TATCHA The Ritual Discovery Kit for Normal Skin: swatches, reviews!

Hello, Beautiful!

If there is one word I could think of to describe the skincare brand TATCHA, it would have to be glow. I feel like my skin always has a healthy glow whenever I use TATCHA products. I've been a fan of TATCHA for over 2 years now. I published my first review back in August of 2012 of their POLISHED Deep Rice Enzyme Powder - which I actually still have some of, and still love!

They now offer a discovery kit for $59 - which is available in four skin types: Normal, Oily, Sensitive, Dry. I chose the kit for combo skin -- which turned out to be for Normal Skin (so ignore that the photos say Combo Skin... when I told the TATCHA people combo, they sent me this one; they don't have a combo skin option).

The discovery kit is a perfect way to try the TATCHA brand. You may be thinking that $59 is a lot for a 2-week discovery kit, but if you add up the value of each individual item it comes out to about $97.12! Plus, I did get more than 2 weeks of use out of this kit (in fact, I'm still using some of the products - I'll explain in my reviews).

Check out my review for each product and all the product info after the pics!

TATCHA - The Ritual 
Discovery Kit: Normal Skin
(choose this if you are combo skin)
Includes: deluxe sample sizes (enough for a  2 week + supply) of PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil, POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder (14 single use packets), RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum, and SUPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream
Continue scrolling down to see more pics of each individual product.

This kit comes really cutely packaged! Would make a great gift - to someone special or to yourself!

TATCHA - PURE
One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

 

 TATCHA - POLISHED
Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

TATCHA - RADIANT
Deep Brightening Serum

 

TATCHA - SUPPLE

Moisture Rich Silk Cream

TATCHA The Ritual Discovery Kit Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $59.00 (for the discovery kit). Available on the TATCHA website.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

A two-week introduction to your essential four-step ritual. The Cleansing Oil removes makeup and melts away the day, while the Enzyme Powder exfoliates to reveal polished skin. The Brightening Serum evens out complexion. Nourish Skin with the anti-aging moisturizer tailored to your skin type.

The Ritual Discover Kit is available in four skin types:

• Normal (also choose this if you are combo and not too dry or too oily)
• Oily
• Sensitive
• Dry

Each Ritual Discovery Kit includes:

• 25ml PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
• (14) 1g packets of POLISHED Rice Enyme Powder (you will receive "Classic" if you selected Normal skin, "Deep" if you selected Oily skin, "Gentle" if you selected Sensitive or Dry skin)
• 10ml RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum
• 10ml SUPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream

Value Breakdown:

• PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil - Full Size is 150ml/5.1 fl oz @ $48 -- deluxe size is worth $8
• POLISHED Rice Enzyme Powder - Full Size is 60g/2.1 oz @ $65 - all sample packets together are worth $15.12
• RADIANT Deep Brightening Serum - Full Size is 50ml/1.7 oz @ $185 - deluxe size is worth $37
• SUPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream - Full Size is 50ml/1.7 oz @ $185 - deluxe size is worth $37

My Review...

I love TATCHA! It is one of my favorite skincare lines, and although it can be pricey, it's worth every penny! Yes TATCHA did send me this discovery kit to test drive, but that in no way effects my opinion, especially when I have been a long time fan of their products.

If you're new to TATCHA or maybe just haven't tried more than one of their products, then their Ritual Discovery Kit is a great way for you to get started on an amazing skincare regime. It is $59 for a 2-week kick start, but I found I got way more use out of mine than 2 weeks - but then again I did slack on using this routine twice daily just due to my crazy schedule.

First, let's start with the PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil. This stuff is great! Doesn't contain mineral oil and no double cleansing required! It melts away all your makeup, even waterproof makeup, leaving skin fresh and pure. Great for all skin types.

I love it because it's such an easy, quick and effective product. You apply it onto dry fingers and onto a dry face, massaging it all over your face. Be warned it will feel like a greasy oil slick all over your face - so if you're not used to cleansing oils that may freak you out a bit. But don't worry - after you've massaged it into your dry skin you'll add water and it will lightly froth up a bit, turning into a gentle cleanser that takes away all your makeup, dirt and excess oils - leaving your skin soft and clean. You don't need to follow up with a cleanser or any other double cleanse; it just won't be necessary. You certainly could, but you'd just be wasting product.

I have tried several cleansing oils, and this one from TATCHA ranks up there as one of my favorites. I still have product left in this bottle - so this lasted me far longer than the 2-weeks of use. I find I use this once a day on average. I love it to remove my makeup, but if I don't have any makeup on I usually use another facial cleanser just so I can make this product stretch even further. Once I'm out I definitely want to purchase the full size - which is $48, I have fallen in love with it as my makeup remover cleanser!! Just very, very effective!


Next, let's talk about the  POLISHED Rice Enzyme Powder.

I did a review on this powder over 2 years ago; at the time I had the one for oily skin but my skin is more combo now so I have the one for normal skin in this post. I do love this product!  It's a just-add-water type of powder exfoliator. You don't feel anything harsh on your skin, yet it magically works to remove dead skin and leave you soft and smooth.

