Before I start, let me say this. I don’t know what to call the RMK Skintuner. Is it a lotion? It sure feels and looks like one. Is it a moisturizer? It doesn’t remotely look like it! But it does a lovely job at keeping my skin plumped and moist. What is it?
I dug around a bit for information and according to the RMK website, the concept behind the Skintuner is a bit of an all rounder product. It is regenerative, moisturizing, self-plumping and refining. It contains beta catotene and royal jelly extract to drench the hyaluronic acid within our skin so you have smoother more polished skin. Sounds complex but here’s the deal. Its super easy to use once you get the hang of it, and if you don’t have very dry skin, this one bottle might be all you need!
Intriguing right? 🙂
The product was launched in 2011 I believe and in 2012, they have added a Brightening version that comes in 2 formula – Light and Moist. The one I have is the Moist version which would, I believe, be targeted at those who have slightly drier skin types. The Light version might be suitable for those who have oilier skins.
The lotion comes in a tall 150ml bottle and like all RMK products, is very minimalistic in packaging. According to the website, this is a moisturizer that contains Rhododendrol to inhibit melanin production. Regular use will help prevent freckles and skin discolouration and possibly treat existing problems.
I must at this juncture tell you about the texture and why it puzzles me so. You see, I thought that a product like this will come in a liquid gel or maybe emulsion form. What I did not expect was water. It is literally clear water when squirted out from the bottle. That is what puzzles me.
How can such a watery liquid act as a moisturizer? My feeble brain just could not get my head around it. It smells lovely though, of zesty slightly bitter citrus and berries on first sniff. Its refreshing! But confusing!
Which is where I come to the packaging. I have a beef with the method of dispensation.
I personally find that the nozzle of the pump is too large and unwieldy so there is practically no control over the amount of product that is dispensed with one press of the pump. Also, the lack of directional control means it can and will get everywhere if you aren’t careful.
I don’t know what would be a better method of dispensing this liquid. A slimmer more narrow nozzle maybe? I’m not sure. But it does detract from what otherwise is a very lovely product.
According to the directions, you should pump 4 times on dry hands or on a piece of cotton pad, then apply to your face. Let me tell you that this does not work. Pump 4 times of this liquid into your palm and you will be unable to contain it because it will overflow.
Instead, here’s what I do.
- Pump 1 pump into my palm
- Spread the liquid between the palm of both hands
- Spread on face and lightly pat till absorbed
Seriously, 1 pump is more than sufficient for me! I don’t understand the need for 4 pumps. That said, if you choose to use a cotton pad instead of your hands, then perhaps 4 pumps would be perfect. The pad will be left sopping wet and you can then spread it easily on your face. If you don’t want to waste, then 1-2 pumps is more than sufficient.
I must say that I wasn’t sure what to expect when using this product. But after almost a month, I’ve decided I quite like it. Within the first few days of using this both day and night, I found that it helped my skin feel instantly rehydrated. My skin does feel smoother and more plumped up. However, I will say here that I use it in addition to my existing skincare, as an extra hydrating lotion.
So for me, I use it thus – Cleanser, Melvita Facial Floral Water, RMK Skintuner, serum, moisturizer etc. It must also be said that I have skin that tends to being a little dry and I’m in air-conditioned places a lot, so this sequence works for me. If you have oily skin then this is probably sufficient on its own.
As for brightening properties, I can’t quite tell. I am most impressed with the hydrating qualities above others, and the very lovely fresh scent that is at once light, but uplifting to the senses especially in the morning. Despite the packaging, I could potentially see this as remaining a staple in my skincare.
In a nutshell
The RMK Skintuner Brightening Moist is a very liquid solution that operates as a moisturizer with an active ingredient to control melanin production. It will take a lot of getting used to, the first time it is used, because of the very liquid texture. I find that the nozzle of the pump is a bit too large so a lot of product is dispensed at one go. The recommended 4 pumps would be far too much for anyone so I would suggest just 1-2 pumps. I use it as a hydrating lotion/serum and as part of my skincare line up. The intention of this product is to enable you to use it on its own as well, so if you don’t have very dry skin, then this one product can take the place of lotion, serum and moisturizer. I personally just prefer using my regular skincare in addition. The light fresh citrus-berry scent is uplifting and the product makes my skin feel plumped up, smoother and more comfortable.
