Skincare

I’m a long time lover of all things Tatcha. In fact, I have been reviewing their products on my blog for nearly 10 years. Some things haven’t worked for me, but for the most part I love nearly everything they come out with. They recently launched the Kissu Lip Tints with SPF 25 and I absolutely loved the colors and formula of theses lip products. The Kissu Lip Tints are part of the Tatcha Kissu Lip range which first began with the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask. Lip masks are very similar to lip balms (the Summer Fridays Lip Balms are some of my favorite) but often are intensely nourishing and can be used as an overnight treatment to really condition chapped lips. It’s good to have a lip mask in your routine in addition to a lip balm or lip oil (I love the splurge-worthy Dior Lip Glow Oils) because lip masks can offer more intensive benefits. Using lip masks regularly can help keep your lips nourished, make your everyday lipsticks and lip liners look better and target anti-aging concerns such as fine lines around the mouth. The Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask launched a few years ago and as a fan of the brand, I immediately ordered one to try. I fell in love with the formula and have been repurchasing it ever since. Today’s post is dedicated to a more in-depth review on the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask, it’s benefits and whether I would recommend trying it.

Tatcha Lip Mask Review

The Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask is a jelly lip mask that can be used during the day or at night and is formulated to smooth, hydrate and restore fullness to the lips. It does come with a gold spatula so you don’t have to use your fingers to apply which already makes this better than so many other formulas I have. Ha! I hate having to put my fingers into a lip balm pot especially if I’m out and don’t have a tissue nearby to wipe off the excess. I love using this lip mask either at night or during the day. The shine it gives the lips makes it suitable to wear on its own too. It makes my lips look full, feel nourished and look really supple and smooth. I have used it to prep my lips before applying lipstick but I don’t want to wipe it off so I will usually either layer it over my lipstick or wear it alone (or sometimes with a neutral lip liner). The price point of the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask is a mid range price point at $29 but one that I definitely feel is worth it based on how well it works for me.

In addition to the clear version of the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask, there is also a version with color called the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask in Wisteria. It’s a beautiful rich purpley hue that when applied gives a subtle berry tint to the lips. If you plan to use the Lip Mask during the day as your lip color, this is definitely a great option.

Tatcha Lip Mask Before and After

You can see in the after pictures that the jelly-like texture of the lip mask really makes the lips look extra shiny and healthy. Most lip masks I have don’t have that super glossy jelly finish and make my lips look hydrated but not much fuller or as shiny as the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask does. The texture is super shiny but not sticky or heavy feeling on the lips. It glides on easily and feels comfortable, nourishing and smooth.

Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask and what each ingredient does for the lips:

Japanese Peach Extract

This ingredient is a traditional Japanese beauty secret that was used centuries ago to repair damaged lips. It helps to revitalize and calm irritation.

Japanese Camellia Oil

This oil is very lightweight and has been used for years in Japanese beauty because of its ability to seal in moisture. It’s rich in oleic acid, vitamins and Omegas 3, 6 and 9.

Biomimetic Squalane

Squalene is a natural component of the skin and plant-derived squalane mimics its function in order to richly moisturize the lips. Plant-derived squalane is easily absorbed and improves the skin barrier by locking in moisture all day.

How to Use Tatcha Lip Mask

Use To Prep Your Lips Before Lipstick

You can use this mask to prep your lips before applying makeup, or as your actual lip product during the day. Apply a thin amount at the start of your makeup routine and then wipe away the excess before applying your lipstick.

Wear It Over Your Favorite Lip Liner

This lip mask gives the most gorgeous shiny finish to the lips so I sometimes like to apply it over my favorite neutral lip liner.

Wear At Night For an Intensive Treatment

Because of it’s nourishing properties, applying a generous amount at night before you go to bed is great if you want to heal your lips while sleeping.

