TATCHA: Geisha-Inspired Skin Care

Curious about the luminous skin of Japanese geisha? You can try to attain their youthful complexion with TATCHA skin care. Founder Victoria Tsai had spent a long time researching a 200-year-old manuscript on geisha beauty and has painstakingly deciphered its secrets to create her skin care collection.

I liked the fact that the Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil doesn't contain mineral oil. It wipes off all makeup with a few swipes and doesn't leave a heavy residue. Their oil blend features rice bran oil, camellia seed oil, green tea and algae extract.

The Radiant Deep Brightening Serum contains licorice, Chinese herbs and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex (rice bran, green tea and red algae). It doesn't contain kojic acid nor hydroquinone and can be used for all skin types. I liked that there's no strong scent. According to their 8-week trial, users saw a 56% decrease in pigmentation.

The Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream has a nice light gel texture, which I really like for warm weather.  This cream contains liquid silk, squalane, royal jelly and their HADASEI-3 complex. This one is ideal for combination skin and can be used as a makeup primer.

The brand also sells Aburatorigami blotting paper. Made with 100% abaca leaf and real gold flakes, these handmade papers originated from gold leaf artisans in Kyoto. While it is pricey, one sheet (using both sides) is sufficient for most touch ups, unless you have super oily skin. it won't disturb makeup nor strip moisture from the skin.

I also enjoyed the Polished Rice Enzyme Powders. Available in Gentle (licorice root), Classic (pearl extract), and Deep (dokudami extract) formulations, each water-activated exfoliant melts into a gentle cream cleanser. I've been having sensitive skin lately and the Gentle one works well on me. You can also skip the oil cleanser and just use this powder on days you don't use makeup.

The TATCHA line is sold at Barneys New York and www.tatcha.com. Not sure which product is right for you? They have a sampler set for $49 and each order includes 3 samples.

For editorial consideration, review samples were provided by the brand's PR representative.

Comments

[Carolyn Jung]

Does the gold leaf add anything to the blotting papers? Like is your complexion more golden in some way after using them?

[Tami]

Probably. Those ultra luxe creams on the market have things like micronized diamond powder and gold. ;)