Tatcha is a brand I hold in quite high esteem for a number of reasons, primarily their collection of luxury based skincare products, and the famed Tatcha Obento Box is no exception to the rule.
While I’ve tried their bestselling collection, I was certainly interested in the makeup as well and the Obento Box set is both extremely popular and well reviewed. The kit contains mostly skincare, it also features “The Silk Canvas,” a velvety smoothing balm of pressed silk that primes the skin and helps to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
The other products are brand bestsellers, such as the portable travel mist, the infamous Water Cream, and the incredible Violet-C Radiance Mask.
All of the products in tandem work to deliver the best and most radiant skincare results. While pricey, I have always found that Tatcha tends to outperform competitor products, even ones at much higher costs. They use natural ingredients that are soothing and provide effective results for sensitive skin types (as well as more resilient skin looking for a break).
The set offers incredible value with a nearly 50% discount to retail value, and is a wonderful gifting option, or a great option as an introductory starter set if you’re new to the brand.
One of my favorite parts of supporting the company is their transparent practices and company vision. Company founder Victoria Tsai, a former corporate manager, opted to leave her successful day job in hopes of a unique challenge. She traveled the world in search of answers based on different cultural perspectives on skincare, primarily Japanese philosophy, and created her own skincare company.
Her company strives to be environmentally friendly, and proceeds on every product are donated to charitable causes, mainly helping girls learn to read in impoverished nations. The idea behind increasing literacy rates is ultimately alleviating some of the struggle and poverty conditions women can experience with lacks of quality educations.
So while the products can be pricey, my typical justifications for the splurge lie in the fact that supporting cause while purchasing quality products that are comparable or superior in quality to those that are even higher is an excellent business model, and a great way (at least in a very small portion) to give back to others in need.
This review will cover some main overview and product features, smaller reviews on the included products, as well as some positives and negatives to bear in mind prior to purchase.
Review: Tatcha Obento Box
Tatcha’s Obento Box is a 4- piece starter set featuring some of the brands most popular skincare items, as well as a cosmetics item.
The Luminous Skin Mist is refreshing and can be used as a primer, post makeup finishing product, or simply to refresh throughout the day. The Water Cream is a cult-favorite for the brand, and is a silky lightweight formulation that is extremely hydrating, but also balancing for those with oily or combination skin. The scent is lovely and the product never feels dry or sticky on the skin, or leaves any residue behind. It has the additional benefit of being very good and geared towards sensitive skin, and is highly breathable. The Violet-C Radiance Mask is the powerhouse of the bunch, and packs the most anti-aging benefits in comparison to the other included products.
It’s absolutely one of my favorite beauty must-haves, and even if you can’t afford it, I would highly recommend checking out a sample sometime. Skin is incredibly radiant following use, and when used before makeup the finish is flawless and eliminates the need for a primer.
The Silk Canvas is a velvety smoothing balm of pressed silk that primes and makes makeup last longer while keeping it out of skin, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. In fact, when used together all of the products offer benefits such as decreased pore size, younger and more radiant skin, and more even tone. Skin is left smoother yet softer. This is an excellent kit for those who tend to lean more in favor of skincare products but are still very curious about cosmetics items, particularly ones that soothe (rather than creating breakouts). Additionally, there is an incredible savings in comparison to retail value. This makes a wonderful option for those who cannot afford to purchase these products individually but still enjoy them or want to try them, as long as they are used sparingly. Even with sensitive and acne prone skin, I did not notice any signs of breakouts, redness, or irritation.
Suffice to say these products are very safe for all skin types, barring any allergy to a specific ingredient found within a formulation.
Tatcha Obento Box: The Included Products
1.35 oz/ 40 mL Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
The daily skin mask feels akin to a luxury in a bottle, and is peppered with small flecks of gold, so suffice to say this is not your average Avian bottle-style spray. It is equally parts refreshing and hydrating, and the only challenge here is to not overuse the product, as it feels luxurious and amazing following application. I ended up throwing this in my purse and gym bag and suffice to say overuse was a common theme. The mist creates a radiant and glowing finish that provides a soft glow and adds to a radiant complexion.
With that said, there is zero shine and the finish is still quite matte.
