I used to be very active on a makeup forum back before I started blogging, and at the time the “star foundation” everyone was raving over worldwide, was the RMK cream foundation. Any request for a foundation rec would inevitably throw up RMK. Yet I was also warned repeatedly that the cream foundation might be a little heavy for our tropical weather so I was always a little afraid to try it. Why did no one then ever tell me there was a lighter liquid foundation option?! 😛
Well let me tell you now, that there is a liquid foundation and there is a makeup base and they are both excellent products.
The products themselves are superb and I don’t hand out superlatives like this lightly. Texture is featherlight on skin, colour match is very impressive, and it is just an all round winner.
I will however grouse about the packaging, as we’ll see. Yeah, it would appear that nothing is really perfect. Sigh…
Let’s get the packaging out of the way first so I can go on and rah rah about the foundation and base itself 🙂 The bottles are frosted glass with a matte grey plastic twist on cap. Don’t be fooled by the colour of the foundation in the bottle – they all look much much darker than they really are. Trust me, I was at the counter going “NO WAY!” when the SA first showed me the colour I was matched to #201. It looks very dark and pink and dull in the frosted bottle.
Twist off the cap and you get this for both makeup base and for liquid foundation.
Boo! 🙁 It is a pour out system and I really really dislike this sort of bottles because of wastage. Someone told me a tip to get around it though. Instead of pouring it out, as I normally do, I should just cover the hole with my finger, up turn the bottle and then apply to skin.
It works. It is a bit of a bummer, but it works, and happily, this light textured foundation and makeup base is easy to apply with fingers too. In fact, for the foundation, I personally prefer using my fingers to apply this as opposed to using a foundation brush. The finish seems better and smoother somehow.
The texture for both products is featherlight. On skin, you hardly feel like you’re wearing anything, which is awesome in our sort of weather.
Left: RMK Makeup Base Right: Liquid foundation #201 (Ignore colour in this swatch. The one below is more accurate)
The makeup base looks pink in the bottle and swatched heavily here, appears whitish. However, on skin it is transparent. I only apply a very thin layer and it feels very different to other makeup bases or primers I’ve tried. Firstly, there is absolutely zero silicone feel. It just feels like a light gel liquid on skin. Its like applying a serum on the skin. Its that light and I love it. Its in a class of its own, seriously.
As for the performance, I find that the finish it gives to products layered over it is less perfect than other thicker primers I have tried. It doesn’t quite fill up pores and I don’t get as airbrushed a finish as I do with other primers. It does help makeup stay on my skin better and its more natural and comfortable, but it just doesn’t give as perfect a finish. That’s what I feel anyway.
I do like it because I like the texture and I”m not crazy about looking air brushed but if you are, then you may prefer something a little thicker with more coverage and maybe more silicone in it. This one is super light. RMK does have other creamier bases which might do the trick for those wanting something a little more but I haven’t tried those so I can’t compare.
As for the liquid foundation, here’s something to take note of. You must ensure that it is properly shaken up before use. The foundation is an emulsion so once you leave it standing, it will tend to separate. Shaking it up ensures that the product is properly mixed up and you get an even colour. I find it useful to shake it up while holding it upside down. This seems to ensure that the product settled on the bottom is properly mixed.
Then, pour it out into your palm, the back of your hand or a dish if you prefer; or as I’ve mentioned above, cover the hole with your finger and upturn the bottle, then apply product to face. I usually draw on 2 stripes on the side of my face, and then blend it out. The product is very liquid so it goes a long way but the coverage is awesome. I usually only apply a thin layer all over and it gives a very lovely,very natural and smooth coverage that lasts me all day, even without the base.
I have read that this product may oxidise on skin but I did not experience it myself. I take #201 which is the lightest shade in the pink toned range. The liquid foundation comes in yellow tones starting with #1, pink tones starting with #2 and some deep brown tones.
Here’s the comparison of RMK Liquid Foundation #201 to some other liquid foundations that I also wear. The colours are surprisingly diverse but all seem to wear well on me. How odd.
Comparison L-R: (1) Clinique Even Better Makeup Fresh Beige (2) Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua B10 (3) RMK liquid foundation #201 (4) Diorskin Forever 010 (5) Shiseido Perfect Refining Foundation I00
In tone, I find that the RMK is closest to the Dior Forever foundation. In texture, it is closest to Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. Diorskin Forever gives better coverage than the RMK but the RMK gives a more natural finish. So if you prefer a light textured, almost water like foundation that feels like nothing on your skin, yet makes it look quite flawless, do take a look at the RMK one.
