Of all the seasonal collections cosmetics brands come out with, my favourite is usually the Autumn/Winter collections. These collections usually feature stronger, deeper colours that appeal more to my style, than pale light colours of Spring or warm colours of Summer. So with a name like “Deep Iridescence” you can imagine that the RMK Autumn/Winter 2012 collection quite appealed to me 😉
When I scanned the collection at the counter, it struck me that the only items that truly deserved the “Deep Iridescence” title was the eyeshadows and nail polishes. Both these items have a deep, dark base with a luminosity or iridescence, if you will, of light. The lip and cheek colours are complementary and I think that was a good idea. You can’t have everything deep, dark and vamp or it might as well be called “Gothic Collection” LOL!
I have here one of the eye colours, cheek colours and lip colour, the latter of which I find truly fascinating, so I’ll share my thoughts on these below. By way of preliminary observation, I just have to say that I found them… surprising.
Lets start with the RMK Deep Iridescent Eyes (RM110), a collection of 6 limited edition duo eye colours. Each eyeshadow duo comes in a single pan with the lighter colour in the middle and the deeper colour surrounding it.
Deep Iridescent Eyes 05 Iridescent Deep Green
Not too large as you can see but I find the colour surprisingly pigmented. I say surprisingly, because my previous experiences with RMK eyeshadows weren’t quite as inspiring. It could be that they tended to be the sheer, light colours so typical of Japanese brands and although I do like that style, I found that I preferred other brands formulations. This one however, is very good.
The colour is 05 Deep Iridescent Green, which to my eyes, look like a teal. The outer ring is a black based deep green that has less shimmer than the middle. RMK means for the colour to be used as the lid colour over the eye socket, with the middle, more iridescent shade, to be used layered over to create the light and contrast. I personally prefer to use the deep shade on the outer edges of my eye and the middle shade as the primary lid colour. Both are very pigmented and that brush included is stellar! Never toss RMK brushes that come in their compacts. They are truly amazing applicators.
Creamy Sheer Powder Cheeks 01 Rose
Compared to the eyes, the Creamy Sheer Powder Cheeks (RM130) is a much more muted offering. There are 4 colours ranging from 01 Rose, 02 Pink Beige, 03 Coral Orange and 04 Beige Brown and the powder blushes come as a duo with a split pan.
The one I have here is 01 Rose, which is a soft rose-red on one side and a pale highlighter on the other. The rose side is powder based and surprisingly quite pigmented. I didn’t expect it, but the minute I dipped in my brush, I noticed that colour was immediately picked up by the bristles, so be careful so you don’t overdo it. The highlighter side is a cream base that gives a glow and softens the colour somewhat. It isn’t shimmery or glittery at all which is great. It just gives that iridescence, hinted of in the name of the collection.
It is recommended that you apply the iridescent cream base first, and then top up with the powder colour. This allows the iridescence to glow thorugh the blush shade but I don’t do it that way, preferring to go the opposite. The cream side applies well even using a blush brush, so I usually just blend them both (it isn’t creamy so as to be liquidy and waxy, but feels quite dry and powdery) and apply to cheeks. Its quicker this way.
Here are the swatches of the items so far.
(1) Creamy Sheer Powder Cheeks 01 Rose (2) W Irresistible Lips 01 Gold Pink (3) Deep Iridescent Eyes 05 Deep Iridescent Green
As you can see, they are all quite well pigmented, with just enough iridescence without being shimmery or glittery. Japanese brands do these so well!
W Irresistible lips 01 Gold Pink
Now, yet another very interesting item in the collection – the limited edition W Irresistible Lips (RM90) which comes in 4 shades – 01 Gold Pink, 02 Soft Pink Coral, 03 Beige and 04 Deep Red . We have seen this before in other brands, I believe. The outer ring imparts lovely lip colour while the middle ring gives the gloss and shine factor to this unique lipstick. The difference is, this is RMK and their lipsticks are amazing stuff. I have a thing for Japanese lipsticks and these fit the bill perfectly – non drying, lovely colour, not too strong and very complementary.
I wasn’t expecting very much from these if I’m to be honest. Previous experiences with similar lipsticks left my lips feeling dry and the colour would apply patchily. I was however pleasantly surprised when swiping this on to find that it wasn’t so. Both colours applied smoothly to lips and blended very well, to the extent I couldn’t tell where one started and the other began. You can see from the swatch above, how the gold features in the middle of the swatch. The inclusion of the gold in the center is a nice touch, because it gives a lovely subtle shine right in the center of your lips, making them look more plump and luscious 😉 Of the 3 items I’ve shown you from the Deep Iridescence collection, I’d say get this one because its really lovely and easy to use 😉
For the sake of completeness, the swatches on the relevant parts of the face 🙂 You can see that the eyes are lovely and strong coloured, the lips as well, with that golden glow right in the center. The cheeks are sheer but it should be, to complement the rest of the rather strong look.