Pros: Very light watery texture that is easily absorbed by skin, Skin feels almost immediately plumped up and hydrated, Can be used alone as moisturiser or as a hydrating lotion as part of regular skincare
Cons: The nozzle is a bit unwieldy and can dispense too much product, The product can take some getting used to for most
Who will like this: Those who want a boost of moisture and hydration to the skin, Those who want to use as few products as possible as this can take the place of a lotion (toner) and moisturiser
I make no comment about the price which is RM120/150ml. I do not think it extremely high and in fact, I’d consider it fairly priced for a product by RMK and in comparison to other products in a similar price range. In fact, I know of no other similar product! 🙂 I do not have the ingredient list, I’m afraid. The box only had Japanese writing on it, and I can’t tell if its an ingredient list, an address or just a product description 😛
A quick tip: Because its so watery, I sometimes saturate some pieces of cotton pad or a paper mask and use this as a quick mask. Its really nice on the skin this way especially when you don’t really want to faff about with sticky sheet masks or wash off masks. Just lay the cotton pads on your skin, then in about 10-15 minutes, toss them and go to bed 🙂
Have you ever used the RMK Skintuner? Do you have thoughts on it? They have 3 variants for now – Skintuner EX (moisturizing), Skintuner Smoother (pore minimizing) and Skintuner Brightening (skin brightening). I’m thinking of trying Skintuner EX once I’m done but it won’t be for at least another 3 months at least! This goes a very long way 🙂
Paris B
RMK Skintuner Brightening comes in 2 variants – Light and Moist Price: RM120/150ml Availability: RMK counters
Gin says
June 7, 2012 at 9:04 amThis looks goooodddd…. U made me want it!!!
Price is quite affordable for a Rmk too!!
*tempt tempt*
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:42 pmI know right? I was quite surprised at the price to be honest. Its “affordable” LOL! I am happy with how my skin is faring with this (seems brighter too but I don’t know if its this or the cleanser or the serum or just everything together so I’m not saying its helping but it may contribute). Try to see if you can snag a sample 🙂
gin says
June 12, 2012 at 2:58 pmahh, do rmk gives samples? i’d definitely check it out!
have u tried their famous base? what do u think of them?
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 11:47 pmNope, haven’t tried their base but their liquid foundation is very nice! Review to come 🙂
rinnah says
June 7, 2012 at 9:32 amOk, you’ve done it again PB. You’ve convinced me that I need this product in my skincare routine pronto! *walks off like a zombie to the nearest RMK counter…* 😛
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:42 pmLOL Try to see if you can snag a sample? I’m not sure how it’ll fare on sensitive skins but I really really do like this 🙂
Jyoan says
June 7, 2012 at 9:49 amSounds like it would really nice to soak some cotton pads or even facial masks sheets (plain) with this, and just lie down for a good facial!
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:43 pmYup! I’ve tried it and its nice especially in an airconditioned room 😀 Or just stick the bottle in the fridge before hand hehe…
Stacey says
June 7, 2012 at 10:11 ami think it can be something that i can use on days that i feel too tired / lazy to go through my whole skincare routine. yay for a shortcut! 😀
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:44 pmIt does seem that way right? I mean if it works as a moisturizer, why not? I like using it as a moisturizing layer as I don’t feel its moisturizing enough on its own, but its nice how it seems to boost the moisture levels of my skin 🙂
Sukie says
June 7, 2012 at 10:21 amIntriguing! I’ve never tried anything from RMK before and my skin’s been really dry lately… Also being lazy.. I do like the sound of having a 2-in-1 product so I think I need to check this out! =D
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:45 pmOoh I know for a fact you can get RMK in the UK, Sukie! 😉 Its my first time trying anything from RMK too so I was mildly surprised at how well this worked for my skin. I hope you manage to either snag a sample to try or that if you do try it, that you like it!
mswanniey says
June 7, 2012 at 11:18 amwahhhhh i want to try it…. i hope today is a payday….
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:46 pmIf you did try it, I hope you like it! 🙂
AnT says
June 7, 2012 at 11:49 amWOW! Thanks dearie Paris! I was contemplating to try or not to try the sample of this I received months ago 😛 Now I am confident to try it! Yay yay yay yay! 😉
xoxo 😀
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:47 pmHaha… have you tried it, AnT? Did you like it?
AnT says
June 13, 2012 at 9:52 amTried 😀 my skin really felt immediately plumped and hydrated 😀
Thanks so much Paris dearie! Even the sample size can last like at least a month 😀 Yay yay! Yay yay! 😉
Paris B says
June 17, 2012 at 11:20 pmYay yay! Happy your skin is happy! I’m so addicted to this now!
Sze Ling says
June 7, 2012 at 2:42 pmI’m intrigued! As you know, I’m on the hunt for a new moisturizer and toner. Or shall I say, I’m revamping my whole skincare routine. Why? Long story short, some brand (which shall not be named) decided to reformulate their product, and it’s now drying out my skin and making me break out like hell. Sad.
Price point aside, amongst HadaLabo lotion, L’Occitane Angelica toner, Diorsnow White Reveal Moisturizing Lotion and this RMK one, which do you prefer for hydrating purposes? Or maybe you could list them in your order of preference? 😀
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:52 pmI hate it when brands reformulate and then the new formula sucks for our skin. WHY do they have to tinker with a winning formula?! 😛
As for your question just purely going by hydrating qualities, I’d rank them as RMK Skintuner, Hada Labo SHA Lotion with L’Occitane and Diorsnow going for a tie.
