Some say that the eyes are the window to the soul, but Tata Harper, founder of Tata Harper Skincare, believes that skin has the power to speak volumes! This belief—coupled with a discouraging quest for effective yet truly healthy skin care products on the market—inspired Tata to start her very own line from scratch.
One glance at Tata’s glowing (and almost completely makeup-free!) face is all it takes to see the success of her groundbreaking products, which are 100 percent natural, non-toxic and synthetic-free. We sat down with this passionate entrepreneur and mother to talk business, beauty, conscientious skin care routines and all-around healthy living.
What’s your skin care routine?
Every morning I cleanse with my Regenerating Cleanser. I use it without water so that it polishes and decongests my skin, and makes it glow. This cleanser is seriously the reason I don’t wear foundation—it’sthat good. Then I spritz my face with the Hydrating Floral Essence to prep my skin for my treatment products. Next I apply the Elixir Vitae from my forehead down to my chest. People often forget about their neck and chest when they’re applying serums, but that’s one thing I always try to remember! After that I use my Rebuilding Moisturizer; if my skin is feeling really dry, I mix a bit of the Beautifying Face Oil in with it. Then I apply Love Potion to my wrists and Very Charming Lip and Cheek Tint to my cheeks, and I’m good to go.
How did you decide to start your own natural skin care line?
I found myself searching for a line that delivered visible, clinically proven anti-aging results but that was also absolutely natural and 100 percent synthetic-free. I searched all over the entire world and didn’t find anything that met my standards—in terms of both efficacy and purity—so I decided to create what I was looking for. To me, this line seemed like the piece of the modern lifestyle puzzle that was missing. Educated consumers these days are looking for beauty and lifestyle solutions that don’t force them to compromise on results just because they’re trying to be healthy.
How do you maintain your glowing, radiant skin while juggling the stresses of running a business and raising children?
Daily exfoliation! It sounds simple, but I really believe in using a daily cleanser that eliminates the buildup of dead skin that our bodies produces every day. This keeps the complexion clear and glowing, and it allows anti-aging products and moisturizers to penetrate the skin more easily. I also try to eat well and drink a lot of water, since beauty is about so much more than what you put on your skin.
Do you wear makeup?
Yes, but very little. I don’t wear foundation; I really dislike covering up my skin. But I do love to wear blush and lip color, and a bit of metallic eye shadow when I’m getting dressed up. Mascara I’ll wear, too—but very infrequently.
What’s your hair care routine?
I love doing a pre-shampoo treatment with my Revitalizing Body Oil. I brush it all the way from my scalp to my ends until my hair is totally saturated. (I really believe that nut oils are amazing nourishing agents for not only the skin but also the hair!) Then I wash out the oil with a creamy shampoo (I don’t really use foamy ones); then I condition my hair. I usually finish with a hair mask or serum, which I sometimes leave in all day if I’m going to the office.
What’s your beauty routine when you’re traveling?
It doesn’t change from the routine I maintain when I’m at home—I bring everything along with me!
If we looked in your handbag right now, what five beauty products we would find?
You’d find the Be Adored Lip Treatment, Aromatic Stress Treatment, our new Rejuvenating Hand Cream, my Very Sweet Lip and Cheek Tint and the Hydrating Floral Essence.
Do you have a signature scent?
Our Aromatic Irritability Treatment has become my signature scent.
What feature of yours makes you feel especially beautiful?
My skin makes me feel beautiful—and healthy, too. I really believe that your skin represents your state of wellness—so as long as my skin is looking healthy, I feel beautiful.
What do you find beautiful about others?
I’m someone who is immediately attracted to beautiful personalities. Then, of course, I notice the usual stuff: skin first; then hair, posture and poise.
We’re curious: What is something you learned about beauty from your mother?
To be careful about sun exposure. Back when we were growing up, staying out of the sun wasn’t as talked about as it is now. People were generally less concerned with wearing sunscreen—but my mother was always rigorous about it. We went to the beach all the time in Colombia, and I learned early on that being careful about sun exposure is no joke.
What’s your beauty routine come bedtime?
At night I like to double-cleanse with our Nourishing Oil Cleanser and Purifying Cleanser for a super-deep clean. I use the Elixir Vitae serum again; then I apply my Moisturizing Mask to my face (I leave it on overnight) and the Boosted Contouring Eye Mask around my eyes. The calming aromatic scents of all the products help me to wind down at night. I finish off the day with my Aromatic Bedtime Treatmentfor total relaxation.
