On an expansive 1200-acre farm in Shoreham, Vermont, Tata Harper has infused a technologically-innovative beauty operation, with a nature-first approach to create her eponymous skincare line. A maximalist at heart, this Colombian beauty has built one of the most effective and luxurious skincare companies in the beauty sphere, all while keeping synthetics and harmful toxins out of the ingredient list. The woman shines deep from her soul, embracing the science and spirit in her philosophy of skin. In honor of Tata Harper as our exclusive partner for Eat Pretty, the beauty + brains behind it all gives us behind-the -scenes access to every step of achieving her enviable complexion. Scroll through this entrepreneur's day of raising babies, running an empire and layering on the most heavenly serums.
What's the very first thing you do in the morning?
I know it is such a faux pas, but the first thing I do when I wake up is check my emails. I typically wake up at 5:00am, scan my emails for urgency, exercise from 5:30am – 6:30am, and then start my day.
What skin type do you have?
My skin is very dry.
What is your morning skin routine? Which products do you use and in what order?
I am Colombian, so as a Latin woman I am a maximalist and not a minimalist, when it comes to beauty! The best thing about being having my own clean beauty line is that I can have a sensational skincare appetite because I have access to an unlimited number of products. Having said that, I am a working mother of three kids so in the morning I like to get my skincare routine finished in under 5 minutes. I save time by layering products and not waiting for each one to absorb before applying the next.
I start by polishing dry skin with the Regenerating Cleanser to remove buildup; I’m a firm believer in daily exfoliation. Then I really drench my skin with Hydrating Floral Essence — I like my skin to be really saturated when I apply serum, it helps penetrate deeper. Next, is one of the most important anti-aging steps: serums. Right now, I’m using two serums, our Elixir Vitae and Boosted Contouring Serum on my face, neck and chest. Then I do eye care — I really like to layer on the eye area and keep it super hydrated. I start with Elixir Vitae Eye Serum followed by Restorative Eye Creme on top. Finally, I apply Illuminating Moisturizer, and finish by massaging Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil on top. When it comes to order of application, always start with more liquid based products and move to thicker products. For example, face oil always comes last in my routine because oil penetrates everything but not everything penetrates oil.
How has your skincare routine changed in the last 10 years?
Ten years ago, I did not understand the importance of an essence, which is now a crucial step in my routine. I also was not diligent about eye serums. I thought that if I was using a face serum all over I did not need an eye serum or cream. The skin around the eye is so delicate and unique, that it’s important to use products that are specifically formulated for this area.
Do you have any favorite practitioners, healers, facialists, etc. that you love and swear by?
I recently went to Mii Amo Spa Resort in Sedona Arizona, which is the perfect place for me to recharge. Mii Amo is the perfect combination of spirituality, exercise and relaxing massages. I swear by all of the treatments and spiritual sessions I have there!
What are 3 foods you try and eat every week for buoyant, glowing, youthful skin?
I try to eat foods that are high in omega-3 like walnuts, wild rice and salmon on a regular basis. I eat a lot of ginger, which is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and has a soothing effect on skin. Other superfoods that are regulars in my diet include: avocado, chia seeds, quinoa, miso and cinnamon.
Do you take any ingestible and supplements for beautiful skin, hair, nails?
Yes, I take a number of daily supplements that are filled with different natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fats, for example. Some include: Evening Primrose, Flaxseed Oil, Chlorella, Turmeric and Marine Collagen.
What is your philosophy and protocol for the neck down?
People often forget about their neck and chest when it comes to skincare. It’s so important to treat your neck and chest the same as your face as both areas can really show signs of aging if not. I lather every product in my routine from my chest up to my face. I find that many people don’t pay attention to their body as a whole. Personally, I use Smoothing Body Scrub at least once a week and Revitalizing Body Oil in the AM and Redefining Body Balm in the PM.
What specific ingredients are you excited about for transformational skin results?
There are so many I’m excited about! I think one category that is interesting is neuropeptides. Synthetic neuropeptides such as Matrixyl are growing in popularity for fast results. But synthetics aren’t the only option for harnessing the power of neuropeptides:
o Spanish Lavender– Harvested in the Mediterranean, this flower promotes the release of Beta-endorphin, a neuropeptide that responds to stress and can aid in muscle relaxation.
o Summer Snowflake Bulb – The bulbs of the Summer Snowflake Flower contain DORMINs, which slow cellular activity while the bulb remains dormant during the winter. The ability to decrease activity plays a role in the bulb’s ability to aid in muscle relaxation.
o Spilanthes Flower – Also called the Toothache Plant and the Electric Daisy, this tropical flower is used as a topical anesthetic by many cultures. The chemical responsible, spilanthol, also aids in muscle relaxation.
Can you speak on the supernatural product line and what about the ingredients/formulation make it so unique?
Our Supernatural products contain the most innovative and latest natural skincare technologies available today. These formulas aren’t focused on one or two hero ingredients, we pack as many high performing ingredients into our products as possible. I believe more is more when it comes to skincare and approaching a skin issue from as many angles as possible will give you the best results. For example, if there are 5 mechanisms to brighten skin, we make sure there is at least one natural ingredient for each of those mechanisms. And this is true for every skin benefit our Supernaturals have.
Do you have a morning elixir/smoothie/coffee you drink?
I typically start my day with 2-3 glasses of water and take supplements. I drink roughly 3 gallons of water per day. I also drink tea most mornings. I recently received some Rishi Ancient organic Pu-erh Tea as a gift, and I really love it because it’s very sweet, and I have a big sweet tooth.
What is your favorite...
Multi-use product: Retinoic Nutrient Complex. It’s lightweight, and targets fine lines and wrinkles, rough skin, lack of essential vitamins and nutrients and leaves skin radiant.
Product of all time: Elixir Vitae
Beauty home-remedy/ritual: DIY hair mask for super shiny hair. I will melt shea butter and mix in coconut oil, lavender essential oil, raw honey, mashed banana and avocado and put it on my hair for 10-15 minutes before shampooing
Way to relax: I take a bath every night and soak in different essential oils
What do you think is the most overlooked skin concern?
That’s a great question. I feel the most overlooked concern is skin luminosity and glow. People are so used to covering up their skin everyday with makeup…glowing skin is healthy skin, which is both beautiful and important. I wish for every woman to wake up in the morning and not need all that makeup because their skin is already luminous and glowing from within.
