Our Favorite Tips for Using RCMA Cream Foundation

Considered one of the top choices of professionals everywhere, RCMA VK Foundation (also known as RCMA Cream Foundation) is a staple in many artists' kit. A professional, highly pigmented, blendable cream base that is formulated without perfume, mineral oil, or lanolin, RCMA VK Foundation is ideal for photography, film, and anywhere else that a high-definition quality is needed with a finish that feels light enough for everyday wear. With over 70 shades to choose from, it has a perfect color match for nearly everyone with plenty of adjusters to custom create any shade you may need.

However, the RCMA Cream Foundation comes with a bit of a learning curve for new users, especially when it comes to adapting the formula for different coverages and finishes. Professional makeup artists have loved RCMA for decades because of the capability to manipulate the foundation’s formula to fit their client's needs. Let's talk about how to use this foundation to its full potential.

Of course, the key to any makeup look is a well-prepped canvas. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre - 24-Hour Miracle Cream works for all skin types and is our number one recommendation to prep the skin when using RCMA foundation. There are no special techniques needed for prep; simply apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer or other hydrating base product to the skin before applying foundation.

If your client has texture or suffers from acne, using peel pads such as the Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads or Indie Lee Gentle Daily Peel will help remove dead skin without irritating sensitive skin. Both are formulated for all skin types and will give you a more even base, help prevent pilling, and clinging to dry patches. If the skin is dehydrated, sheet masks like Patchology FlashMasque Hydrate are great to incorporate into the skin prep routine as well. They work in just five minutes and use lactic acid, moisturizing coconut, and soy milk to speedily dissolve dead cells and infuse extra hydration for smooth, bright skin.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre and the new formula for sensitive skin Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Sensitive aren't just great for before applying foundation, they can also be mixed with the foundation itself during application in order to achieve a natural, medium coverage skin-like finish.

In terms of what not to do, we recommend that you avoid silicone primers that have too much of a slip. The foundation can tend to slip, slide, and not melt into the skin properly when using a silicone primer versus a moisturizing or illuminating primer.

Not all foundations are created equal. The RCMA VK Foundation is quite different from most cream foundations because it's a solid cream in the container or palette. Because of this, you never want to dip your brush directly into the container before applying. Instead, use a spatula to scrape out a small portion of product onto a steel palette or use a hand palette like the Danessa Myricks Hand Single Use Hand Palette. With the single use hand palette, your body heat will gently warm up and emulsify the foundation making it easier to apply.

For fuller coverage, you can apply the foundation directly to freshly prepped skin with fingertips or a dense, flat brush. We recommend bouncing a wet Beautyblender or sponge after application for seamless coverage. Set where needed with one of RCMA's powders, as they are formulated to work better together.

If your client has dry skin, mature skin, or prefers light coverage, mix in one drop of the RCMA Thinner with the foundation to transform the consistency into a sheer liquid. After mixing on a stainless steel palette, take a buffing brush or stippling brush to apply the foundation to prepped skin. This will result in a beautiful luminous satin finish. If some areas need more coverage, tap foundation onto those areas with your finger for greater pigment deposit.

Watch our tutorial featuring Beauty Advisor and Professional Makeup Artist Calvin Brockington using RCMA VK Foundation and some of the tips we shared above

If you’re a working artist looking for the most efficient way to carry around a wide range of shades, the RCMA VK Cream Foundation Palette is a great choice. It offers 18 shades of the RCMA foundation in one convenient palette, allowing you to contour and conceal clients of all skin tones. For a more compact palette, try one of the 5 Part Series Foundations. Want to customize the perfect palette? Try our Palette Builder and select individual shades!

If you have any questions, our Beauty Advisors are here to help. Drop them a line at beautyadvisor@crcmakeup.com, or come visit us in our Dallas showroom!

Camera Ready Cosmetics was founded in 2003 by Makeup Artist Mary Erickson. She dreamed of having a pro makeup showroom where artists could play with professional products without the typical makeup store attitude.

Today, our team of beauty industry veterans work together to curate the best quality products on the market. We partner with brands who respect the industry and formulate products for true working artists. You won’t find CRC in high-end malls, and we don't wear matching brush belts.

If you want to play with products for a few hours and buy nothing, that's okay ... come in and play! Our store is your playground.