In a nutshell
The RMK Deep Iridescence Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is an interesting one. The eyes, cheeks and lips all feature an iridescent glow that is very flattering on skin, without looking overdone. The only truly deeply iridescent items are the eyeshadows and nail polishes which feature a blackened base and an iridescent shine of colour. The shadows are surprisingly pigmented, and I was very impressed with the Deep Iridescent Green which, after swatching all the colours at the counter, I feel is the prettiest of the lot. I found some of the others weren’t as impressive but I must say that these shadows work much better with brushes than fingers. The included applicator is a dream. Use it! 😉 The lipstick too is something special and worth taking a look at. The cheek colour is pretty but if I had to only pick 2 items, I’d skip on the cheek colour. Coming from someone who loves blushes, that’s saying something! The other note I’d make is that the items are a bit pricey, but then, RMK has always been that way which is why their holiday palettes are usually an excellent deal!
Pros: Eyeshadow has lovely pigmented colour and iridescent shine without being shimmery or glittery, Brush included for cheek and eye is of very high quality, Lip color is not drying, applies smoothly, and is flattering as the gloss in the center adds a shine and plumps up lips, Sheer cheek colour imparts a glow to the skin
Cons: Pricey
Who will like this: Anyone who likes easy to use strong pigmented deep eye colours, Anyone who wants a creamy but pigmented and non drying lip colour with subtle shine
And so you know what the rest of the colours look like, here is a picture of the rest of the Deep Iridescence collection which I snapped at the counter.
For the eyes, I liked 05 Deep Iridescent Green but I also found myself drawn to 2 other colours flanking the green – 06 Deep Iridescent Gray (not gray at all! But a blackened gold with a gold iridescence – super pretty!) and wonders of wonders, 04 Deep Iridescent Purple (deep purple with lilac iridescence)
You can also see the new Creamy Gel foundation in the back in the round bottles. I picked one up too because I’m a sucker for foundation aren’t I? 😛
Have you seen the Deep Iridescence collection? Does anything catch your eye?
I like that Japanese brands only do 2 major collections a year – Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. This means the products are around for longer, and that I can actually have a think about what I want. It also means I don’t get sensitized to all the bombardment of new images and collections every other week. Agree? 🙂
Paris B
RMK Deep Iridescence Collection Availability: Parkson Pavilion and Isetan The Gardens and KLCC Prices: Deep Iridescent Eyes: RM110; W Irresistible Lips: RM90; Creamy Sheer Powder Cheeks: RM130; Nail Color EX: RM65; Crayon & Powder Eyes: RM144
Hi PB, the colour match you especially the eyeshadow and lipstick and natural cheek colour. But I wish you could swatch all the lipsticks, if can’t perhaps try to swatch deep red. I am so excited about red lipstick. After all, I can’t resist to collect lipstick 🙂
Thank you Tuti! I forgot to swatch the lipsticks at the counter, to be honest. Was rushing that day. But I’ll try to do so the next time I go out. I thought I could find you a swatch online but it seems no one has swatched it! Will try to sneak one soon (but can’t promise coz I haven’t been out a lot lately)
I like the way the eyeshadows are shaped! haha. Maybe it’s time for me to try RMK.
The deep fading to black colour looks good on you!
PS: I finally figured out why your method of applying eyeshadows work on you! haha, that’s because you have non-tapered double eyelids, so the under-lid is clearly visible. Mine is tapered, and the under-lid, is not visible at the inner corners, so keeping eyeshadows low, and just on the under-lid is like not applying anything, because nothing can be seen.
Yes! The eyeshadows are very unique but they do look really tiny in the display on the counter. The colours are quite lovely and I think, quite bold for Japanese makeup 😉 I loved how analytical your brain is, Jyoan! I think you’re right – our eyelid shape does dictate what works well for our eyes which is why we shouldn’t blindly follow trends or tutorials, but try to see what works for US! 😉
Another sexy lips of yours again!! Arghhhh!! So enticing!! 😀
Haha but very pretty colours!