For blemishes and pigmentation, when I use this foundation, I just layer on more on the areas that need coverage in lieu of using a concealer. It never looks too thick or over done and it covers up perfectly. Saves lots of time because I don’t need to fiddle around with a separate concealer unless I want a perfectly flawless base 🙂
In a nutshell
I don’t know why its taken me so long to try the RMK base products but I’m very glad I did. The RMK Makeup Base is a very light textured gel emulsion base that applies transparent on skin. Unlike a thicker primer, I feel that it does not cover up pores as well although it does provide a good base for the colour cosmetics that go on the skin. It feels featherlight and is very comfortable with none of that silicone primer feel. Those who want something that gives an airbrushed finish may not like this as much. The liquid foundation is also featherlight in texture, being almost like a water. It spreads very easily and I find that using fingers gives a better finish than using a foundation brush. Coverage is very good and I can even use it as a concealer without it looking too thick. The pink tones have a brightening effect on my skin and it dries down a little matte. The only grouse I have with the products is the packaging. The bottles should really come with a pump for ease of use and to prevent wastage. I am prepared to overlook it for now, because really, its impressive stuff.
Pros: Lovely feather light texture for both makeup base and liquid foundation, Makeup base feels very comfortable on skin without that silicone primer feel, Liquid foundation provides very good coverage although it is very liquid and light, Liquid foundation looks very natural on skin and for me does not turn oily at all
Cons: Bottle needs a pump, Pricey initially, Liquid foundation needs to be shaken well before use
Who will like this: Anyone who likes a very light good coverage liquid foundation and makeup base, Anyone who does not mind a finish that is more matte instead of creamy or glowy
Here is the unretouched images showing you just why I love this foundation so much
You can see that the base does nothing for my skin but it is transparent. The foundation shade I use is #201 and although coverage is very good, it is not 100% so you can still see some pigmentation shadows and a shadow of the blemish on my chin. It actually looks much better in real life because the camera does enhance a lot of flaws. Unless you are a superstar, never base anything on how you look on camera but how you look in the mirror. You’ll be happier that way 😉
#201 being a little pink toned also has a bit of brightening effect which is great of course 😛 I find that it also dries down a little more matte without too much glow to the skin but not as flat as the Diorskin Forever or Clarins Everlasting foundation. So if you don’t like that sort of finish and prefer something more creamy and glowy then this one may not be for you. Here’s the ingredient list for those interested.
Have you tried the RMK Makeup Base or their Liquid Foundation? Any thoughts?
I love them both, but I love the liquid foundation a little more than the makeup base because I’m not one to use a makeup base often. So whilst they work well together, they work just as well separately and I’d pick the liquid foundation if you wanted to try just one of them. RMK just needs to get their act together and put a pump in these bottles already! I was told once that RMK’s strengths lie in their base products and I will agree. The colour cosmetics are pretty but I don’t feel them very much. Their base products however are very impressive.
Paris B
RMK Makeup Base and Liquid Foundation Price: RM135/30ml each Availability: RMK counters – Isetan KLCC, Isetan The Gardens, Parkson Pavilion
So… if I have the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua I won’t need this right? *Twiddles fingers innocently*
Well if it works for you 🙂 I personally am not a fan of the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua which I find has too much alcohol. I don’t usually fuss about with alcohol but it doesn’t feel comfortable on my skin. I much much prefer using Bourjois to Chanel! LOL 🙂
The foundation sounds pretty much like Japanese sunscreens, the way it is an emulsion, and really light. haha, I am huge fan of Japanese sunscreens, so I think I will like this I am looking for a foundation. Unfortunately, I need to use up my Bourjois and Revlon Photoready Mousse before I get itchy hand and buy yet another bottle of foundation.
Oh yes, its quite typically Japanese 🙂 Did you like the Photoready Mousse? I absolutely disliked it (but am yet to write about it which I should) and Bourjois is a great foundation by me! 🙂
hahaha, yes, bought Bourjois because of MWS.
No, I don’t really like the Revlon Mousse. BUT I do think it’s excellent at coverage!!! It makes me looks absolutely porcelain-faced.
