When it comes to the makeup market, new brands launch new products on a regular basis. In fact, the sheer number is hard to keep track of. But there are certain brands that stick to their tried and tested products, that people go back to on a regular basis — professional makeup brands.
Such brands don’t cater to the consumer market, but to makeup artists who need to own varieties of products to suit a large range of skintones and types. If you happen to love your base builders and are interested in trying something new and potentially life-changing, read on.
RCMA
RCMA was created by Vincent J-R Kehoe, who introduced his cult-favourite foundation in 1962 to cater to makeup artists working in film, TV, and stage. The foundation is hand-poured in smaller batches even today to keep the colours consistent. It is a tricky formula to work with, but once you get the hang of it, there is no turning back. It’s 50% pigment, and hence the smallest amount goes a long way. You don’t need a primer with it, instead you need to warm it up on the back of your hand and dot it onto your face before buffing it in. Once you get the hang of using this, no other foundation lives upto it.
The five-part palettes (₹2,225) contain five of the best shades within a single shade series, making it easy to custom blend your base makeup, as well as shade and highlight the face. The No Colour Powder (₹1,314) is easily one of the best in the market, and a great way to set your face without mattifying it. Available on beautybay.com
Koh Gen Do
KGD is a makeup line that evolved from a skincare brand. When high definition cameras came to Japan, most makeup products showed up in photographs, so Koh Gen Do created a line based on natural ingredients that would mimic skin, while still providing coverage and skincare benefits. The KGD Aqua Foundation (₹4,323) has a serum like texture that glosses over imperfections and gives a luminous glow. It also comes in compact form. Available at beautylish.com.
Face Atlier
A brand mainly known for its Ultra Foundation (₹2,360) a light, silicone-based foundation that doesn’t budge once it has set, this Face Atelier product is perfect for anybody who worries about sweating their face off, as it imitates the idea behind Airbrush Makeup, but in liquid form.
The Transforming Gel (₹1,850) is a unique product that can transform loose powders into creams, eyeshadows into eyeliners and so on. If you’re an avid makeup user, you can find several different ways to use this. Available on camerareadycosmetics.com
RMS Beauty
Founded by celebrity makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift, RMS is a brand loved by makeup artists and celebrities alike — think Taylor Swift, Emma Watson and Blake Lively.
The Living Luminizer (₹3,126) is a gorgeous highlighter that isn’t shimmery, but provides a sheen that’s healthy and plump. The Un Powder (₹2,865), which minimises pores while leaving the skin looking and feeling velvety matte, is a great way to set your makeup without your face looking flat. Available on cultbeauty.com
As an avid user of a lot of these products, both in my professional kit and personal makeup collection, let me assure you that while it maybe intimidating at first, the world of professional makeup products can change the way you do your makeup.
This column is your fortnightly dose of products, brands and how-tos from the world of beauty
