RMS Beauty is the creation of Rose-Marie Swift, a stellar make up artist whose work spans two decades and countless advertising campaigns, runway shows, and magazine covers. (She's also Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bundchen's go-to makeup artist.) After discovering the detrimental effects that working in the beauty industry had on her—and her client's—health, she took matters into her own hands and created an upscale eponymous line. Enter little glass pots of coconut oil-based products that build beautifully and comfortably, resting on the skin with a sheen that looks believable. No brushes required—it's the un-makeup makeup. Once only procured in indie establishments, mainstream stores like Anthropologie are now carrying the line. Check out their gorgeous photographs at right and below....
RMS Beauty's signature eye polishes are cream eye shadows evolved. These pots of color are universally flattering—trust me, anyone can wear any of these colors! They aren't too shimmery, sparkly, or shiny, but rather, are modern and understated, with a subtle gleam. Plus, they're finger-friendly, and the coconut oil in the formulas moonlights as a natural anti-bacterial agent.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Magnetic
However, they're not crease proof. I emailed Rose-Marie and here's what she said: "[T]hey are not guaranteed crease proof, but there are easier ways to apply it. Never have any eye cream or moisturizer underneath. Apply minimally and really work into the eye lid almost like you were polishing. Sounds strange I know, but these eye shadows are unique because the oil in them cause that dewy reflective look and make the eye look younger."
I asked about using them with a liner, and she responded, "You need to keep a slight separation from the line and the shadow, 1/8 and the shadow will blend down slightly and have room [to spread] when not right on top of the liner. My new powder can be used, but it will absorb the shine."
I'll pat these over powder shadow for a dewy look, or to tone things down if I get too enthusiastic with my eye makeup that morning. I tried patting Alima Pure shadows to stabilize them, but they still slip considerably during the day. You will need to reapply, especially if you're not in an arid climate.
However, these pots are multipurpose! I use Solar as a gold highlighter on cheekbones and lips. I'm super pale, but the color gives a warm sheen in the summer months. Seduce and Magnetic look fantastic as an eyeliner on my lower lids; they stay put and soften during the day to a natural gleam—great if you're wanting an understated smokey eye. And Lunar is a great highlighter on cheekbones, cupid's bow, or the bridge of one's nose.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Magnetic. (used as a primer beneath a gold shadow.) Photography by Bryan Derballa.
RMS Beauty Eye Polish in Lunar
SHADE GUIDANCE
(Taken from RMS Beauty's website.)
From left to right, beginning with top row: Inspire, Karma, Seduce, Magnetic, Solar, Lunar, Imagine.
Lunar: A champagne pearl shimmer that can double as a highlighter for a frosted evening look.
Solar: A warm, golden bronze that can be used as a highlighter when blended subtly over the skin or lips.
Karma: The ultimate color for a sultry, smoky eye. A rich, dark brown/black shadow with just a hint of silver makes this a very sophisticated color. Also great when used as a smoky liner.
Magnetic: Her biggest seller is this taupe/silver shadow with a hint of mauve.
Seduce: A sensuous earthy brown hue that can double as a contour.
Inspire: Metallic baby blue with a hint of silver, very 60s.
RMS Beauty Eye Polishes in Magnetic and Karma
Here, Rose-Marie applied her eye polish in Karma and a black eyeliner to the inner rim of the eye. (From the RMS Beauty Blog.)