Tatcha Lip Mask vs Laneige Lip Mask

There isn’t even a comparison between these two formulas in my opinion but that could be because I am not a fan of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. I have tried it a few times and it never really won me over. The first major difference for me between these two formulas is the way they look on the lips. Laneige does not leave my lips looking glossy and plump, but rather flat and moisturized. That is fine but that added glossy benefit of the Tatcha Lip Mask really sets it apart. Also, I don’t find that my lips feel better after using the Laneige lip mask – they often feel the same if not more dry. Not sure why that is but I have tried it time and time again only to be let down each time. The different scents and colorful packaging of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is the only redeeming quality for me.

Since we are fully into spring and summer is fast approaching, I thought it was a good time to share an updated skincare routine and all the products I am using for morning and evening. Many things have stayed the same, while others have changed with the slightly warmer weather. I’ve been testing out some new products and fallen in love so I will share exactly what I’m using step by step!

My Current Skincare Routine

My Morning Routine

Cleanse

I actually don’t use a cleanser in the morning anymore and just simply splash some cold water on my face before applying my skincare products.

Toner/Essence

Pixi Glow Tonic

I have been using this gentle exfoliating toner for nearly a decade. I noticed that my makeup wasn’t applying as nicely and I was trying to figure out why. I decided to begin using this in my morning routine and it immediately helped the issue! It helps clear away any dead skin cells and my foundation doesn’t pull or get patchy.

Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner (discount code: SHOPMAREE)

I use this toner as an essence by pouring a small amount into my hands and patting it into my skin. It helps immediately calm and soothe my skin – reducing any redness too.

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (discount code: SHOPMAREE)

I also use this toner as an essence and pat it into my skin right after the Anua toner. I’ve been testing out more Korean skincare and layering toners is a popular practice and I am testing it out in my own routine. I really enjoy this toner for helping plump my skin and add a ton of moisture.

CosRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner

I am almost finished with this toner which I also use as an essence but honestly did not see any noticeable results with it so I won’t be repurchasing.

Serums

Medik8 C-Tetra

The texture of this vitamin c is more like a face oil than a serum so you only need a few drops. It’s nourishing and gives my skin the most healthy glow too.

Moisturizer

Colleen Rothschild Sheer Renewal Cream

I have been using this Sheer Renewal Cream for nearly 10 years and it’s still one of my favorite daytime moisturizers. It’s a lightweight gel texture that delivers hydration without feeling too heavy on the skin. Especially in the warmer weather, this is one of my favorite formulas to use during the day. It also leaves a nice smooth finish to the skin and preps my skin perfectly for makeup.

Eye Cream

Colleen Rothschild Illuminating Tinted Eye Cream

This eye cream has sold out so many times because it has gone viral on TikTok and for good reason. It’s an eye cream with a tiny bit of tint to it that helps counteract the darkness under my eyes. It also gives a tiny bit of radiance without making it look too glowy. I add this at the end of my skincare routine right before I apply my makeup.

Sunscreen

Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum (discount code: Maree)

This sunscreen is a new addition into my morning routine and it is one of the best sunscreens I’ve ever used! It’s been more than a month that I’ve been wearing it everyday and it makes my skin look incredible. It has a slight tint that evens out my skin tone and gives my skin a healthy fresh glow. It is incredibly nourishing and my makeup literally glides on. I’ve tried it out with a ton of different foundations and skin tints and I’ve noticed that my makeup has been lasting longer and looking better throughout the day when I wear this underneath. It may be a bit too glowy if you have really oily skin but if you have normal to dry skin, this is absolute magic!

My Evening Routine

Cleanse

Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm (discount code: ALITTLEBITETC10)

I’ve been using this cleansing balm for years and it is fantastic at removing every last bit of makeup easily. It’s also a great affordable price point!

Colleen Rothschild Balancing Gel Cleanser

I am normally not a huge fan of many gel cleansers because they can foam up and really dry my skin out, but this one was an instant favorite! On the nights I don’t use the Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm as my second cleanse, I will use this gel cleanser. It makes my skin feel so fresh and clean without feeling tight or stripped.

Toner

Colleen Rothschild Glycolic Acid Peel Pads

I love these resurfacing peel pads and use them every other night to help remove texture, smooth out the skin and give me a great chemical exfoliation.

