All brands should give the same attention to detail that RMK did when making their 15th Anniversary Eye Palettes and Lip Palette.
Earlier this year, RMK announced that they were turning 15 this year (a milestone in cosmetics years!) and to commemorate this achievement, they were releasing some limited edition goodies throughout the year. The first item they tempted us with was the 15th Anniversary Cheek Palette – a pretty and useable palette that came in 2 shades and which broke many a heart of anyone attempting to use it.
We were told it wasn’t the last of it, and here comes the second installment – the 15th Anniversary Eye Palette and Lip Palette. The eye palette comes in 2 shades, one warmer with pink and brown colours and another cooler with blue, grey and gold colours. The lip palette comes in just 1 which will suit most skintones.
I’m going to first have a good ol’ rave at the packaging. Both Eye and Lip palettes are incredibly well packaged in a convenient travel friendly tube packaging. In each tube fits the 4 colour product palette, a mirror and a dual ended brush that is very good quality. The whole package fits nicely in your hand and slips nicely into the side of your bag or pouch for touch ups. Its an innovative wonder! But packaging aside, let’s take a look at performance 🙂
One more note about the packaging. See how it fits in your palm?
The silver metal tubes are the same size and have good heft and smooth working parts. For the price you will pay for these, I appreciate how smoothly the cap slides on without grating or scratching, how smoothly the included brush fits into the case, how smooth and controlled the hinges of the palette cover feel as you use it. It is truly befitting of the price and I appreciate all that because I’d hate if it felt like a flimsy piece of plastic.
The only thing I’m not quite enamoured with is the print on the metal cap. I feel that it made it look a bit cheaper than it really is. I’d have preferred if they’d just etched on the RMK logo with a small print of the 15th Anniversary and left it at that. The fairy is cute, but I feel that the whole 15th Anniversary logo looks a bit childish and out of place on this elegant piece of cosmetic. Just my 2 cents.
Slide up the cap and here’s what you get. A dual ended lip or eyeshadow brush nestled in the case. You must slip out the brush before you can get to the product, which is I feel another bit of design flaw. If you’re in a hurry, you will curse having to do this. There is a “switch” at the top of the brush case that you depress to slide out the brush from either end. I found it a little sharp so you have to be careful not to cut yourself.
Design flaws aside, lets take a look at the inside and how each palette performs.
15th Anniversary Lip Palette
The lip palette is a set of 4 safe lip colours in the browns and rose categories. I was very keen on the lip palette because the colours look absolutely gorgeous! You can use the colours alone or blend them together to create your own colour. The included lip brush is of very high quality and definitely one you can keep and use over and over. I will in fact see myself using up this lip palette (there isn’t very much product anyway) and if you are the adventurous creative sort, melt your own lip colours back into the case.
If you expect the lip colours on lips to look as they do in the palette, that’s where you’d be let down. I was, and I am one of the biggest proponents of sheer Japanese style lip colours! Here’re the swatches of each of the colours swatched as heavily as I could do it.
See what I mean? You get the barest hint of colour on your lips in a very sheer balmy texture. On my pigmented lips, it just looked like a my-lips-but-better shade. It evened out my lip colour, added a tint of colour and shine but otherwise don’t expect too much. I find that with a lipstick, you can press on the colour to intensify it. With a lip colour in a palette, you can’t, so you just have to layer it on. To its credit, layering on doesn’t make it look too thick at all.
If you are familiar with how Japanese style sheer tinted lip colours look on you then you may not be too upset about this. If you are looking for something pigmented, this palette isn’t for you. I like just wearing it for a simple look. It adds polish in a very subtle manner, but then I’m a huge fan of sheer lip colours anyway. I was let down initially, but it does make up for it by looking quite good and natural once it settles.
15th Anniversary Eye Palette – Gray 02
The 15th Anniversary Eye Palette comes in 2 shades – one warmer (01 Brown), one cooler (02 Gray). You can see the picture of both palettes here. The one I have is 02 Gray, the cooler toned one.
Actually, the only cool bit about this palette is the light blue. It is otherwise a pretty neutral toned palette of a gray-green colour, light blue, light gold and light cream. All colours have shimmer, and it comes with a dual ended eyeshadow brush that it very serviceable. Do not toss it. If you don’t want it, please send it to me 😛
Pretty as the palette is, you can just about guess what I’m going to say next – its sheer. It is so sheer in fact, that it surprised me. I was expecting the grey-green shade to show up nicely at least. I didn’t have much hope for the rest, but it wasn’t quite to be. Still, if you layer it on, it does come out looking quite pretty in a very subtle almost-there manner. This is one product that is truly mistake proof and the quality is amazing because you get smooth fine milled powder and shimmer and none of the glitter fall out crap.
