Tatcha The Serum Stick

Tatcha is that line that just always go for it in terms of over-the-top luxury and almost fantastically whimsical creativity, which speaks to my ever-niche-luxury loving beauty heart.

When I received their newest product, The Serum Stick, I was a bit confused. Why do a serum in a stick form from the line that already makes such good serums? Then I read the product information:

A concentrated solid serum of 80% squalane and Japanese lemon balm that targets signs of aging and dryness instantly and over time, keeping skin and makeup fresh throughout the day.

Here are the purported benefits:

• Smooths dry fine lines instantly and over time. Ideal for perking up the eye area, it also helps address laugh lines and other areas of crepiness wherever dehydration appears.

• