While I typically steer away from bestseller kits in favor of full-sized products with (traditionally) higher values per ounce, there are a couple of exceptions to the rule.
The first is if a company or brand is well established and highly reputable, but I haven’t tried any products before. The second, perhaps rarer circumstance, is if I have tried a product- particularly if the brand comes at a higher price point- and I’d like to try others while replenishing without overspending. These are products I am pretty certain I know I will like and use, and ones I’d prefer to have full sizes of, but the trade-off of added variety makes the purchase well worth it. I’ve tried and reviewed a few TATCHA products before. Famous for soothing skincare that’s suitable for sensitive skin and doesn’t seem to cause any irritation or breakout, TATCHA products are definitely staples for me, and I would highly recommend the line to those of varying skin types. While I’ve sampled most of the collection, including the gentle soothing rice powder (which turns into a foam and acts as a cleanser), and the cult-favorite water a cream, a perfect balance of hydration with a lightweight texture, there are a few products I’ve always wanted to try and haven’t had the opportunity to.
So I splurged on the Bestsellers Set, discovering I love everything, and my skin loved everything, other than one product in the kit.
The Bestsellers Set comes with 1 Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder, 1 Water Cream, 1 Pure One Step Camelia Cleansing Oil, and 1 Luminous Dewy Skin Mist, all in 10-25ml sizes. Because I have already reviewed two of these items, I will provide brief background but focus on the other two products in the kit, and will provide links to where you can read the full reviews for the Cleansing Oil and Water Cream products. Ultimately, I really loved all of the products (and had tried two in the past with success, so it was really about trying out the mist and powder). While I enjoyed the texture, the powder did make my skin a bit red, so as an aside for anyone with very sensitive skin, if you’re going to invest in one of the rice enzyme treatment products, I would definitely suggest the gentle (pink colored) formulation rather than the classic/original version.
I’ve tried the gentle version in the past with amazing results, so I intend to replenish that, as it works just as well without any after-effects to the skin.
The Main Features
The set included the 4 products as mentioned above in a sleek purple box, the signature color of the brand.
With a classic and clean aesthetic, the look is one of crisp lines and minimalism. While I don’t pay much credence to physicality or merchandising, in this case it doesn’t hurt, and is fun to keep in the bathroom or organize in a beauty or cosmetics drawer. I thought the products (not including the rice enzyme powder) worked together quite harmoniously, they seemed to offer exponential benefits with concomitant use, and felt silky, soft, and clean on the skin. With every product, using it felt like a luxury and it was something I looked forward to at the end of the day, as well as providing a great morning pick-me-up.
Here’s a little bit more information and review for each of the products (I will touch on the two I have reviewed and provide links to where you can read full reviews, trying to focus on the two that haven’t been previously reviewed yet).
The Water Cream
The Water Cream lightweight texture that still acts as suitable sources of hydration and nourishment- and even with very dry skin there was not a need to use a separate serum or oil. It’s packed with nutrients and natural botanical ingredients, which are both very active (and hence effective), and gentle enough for everyday use. I would recommend the cream to those looking for moisture free of any oil and lacking a greasy texture. It’s definitely suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin. It employs the classic proprietary blend of ingredients and even uses gold in the formulation.
Visible results with respect to hydration, brightening, even texture, and my skin feels silky and supple after use. Really lovely light fragrance of fresh citrus.
You can read the full review here.
Camellia 1-Step Cleansing Oil
I really enjoy how this product leaves the skin supple, and hydrates and provides a deep cleanse without any tightening or drying to the skin. It’s ideal if you’re seeking an oil-based cleanser to treat dry skin or balance combination skin. I also didn’t break out following the use of it. It’s safe and suitable for all types of skin, including sensitive skin. The company employs their proprietary formulation to leave skin supple, soft, and fully cleansed. Visible improvement in tone and brightness. Great if you want a 2-in one makeup remover and cleanser, particularly if they would an enjoy an added benefit of hydration. Removes all eye makeup, and doesn’t leave behind any residue or feel heavy upon application.
You can read the full review here.
Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder
I have tried the gentle formulation of the rice enzyme powder before, and adore it, so I was hoping and expecting positive results after using this product as well. It’s a powder texture that you mix with water and then mix in your hands, where it turns into a silky foam texture. You then apply it to the skin for approximately 30 seconds to cleanse, and it acts as a makeup remover as well. One thing I will say about this set, I didn’t necessarily see a need for two cleansers in one kit. I would have preferred trying a serum or eye product in conjunction with a single cleanser. But in using the classic formulation of the rice enzyme powder, I did experience some irritation and redness of the skin. I haven’t had any issues or allergies in the past to any of the brands products, and most remain very suitable and safe for sensitive skin types, but this one I would not replenish. I will say, from reading other reviews, those that can use this product safely seem to really love it. It offers visible results with respect to improved texture, even tone, and brightens the skin.
If you aren’t in the extremely sensitive category, you’d probably enjoy this product. If you are, I highly recommend the gentle formulation, which leaves the skin glowing and supple.
Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
I’ve certainly tried different face mists in the past and tended to just opt for a makeup setting spray or mini-Evian spray bottle instead. But this was without a doubt the best facial mist spray I’ve tried. My favorite use for application was right after finishing my makeup. The mist added a really nice finish that provided a soft glow, that was still matte. It also feels great to take with you to the gym, and is really refreshing on a hot day. It feels really refreshing, and not at all greasy in its texture. It visibly brightens the complexion, and is suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. I would definitely recommend this product, it’s perfect for travel, or after a long day, and feels amazing on the skin. The only downside is really becoming slightly addicted to application, I ran out of this product quickly because I wanted to apply it several times per day, rather than once or twice.
So if you can keep to conservative use, it’s definitely an advisable splurge product and feels like a luxury.
