Tatcha: Inspired By Secrets Of The Geisha

Exfoliant In Powder Form

I was gifted the Tatcha POLISHED Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, labelled 'FOR DRY SKIN'. I should be the last person to use anything for dry skin. My skin is so oily it fills up an entire 10cmx10cm paper blotting sheet. Those film-type ones? I have to use at least two, and they're always soaked through. That was why I didn't take an interest when I first received these, as beautifully packaged as they were.

Here though, it is labelled as 'Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder for Sensitive Skin (Cleanser and Exfoliant)', which I think is a more accurate description, because it really is gentle on my skin! ^_^*

I was intrigued by this exfoliant in powder form and my curiosity got the better of me, despite the skin type categorization. But first, I did a patch test on my neck - okie, no adverse reaction. The next night, I tried it on my face. Sprinkle half a teaspoon (just wing it, no need to be too accurate) on your palm, drip a few drops of water and make it into a paste. Gently massage over the skin for about 30 seconds and rinse.

Unlike typical exfoliants, there are no coarse grains, or any grains at all, for that matter. The paste dissolves into a watery blend that's really gentle on my skin. What shocked me during the initial use was how SQUEAKY my skin felt once I rinsed it off. Like, marble floor mopped with strong detergent kind of feel. OMG I was so worried! What have I done?!! @_@

But that worrying lasted for only 10 seconds. After patting my face dry, my skin experienced a never-before level of clean and polish and softness. Surprisingly, there was no tightness, a consequence I'd expected from the squeaky 10 seconds.

Which Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powder Is Suitable For You?

Till now, I’m not sure why the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder for dry skin works for my oily skin. Not only is it gentle to my sensitive condition, it doesn’t overhydrate my oily skin, which is what products meant for dry skin usually do - they make dry skin less so with a richer formula, right? All I know is that the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder makes my skin soft and bright, isn’t abrasive and doesn’t irritate my skin.

I’m itching to get the Soothing or Deep Rice though, just to see the difference.

Tatcha INDIGO Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder (sensitive skin)

Tatcha POLISHED Deep Rice Enzyme Powder (oily skin)

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (combination skin)

Tatcha POLISHED Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder (sensitive skin - this is what I'm using)

According to Tatcha, the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder is ideal for people with oily skin. The additional active ingredient is dokumdami, which helps balance the complexion and calm acne.

The Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is ideal for people with normal/combination skin. The additional active ingredient is pearl, which helps condition the skin.

Tatcha LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist

The LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist is a lightweight moisturizer in spray form. Once again, Tatcha brands this as 'suitable for dry skin' and my oily skin LOVES it! LOL! It gives my skin a luminous glow and hydrates without making me look like a greaseball.

I use this as a moisturizer, meaning cleanser then this, and done. Similar to the effects of the Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, it doesn't make my skin oilier just because it's labelled suitable for dry skin. It can be used as the last step in your makeup routine to achieve that natural-looking glow, or as a mist to hydrate your skin throughout the day.

Also, just look at that bottle of gorgeous, high quality minimalism. <3

Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

I’m not a huge fan of oils, so while the Camellia Cleansing Oil is another star product of the Tatcha line, I remain impassive. Besides, I have eyelash extensions and it is not advisable to bring oil-based products near them. But if you're into cleansing oils, I think you'd like this coz it's 'a gentle, two-in-one makeup remover and cleanser that melts away even waterproof makeup, leaving behind purified, silky soft skin'. It really did so, but I'm just not a fan of oils.

Great For Sensitive Skin

I think the reason why enzyme powder meant for dry skin also works on my oily skin is because Tatcha products do not contain mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates. They are made of high quality ingredients including green tea, papaya, camellia, pearl protein, licorice root, and others.

I’m also interested in the PETAL FRESH Original Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers, some very luxurious oil blotting sheets made from the Abaca leaf, infused with gold flakes, that will not disturb your makeup one bit.

If you’re a packaging junkie, you’ll LOVE Tatcha. Every item is packed in a beautiful box made of high quality paper material, with a fabric pull, and information printed on wax paper. It’s like they’re saying they’re devoted to bringing you the finest from Japan the moment you touch the box. Indeed, Tatcha was inspired by the beauty rituals of the Geisha. The founder learnt from geishas and incorporated the knowledge into her products.