Tata Harper’s celeb fans include Gwyneth Paltrow, Julianne Moore and Christy Turlington. When she says her stuff is all natural, she really means it: there are zero synthetic ingredients, and everything is manufactured in small batches on her farm in Vermont. Her products are effective too – they’ve won awards from magazines like Allure and Elle and are adored by even hard-to-please bloggers like Caroline Hirons. And she has quite the most naturally beautiful skin we’ve ever seen close-up. So we were first in line for a spot at her recent masterclass at BeautyMark. Here’s what we discovered.
1. Oily skin can be dehydrated
That’s because dehydration is down to lack of water deep down and nothing to do with oil. “When you look down a microscope, it’s very often the people with oily complexions that suffer from the most dehydration because they never moisturise properly. If your wrinkles are looking particularly deep, it might mean that your skin is dehydrated. As well as the right moisturiser, we all need to drink three litres of water a day to stay well hydrated,” she says.
2. You can wear a mask while exercising
Harper explains: “The heat generated when you work out can help work the ingredients into skin. For example, my Resurfacing Mask has enzymes, which are activated by the heat.”
Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, $62
3. It’s not just what you use, but how you apply it
If you’re applying creams to the neck, always work upwards, not downwards, as that reinforces sagging. “I’m a big fan of massage. Massaging the skin is one of the best things you can do for your skin,” says Harper, who’s a fan of Japanese skincare regimes’ traditional massage rituals. Find more about those here.
4. You can use a little pressure around your peepers
Traditionally we’re told to go lightly on the eye area because the skin there is thin and delicate. But Harper says a little pressure is okay as long as you’re using some kind of cream or oil. “You shouldn’t create friction, but if you have slip from a cream, massaging outwards from the inner corners along the under-eyes and eyelids can drain puffiness and improve blood flow,” she says. She says her Restorative Eye Creme can also benefit the fragile skin around the lips.
Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream, $101
5. Consistency is key
Harper’s regime includes double-cleansing, toning, applying serum and moisturiser and eye cream, morning and night, without fail, as well as regular application of masks. “Consistency and discipline are the key things in skincare… There are certain problems like dark spots, which can’t be corrected quickly,” she says. And consistency doesn’t just mean always cleansing, applying serum and moisturising, but chopping and changing your products. It’s about using the same things, day in and day out. “Lots of people say that your skin gets used to skincare, but none of the experts I have spoken to agree with that. If you’ve found something that works, stick to it,” she says.
Tata Harper Concentrated Brightening Serum, $246
6. A healthy lifestyle is a must
Alongside a daily three litres of water, Harper is a big fan of juicing and smoothies. She also takes supplements, both for general health and specifically for skin. Favourites include omega 7 oil, borage oil, betacarotene and magnesium.
7. Makeup shouldn’t just be about colour
Harper’s recently ventured into makeup, with the launch of her Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint. The difference between this and many other lipstick/blusher combination products? It’s loaded with skincare ingredients, including Spanish lavender, which is said to have a Botox-like effect. The colours are sheer, but buildable, and easy to blend. Next, Harper will be launching bronzers and highlighters, a solid sunscreen in a compact, then a range of primers.
Tata Harper Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint, $41
Tata Harper products are available online at www.beautymark.ca, and at BeautyMark, 1268 Pacific Boulevard.