Introducing Tata Harper: an exclusive Muse & Heroine Interview

 

As one of the pioneers of the clean beauty movement, Tata has consistently challenged the notion that women must sacrifice their health for their beauty. Over the past ten years, Tata has developed ground-breaking natural formulas that deliver powerful, multi-targeted results without a single drop of synthetic chemicals.

MEET THE ICON

 This is the exclusive interview we had the pleasure of creating with the one and only, Tata Harper.

What inspired you to start your own brand so many years ago as one of the first clean beauty pioneers?

My stepfather was diagnosed with cancer, and through helping him change his lifestyle I started to examine everything I was putting in and on my body. For the longest time, natural beauty was thought to be simple and low quality – a lot of the textures and experiences weren’t designed for a serious skincare client like me. Typically, you would find natural beauty in food stores and apothecaries where you don’t find high quality products with the technology you expect. At the same time, when I went to department stores, they have a few natural ingredients that are mixed with synthetics and chemicals. I wanted to fuse both worlds and create products that were 100% natural but made with high quality, potent ingredients. There wasn’t an option for people like me that were looking for that. Since I couldn’t find any natural skincare products that gave me the results and the luxury experience, I was looking for, I decided to create my own.

 What is your Self-Care approach?

Self-care is critical to being and staying centered, strong and focused. Finding balance is a daily process, but I always find ways to ease my stress through meditation, aromatherapy, and, of course, my skincare ritual. Even five minutes to yourself can totally transform your day.  A great place to start — and take a little mental break at the same time — is with face masks like our Resurfacing Mask. It’s one of my favorites because it’s like an instant glow facial that not only brings my skin back to life but also has essential oils like bergamot that uplift and de-stress the mind.

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 Who`s your personal Muse and Heroine in your life?

Women around the world inspire me and the products I create. Every time I speak to our clients and hear how beautiful our products make them look and feel, how happy they are when they put on amazing-smelling essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, I feel so motivated.

What would be the perfect Tata Harper daily skincare regimen?

“When it comes to my daily essentials, I’m a maximalist. I believe that more is more when it comes to my skincare and I use a multitude of our products every day, twice a day. My skincare routine always addresses my skin for today and my skin for tomorrow. I like to switch up my cleansers, masks, and moisturizers for whatever mood my skin is in that moment. When it comes to serums and eye creams, the most important anti-aging steps, I like to stay consistent so I can really see the cumulative results.”

 Tata Harper’s Morning Routine

“For my morning routine, I always start by exfoliating with Regenerating Cleanser – exfoliating daily really lets my skin breath and glow since it gets rid of any build up that accumulates overnight, it also helps products absorb better. I follow with Hydrating Floral Essence to help prep my skin for treatment and help my serums penetrate deeper. Then it’s all about layering — I use Elixir Vitae on my whole face, next I’ll use Elixir Vitae Eye Serum, and then Repairative Moisturizer.” 

Tata Harper’s Evening Ritual

 “At night, I always start with double cleansing. First, I use Nourishing Oil Cleanser to get rid of that top layer of dirt and grime from the day, then I follow with the Purifying Cleanser to actually cleanse and detox my skin. Then, I use Hydrating Floral Essence. For serum, I use Elixir Vitae on my face and Boosted Contouring Serum on my neck. I like a thicker eye cream at night, so I usually use the Boosted Contouring Eye Balm. I also like a richer moisturizer at night, so I finish with Crème Riche.”

Is there a supplement you swear by?

Supplements are such a big part of my wellness routine, so I’ll just share a few of my favorite supplements that go into my morning smoothie. First, I start with my superfood powders. I add Vital Reds by Gundry MD which has 34 superfruits and probiotics to help maintain higher energy levels, better digestion, and healthier- looking skin. Then I add this Microbiome Labs Mega Prebiotic. Prebiotics work on gut health to increase your microbial diversity and selectively feed only the good bacteria in your gut. Then I add a spoonful of the Pure Synergy Organic Superfood powder, which 60+ organic ingredients to maintain wellness and it helps me feel energized while supporting my immune system. Next, I add a spoonful of the Mushroom Blend Mix from Four Sigmatic. All of these mushrooms also help work to boost my immune system. For a beauty supplement, I love the Vital Proteins Marine Collagen. Collagen powders help to support your hair, skin, nails and joints. So, I always add in a spoonful of this. I also use the He Shou Wu Rejuvenating Tonic from Sun Potion. This is a herb that works to nourish the blood, hair, skin and nervous system– while also boosting my immune system and antioxidant activity.

What is your personal beauty secret?

A healthy and vibrant life extends far beyond the products you use. Skincare is only a piece of the puzzle and it’s important to take a holistic approach to wellness with exercise, a consistent sleep schedule, and a healthy diet. For example, increasing the amount of water you drink is a minor change to your lifestyle that can help rid your body of toxins and give your skin a radiant glow. I don’t have any strict dietary restrictions, but I try to eat organic and whole, nutrient dense foods as much as possible; the closer that food is to its natural state the more nutritional content it has.

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Are there any beauty secrets that your mother or grandmother passed down to you?

My mother and grandmother would always have spa parties with their friends and they all took the time for beauty every day. It was a lot of DIY face masks and treatments using ingredients like avocado, honey, and lemon, and things growing around us locally or fresh from the store. We often made our own honey mask with natural, pure honey. It’s super inexpensive to make and I find it super hydrating and refreshing.

 What is the last thing you do before going to bed?

I’ll get in bed at around 9:30 and end the day with some meditation. I find that visual meditation helps with sleep, especially if after looking at a screen all day. I always keep my phone across the room at night to help with this – I try my best to disconnect and relax my mind...  before I wake up and do it all over again in the morning!

 And the first thing you do in the morning?

I like to wake up early and get a headstart on the day. It sounds cliche, but living on the farm and hearing the roosters crowing in the morning really makes the wake up so much easier and feels much more natural. I used to have the habit of checking my email first thing in the morning, but now I am making an effort to meditate for about 15 minutes before I fully plug-in. I’ve found that practicing breathing exercises has really helped me feel more centered and focused throughout the day. After that, I quickly scan through my emails and respond to anything that is super urgent.

Your favorite holistic destination?

I recently had an amazing visit to the Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York. They’re taking a really unique approach to wellness, and doing such interesting things with light and sound therapy.

 Your favourite hotel?

We are lucky enough to partner with over 50 amazing spa and hotel partners worldwide, so I have my pick wherever I go! Every time I’m in Paris I have to stop into our signature spa room at Le Bristol, the space is so beautiful and the treatments are incredible. Another one of my favorite spa partners is in Italy - Villa Feltrinelli in Gargagno. It’s only open in the summer months as it’s right on Lake Garda, and it is the most magical place.

 Your favorite restaurant?

I have so many favorite restaurants all over the world! Two of my favorites are Indochine in New York, and Cafe Antonia in Le Bristol in Paris.

Your 3 pearls of wisdom?

Always be prepared so you have the freedom to act on instinct. Become a master of your craft. Keep practicing and perfecting. Be true to yourself.
Have the self-respect and confidence to live life on your terms. When something isn't right in your life, change it.
Never stop learning. When you want to become the best at what you do, you never stop learning. You never stop improving and honing your skills and knowledge.