women to wear Victory Red lipstick. Let’s delve in as to why, what this meant, and more!

During the Second World War, in both America and Canada, lipstick materials were in shortage, leaving women to become creative, since lipstick has sustained a powerful symbol of morale and normalcy on the home front. Upon the conclusion of the war, the “Victory Red” shape was worn by women in celebration, much like the Victory Rolls hairstyle, in celebration of having won the war. Materials shortages and factory conversions changed how lipstick was made and packaged, however women still sought red lips as a small, defiant ritual of femininity and confidence.

Much like stockings, it was un-heard of, socially un-acceptable to leave the home without wearing lipstick.

What lipstick represented

Wearing lipstick was framed as an act of resilience: a quick, visible way to “look like yourself” amid upheaval.

Advertisers and some governments encouraged women to keep up appearances as part of the war effort; beauty was sometimes cast as patriotic.

How the war changed production and use

Rationing and shortages.
Metals, fats and certain oils were rationed or re-directed to military use, which affected packaging and some ingredients. In places where cosmetics were scarce, lipstick became more prized.

Factory shifts.
Some cosmetic manufacturers re-purposed plants for war production (first‑aid kits, chemical components), reducing civilian output.

Re-formulation and packaging changes.
To conserve materials, companies simplified packaging and adjusted formulas when key ingredients were un-available.

Homemade and recycling.
Women improvised with homemade substitutes (e.g., vegetable dyes) and saved or re-melted old lipstick stubs, practices that could be un-hygienic or irritating.

Everyday practice and style

“Victory red.”
Bold red shades were especially popular because they read well in photos and on film and signaled confidence.

Practical application.
Compact, portable products (like pan‑cake make-up and small lipstick tubes) were favoured for convenience and economy.

Class and regional differences.
Availability varied by country and class; in some places lipstick was common, in others it was scarce and therefore more ceremonial.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading. Until next time!

do you feel fabulous today?

Besame Cosmetics Holly Pink Lipstick – Coming Soon & Sold-Out!

A 1961 pink‑coral a.k.a. nude pink at its finest. The nude pink of all nude pinks. The nude pink that began the long-lasting trend. After all, nude pink or pink lipstick in general wasn’t a thing decades prior. It began with Elizabeth Taylor’s Cleopatra cat eye from her namesake film in the early 1960s, when not paired with red lipstick by everyday women, that sustained this trend throughout the decade followed by the trend made popular by British supermodel, Twiggy, with the Mod Look. (P.S. Elizabeth Taylor birthed the cat eye, later being called winged eye, look thanks to her role in her film Cleopatra!!! Great film btw).

A best-seller this lipstick has become, so it is no surprise it sold-out in pre-order! I do hope Besame brings back the Holly Pink shade!

Holly Pink, Besame Cosmetics’ upcoming shade inspired by the glamour of 1961, — a colour crafted not just for beauty, but for narrative. It is a pink‑coral whisper with cinematic lineage, a shade that feels like stepping into a film still from a bygone era.

Holly Pink is described as a soft medium pink with a subtle amount of coral — balanced, radiant and universally flattering . It’s the kind of shade that brightens the face without overwhelming it, offering a glow that feels effortless and refined. Besame calls it “your invitation to carefree glamour,” and that is exactly what it delivers — a colour that feels polished yet relaxed, feminine yet confident.

Regular price: $52

The finish carries a gentle sheen, giving the lips a fresh, glowing look suitable for daytime charm or evening elegance . Besame’s newly re-formulated lipstick glides on smoothly, offering buildable pigment and long‑lasting colourwhether worn sheer or full‑intensity . It’s infused with Vitamin E and vanilla making the experience as comforting as the shade itself .

But Holly Pink’s magic lies in its origin story.

Besame’s founder, Gabriela, a makeup historian, undertook extensive research to re-create the true hue associated with an iconic film heroine — a woman who embodied both vulnerability and invincibility. Film lovers have debated the exact shade for decades but Gabriela studied archival film, lighting and vintage make-up references to craft a version that captures the character’s essence with historical fidelity .

Besame describes Holly Pink as “more than a lipstick — it’s a story in a shade.” It represents transformation, mystery and boldness. Every swipe carries the poise of a bygone era — elegant, fearless, iconic.

And even though it’s coming soon, the excitement is already palpable. Reviews of similar Besame pink‑coral shades show how beloved this colour family is: everyday wearability, flattering undertones and a texture that feels silky and weightless on the lips . Customers describe shades like Holly Pink as brightening, cheerful, and confidence‑boosting — even under harsh grocery store lights. People seemed more receptive than usual and I was surprised by the smiles!

Holly Pink is poised to become one of those shades that women reach for instinctively — the kind that becomes a signature, a mood, a moment.

It is glamour without effort. It is vintage without nostalgia. It is modern with a Hollywood heartbeat.

Additional Information:

Mineral oil free
Paraben free
Not tested on animals
gluten free
Fragrance free
Lipstick with Vitamin E and Vanilla
Vegan, Gluten Free & cruelty-free
Universally flattering lipstick for different skin tones
Vintage-shaped lipstick with 2 blunt sides and 2 sharp edges for lining lips and filling them in

Holly Pink is coming soon — and it’s already unforgettable.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

The Feud Series: Queens of Paris: Chanel vs. Lanvin Part 5: The Modern Echo: How Their Rivalry Shapes Fashion Today

The Feud That Never Really Ended

Although Chanel and Lanvin lived in the early 20th century, their rivalry didn’t stay in the past. It became a template — for how modern fashion houses compete today.

