itsy0nerd

About a couple years ago, my skin started changing. My skin type became more dry and sensitive - when my skin type’s been oily or combination my entire life - and my skin started breaking out. Though I can’t entirely blame it on the facial products that I was using (Clearasil, Shiseido, Lancome), I can say that because these products often contain sulfates and surfactants (moisture stripping ingredients), it may have contributed to the changes in my skin. That’s when I started my hunt for a natural and/or organic facial cleanser. In my search, I was appalled to find that there is no industry-agreed definition for natural and organic, so be careful, as it is  possible for companies to make false claims and play with words. As a beauty consumer, there isn’t much that can be done to guard against such falsification, except to trust that a third-party certification company, like EcoCert, has been hired to tell some truths.

The first product I picked up from Tata Harper was their Regenerating Cleanser. What’s so amazing about this product is that it is gentle enough for every day use, and because it is gently exfoliating, it really removes all that gunk and dead skin without stripping your skin’s barrier. At first, I was skeptical about the “gentle exfoliation” because I thought that even mild exfoliation would make my already dry skin, drier; but that is not the case. I have been using this cleanser for 5 months now (once a day, instead of twice daily), and I have seen much improved skin texture and clarity. My facial acne has cleared up and has been under control. Discolorations have noticeably faded. And, my skin’s hydration and oil production have reversed to what is considered normal for me. I’m really starting to see and feel my skin rebalancing.

I want to put into perspective the efficacy of this product…I am able to walk out the door with just one thin layer of Ilia Sheer Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (which I love! I may review this in the future since this is also a brand and product that has been a gamechanger for me). If I am going out at night or when there’s no sun, I just apply a little bit of face oil and I am good to go.   I absolutely love this product, but like every product, it may not be right for everyone. It is at a  high price point - but personally, I would rather spend money on skincare than on makeup. Also, it may not be for those who are allergic or sensitive to florals and essential oils. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this product. I have purchased this product in both 50ml and 125ml; the 50ml bottle lasted me about 3 months (once a day use). Tata Harper’s offers the starter/travel kit and complimentary sample packets ($5 shipping cost) on their website. Sephora and Neiman Marcus also carry this line, so go in and use their testers and ask for samples.