The smell is a big turn off for me. And the dispense method is another turn-off. I can never quite control how much I want. =( And the spray-can gets so dirty after use.
Ah glad the Bourjois rec worked out! I never quite got the hang of the mousse thing. Like you I dislike a lot of things more of it than I like so it gets harder day by day to actually find something good to say about it 😛 What a challenge! lol
Nyarrr… I want this now… And because you and I share foundation shades…. hehe 😉
hehe… there are some online sites that ship internationally! 😉
Now im itching to get one!
Teehee… I hope you get to test it out and see if it’ll work for you 🙂
i was eyeing this for quite a long time as well, but just couldn’t justify paying so much for a bottle without a pump. like hellooo how much can a cheap plastic pump cost to the manufacturer right? haha. now you have me tempted all over again 🙂 i like the brightening effect it has on you!
Indeed! I faced the same problem with Nars but at least they offered the option to buy a cheap plastic pump. Hello? Buy the pump?! No thanks 😛 There is a rumour we might see more friendly packaging coming soon. Will update when I know details! 😉
Thanks for the review 🙂 I tried these 2 recently too and was totally impressed! I can safely say these are my HG base products. If only they would improve the packaging…
Yay Jan! 😀 I have too many bases I like to call these HG but they are among those I’d keep and repurchase. Am hoping they do something about the packaging too! Its crazy 😛
from ur pictures, I am impressed with the coverage! but then again.. i don’t need more foundation, i have been buying but never finished using any..
Haha yes the foundation curse 😛 I have quite a few bottles lying around too and maybe I just don’t use them enough 😛
Oooo, I’d totally forgotten about this foundation! I remember all the models were using it years back because of how natural it looks, and alway using a lighter color through the center of the face, and a darker one for the perimeter of the face.
That’s an interesting tip Peach! I imagine that’s one method of face contouring, although I can’t imagine buying 2 bottles of foundation just for this 😛
I LOVE the RMK Liquid Foundation, it’s my first proper liquid foundation (And the one that started my “craze” for liquid foundations) and even though I am still trying out other foundations I still come back to RMK because it’s so lightweight and natural. And yes, my gripe is with the lack of pump- the glass bottle I can sort of handle (Even when travelling and I really need to bring this along there’s still bubble wrap!) but the dispensing method does lead to wastage sometimes! 🙁 I’ve reviewed it too by the way! 🙂
That’s awesome to know Stephanie! Like you, I can handle the fact the bottle is glass – it feels sturdy and thick and as you’ve said, possible to travel with. But its definitely not a foundation you can use in a hurry. I’ve wasted a lot in my time, and that finger over hole method works well, but takes a little long. Hope the new incarnation will sport friendlier packaging 🙂
I was about to blog about this duo this week too!
Love the base and liquid foundation. Been using it daily for the past few weeks :). I’m not happy with the pour out system too. It’s harder to control the amount. The first few times I poured too much 🙁
Great minds and all that 🙂 I’m a little more ambivalent about the base, only liking it because of the serum texture but the foundation really has wormed its way into my list of staples. Glad to know others out there love it as much as I do 🙂
Yes and you blogged about Clarins hand cream today which is also in my upcoming post lol!!
Actually I have Creamy Foundation sample too and I’m surprised it’s not as heavy as I think. Coverage wise is quite similar to Liquid Foundation. Not too thick though.
Haha! Mind reader! 😉 Its great to know the Creamy Foundation isn’t as heavy as I thought it might be. I might have to go and give it a try because I really got scared off all those years ago 😛
One of my favorite foundations, it’s a big pain for me since I can only buy it when I visit Asia.
Ah! But there are some online sites that ship internationally (depending on where you are) 😉 Try beautybay.com and lookfantastic.com both of which are UK based. I haven’t used them (They don’t ship to me) but I know of people who have 🙂
This is the only problem of reading a Malaysian blog, I can’t find some stuff that looks interesting; don’t worry Paris I still like to read reviews 😉
Haha sorry about that Efrain! 😉 There are 2 sites I know of that ship RMK to selected international countries but I’m not sure if Mexico is on the list – lookfantastic.com and beautybay.com Good to know availability doesn’t turn you away from reading! 😉
You’ve piqued my interest again, Paris! I use liquid foundation as concealer too and impressed with the overall coverage in your photos.