Their feud shaped:

how designers build identity
how brands cultivate clientele
how fashion houses position themselves socially
how legacy is constructed and protected

Paris remembers its feuds. And modern designers still behave inside the structures these two women created.

1. Modern Branding: Chanel’s Playbook
Chanel’s approach to branding — simplicity, modernity, recognizability — became the foundation of modern luxury marketing.

Today, you see Chanel’s influence in:

minimalist logos
signature silhouettes
iconic accessories
global fragrance dominance
celebrity partnerships
runway theatrics

Every major house uses Chanel’s formula:

Create a myth. Protect it. Reinvent it. Repeat.

This is exactly what YSL, Dior, and even Balmain follow today.

2. Craftsmanship & Heritage: Lanvin’s Legacy
Lanvin’s devotion to:

embroidery
ateliers
couture craftsmanship
mother‑daughter elegance
colour identity (Lanvin Blue)

became the foundation for heritage‑driven houses like:

Givenchy
Balenciaga (in its Cristóbal era)
Valentino
Schiaparelli (modern revival)

Lanvin proved that:

Craft can be a brand.

This is why couture still exists today — because houses like Lanvin made craftsmanship a form of identity.

3. Social Positioning: The Parisian Power Game

Chanel and Lanvin taught modern designers that:

who you dress matters
who you stand beside matters
who speaks your name matters

This is the DNA of:

YSL vs. Karl
Givenchy vs. Balmain
Dior vs. Balenciaga
Schiaparelli vs. Chanel (yes, that feud existed too)

Parisian fashion is still cutthroat because these women made it that way.

4. Legacy Wars: Who Controls the Narrative?

Modern fashion houses fight for legacy the same way Chanel and Lanvin did.

You see it today in:

brand revivals
creative director battles
archival reissues
museum exhibitions
celebrity endorsements
fashion documentaries

Chanel’s legacy machine is the strongest. Lanvin’s legacy is quieter but deeply respected.

Their rivalry taught modern houses that:

Legacy is a battlefield.

Every feud resembles or at the very least echoes Chanel vs. Lanvin.

Because modern fashion is still built on rivalry, identity, legacy, social positioning and craftsmanship.

Chanel and Lanvin didn’t just shape their era. They shaped the entire industry.

Their feud is the origin story of modern fashion competition one may refer to this feud as.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Saved by the Bell Beauty Breakdown: Kelly, Jessie + Lisa

Saved by the Bell shaped the beauty vocabulary of the early 1990s in ways few teen shows ever achieved. Its vibe was bright, optimistic and expressive — a reflection of a decade defined by colour, confidence and cultural experimentation. Each girl represented a distinct beauty archetype, and together, Kelly, Jessie, and Lisa created a trio of looks that still echo through modern nostalgia‑driven beauty trends.

Kelly Kapowski: The All‑American Beauty

Kelly’s look was the blueprint for early 90s: soft, romantic and effortlessly approachable. Her feathered brunette hair framed her face with movement and warmth, while glossy pink lips and pastel eyeshadow created a subtle glow that felt both aspirational and attainable. Kelly’s beauty was rooted in softness — flushed cheeks, natural brows, and a sweetness that defined the “girl‑next‑door” archetype for an entire generation.

Her fashion mirrored this gentleness: floral tops, denim skirts, sweetheart necklines, and scrunchies in every colour. Kelly’s vibe opted for luminosity as opposed to loud. She embodied the kind of beauty that felt familiar, comforting and timeless which is the reason as to why it still resonates.

Jessie Spano: Smart Girl Minimalism

Jessie’s beauty was understated, intellectual and confident. She embraced her natural curls, often wearing them loose or softly defined, and her makeup palette leaned toward earth tones and minimalism. Jessie’s look predicted the “clean girl look” or the no-makeup makeup look decades before it became a trend — fresh skin, soft mascara and a no‑fuss approach to beauty that felt grounded and authentic.

Her wardrobe was academic chic: oversized shirts, high‑waisted jeans, muted colours and practical accessories. Jessie’s beauty wasn’t about glamour; it was about presence. She represented the girl who didn’t need embellishment to be seen.

Lisa Turtle: 90s Glamour & Fashion Forward

'Saved by the Bell' Season two: Justice for Lisa Turtle | The Young Folks

Lisa was Bayside’s fashion icon — bold, colourful and always ahead of her time. Her beauty was expressive: bright lipstick, vibrant eyeshadow, glossy curls and statement earrings that became part of her signature look. Lisa understood glamour intuitively. She wore jewel tones, structured jackets, bold prints and maximalist accessories with the confidence of a runway model.

Her aesthetic shaped early 90s glam culture. Lisa’s beauty was fearless, fashion‑forward and unapologetically feminine— a celebration of colour, creativity and self‑expression.

Kelly, Jessie, and Lisa weren’t just characters — they were beauty and fashion archetypes that defined a decade. Their looks continue to influence modern trends: glossy lips, pastel palettes, clean‑girl minimalism, bold accessories and nostalgia‑driven glam. Saved by the Bell remains a cultural touchstone because it captured beauty and fashion in its most joyful form — expressive, playful and full of personality.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?