If you’ve known about clean beauty for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the name Tata Harper more than once. And for good reason: Tata Harper Skincare has done nothing short of change the face of beauty.

But what you might not know about Tata Harper Skincare is that it all takes place on a lush farm in Vermont. Meaning: the ingredients are grown on the farm, made in a lab, and packaged up and shipped off from there. This is very rare in beauty and means the products are truly filled with love.

We’re honored to have sat down with Tata herself to learn some of her secrets: her best skincare advice, most powerful entrepreneurial lessons, and favorite way to unwind. Keep reading — you’re in for a treat.

I started Tata Harper skincare because…

Unfortunately, my stepfather was diagnosed with cancer. I spent time helping him change his lifestyle for the better, and started to examine everything I was putting in and on my body. 

I couldn’t find natural products that gave me both the results and luxury experience I was looking for — so I set out to create my own.

Looking behind the curtain of other skincare products, I was disappointed to learn that many companies (and even some “green” companies) often use chemicals of concern. This inspired me to create my own line: one that was safe, natural, and sustainable.

At the time, we’d purchased a farm in Vermont as a getaway from city life. This later became where we handcraft our products from A to Z — from growing our ingredients to fulfilling orders.

I can’t keep ______ in stock.

That would be our Resurfacing Mask. It’s one of the original products we launched the brand with, and it’s honestly been a client favorite since Day 1. I think people love that it works so quickly. It’s made with 18 high-performance botanical ingredients, and gives you that glowy, renewed look that a chemical peel would, but without any of the irritation or downtime.

The best beauty advice I ever received was…

My mom taught me that beauty isn’t a chore — it’s self-care. Even though I’m a busy mom and juggling a million things, I think it’s important to try to have some time for myself. This helps me slow down and reconnect so I’m ready for whatever the day brings.

While it can be hard to carve out time, I always try to do at least one thing a day that I love, whether it’s a meditation or short walk, or even just unplugging from technology for a few minutes.

My best skincare advice for women in their 20’s or 30’s is…

When you’re younger, it’s important to start building a good regimen. Also, you want to focus on keeping your skin healthy and hydrated to prevent early aging. Consistency is key.

To maximize the efficacy of your skincare, I also really suggest applying your products in the order of lightest to heaviest molecular weight. This way, small molecules (like those in essences, for example) absorb into the skin before the larger ones do (like the ones in face oils).

My best skincare advice for women in their 40’s, 50’s, or beyond is…

Over time, women in their forties may notice that their under-eye bags and wrinkles are becoming more prominent. I recommend finding products that directly address those two issues. My favorite is the Elixir Vitae Serum, which is like injectables in a bottle. I also love our Restorative Eye Crème. This best-selling eye treatment uses neuropeptide-activating technology to give eyes a healthy and youthful look.

Women may also notice loss of elasticity and firmness. Their skin might look and feel less plump. I recommend using our Boosted Contouring Serum, which transforms the look of mature skin and gives it a lifted appearance. Find the right products and use them consistently.

My favorite way to unwind is…

I’ve always looked at skincare as self-care. It’s a ritual for me, and my time to unwind.

I like to light a calming candle, play relaxing music, and take my time applying my skincare instead of just going through the motions. It’s my favorite way to relax and find calm before I start a crazy day or get into bed.

As an entrepreneur, the most powerful lesson I’ve learned is…

From the inception of the company, I’ve been unwilling to take shortcuts or to compromise. I’m always striving for the best, most innovative solution to the problem, and I won’t settle for less. If I’d chosen to take the easy route or take “no” for an answer, Tata Harper Skincare wouldn’t be what it is today. 

I have also learned to always think about doing things that’ll help people live better lives, and about my work as a contribution to make the world a better place. To always be curious, seek answers, and care about bettering the lives of others with what I make.

The best part about getting older is…

Getting to watch my children grow up and evolve into their own unique selves.

The best part about my job is…

How I wake up every morning knowing that we aren’t just creating another serum or moisturizer. We’re creating a serum or moisturizer that makes people’s lives better. The products we create are so complex that it gives me a sense of purpose to continue innovating and creating.

My definition of beauty is…

My artistic and beauty ideologies are grounded in the same philosophy: it’s about being real and authentic, and ensuring that everything you do is representative of your core beliefs and values.

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