Here are the swatches where I can almost see you all go “Aww… its so sheer!”
I swatched with fingers so when you use a brush, pat it on for better colour intensity. If you use an eyelid primer, it will likely show up more pigmented. Otherwise, this one is strictly for those who are already familiar with Japanese style eyeshadows and know better than to expect strong pigmented colours.
Also, this isn’t a palette for those with deeper skin tones. I think it will only show up as mere shimmer and you will hate it. So Gray 02 is mostly targeted at those with lighter skin tones for best results. 01 Brown may be more wearable for the majority, with its brown, pink and cream theme.
The colours when applied are very subtle on the lids and the shimmer isn’t too over done, barring the cream shade which is markedly more shimmery. It is this shimmer that I’m unsure if you will find it suitable for work. I wear anything I damn well please to work so shimmer doesn’t matter to me but it is a point to note. I find it pretty if I line my eyes and have mascara on. If you go for shadows like this then I think this a nice palette. It travels well, comes with its own brush, is compact and you can easily just smudge on some colour to brighten your peepers. But if you prefer strong pigmented colours, then this will not be for you. Also, I don’t think this suitable for the evening if you like a dark smokey eye. It just can’t do it.
In a nutshell
The RMK 15th Anniversary Eye Palette and Lip Palette are limited edition palette released to commemorate RMK’s 15 years in the business. The packaging is genius, being at once slim and compact and yet containing all the necessities – a good brush, mirror and product. The lip colours are sheer although they impart a lovely natural looking shine to the lips while evening out the texture and colour of your lips. It isn’t drying or too slippery or too glossy. The eye colours too are on the sheer, shimmery side. It doesn’t show up very much but it lends a highlighting note to brighten the eye area and just make you look more awake and alert. I find it best to pair it with strong eyeliner to really define your eyes. Used together, the RMK 15th Anniversary Eye and Lip palettes give an overall sheer, translucent barely there colour to the face. It is very reminiscent of how Japanese makeup looks and will only truly appeal to those who appreciate it. Those more familiar with strong pigmented colours offered by the Western makeup brands will find this a wash out. I sort of like these. I’m not in love with them, but I wear a lot of similar style makeup so this is something I find easy to work with.
Pros: Compact sturdy well made palette, Brush included for both eye and lip palettes is of very good quality, Lip colours are safe and give a my-lip-but-better colour, Eye colours are easy to use and practically mistake proof, Good quality lip and eye products even if colours tend to be on the sheer side
Cons: Many people may find the colours and textures too sheer, Location of the brush is a bit inconvenient as you have to remove it before you get to the colours
Who will like this: Anyone who is familiar with and likes Japanese style makeup which borders on sheer translucent colours, Anyone who is looking for a compact palette
Here is an idea of what both palettes look like when applied.
I did a zoom in (much to my horror) to show you how the eyes and lips look. For the eyes, I used the grey-green along the lash line, light blue as accent shade and gold in the inner portion of the eye. You can see that the colours are sheer and translucent and shimmery. I wear similar styles a lot but even I found it a bit sheer. Still, once you layer it on (pat it on for best results) and let it settle for a while, I find the result quite appealing. My eye area looks brighter and I look just a bit more perky.
For the lips, I mixed the 2 middle shades of red and rose. I was hoping for a deeper colour but it wasn’t to be. The resultant colour is a my-lips-but-better very natural shade. Again, once it’d settled in after about half an hour, I came to appreciate how it looked. I think both the palettes do look better once its had time to settle on your skin (which comes back to my 10 minute makeup rule) and on an overall basis, I like how polished it looked. That said, I always am surprised each time I wear Japanese makeup and see this effect. It truly brings to the fore the tenet that makeup should enhance and not cover up and no one practices this better than the Japanese. Every time I see this soft glowy effect, I dive right into my Japanese makeup and love it all over again 🙂
For a limited time, the 15th Anniversary pouch (see 1st picture and also see how much stuff it fits here) is available as a gift with purchase. Find out more at the counter or on the RMK Malaysia Facebook page 🙂
Does either palette catch your eye? I do realise many of you prefer strong pigmented colours so these palettes may not be quite up your alley. In terms of packaging however, I think they hit it out of the ball park. If you’d like to pick up either one, I’d suggest picking up the lip palette. I don’t usually like lip palettes generally, but I do think the quality of the product is good, the colours are safe and friendly and you will easily use it up so there’s no guilt there 🙂
Paris B
RMK 15th Anniversary Eye Palettes (01 Brown, 02 Gray) Price: RM135; Lip Palette (1 shade) Price: 128 Availability: RMK counters Limited Edition: Yes, Summer 2012
You do look really polished! Each time I look at these palettes I think of Guerlain’s Rouge G packaging but even better! These palettes look tiny but seem to house a rather good amount of product. Heck they even come with brushes! I’m just amazed at how much RMK managed to sneak into such a small space and no you are not helping me with my make up ban, Paris!
