Thoughts on a handful of Tatcha skincare items…
I was really surprised and really excited when Tina from Our WonderLust informed me I won a Tatcha giveaway last month. I love Tina’s blog, and have a lot of respect for her ability to suss out the latest cult beauty brands that are toxin-free and great. And of course, I’ve waxed lyrical about Tatcha here and here, so the news sent me straight into beauty heaven.
The lovely folks at Tatcha FedEx-ed their exclusive Kira Kira set to me, along with a lovely hand written note (I’m a big sucker for personal touches like these). Included in the set are deluxe travel-sized versions of 4 popular skincare essentials:-
- PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil — 30mL
- RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum — 8ml
- AGELESS Enriching Renewal Cream – 12ml
- AGELESS Revitalizing Eye Cream – 5ml
It has been awhile since I did a full skincare review, and I thought this is a great range to introduce. Bear in mind though, I have peculiar skin – very sensitive to changes, and still in flux from post-pregnancy hormonal changes. Also, I’ve been on a diet of mostly Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale (serum reviewed here), which kind of throws the scale unfairly. But if you’ll stay with me, I’ll try to be as impartial as possible!
PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
I’m no stranger to cleansing oils, in fact, I think they are genius, pure genius. This is my makeup remover of choice (of course now there’s micellar water, but… they don’t all work well on me). Prior to Tatcha, I’ve been using SK-II’s cleansing oil, and have also tried Shu Uemura’s famous cleansing oil. Comparatively, Tatcha’s Camellia Cleansing Oil feels least oily (oxymoron I know), and smells nicer than Shu’s rendition(s). Having said that, the Camellia Oil does have a strong scent, which takes some getting used to (users of SK-II’s Facial Treatment Essence would know what I mean).
Tatcha’s PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil (USD48 for 150ml) is affordably priced, and contains camellia and rice bran oils to dissolve even waterproof makeup, leaving skin soft and clean without any tightness. It doesn’t contain mineral oils, parabens and all manners of nasties. Gentle enough for all skin types, a quarter-sized dollop should be sufficient to work over the entire face, then rinse with water to a clear the day’s dirt and grime. Removing makeup can’t get any easier than this!
RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum
Tatcha’s Radiant Deep Brightening Serum contains its proprietary blend of Asian botanicals + HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex, which includes Japanese green tea DNA extract, Okinawa red algae extract, and Japanese rice bran extract. These time-tested ingredients promise to hydrate the skin while making it appear more luminous.
I have been using this for over a month now, first using it both day and night for 2 weeks, and then just in the day time. I can’t quite say this serum provides sufficient hydration for my skin’s needs (even used with a moisturizer), which is why I eventually switched it out for my Orchidee Imperiale Concentrate in the evenings for greater pampering of my aging skin. But the true selling point of this product is its brightening effect, and I am surprised to find my pigmentation almost gone after using this!!! I developed a dark patch on my right cheek shortly after having my baby (which I hear is quite common), and I’ve tried a couple of award-winning brightening serums. I’ve almost written it off as a fairytale, until I noticed recently how the patch has lightened to be almost imperceptible (except to my flaw-seeking eyes that know my own face too well). Some serums give an instant brightening boost, but Tatcha really goes to work to lighten dark spots to give lasting results!
Tatcha’s RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum retails at a hefty USD185 for 50ml, but is a worthy investment for those with pigmentation concerns.
AGELESS Enriching Renewal Cream
The is an intensive renewal cream that provides deep anti-aging benefits and promotes microcirculation to reduce age spots and renew appearance. Despite being the richer of the two moisturizers in the Tatcha collection, it has a silky and light texture that applies easily and absorbs quickly. It never feels heavy nor oily on the skin.
I have tried a sample satchet of Tatcha’s Moisture Rich Silk Cream in the past and really enjoyed it, so was expecting to love the Enriching Renewal Cream equally. I loyally stuck by it day and night for 2 whole weeks, and then in the evenings for another 2 weeks. Unfortunately, this Enriching Renewal Cream may just be too rich for my skin (despite its unassumingly light texture) as it gave me tiny little bumps, that were later verified by my regular facial therapist.
Tatcha’s AGELESS Enriching Renewal Cream retails for USD185 for 50ml, placing it well in the upper end of the market and is best reserved for drier or more matured skin.
AGELESS Revitalizing Eye Cream
Tatcha’s only eye cream promises deep anti-aging properties that nourishes and purifies skin, resulting in a decreased appearance of puffiness, dark circles and eye spots. The formula harnesses proven ingredients that work in harmony to promote microcirculation, preventing and reversing the signs of premature aging. True to the spirit of Tatcha, this is a lovely eye cream of a soft and silky texture that does not feel overly heavy on my delicate lids.
I’ve been running on very little sleep lately; and despite religiously applying the Orchidee Imperiale Eye & Lip Cream (2nd generation) every night, would wake up to puffy lids that make my eyes droop. I’ve tried layering serums but the real visible results were when I switched completely over to Tatcha’s! Overnight, I looked more rested and younger (without the droopy eyes)!
Tatcha’s AGELESS Revitalizing Eye Cream retails for USD135 for 15ml.