The single use packets that come in this discovery kit make it really simple to use, especially if you are traveling. I travel from time to time for my job, and these were especially handy in the more recent months to just throw in my bag and go. For those that don't know, aside from being a beauty blogger I also work for a hard cider company and I'm often working outdoor events - which leaves my face feeling really icky and gross at the end of the day. After I use the PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil I'll just use one of the little packets and they make my skin feel amazing - almost like the entire hot, sweaty day of melting makeup never happened!

I personally couldn't feel a difference between the one for oily skin and the one for normal skin, but I'm sure it's all in the ingredients and how it benefits your face. I don't have any more of the packets left but I certainly loved them while I had them!


Now let's talk about the RADIANT Brightening Serum. This is brightening serum of time-tested Asian botanicals +HADASEI-S Bioactive Complex for radiant looking skin. Hydrates while making the skin appear more luminous. For all skin types. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing.

This serum sinks into skin quickly and gives you that signature TATCHA glow! It has a noticeable effect, and my skin just seems to love this serum; no negative effects at all! I'll be honest and say that I'm a slacker when it comes to keeping up with skincare, especially serums - since I mostly use them at night, so I actually still have some of this serum left. But I love to use it. It really does give you a glow.


And finally, the SUPPPLE Moisture Rich Silk Cream! Luminous yet weightless feeling gel-cream of liquid silk, squalane, royal jelly and HADASEI-3 Bioactive Complex. A long lasting anti-aging moisturizer without heavy oils. Ideal for oily and normal/combination skin. Non-irritating. Non-sensitizing.

This moisturizer is so lightweight yet packs some heavy duty moisturization! I love the texture - very silky smooth, gel-cream. Sinks right into my skin and leaves it perfectly hydrated all day!

I did find that one super hot days when I had to work outside and wanted my makeup to last the an extreme length of time, this moisturizer was a bit too heavy to wear - but normal day to day was just fine, and I especially love to use it at night! I don't have anymore of the moisturizer because I did use it up completely, but it was great while it lasted. I don't have any plans to purchase the full size at the moment, only because I have several other moisturizers I'm trying to work through, but it's one that I'd consider re-purchasing in the future -- although it does have a steep $150 price tag, so that is something to consider as well.



Overall, I think this discovery kit is a great value and an amazing way to try the TATCHA line of products. You just may find some favorites just from this 2-week kit! I know I found a new favorite cleansing oil!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this skincare discovery kit from TATCHA? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Have you tried any of the individual products within this kit? Discuss in the comments below.

Anokha Skin Care - Amla Skin Brightening Lotion

Hello, Beautiful!

If you've followed my blog for the past several months, then you may have noticed that I've been raving about several Anokha Skin Care products. For some reason my skin just loves everything that I've tried from them! I'll list my other Anokha Skin Care reviews below if you want to check them out, but in this post it's all about their Amla Skin Brightening Lotion. Check out all the product info, along with my full review, after the pics!

Anokha Skin Care - Red Sandalwood & Neem Clarifying Facial Masque
Anokha Skin Care - Oatmeal Cleansing Milk
Anokha Skin Care - Rice & Bamboo Facial Scrub

Anokha Skin Care
Amla Skin Brightening Lotion

  

 

 

 

Anokha Skin Care Amla Skin Brightening Lotion Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $65.00 (1.7 fl oz full size). Available on the Anokha Skin Care website, at Dermstore, and everywhere else Anokha Skin Care is sold; click here for retailers.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

Product Info...

This is their best selling product! The formula has been improved and the packaging has been changed to an airless bottle, which flows smoothly. If you've had the original and loved it, you'll go crazy for it now.

Hydrates skin, while lightening hyper pigmentation to promote a clear, radiant complexion. This unique lotion combines amla fruit with extracts of daisy, mango seed butter, licorice root, and hibiscus to gently brighten the skin while reducing uneven skin tone.  The result is smooth, supple, even-toned skin.

Best results will be seen in 6 to 8 weeks. Suitable for all skin types.

To Use: Apply a small amount of lotion to damp skin after cleansing and toning. Use twice daily.



My Review...

If I already love everything I've tried from this brand, then why not try their best selling product?! This is the perfect product for anyone with hyper pigmentation (hello, me!) who want to even out their skin tone.

This could be a replacement for your moisturizer, or depending on your skin type, used under your moisturizer. I look at this as more of a treatment product rather than a moisturizer. In the morning, I will wash/scrub my face, then tone, then apply my serum that I'm currently using (which at the moment is L'Oreal's Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum), then I'll apply this product, and finally, I'll apply my moisturizer, followed by my eye cream. At night I just do basically the same thing. Keep in mind my skin has been very combo to dry, so the extra moisture is what my skin needs at the moment, which is the only reason I apply a moisturizer on top - but you certainly could skip your moisturizer, especially if you have oily skin. This will hydrate your skin, so try it both ways and see what you prefer. Some days I do skip my moisturizer in the morning and just use this. If you have combo skin and want some extra moisture just at night then you could use this as your moisturizer in the morning and then at night use this followed by whatever moisturizer you're currently using.