Thank you Sukie and yes, I too was reminded of the Guerlain Rouge G lipsticks! They are both very well made, sturdy cases and I appreciate that if I’m laying down big bucks yes? 🙂 I think RMK did well with the packaging of these palettes even if the contents may not be to everyones’ taste 😉
Are they still around? How much do I have to bribe someone (any #evurl??) to help me pick one up? (Emo shopper) xxx Would love the lip palette cos it’s something I can toss in my bag and always have something with me!
Answered you 😉
Oh, the eye palettes look pretty! Sheer but such cool packaging. Too bad there is no RMK here. Maybe I’ll need to head to kl one day 😉 The blue eyeshadow looks good on you!
Thanks Lily and yes, they are very pretty both to use and to look at 🙂 Its a pity RMK is only available in KL for now, but do check it out when you’re next here. There are some gems, but shadows are mostly sheer stuff and a bit too sparkly even for me 🙂
If only I could look so good up close. Sigghhh
Its called “good lighting” 😉
First of all thanks A LOT for the post!!! *hug*
No I am very much tempted!!! I love natural lips! And although I have a similar lunasol palate of pink purple brown I would love to have the pink brown palate because of the packaging!!!! I have poor defense in terms of packaging! This is so fun handy and compact!!
Er a totally unrelated question… Have u used sheseido brightening range (te pink case) powder compact? What do u think of it?? I remembered u like powder compact so…. >.<
thanks Paris!
sorry i realized that most of their foundation has pink case hahaha…i meant brightening spot control powder foundation…
also have u used or heard anyone’s reaction towards the same series brightening spot control base uv?
quite limited reviews online…=(
Not familiar with it unfortunately, Gin, sorry!
You’re welcome Gin 🙂 The packaging is definitely top form for me and I remember you travel a lot so you might like how compact it all is 🙂 I haven’t yet tried the Shiseido powder compact you mention. I was thinking of trying the Maquillage one but never got round to it 😛
u remember!!! *super touched*
thanks Paris! and sorry ya asking unrelated stuffs…>.<
No problems! What’s the comment box for if not to ask questions 😀
Both palettes are very beautiful 🙂 I am really liking the lip compact. I just have a thing for lip palettes! The eye shadows look very pretty but like you said, very shimmery 🙂 You put it right when you said it lends a highlight to the eyes.
Oh you like lip palettes? I usually dislike them because I just don’t use them enough and I find they smell after a while 😛 So hopefully I’ll use this up before that happens hehe… The shadows are strictly for those who like shimmer 🙂
Huh, that’s strange…I could have sworn I commented on this post already?! Well, anyway…PRETTY! 😛 I have been meaning to try RMK for years but have never gotten around to it. See, this is how bad I am when it comes to ordering from overseas. It’s just such a hassle to order online and have to wait (the waiting is the WORST part for me) in anticipation over whether or not you will like the *blind* purchase you’ve made online, because chances are it won’t be worth it to return anyway…but this post is REALLY wearing me down. I WANT that cute little lip palette!
Haha you get around Becca! 😉 I’m like you when it comes to buying brands/products from overseas. The waiting kills me if I’m really interested and if I’m just ho-hum about it, by the time it arrives, I’m all “What on earth did I just order?!” The other bad thing about buying Japanese makeup sight unseen is a) the price and b) how shimmer and light it all is eventually. btw just FYI lookfantastic.com has the lip palette and they ship internationally free 😛
I have one question – how do I “melt [my] own lip colors” into the case once it’s empty of the RMK lip colour?