While it feels wonderful on hot days, its perfect for application all throughout the year, particularly as a primer or finish spray. It never feels greasy or tacky, and leaves behind no residue. It visibly brightens the complexion, and is suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. My favorite way to use this spray is after makeup application, for a glowing finish (without any shine), but using it without any makeup at all is divine as well!
I would definitely recommend this product if you’re seeking a priming or finishing spray (or simply a refresher). It’s very lightweight and compact, so it’s quite ideal for travel, or tossing it in your purse or makeup bag. After a long day or for tired skin, it’s ideal as a pick me up style product, and adds to a dewy texture. The main caveat with this product is being able to resist the urge to continue application throughout the day, which can be quite addictive.
I would say this is definitely the best multi-use spray I have ever tried, and recommend it to anyone looking for a daily refresher, or a primer, or simply a refreshing spray to use post-gym or otherwise. 5/5 stars!
0.34 oz/ 10 mL Tatcha The Water Cream
The Water Cream offers a high water content but is still extremely hydrating, for those with dry skin. The cream is a suitable daily moisturizer that provides refreshing hydration, balance for those with combo or oily skin and helps to minimize pore size and calming any irritation or redness. The water cream is a special emulsion containing nutrient enriched water droplets derived from pure Japanese botanicals. It is incredibly soothing and calming to the skin. It provides a solution for those with dry skin seeking a lightweight cream that doesn’t weigh skin down, or feel greasy or sticky. The cream employs proprietary blends of essential oils and even a hint of luxurious 23-karat gold for additional luster. I really enjoyed using this product and would certainly purchase it again as well as recommend it without any reservations. I certainly appreciate creams that are light in texture but extremely hydrating, and safe for everyday use even with highly sensitive skin.
It’s ideal for daytime and evening use, and even with dry skin I did not need any additional supplement product or serum to use in conjunction with this, as it felt gently hydrating and was highly absorbing. I would recommend this for any skin type, and it feels equal parts hydrating and balancing.
Highly recommended!
0.24 oz/ 7 g Tatcha The Silk Canvas
The Silk Canvas can be used on the face, eyes and lips prior to makeup application to improve wear, protect skin, and give skin a filter like finish. You can also apply it without makeup to blur pores and give the skin a natural, beautiful glow. The product has a velvety texture and is a priming balm of pressed silk powder, which makes makeup last longer while keeping it out of skin, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. The product also has anti-aging benefits, like reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving the appearance of sallow skin, and evening out skin tone. It’s great as a multi-use product as it has the additional benefit of creating a protective barrier against the skin to protect from any environmental damage and free radical damage.
Pink and gold pearl help enhance skin quality and complexion by providing a radiant finish, without any shine or shimmer. The product employs the same proprietary emulsion famed by the brand. In terms of priming benefits, I noticed I needed significantly less foundation to achieve the same finish, and the finish was more flawless with less signs of wrinkles and pores. It feels extremely nourishing to apply and is not at all greasy or sticky and leaves behind no residue. Users should apply prior to makeup or SPF product, and it can be used with or without other cosmetics. I would highly recommend this product as it is the best primer I have tried to date, and makeup glides on very smooth following application.
The hue is perfect, and this is a staple product for sure. Additionally, the full size version of the product is included in the set.
0.34 oz/ 10 mL Violet-C Radiance Mask
This was my favorite product of the bunch and definitely earns its cult-following claims of it being “purple bliss” and “a miracle in a bottle.” The mask is equal parts rich and silky, and is a powerful anti-aging emulsion designed to treat signs of fine lines and wrinkles, and even sun spots. It should be left on the skin for about 15 minutes, and skin is left radiant and refreshed immediately following use. Designed to promote more youthful aesthetic and glowing complexion, the mask also treats uneven texture, dullness, and dryness.
It contains both oil and water soluble Vitamin C, as well as the proprietary special emulsion found in most of the brands products (including rice, Japanese wild rose, and algae). It works immediately and visible results can be seen after first-time application. It’s suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin, and is incredible soothing and gentle. It’s also suitable for oily or combination skin as it does not promote grease or added shine, but also helps restore hydration for those who are dry. After using the product for the first time, I noticed my skin was left clean and baby-soft, but also brightened and appeared much more radiant.