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Overall, I really enjoyed my past month’s Tatcha experience! Each of the products I tried had lovely textures and a very pleasant scent of rice (which I now term the “Tatcha” scent). Not everything worked well for me, and I enjoyed the Camellia Cleansing Oil and the Revitalizing Eye Cream the most. Couple that with amazing personalized service, Tatcha is quickly becoming one of my favorite brands! As always, TATCHA products are formulated without parabens, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates. All formulas are dermatologist tested, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, just the way nature intended. Tatcha is available in select stores, and tatcha.com.
xoxo
Thank you for getting back to me much appreciated. …last question, have you tried la mer eye cream? If so which do you recommend la mer or guerlain….Price is no problem I’m looking for the best quality. Thank you
Unfortunately, the La Mer eye creams don’t work for me. The Eye Balm irritates the skin around my eyes, and the Eye Concentrate used to be fine but I think they must have reformulated since its launch so it no longer works for me. The Eye Balm is good for under eye bags and dark circles, whereas the Eye Concentrate targets more fine lines and lifting.
Hi do you recommend tatcha eye cream or guerlain? I need to purchase one soon and I’m not sure which is better overall. … (brightening, fine lines, lifting) thank you
Hi Lulu,
the 2 are of very different price points, so that is something you should bear in mind. For lifting, I think Tatcha is better. Guerlain doesn’t claim any lifting benefits. However, I am a little biased towards all things Guerlain… LOL… i find it more soothing on my easily sensitized lids. But Tatcha is a really great pick for an all-rounder!
Tatcha’s cleansing oil is unequivocally the best one I’ve encountered in the fifty-four years that I’ve been using oil to remove my makeup. During all those years I’ve used countless cleansing oils; Shu and SKII among them. Although Shu did a satisfactory job of removing makeup, the oil itself always seemed heavy and required a lot of emulsifying in order to remove it completely. When I switched to the beautiful rose scented SKII, I thought I had found my HG cleansing oil. Lighter than Shu’s, it did a better job of dissolving makeup and was easier to remove. But then a few years ago I discovered Tatcha’s oil which is ultra light, gentle yet super efficient, and when it comes to removal, the easiest one yet. It’s a real standout.
As for the Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream, that one is a good choice for us older ladies. It applies like silk, leaves a soft and smooth finish, and effectively moisturizes my mature (old!) dry skin. I was thrilled when Tatcha developed it because the regular cream was not moisturizing and nurturing enough for my needs. The serum is also a winner for me. I only use it in the morning because at night I use a prescription retinoic acid preparation from my dermatologist. Nothing OTC beats that for anti-aging. Tatcha’s brightening serum is definitely a great product, though, for refining the texture of the skin and evening the tone. Now, with every brand there are going to be hits and misses depending on our individual needs and preferences. For me, the disappointment is the eye cream. It’s not bad; it simply doesn’t meet my needs. I don’t need lifting, de-puffing, etc. I need major moisture and so I use La Mer instead. All considered, Tatcha has some superlative products and is a line well worth exploring.
Hey Eileen, thanks for your passionate reply! Always so great to see in-depth personal reviews from readers! I agree with you Tatcha’s oil is the lightest! I think the brightening serum is great specifically for lightening of spots… although for other anti-aging concerns like firming, lifting, etc… I think there are better. And as for the eye-cream, i’m glad La Mer works for you! The La Mer Eye Concentrate used to be a fave for me, but lately it irritates my eyes. The Balm Concentrate has always been terrible for me… But everybody’s skin is different, and i’m so glad there are choices!
We are so lucky nowadays when it comes to skincare and cosmetics. Over the years (I’m 69), I’ve seen an explosion of beautiful options hit the marketplace. There’s such an abundance of wonderful products at all different price points and to suit just about any need, taste, or style. Lucky us! 🙂 Have a wonderful week.
Yes indeed! Oh at 69 and you’re so well versed in skincare that’s amazing!! I feel beauty “technology” has come so far…products are more effective now than ever! Enjoy!
oh oh i think i have a sample of that eye cream! I need to try it! 😀 I love the cleansing oil, and i’m glad to hear your review of it compared to the other cleansing oils you tried. I must not be able to smell camellia or something bc i don’t think it is overly scented and I know other people hate the scent of tatcha cleansing oil and lip balm! haha
hey Joyce! Yes, do try that eye cream and let me know how you find it! Oh really… people hate the lip balm? I just ordered it! LOL!!
lol don’t worry, Gummy and Bellyhead didn’t like the scent! But i believe they didn’t like the scent of the cleansing oil either! I feel like it hardly has a scent lol and I like the lip balm, so don’t worry too much until you try it!! 🙂
it bothered me lots when i first tried it out of a satchet… but when pumped out fr the bottle there was hardly any scent. So maybe i grew immune to it, or the scent intensified in the satchet?
Maybe? lol. Weird how inconsistent it is, right? Well i hope you do end up liking it haha
Ohhh! I really need to try some! And the worst is, I was at Barneys and forgot to check this out as I was only passing through >.< Bummer! Although my main concern for eyes aren't brightening, your post makes me want to try it!
#theartofenabling
Oh! The eye cream is great for lifting! Lol!
Sometimes your reply speed freaks me out! haha 😀 Forgot it’s daytime for you! lolololol Thanks for the great post babe.. and btw, been meaning to ask if you need anything from SF 🙂
xx
Oh so sweet of u babe…. If u spy any Hourglass blushes can u grab a couple for me pls? Diffused & luminous!! Thank u so much!! Xoxo
Yes will do! I already checked Sephora, but they are not in yet.. will definitely try and pick them up if they arrive in time 🙂
Later this month 🙂
Hurry back and we can lunch! Check out Surratt at Barney’s for me will ya!
Have you tried them? I did see it today but never really got a proper look.. will mosey down there again just to swatch n stuff.
Yeap I reviewed it earlier this week…
Gosh, I have missed a lot! must go see.