Sze Ling says
June 12, 2012 at 3:07 pmI know, right?! Now I have to slowly “salvage” my poor skin back to its original condition. Sigh… All these sighing is probably not helping my skin either. 😛
Bought a small HadaLabo trial kit, and I have to agree with the moisturizing property of the SHA Lotion. I’m impressed. Do you think it could be used as a mask too? With a tablet mask, of course. (Me trying to be creative 😉 )
I got some Chanel Hydra Beauty samples (toner, serum, moisturizer) and I’m afraid to fall in love with it. Looking at the price is like watching a horror movie.
The gel creme moisturizer is divine. The first day I tried it on, 3 (THREE) people complimented on how good I look. And all 3 of them see me very often, like almost everyday. Even they can see the difference.
I’m now just making up a lot of excuses to prevent myself from walking straight to a Chanel counter to get the full size. Let’s see how long that can last. LOL.
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 11:49 pmOh yes! The Hada Labo lotion works for a DIY mask too 🙂 I haven’t tried much of Chanel skincare. I tried some many years ago but it didn’t fare well on my skin. I also found them too scented. But it’s good to know your skin likes it. Well, maybe not for your wallet hehe
Sze Ling says
June 13, 2012 at 10:01 amScented they are. I was taken by surprise on how scented it is. Took me 2 days to get used to it. The husband seems to like the scent though. LOL. But wait till he knows the price. 😛
Surprisingly, all those fragrance did not aggravate my sensitive dehydrated skin.
Paris B says
June 17, 2012 at 11:21 pmThis is when you get your husband to promise to get it for your birthday 😉 after all its in his best interest to keep you looking and smelling good, right? 😉
Crystal says
June 7, 2012 at 3:32 pmHi Paris,
Thanks for giving a heads up on the skin tuner by rmk! I actually had a couple of sampling bottles given from previous purchases but couldn’t figure out how to use them. I thought they are quite similar to hada labo lotion but these are probably more liquid as compared. So liquid that I dunno how to use! 🙂
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 2:59 pmHi Crystal! The RMK Skintuner is much much more liquid than Hada Labo and I have to admit its quite a bit of a learning curve 🙂 You can either use a cotton pad or your hand but I’d rather use my hands – less wastage! I hope you like it 🙂
Dawn says
June 7, 2012 at 9:55 pmHi there!! Just a quick question.. Can we get RMK from singapore… if u know by any chance? 🙂
Joy Chong says
June 8, 2012 at 1:08 pmYes! They have a few outlets in Singapore.
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 3:00 pmI have seen it in Tangs I believe…
Reena says
June 8, 2012 at 3:35 pmTempting, better add this one to my skin care routine. Does this come with different sizes? I want to try it with a small size to start with.
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 3:03 pmHi Reena, I believe it only comes in 1 size. I’m not sure if the counters have samples but it never hurts to ask 🙂
Alene says
June 8, 2012 at 4:35 pmahh, the ingredient list. i didnt bother reading it either when i first tried this out. but apparently it contains alcohol, because this skintuner gave me the worst breakout i had in years. so terrible if it was possible to die from pimples i’d be six feet under right now. but Connie from skindeco loves it, and it seems u do too, so to each his own! jenn shud watchout tho!
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 3:05 pmAww sorry to hear it didn’t work for you 🙁 I swear its made my skin so much better!
Jennifer says
June 8, 2012 at 10:13 pmLol, instant mask is fabulous and I like the idea. The water texture got me curious too…But after having used Hada Labo’s lotion and Estee Lauder Optimizer Pore Minimizing Boosting lotion, I am now quite familiar with the application method – pour on palm, lightly pat onto face till absorbed, I think this RMK one should be ok. I’ve not tried RMK products, but your blog has surely stirred interest in me to try Japanese skincare brands 😉
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 3:11 pmMmmm… I actually really like Japanese skincare. The ones I’ve tried work well for me but they do tend to have higher alcohol or chemical content so many people don’t like that. My skin is happy though and that makes me happy 😛 I think the Japanese handle the concept of moisturizing the skin very well in that they do light multiple layers instead of one heavy cream layer. It works much better for me especially in our heat!
trah says
June 11, 2012 at 3:58 pmIs the texture much more watery than Hada Labo’s lotion? I might try the brightening lotion if I can get a sample.
Paris B says
June 12, 2012 at 8:24 pmYes it is much more watery 🙂
plue says
June 14, 2012 at 12:58 pmthe way you use this seems a bit like Loreal Youth Code Pre Essence, where you use this first then only your serums and moisturizer, to boost it’s efficiency.
I’m looking into getting something new as a moisturizer, this might be something for me! I like the fact that you say it’s light, which means it won’t be a sticky mess for me if I were to layer my skincare. RM120 for 3 months doesn’t sound so bad now, since it’s around RM40 per month, or lesser if I can stretch it!
Paris B says
June 18, 2012 at 11:17 amWell actually ya I use it as a post toner, pre serum but its actually meant to be a toner/moisturizer. I use the layering technique but I love it coz I do believe it has helped my skin a lot. Its not sticky at all unlike the Hada Labo one. Then again it also costs more than double that of Hada Labo LOL! Because I use it as a booster/toner/preserum/whathaveyou I only use very little. Barely half a pump. If used as a moisturizer then got to use at least a pump.