Love that eyeshadow duo! Everything looks great on you, Paris! I typically need stronger colors than what Japanese brands tend to offer, but this one is cutting it for me 🙂
Sunny recently blogged…Another Wonder from Down Under: Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Thanks Sunny 😀 I have to agree. Most of the time, Japanese makeup tends to be too sheer to appeal to most, primarily because it can sometimes just look like pure shimmer on darker skin tones. So this RMK offering is really quite something! Hope you get a chance to check it out 😉
ah.. i like the lips color! but I am still not used to apply lipstick after so long.. it’s troublesome when i am drinking from glass or bottle or whatever, hate the stain.. how to you solve this??
Jean recently blogged…The Summit – Restoran Ayam Penyet Ria – Authentic Indonesian Cuisine
Hey Jean, a trick I read once was to lick the side of the glass before you drink, and that will stop the lipstick from staining the side of the glass. It works, to a degree 😉 Otherwise, I usually don’t care. Drink and eat all I want, then wipe off the lipstick and start again! Wearing a light or sheer shade will help the colour fade better than a bold one too – give it a go!
EEEK! Pretty!
But it’s alright. Have thus far resisted MANY MANY lemmings. ^.^
Hanny Daforcena recently blogged…Week in Photos No. 9: Of Catalysts and New-Found Families!
Thanks Hanny 🙂 I didn’t think it would be up your alley actually 😉
Very pretty! I love how the duo doesn’t look overdone on your eyes. And I’m with you — I looove autumn/winter collections! I still get giddy when you talk about Japanese cosmetics for some reason. 😀
peach_ recently blogged…Nokia Lumia Pink Nail Polish by Duality Cosmetics Nail Pak
Thank you Peach! I’m so glad we agree about Autumn/Winter collections! I love the vibrancy of the colours in these collections. I love my Japanese makeup – I just don’t have the chance to talk a lot about them. More’s the pity! I HAVE to remedy this!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures! At first I was not attracted to this collection at all, but after your review, I’ve changed my mind 🙂 The Duo eyeshadow looks really quick and easy to use. I’ll probably give the green one a try at the counter. The lipstick looks looovely too, but I already have the anniversary palette which I want to finish up first!
You’re most welcome, Jan and I’m glad I got you to view the collection a little differently 😉 The Duo eyeshadow is indeed very easy to use. On the back of my hand, I wasn’t terribly impressed so see if you can get the SA to help you do a little eye makeover at the counter so you can properly evaluate it 🙂
Hi Paris! LOVE the eyeshadow… Finished look looks great! 🙂 I haven’t seen this brand here in Australia – I’ll have to explore online. 🙂 Nice to meet you via the Twitter chat on Sunday – hope to see/tweet ya this coming Sunday when I’m hosting! 🙂
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Hi Sarah, thank you and it was lovely getting to “meet” you too! I’ll try to be online on Sunday – am out of town for the weekend but will definitely try to check in! looking forward to it 😀
:)))) at least if you can’t make it you can just search the hash tag later! Have a great weekend!
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I will! Enjoy hosting the chat! 😀
oh my that lipstick is truly super pretty when applied!!! i love the two tones on your lips!!! *tempted*
and that eyeshadow is nice too but i think i will pass for that one…too many eyeshadows already!
Do review on the new gel creamy rmk foundation soon Paris! PLEASE~~~~~~
am really excited about it!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Gin! The lipstick IS super pretty. I was very surprised actually because my previous experience with similar products left me with 2 toned lips, but the other way around – sheer on the outside and opaque on the inside and it looked odd 😛 I just picked up the creamy gel foundation so it will be a little while before the review goes up – hopefully I get round to it soon! 😉
gonna try one out soon! i really like the effect! thanks Paris! am looking forward to it!!! <3
Lovely! 😀
That’s a lovely pull together look. Eye shadow colour is very preeety! 🙂
Thank you Ting! I like how the eyeshadow looks too!
URGHHHHHHHHH………..i ‘hate’ it when you do reviews like this…it always lures me to pick something out..i hear the eyeshadow(s) calling out to me already! i always try to skip reading your post on these things…then fail miserably….haha…great review btw.. and it looks great on you….
Oops! 😛 Thanks Kel 🙂 I hope it didn’t burn a hole in your wallet 😛
I’ve been lusting after the blush since it came out – I really love that shade! And it felt so buttery when I er…touched it up at the counter. I thought the eyeshadows were really pretty when I saw them at the counter but they’re shades I don’t wear much so eventually I resisted.
Lizzie
xx
Lizzie recently blogged…Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste Ingredients
“touched it up at the counter” Ooh kinky! 😉 You’re right though, the blush does feel lovely, and the cream side isn’t oily or too slippery at all. Good on ya for resisting. More money for the next collection! 😉