{Tatcha Ritual Discovery Kit, c/o}

When the kind people over at Tatcha reached out to collaborate, they had me at “geisha” skincare routine – my skin is naturally the shade geishas paint their face to achieve, so it felt like kismet. (In fact, just this morning, my husband posted a photo of an albino baby deer to Facebook, calling it my spirit animal. Thanks again, Tony… nothing makes a girl feel beautiful quite like being compared to an animal!)

The products are inspired by the beauty practices of geishas and the company looks to a 200-year-old handbook detailing their routine to guide their product design, while also incorporating modern technology. Red algae, green tea and rice bran appear in nearly all of their products. The creator and CEO of the line calls it “sushi minus the fish.” For your face. I love sushi almost as much as my dog-children, so I am very into this.

I’ve been using the kit they sent me exclusively for the past month every night, and have noticed a difference (I didn’t take pictures of my face because I have a deep phobia of being seen in public without make-up. It’s the Texas in me. Sorry.) But I see the change in the mirror; when I wake up, my skin is soft and glowing. And I haven’t broken out once all month (full disclosure: I got a facial at the beginning of the month, and also take an oral acne medication when I remember, which is infrequently, and probably why I still break out). I also loved the “ritual” of it (so the name is super appropriate); the Cleansing Oil took my make-up off and, in theory (because oil attracts oil), sucked the nasty stuff out of my pores. Then, the rice Enzyme Powder gave me a deep clean with the gentlest exfoliator I’ve ever used. Of all the products, the powder is my favorite. I usually go for budget cleansers at the drugstore, but this luxurious cleansing routine feels worth the splurge.

The Brightening Serum and Silk Cream felt rich and moisturizing, without feeling too thick, or like they were smothering my face. They absorbed quickly, and I liked pretending I was a geisha while I slathered them on. I think my posture even improved for the 5 seconds I was pretending to be a geisha, but that’s a side effect that has not been scientifically studied.

I’m also a major proponent of giving back and love when I know a portion of my purchase contributes to something other than my own vanity. Tatcha is partnered with Room to Read, and with every full size purchase you help Tatcha fund one day of schooling for girls.

I’m always a little skeptical when I read about branded content, but I don’t share anything on this blog that I don’t love. And if that’s not enough, you should also know that Drew Barrymore gave them love in Vogue… And Drew Barrymore is much more my spirit animal than that deer Tony compared me to! So, until I’m able to actually try geisha training (why not, I’ve got the look and love Japanese food and all things girly), this is the next best thing.

Thank you for supporting the brands that support Heels in the Hills!