Now I have more options to choose when I replace my current brand as I wanted to try Lunasol Water Liquid Foundation.
I bought a tube of the Lunasol foundation but haven’t given it a go yet – time for me to I guess? 😉
Hi Paris!
Just wanted to ask if you have tried the Lunasol foundation that ya bought? I am torn between Lunasol and the Double Wear from Estee Lauder, especially when there are new shades coming out. (thanks so much for sharing the foundation tips btw!). Hope to hear from you soon!
I have and I like it but I have not yet tried Double Wear so I cannot compare just yet. Reviews will come up in time, but not in the next few days 🙂
Ahhhh! I hate that open-top-pour-out bottle. (Yes NARS Sheer Glow, I’m talking about you too!)
What a bummer. I’m going to pass just because of the dispensing system. Would have loved to try it. 🙁 The foundation looks real nice on you.
I know exactly how you feel. I guess I just never learn from my mistakes. I disliked the Sheer Matte foundation too for packaging. Hopefully RMK is listening and is working on the packaging! 😉
Raise hand~~
Paris, from your review, there isn’t much mention about the base… Does that mean it does nothing besides prolong the wearing hours of foundation? Dies it brighten or tone control or matyfy or anything???
Would u say that it is safe for me to just purchase the foundation and skip base?
*calculative self kicks in*
Hey Gin, I’m not really one for base so while this one is very nice, and I do like how it feels – lovely like a gel serum – I don’t see any other benefit from using it so I would in fact go with the Revlon one which feels thicker and not as comfortable but offers a smoother base and is friendlier to my wallet 🙂 So yes you can go right ahead and get the foundation without getting the base as well. Its nice to have them both but the base is optional, I feel as any other base will work too.
yay for money saved! thank you Paris! *hug*
but i still feel puzzled… why rmk sells a product that does nothing? weird for rmk standard..
on a side note: i DISLIKE PUMP packaging! a lot of wastage in the end! TUBE with a SMALL NOZZLE IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It does do something, Gin. It keeps makeup on longer and doesn’t oil up nor does it feel heavy or siliconey 🙂 Its just not as visible I guess as other primers. Still good stuff but for a non primer user I guess I can do without 😉
Paris dearie, how is this compared to Shiseido Perfect Refining foundie? I’m thinking more of the finishing. Also, are these good for combo to oily skin type?
Hmm… Compared to Shiseido, I’d say Shiseido has a more fluid, creamier texture. In terms of finish, they are about the same on skin. Both offer good coverage although I think the Shiseido may offer slightly better coverage as I do have to layer the RMK a bit over marks while with the Shiseido I don’t need to layer as much. I honestly am not sure how the RMK will stand up to combo-oily skin as my skin tends to being a little dry. Sorry!
I really want to love RMK’s base products but they all break me out badly (except the amazing pressed powder). 🙁
How does it compare to Lunasol’s skin modeling liquid foundation? That is my current holy grail for dewy buildable foundation. Matte finishes make me look flat. :/
Oh sorry to hear that Firn! 🙁 I haven’t tried Lunasol’s foundation yet. I have a tube of the Water Gel Foundation and plan to give it a go soon. I do hear that its a very good base too so I’m quite interested to see how it fares 🙂 I don’t usually go for very matte foundation too. It looks too fake on me.
I stay away from thick textured foundations as I find them difficult to blend out. I think Lunasol has one of the best finishes and touches up like a dream too.
Ah lovely! I shall break out my Lunasol foundation soon!
Hello hello! I’m getting really curious about RMK’s base products seeing you feature them as much loved ones! I shall make it a point to get both the Liquid Foundation and the Pressed Powder N once I lift myself off this foundation ban! =D
Hello Sukie, you’ve zeroed in on 2 of the items I like! 😀 I know RMK is available in the UK and online there so you have lots of time to wait out your ban (or see if you can snag a sample of the liquid foundation in the meantime 😉 )
I love it!!! I am #105. Plan to buy the base whem Laura Mercier primer is finished.
Yay for a fellow fan Iza! 😀
Yay, One of my favourite foundation, looking luminous & natural! And please RMK pls revamp your bottle and put in a pump!
With so many of us asking for the pump, I hope RMK is listening! Such a bummer to have such a lovely product let down by silly packaging 😛