This product has a light citrus scent, and typically I'm not a fan of citrus scents because a lot of them lean towards an orange scent (which I can't stand) but this one leans more on the lime side and I actually like it. The texture is thin and smooth, and it absorbs quickly. After application my skin doesn't feel sticky at all.

I'm not the best with keeping a consistent schedule with skincare products; as a beauty blogger I try a lot of things out because I enjoy doing that, so I'm constantly switching it up. But with that said, since using this I have noticed that my hyper pigmentation seems to be fading a bit. I notice it less and less. I certainly still have it, but I have a lot of product left in this tube to go through. So far, so good!



Final Thoughts...

If you're looking for an easy and effective way to fade hyper pigmentation and even your skin tone, then this is an excellent product to check out. It does double duty as treatment for your hyper pigmentation/uneven skin tone, as well as a moisturizer. I've loved every Anokha Skin Care product I've tried, and this one is no exception - love it too!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this product? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator - pics, swatches, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Exfoliators and masks are my skin care addiction; I have too many already and I'm always ready to try more. I've had this exfoliator for awhile now but haven't really had the opportunity to put it to a good test until more recently, and I don't like to post skin care reviews until I've really had the chance to try it out. I gave the L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator about 6 weeks of consistent use (1 to 3 times a week). Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

L'Occitane Immortelle
Brightening Instant Exfoliator

 

 

 

L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $36.00 (2.6 fl oz full size). Available on the L'Occitane website, at Nordstrom, on the Beauty.com website, and everywhere else L'Occitane products are sold.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Kisses

The L'Occitane Brightening Instant Exfoliator exfoliates the skin, for an even-toned and luminous complexion.

Its fresh gel texture transforms into a soft milk while rinsing. It combines Pure Immortelle Essential Oil to protect against impurities and for anti-aging effectiveness. Bellis Perennis Brightening Extract to make the complexion look uniform and more luminous. Vegetal Origin Exfoliation Powders to help purify and smooth, while glycerin helps preserve the skin's moisture. Skin texture appears more even and complexion looks brighter, with a youthful glow.

Contains natural micro-granules (pumice stone, cellulose) for deep exfoliating action. Skin appears more even and looks brighter, with a youthful glow. Use the exfoliator two or three times a week. Apply to dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

L'Occitane's Immortelle Brightening skin care line provides beauty benefits from the Mediterranean "flowers of light", Immortelle and Bellis Perennis (Daisy). Immortelle is a flower with exceptional longevity: it never fades, even after it has been picked. Its essential oil is rich in active molecules with unique anti-aging results. Bellis Perennis, better known as the daisy, yeilds a brightening extract that helps maintain and even skin tone.



STUDY:
Conduced on 26 women after 4 weeks of use:

• Immediately after appliaction, the skin is purified, smooth and soft for 100% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, the complexion is more even for 92% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, the complexion is more luminous for 100% of those women.
• After 4 weeks, wrinkle are reduced for 88% of those women.

Directions For Use: 
Use this exfoliator 2 to 3 times a week. Apply to dry face and neck, avoiding the eye area.

For best results, use the following technique:
1. Apply to face and gently massage the chin with circular movements and work outwards towards the ears.
2. Continue these circular movements on the nose, then again work outwards towards the ears.
3. Finish at the forehead, gliding your hands towards the temples.
4. Add a little water to produce a later, while continuing the massage, then rinse.

L'Occitane makes some really wonderful body products -- their Almond Shower Oil is a staple in my shower, and I'm obsessed with their entire almond line, especially their Almond Paste -- but up until recently I hadn't tried any of their face products. Like always, with almost any skin care brand, I start by trying an exfoliator or face mask. The L'Occitane Immortelle Brightening Instant Exfoliator seemed like a great product to try out, and it comes with a lot of claims.

I used it for about 6 weeks on a consistent basis, using it 1 to 3 times a week. I know you're supposed to use it 2 to 3 times a week, but my schedule doesn't always allow me to do that (and I'm still using other skin care products - including other exfoliators - from time to time; it's just the way I do things, as I'm constantly trying new things and also trying to use up products).

Some of the claims are that your complexion will be more even, luminous and wrinkles reduced after 4 weeks of use - in addition to skin being purified, smooth and soft. I will say that my skin is definitely soft and smooth, but I find that to be true after most exfoliators. However, what I did love is that my skin tone does seem to be more even and slightly more luminous. I can't really speak about wrinkle reduction, as I don't have many wrinkles at the moment (I'll be 30 years old in less than 2 months), but I think any exfoliator can help with that, as removing the dead skin allows for your other skin care products (serums, treatments, moisturizers, etc.) to penetrate better, therefore working better for you.

Overall, I really liked this exfoliator. I think if you're looking for a high end/luxury exfoliator that will also even your complexion and make it more luminous (and possibly reduce wrinkles), then this is a good one to look into!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this exfoliator? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.