Review: Tatcha

I remember as a little girl, my great grandmother taking very careful care of her skin each day. She was always proud when folks would tell her she didn't look her age. As I get older, and my skin is aging, I appreciate fine skincare products more.

Did you know that the Japanese call a geisha's flawless skin mochi hada? There is simple steps that you can take at home to have flawless skin too, thanks to Tatcha. This Japanese skin care company has recreated the same ways a geisha would take care of their skin through the foundation of classical Eastern skincare. I was lucky enough to receive the skincare set to perform what they call "The Ritual" so I too could have radiant, flawless skin. Here's more about it and my thoughts on each step.

Step One of "The Ritual" uses the Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil. To use this product, you simply pump one or two pumps into dry hands, and massage onto your face while it's still dry. This will help remove any makeup, as well as condition dry skin thanks to the camellia and rice bran oils that are part of the base of this product. Once you're done, simply rise it away using warm water. A 5.1 oz bottle of Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil retails for $48.00.

Step Two uses the Polished Rice Enzyme Powder that is a daily exfoliant that doubles as a cleanse when you're not wearing makeup. It's gentle enough you can use it both in the morning and at night. To use, simply wet your hands and pour about one teaspoon's worth into a hand, rubbing both hands together until you get a creamy foam. Next, gently massage onto your face for about 10 seconds while avoiding the eye area. If you'd like a deeper clean, you can massage it for as long as one minute. Rinse with warm water. Be aware that as this is an exfoliant, you might want to either patch test it the first time you use it, or try it at night, so you're not left leaving the house with blotchy skin should it be too strong for your skin. (Ten seconds really is more than enough for me!) A 2.1 oz container of Polished Rice Enzyme Powder retails for $65.00.

Step Three uses the Radiant Deep Brightening Serum which helps give your skin an instant boost of moisture while working to prevent future age spots. It can also help lighten any age spots that you might have, but it will take between four to 8 weeks for you see results. To use, simply pump out 1-2 pumps and massage onto your face both morning and night. A 1.0 oz container of Radiant Deep Brightening Serum retails for $150.00.

Step Four uses the Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream that provides long lasting moisture while promoting the skin's natural hyaluronic acid synthesis. You just need a small amount, about the size of a pearl - don't use too much! This cream absorbs quickly and feels very light on your skin. Because it leaves an invisible network of silk on the skin, you can also use this as a natural primer for any makeup you'll be applying next. A 1.7 oz jar of Supple Moisture Rich Silk Cream retails for $150.00.

If you tend to be quick and easy, only using one product once a day, it might take you a few days to get into the habit of "The Ritual", but the products I received from Tatcha were very good quality. For step two, I found myself needing the "Gentle", but it is also available in both classic and deep, so if you spend your days in grimy city air filled with pollution, you might want to try one of the others for a deeper clean. I was very pleased with each of the products I tried from Tatcha. I know the cost of the set can be considered a little high, so I want you to know they also have a travel sized set that you can try out that retails for $49 available on the site. This will give you an idea of the products before purchasing the full sized versions.

I also received a package of the Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers for soaking up oil on my face anytime of the day without disturbing my make up, and oh my goodness, these are wonderful! A package of 30 sheets is $12.00.

Currently, Tatcha has free shipping on each order, as well as three free samples available with each order. (Samples not available if you purchase the travel sized set though).

I received samples of the products mentioned above in order to try them out and share my thoughts on them. All opinions are my own.