Tata Harper has established herself as a leading force in the luxury natural skincare realm, with an arsenal of products specifically crafted to unearth a person’s natural, luminous beauty. Free from damaging ingredients, Harper’s expansive range contains targeted treatments to thwart common skin concerns, such as the widespread use of masks resulting in “maskne”—breakouts caused by prolonged exposure to heat and sweat bearing face coverings. S/ recently spoke with Harper to get the low-down on ensuring a smooth and glowing complexion in a dual battle against frigid winter conditions and responsible masking, highlighting her most effective products that will leave you radiant.
With face masks becoming a part of our lives for the foreseeable future, what do you recommend as an easy step in combating maskne if you don’t want to overhaul your whole routine?
“Maskne happens when your skin is irritated from the friction and heat that builds up under your mask from breathing and sweating. It’s truly the perfect recipe for itchy, red skin, and breakouts. I have discovered a few tips and tricks that really work to diminish that irritation and help your skin feel more comfortable. I have switched to wearing silk masks and I recommend finding one that is 100% silk so it won’t clog your pores like cotton masks do. They feel ultra-soft and gentle on sensitive skin and the material is much more breathable. My second easy step is curating a skincare routine that works to fight breakouts. I have been loving using a combo of our clarifying line found in the Clear Skin Kit: the Clarifying Cleanser, Clarifying Mask, Clarifying Spot Treatment, and Clarifying Moisturizer. We created this kit specifically to help fight Maskne, and target blemishes and rednesses.”
How has your skincare routine changed during quarantine?
“With all the stress and uncertainty during quarantine, my skincare routine has really become my self-care routine. It’s the time in my day I get to relax, wind down and take care of myself, and it has really become my daily ritual. Instead of skincare feeling like a chore, I like to light a candle, throw on my coziest robe, and really take my time through each step of my regimen. We all need a little extra pampering. And whatever your self-care ritual may be, we should keep it at the top of our minds to get through an extraordinarily difficult year.”
As we enter late fall in Canada, what are some products we can add to our beauty bag to increase our skin’s hydration and radiance?
“When my skin starts to feel dry and flaky, I know it’s time to prep my skin for the season change. It’s important to switch up your routine as temperatures drop and the air becomes much less humid. For an extra boost of moisture, I like to use a combination of our most hydrating products, and Creme Riche is a must-have for me. It’s our richest moisturizer that feels like a velvety cream and is packed with antioxidants and hydrators to intensely moisturize the skin and support the skin barrier. Our Nourishing Oil Cleanser gets rid of that top layer of dirt and grime from the day without stripping, and leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished.
“My favourite mask in the fall and winter is the ultra thirst-quenching Hydrating Floral Mask that instantly recharges dry skin. I never forget the most important anti-aging step to my routine, which is applying a serum. I love to use the Resurfacing Serum for a glowing complexion because it transforms dullness to reveal brighter, more radiant skin. My final hydrating step is to use our Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil which soothes irritated skin from the harsh winter and is filled with nourishing vitamins and minerals.”
What’s the best way to alternate between the Clarifying Mask and Resurfacing Mask during the week to see the best results?
“We recommend using the Clarifying Mask 1-2 days a week if you are wanting to get your skin back to looking healthy, balanced, and clear. It is our weapon against imperfections and we recommend using it to prevent breakouts and to help mask the appearance of blemishes and redness. The Resurfacing Mask is great to use if you want an instant glowy, renewed look that a chemical peel would give you without any of the irritation or downtime. It’s for all skin types so you can use it up to 3 times a week to get glowing skin in just 15 minutes.”
The refillable water-lock moisturizer is lightweight but still super hydrating and seemingly good for all skin types. What other products would you recommend using alongside the new moisturizer for extra hydration?
“After cleansing my face, I like to give my skin an extra boost of hydration by misting my skin with the Hydrating Floral Essence. The essence also helps to prep the skin for maximum absorption of the hydrating ingredients from Water-Lock, and the other products I like to use along with it. After the essence, I will apply our Rejuvenating Serum which has 11 sources of plumping hydration. The Vitamin E in the Restorative Eye Cream delivers rich moisture to help smooth roughness. On top of all these ultra luscious products, I will apply the Water-Lock moisturizer for ultimate hydration.”
Lastly, you celebrated your 10-year anniversary as a brand this year. What keeps you motivated as an entrepreneur and what has been your proudest moment as a brand?
“When I set out to create my own skincare line 10 years ago, I wasn’t looking to replicate products that were already on the market. My founding mission was to give the skincare industry a fresh start with highly effective and luxurious anti-aging beauty products that are completely free of synthetic and chemical ingredients. We broke some new ground in a time where there were few options in natural beauty, let alone a green product line delivering high-performance results. We have stayed committed to innovating with the best ingredients and no synthetic chemicals. We still do all development and production on the farm in Vermont, and we manage our distribution directly. Also, sustainability remains a paramount element for the brand, including with our packaging. You will be seeing more of what we’ve done with Water-Lock Moisturizer as far as refillable packaging. I’m really proud of our leadership in this industry.”