RCMA Makeup

I'm still getting to grips with using the right amount of this as I'm more used to pressed powders. That being said, when I get it right, this give me a lovely soft matte finish, and leaves zero white cast on my skin. But if I go in too heavy, I do get a powdery finish, particularly on my dry areas. The packaging is obviously pretty basic but if it keeps the price down, that's fine! It's great value, and sets foundation well, so I'll buy it again.

This was a flop for me.

I am generally the second or third lightest shade in most foundations (I am a 15 or 20 in MAC) and decided to go with the KA palette after a bit of deliberating between that and the KO palette. Luckily, the shades were dead on for me. They are true neutrals. For the color selection, RCMA gets five stars.

It took me a few tries to figure out how to work with the formula. I have dry skin and this foundation is prone to settling in my fine lines and grabbing on to flakey patches, so when I apply it I mix it with a bit of moisturizer/oil. This makes it easier to spread but sacrifices coverage. I would say this foundation has a matte finish. I found that dabbing it into the skin with fingers produced the best finish. That said I will not repurchase this. It was way too much of a hassle to apply and the results don't justify the effort. DEFINITELY NOT good for dry skin either.

For some, it can take some time to master the application. But it is a natural-looking foundation, both in terms of colour and texture. I am a MAC NC15 and I find the middle colour the best match (KA 3?). The darkest shade in the palette I use sparingly, sometimes on my forehead and temples.

How do I apply? I used to use a spatula and scrape out some product onto the back of my hand, warm it up and apply with my fingers. But now I use a Zoeva buffing brush and unhygienically swirl it in the palette and apply directly. It's the easiest way to build up coverage (using dabbing motions, not buffing motions) as somehow I cannot build up coverage using just fingers. You could use a sponge I guess but I don't find myself reaching for one. Don't wet the sponge because oil and water doesn't mix, obviously.

ALWAYS finish with a powder, even just the lightest application of powder - if you want a glowy look - will help the makeup last longer. I use the RCMA No Colour Powder, which is fantastic. It can sometimes leave a white cast if you apply heaps but it disappears once it 'sinks' in. i.e. once you start sweating.

If you have lots of hyperpigmentation or angry-looking acne, the foundation will not cover it entirely (what foundation does without caking up? if there is one, let me know). You either have to be very skilled with a small concealer brush and artfully apply the foundation, setting it gently with powder, or you need to use a separate redness-cancelling (green) concealer. Or both. Probably both. But honestly, sometimes, it's okay to let the acne show through. No one else cares except for yourself and you just have to accept that sometimes it's just going to be one of those days (or weeks) Don't stress too much and love yourself :) xx

This concealer/corrector is a best kept secret. I previously wrote a glowing review for Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector. I like RCMA shade CS1 even better. (I didn't think it would be possible. Becca WAS my holy grail corrector for under eye circles.) I have only tried shade CS1 and CS2. (All the shades in this palette can be purchased as singles.) CS1 is a pink/bisque shade. CS2 is a more neutral peach flesh tone. They would both work well to cover dark circles on lighter skin tones. All the shades are matte. You will be disappointed if you expect this product to brighten your under eye area. It does provide excellent coverage; it just doesn't add shine. I compared RCMA CS1 with Becca Brightening Corrector in the pink shade in both indoor lighting and bright sun light. They look almost identical. The only difference is that Becca is just a tiny bit more on the pink side. I use matte foundation over the Becca corrector anyway, so that cancels out most of the brightening effect. Just like RCMA foundation, the corrector has the consistency of cold butter. It is waxed based, so it needs to be warmed against the skin before blending. I recommend thinning it with a drop of oil. (RCMA makes a thinner, but you can use any oil.) I find it blends best with a mini beauty blender. You can purchase the palette and single shades directly from the RCMA website, Camera Ready Cosmetics, Beautylish or Alcone. Single shades are $30.00 for 1/2 ounce or $30.00 for the whole palette. Samples are available from Camera Ready Cosmetics or the RCMA website. One caution if you use a primer: the waxed based formula doesn't mix well with silicone or water based primers (which means most commercial brand names). RCMA makes a clear foundation which can be used as a primer. Or, you can just use your favorite facial oil or eye cream. Overall, I would recommend this product if you are looking for a more natural, invisible corrector, rather than a brightening one.

Hands down the best! I also have the vk10 palette & they are both amazing. Very kind on the skin, beautifully natural looking & so easy to blend. Just make sure you warm it up. I always apply it with a sponge & my clients absolutely love it!! Can't recommend it enough! 🙌🙌🙌