Positives and Negatives
In trying out many different products from the same brand, I can say I now have some go-to’s, and certainly nothing that I’ve disliked immensely. The only products I wouldn’t repurchase were simply a bit too strong for my skin. But ultimately the company always seems to make products that are clean, well designed, and live up to all initial claims with respect to benefits to use upon application.
The only negatives with the set were in terms of cost, as well as the product that seemed to harsh for my (sensitive) skin. I found all of the other products to be of excellent quality, and my only qualm was a deep rooted desire to continue purchasing both the sets and full-sized products, which would prove financially tricky in no time.
Pros
- The kit proves suitable for all skin types, making this a great gift option
- Suitable for travel, all items can be taken on flight, durable
- The nature of a kit with several products to try out offers variety, so customers can figure out if they’d like to invest in any full sized product
- Out of all the products in the kit, there wasn’t one I really disliked, however as noted one was too strong for my very sensitive skin (an uncommon reaction)
- All products are suitable for every skin type, including sensitive skin types- although again with the rice enzyme powder, I do recommend a gentle formulation if you’re highly sensitive
- Products were anti-aging, hydrating and brightening, lived up to initial claims to benefits of use
- Suitable for oily and combination skin as well as dry (particularly the water cream)
- The cleansing oil is silky, hydrating and produced visible results with respect to brightening
- The Water Cream is excellent, and great for all skin types (including sensitive)
- The dewy skin mist feels lovely and refreshes the skin instantly, and is fine to apply to clean skin or over makeup
- Products are all free of parabens, harsh chemicals, additives, and sulfates
- Product is definitely anti-aging, suitable for use in treating fine lines and wrinkles
- Cruelty free company- products are never tested on animals and do not contain animal products
- The products all work in tandem with one another, so you can use them all together without the fear of any adverse interaction
- Each product is formulated with a unique proprietary blend of Japanese-based ingredients that is only available with TATCHA products
- Company partners with charities and a portion of proceeds are donated with every purchase
Cons
- At $75 (sometimes you can find a lower cost or coupon for about 10-15% off this product), it certainly isn’t inexpensive, with that in mind the trade of is 4 separate products that you can try out, and an item that makes a great gift option as well
- With twice-daily use the products last for about 6 weeks, not terrible for smaller sizes, and perhaps this can be stretched out further with very conservative use, but of course it would be nice for the sizes to be a bit larger
- The polished classic rice enzyme powder was not great for my sensitive skin and did cause slight redness, I definitely prefer the gentle rice formulation of this product (and would highly recommend the latter for those with sensitive skin)
Behind The Brand
Every company has an interesting background story, some of which make us either more or less likely to purchase product. With TATCHA, the brand offers transparency with respect to both the ingredients they use in every formulation as well as their mission. Part of this mission is extremely philanthropic and rooted in giving back to the community at large. Founder and CEO Victoria Tsai has a diverse breadth of experience in the corporate world, previously working for large companies in varying departments, but always expressed an underlying affinity for creativity, design, and holistic approaches to beauty. After developing topical conditions herself she wanted to formulate a safe and effective product by sourcing only the best ingredients that was suitable for use in all skin types and even the most sensitive skin. Tsai took a trip to Kyoto, Japan, and adopted their “less is more” cosmetics mantra after studying renowned Japanese skin practices, ones which evolved over eras. One of the oldest texts on Japanese beauty has both inspired and been the driving force behind the TATCHA brand. The company works with scientists in Japan and the U.S. to formulate safe products that are suitable for every skin type.
Additionally, the company is philanthropic and funds girls’ education in as a partner of Room to Read with every skincare purchase. TATCHA is founded on sourcing the best ingredients with the least amount of manipulation to offer a product that rates high in both safety and efficacy. Their philanthropic approach meets a cruelty-free line of cosmetics and skincare, offering a level of transparency customers find invaluable, and a portion of all proceeds (including the Water Cream) are donated to Room to Read, helping girls become literate and encouraging educational pursuits for women at all junctures of life. This policy is applicable to every product the company sells. I really enjoy supporting good causes and social action, so if it can ever be done alongside a product purchase it seems like a more justifiable cost.
Money-Back Guarantee
The manufacturer, TATCHA, has a strong return and exchange policy that honors full refunds upon dissatisfaction or allergy, this policy favors the new consumer, and preexisting one.
If you are dissatisfied with the use of the products, or if they do not work for your skin to provide suitable benefits, or you experience any product allergy or reaction to the formulations, you may elect to return the entire set. In this case, you will receive a full refund equal to the entire purchase price of the full kit. You may also wish to exchange the product for an equal and full refund- or opt for a single product you prefer. One must bear in mind that you will need to return the entire set, as individual items within the kit are not available for return. Even though I was unable to use one of the products, I opted to keep it as I didn’t want to return the other items- but this comes down to personal preference.
The Final Verdict
Ultimately this makes an excellent starter kit, or purchase for those who are returning users of the brand seeking variety.
I would also say this makes for an excellent gift option. I really enjoyed the benefits to use and thought all products lived up to their initial claims, the only caveat being the irritation experienced after using the classic formulation of the rice enzyme powder. I will reiterate this seems to be a specific allergic reaction, as most reviewers have expressed great benefits to use with this product even with sensitive skin types. I enjoy the brands commitment to social action and it seems easier to justify a splurge purchase knowing portions of the proceeds will go to charitable causes. I would highly recommend the water cream, cleansing oil, and the face mist, as they all worked in tandem to provide excellent hydration benefits and none of them felt heavy or weighed down the skin. I certainly would have preferred if the products lasted a bit longer, but such is always the downside to purchasing a kit, with the added benefit being variety.
I would definitely recommend the products and will be repurchasing full sizes of the cream and mist.
