Make-up junkies may remember experimenting with this Japanese brand's sleek, minimalist products at Isetan counters.

RMK is Japan's top-selling make-up for industry professionals, so fans here were disappointed when it exited the market here four years ago, pulled by its distributor Isetan.

Isetan Singapore's sales promotions manager Gerard Goh explains: 'With a change of business direction in 2004, Isetan's focus was on the core business of retailing and not on the distribution of cosmetics, hence the brand was withdrawn.'

Now Singapore's largest cosmetic and fragrance distributor Luxasia has relaunched RMK in Singapore - and at an Isetan counter too.

Luxasia general manager Angela Ho says: 'Many beauty industry insiders are fans of the brand and we are confident that the products will be well accepted.'

RMK caters to Asian needs and has Asian-friendly shades. Even make-up applicators such as mascara are made smaller to suit the size of Asian eyes, Ms Ho points out.

Make-up artist Clarence Lee is a fan. 'They've been known by professionals for a long time so I think lots of us are happy they're back,' he said.

'The quality of the products is great and they are very easy to blend. Best of all, the brand is still very accessible to non-professional users because they don't use outlandish colours that would scare them away.'

The RMK counter was launched at Isetan Scotts last week.

Ms Ho said customers can obtain makeover services and make-up lessons at the counter.

Luxasia also plans to fly in RMK's international make-up artists from Japan to attend seasonal launches, where they will share tips and trends with customers.

Prices range from $55 for eyeshadow palettes to $32 for lip gloss and $45 to $70 for foundation.

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

Can you spot the difference? The RMK artists made up only the right side of Jayne's face. (top picture)

If you've always envied Japanese women's powdery soft, flawless complexions, try using RMK's signature base make-up products. Here are the steps:

- Start with a clean face.

- Apply RMK's Skintuner Smoother ($59) to moisturise skin and tighten pores.

- Use Extra Brightening Beauty Essence ($79) to give your skin added glow.

- Apply a generous portion of Face Protector with SPF 31 ($42), to protect skin from ultra-violet rays.

- Put on a very thin layer of RMK's Creamy Make-up Base ($50) to even out your skin tone.

- Finally, apply liquid foundation ($65) on your face. The brand also has foundation in two other textures - stick and powder - depending on the coverage you want to achieve.

- Dust on some pressed powder ($45) to set the foundation.

EXPERTS REVEAL THEIR BEAUTY SECRETS

It's back to the future with Takeshi Kukimoto and Jayne, in RMK's autumn/winter 2008 collection, inspired by the 1980s.	Dance to the beat with Toru Kobayashi and Gosia, with disco-ready eye make-up in hues of blue, green and purple.

RMK's international make-up artists, Toru Kobayashi and Takeshi Kukimoto, share some beauty secrets with Urban.

- To prevent eye make-up from sliding off your lids, spread a thin layer of concealer over them before applying eyeshadow.

- An easy way to make your make-up go from day to night, save the darkest shade of your eyeshadow palette for evening.

  'Just before you go out, apply the darkest shade over your eyelids up till the crease for a gradation of colours,' advises Kobayashi.

- Concealer before or after foundation? Kukimoto says it's best to apply just one or the other. So, if you use concealer to cover blemishes, don't apply a layer of foundation over it or 'that area of your face may look patchy'.

- If you have only two minutes to get ready in the morning, 'curl your eyelashes and use mascara to open up your eyes', suggests Kukimoto.

  'Just this one quick step will completely transform your look.'

LOOKING GOOD, THE JAPANESE WAY

Japanese cosmetic brands have always had a loyal following here because they are formulated for Asian skin.
Here are four of the most popular in Singapore.

Menard

In Singapore since: 1980, at selected beauty salons. Menard opened its first standalone boutique at Suntec City in May this year.

Good for: Ultra-luxe skincare products like its Embellier range, which contains extracts from the Reishi mushroom which is said to have anti-ageing properties.

Prices range from $235 for a cleanser and toner to $685 for a night cream.

Bestseller: Its moisturising Tsukika skincare line, with prices ranging from $49 for a cleansing gel to $59 for a moisturiser.

Store location: 01-028 Suntec City

Shiseido

In Singapore since: 1978

Good for: Skincare and make-up products that have undergone extensive research and development and have the latest technologies in them.

Bestseller: White Lucent whitening range of skincare products which include a cleansing foam ($57), eye treatment ($75) and serum ($159).

Store location: 16 counters islandwide including Tangs Orchard, Takashimaya and Isetan Scotts

Shu Uemura

In Singapore since: early 1990s

Good for: 'Mode make-up', a term coined by its late founder Shu Uemura. It refers to the brand's seasonal make-up collections, which can be used to create theatrical, dramatic looks.

Bestseller: Cleansing oil ($56 to $152) - a bottle is sold every two seconds worldwide.

Store location: Nine counters islandwide including Tangs Orchard, Robinsons Raffles City and Metro Paragon

SK-II

In Singapore since: 1999

Good for: Its premium skincare products which contain Pitera, a naturally occurring ingredient from the fermentation process of sake.

Pitera contains vitamins, minerals and proteins which are said to revitalise the skin's renewal cycle.

Bestseller: Facial treatment essence ($96 for 75ml), which fans dub 'miracle water' for its restorative properties.

Store location: 15 counters islandwide including Isetan Scotts, Robinsons, Centrepoint and Nuance-Watson Perfumes & Cosmetics stores at Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Aug 7, 2008.