This is a little tricky and requires some practice below is the recipe:
1. Have a metal spoon tea spoon & a candle on a plate ready
2. Cut a small amount of the lipstick onto the metal spoon (not too much as the RMK palette squares are not large)
3. Put the tea spoon containing the lipstick over the fire
4. The lipstick will melt very fast and once it has turn into a full liquid form pour it into the pan, it will dry relatively fast also
Things to note:
1. Ensure that the lipstick does not boil because it will change its consistency
2. Be wary as the bottom of the spoon will be black, 1 recommend to wipe the spoon clean before you go on with another color as the black flakes might settle into the lipstick
3. Do not worry that this will change the consistency of the lipstick, just think of it as crayon
Have fun!!!
Hi Rudi,
Below is the recipe for melting your lipstick:
1. Have a metal teaspoon & a candle on a plate ready (I recommend a glass plate so that the wax will be removed easily)
2. Cut a small piece of your lipstick onto the spoon and put the spoon over the fire (do not use too much as the RMK pan is not very deep)
3. Once the lipstick has fully melted into pure liquid, pour it into the pan right away
4. The liquid will harden relatively fast and you will have a brand new lip palette to go
Things to note:
1. Make sure the lipstick does not boil and bubble as this will change the consistency of the lipstick
2. The bottom of the spoon will be black from the fire, with that I recommend that the spoon be thoroughly cleaned before you start the next color
3. You can do this with all your lipsticks in a bigger palette if you want something easy to tote around or mix & match easily, you can use things like pill boxes & so fourth.
4. If you do so, remove the sticker from the bottom of the lipstick and adhere it to the bottom of the square you have melted your lipstick into, this will help you remember what color and what brand it was.
thank you so much Joy!
Tell me if you succeed!!
Glad Joy could help! 😀
Oooh these are so pretty! The sheer colours aren’t really my thing, but I can’t get past how cute and compact these palettes are 🙂
Indeed! The packaging is really the selling point to me, because the contents are a bit ho-hum. Well except the lip palette that actually turned out a little better than expected 🙂 Still a bit of a let down after the pretty cheek palette eh? 🙂
The palettes look pretty but I do agree with you on the fact that the print makes it look bait cheap. Sometimes simplicity is best.
Unfortunately my everyday makeup consists of cat eye makeup and bold red lips so this would be a pass.
Yes, RMK should really have gone for a simple design on the cover and these palettes would have been just perfect! 🙂 Happy to “meet” a fellow red lipstick lover 😀
Thanks for the review Paris 🙂 Sheer but shimmery eye shadow! Gah, it just send signals to the moth in me, heart skips a beat 😉 I love the RMK look on you, simple and posh. I haven’t tried Japanese make up but I would think I am the sort who prefers pigmented eye shadow. Otherwise I might go heavy handed and look like a clown haha. Isetan KLCC is having their opening sale tomorrow. Maybe it’s a good idea to keep my credit card in the freezer tonight…lol.
Haha indeed, it is sheer and shimmery and the best part, very user friendly! 😉 If you prefer pigmented shadow then these won’t be to your liking. I have a soft spot for sheer shadows because mistakes are less obvious hehe… I can’t believe this but I wanted to go for the Isetan sale and I missed it 😛 Well, I don’t plan to head into town on a Friday that’s for sure! *shudder*
Lol yes…Friday was a mad house at KLCC and Isetan! I was done with breakfast at San Fran Coffee by 9am and there was already a long queue with enthusiastic shoppers outside Isetan, I presume there were some early birds gift or something. I was a good girl, I walked past the cosmetics counters without stopping! Lol. I’ll drop by RMK one of these days, they intrigue me. Did a quick round after work but was drop dead tired by then and nothing really caught my eyes. I reckon the previous Anniversary Sale had better offerings…but a sale is still sale 🙂
Eh I didn’t know people still queued to go for sales LOL! I used to be one of them back in the day – champing at the bit to throw money at the department store LOL! I haven’t been to one of these sales for a while now – the last was the sale for the opening of the beauty hall at KLCC.
I am underwhelmed by this collection as the packaging don’t appeal to me because it looks so chunky. and the colours are so sheer and dupeable. :p
Yep, the colours aren’t suitable to everyone that’s for sure! 🙂
Oh Paris!! You~ Your kissable lips Again made me bought the lip palette today! I bought 3 lip palettes!! LOL 😛 1 for my mommy, 1 for my beloved Nanny and 1 for the Princess- me 😛 😛 Lip colours and packaging – Love it!! 😀
The pouch is beautiful too!! 😀 Yay yay!
Wow! You are such a good girl 😀 Happy you liked it (I hope you do!) and that you get some good use out of your travel pouch! 😀
How beautiful! Love it.