Using it continually over time (in conjunction with other products), I definitely noticed my skin looked great, refreshed, smooth, and did appear younger-looking as well. I would recommend this if you’re seeking a Vitamin C treatment, or if you’re seeking brightening and anti-aging benefits but have sensitive or breakout prone skin.
The texture is silky and rich, but never feels greasy, sticky, or leaves any residue behind.
Positives and Negatives
Pros
- Cruelty-free company: company does not test on any animals, or use any animal product in its formulations or during any manufacturing processes
- Vegan company which never uses any animal product
- All of the included products are safe and suitable for all skin types, including very sensitive skin, and are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested
- None of the products included in the set irritated the skin or caused any redness even with very sensitive skin, and none broke me out, even with acne-prone skin
- Each product is formulated with a unique proprietary blend of Japanese-based ingredients that is only available with TATCHA products, and cannot be found with any other brand or line of product
- The set is a wonderful gifting option, if the recipient in your life enjoys skincare
- Suitable for travel, all items can be taken on flight (other than powder), durable, and easy to toss in a gym bag or purse
- The set offers a lot of variety, with several products to try out offers variety, so customers can figure out if they’d like to invest in any full sized product
- Environmentally friendly company with sustainable products
- A portion of every product is donated to charitable contributions, mainly helping girls to read, in an effort to increase employment rates and decrease poverty in impoverished nations
- The Water Cream is excellent yet lightweight and hydrating, 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, as a setting spray (great multi-use benefits)
- When used harmoniously,
- The products all work in tandem with one another, so you can use them all together without the fear of any adverse interaction
- Wonderful introductory item if you’re new to the line and looking to start out a new regimen or get some background on the company
- Wonderful item if you already love the brand but for some reason would like to experiment further and with more value
- Wonderful (nearly 50% savings) in comparison to retail cost
- All products lived up to initial claims of benefits and skin was left feeling dewy, hydrated, brightened, soft, and refreshed
- All products had hydrating benefits: even customers with very dry skin will benefit from use and the product does not require a serum or oil used in conjunction for most
- All of the products in the set are quite lightweight, skin is left feeling refreshed and never weighed down by any residue, no greasy or sticky texture
- Product longevity adds value: although pricey, this item should last for quite some time, as a very small amount of product goes a long way, and daily use is not required or recommended
- The powder included in the set is a full size, adding quite a bit of retail value
- If you are dry, or experiencing skin with any dullness or sallowness, all of the included products in the set work to improve radiance and restore hydration
Cons
- Price, as with most products from the brand, this does tend to be pricey, however the products do last for quite some time and
- Some claim the mask broke out their skin, which may be an allergy, but this was not a personal experience even with sensitive and acne prone skin
Money-Back Guarantee
The manufacturer, TATCHA, has a strong return and exchange policy that honors full refunds upon dissatisfaction or allergy, this policy generally favors the consumer, new and returning included. 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. It may assuage fears to know the product is formulated with safe, natural ingredients, is free of parabens and sulfates, and is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin, barring any specific allergy to an individual ingredient. This policy applies for online purchases, individual store purchases may vary.
I did not experience any redness, irritation, or breakouts even with very sensitive skin that is acne prone.
Tatcha Obento Box: Worth It Winner?
If you’re new or returning to the brand, I would highly recommend trying out TATCHA’s Obento box, which offers several bestselling skincare products as well as a wonderful cosmetics addition. This also makes a wonderful gifting option for the recipient in your life who enjoys cosmetics and skincare, particularly ones with naturally based ingredients and free of any harsh additives. While it is a splurge purchase, the nature of the company and the transparent practices behind it make it seem more justifiable. Plus, the products simply make your skin glow! Out of all of the included products my favorite was definitely the mask, however the Water Cream is a perfect go to daily moisturizer that adds radiance, restores glow, and helps improve texture. The primer included was also the best product of its category I have ever tried, and created a nearly perfect finish following makeup application. There is an additional benefit of all of the products working together in tandem for maximum anti-aging benefits, and restored radiance.
Whether this product is a gift, a gift to self, or an introduction to the brand, I recommend it without any reservations, as it’s one of the best kits I’ve tried to date.