Colleen Rothschild Micro Mineral Soothing Toner

On the nights I don’t use the peel pads, I will use this toner. It’s soothing, calming and incredibly hydrating. I drench a cotton pad and swipe it all over my face.

Anua Heartleaf Soothing Toner (discount code: SHOPMAREE)

I use this toner as an essence by pouring a small amount into my hands and patting it into my skin. It helps immediately calm and soothe my skin – reducing any redness too.

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner (discount code: SHOPMAREE)

I also use this toner as an essence and pat it into my skin right after the Anua toner. I’ve been testing out more Korean skincare and layering toners is a popular practice and I am testing it out in my own routine. I really enjoy this toner for helping plump my skin and add a ton of moisture.

CosRX 6X Peptide Collagen Booster Toner

I am almost finished with this toner which I also use as an essence but honestly did not see any noticeable results with it so I won’t be repurchasing.

CosRx Snail Mucin (discount code: SHOPMAREE)

I used this product years and years ago and really enjoyed it. I still like it but not sure it is hydrating enough for me. It’s a VERY popular product and has gone viral a ton of times. Yes it is actual snail mucin which helps soothe and deeply hydrate the skin. For some this is a holy grail product, but for me I don’t think I will be repurchasing. I have heard amazing things about the Mixsoon Bean Essence and plan on trying that next.

Eye Cream

Neocutis Illuminating and Tightening Eye Cream

I have heard so many great things about this eye cream and I can say that I really do love it! It’s rich but not too rich and helps to tighten, moisturize and illuminate the eye area.

Serums

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

It’s been a long time since I used a strong retinol treatment but I have heard great things about this one from Medik8. I started by using it once a week and have worked up to every other night. My skin broke out a bit at the beginning (which is often normal), but is slowly looking clear again. I didn’t get any redness or flakiness with it and my skin is really starting to look amazing – brighter, firmer and radiant.

Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum

This serum isn’t widely known yet but I hope more people discover it because it’s wonderful! I have a full review on it here but in short this serum is amazing at help fade dark spots and make the skin more even toned. I alternate nights with using this or the Medik8 Crystal Retinal but I plan to try using this serum daily because I have loved the results.

Naturium Barrier Bounce

I like to use a hydrating serum or hyaluronic acid serum most nights after my Medik8 retinal or the Mother Science serum and this has been the only one I’ve been reaching for. Holy GLOW!! It can be used a ton of different ways (as an essence, as a serum, as a lightweight moisturizer) but I prefer to use it as a serum. It instantly plumps my skin and delivers intense long lasting hydration. And the price point is under $25 which absolutely blows my mind. This is 10x better than serums double and triple the price. Highly recommend!!!

Moisturizer

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

I like a rich nourishing moisturizer as my final step even in the warm weather. Especially since I use many actives in my skincare routine, I prefer a moisturizer that really helps to maintain and protect my skin barrier. This Tatcha moisturizer is a long time favorite and one that I go back to over and over.

Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide

I will alternate between this moisturizer and the Tatcha one every other night but I have to say that the Medik8 moisturizer is my preferred one out of the two. It is quite rich so I only need a small amount. It is formulated to firm, plump and deeply nourish the skin while you sleep – and I always wake up with balanced and radiant skin. Especially if you have mature or dry skin, this night cream is a 10/10.

Skincare Tools

CurrentBody LED Mask (discount code: ALITTEBITCB)

I use this LED mask 6 nights a week after I cleanse and tone. I leave it on for 10 minutes and then continue with the rest of my skincare routine. In fact, I did a full review on the benefits here – it’s a splurge but really has made a difference!

Face Masks

Colleen Rothschild Intense Hydrating Mask

I only use face masks a few times a week but this one is a must have at least once. I will apply this after I cleanse and tone and leave on for 20 minutes. It instantly plumps my skin, makes my pores appear minimized and delivers insane hydration. I am never without a tube of this!

Colleen Rothschild Clarifying Detox Mask

For a mask to detoxify and clean out the pores, this one is a must have. It really cleans out my skin but doesn’t leave my face feeling too dry or tight. I use this once or twice a week depending on how my skin is feeling.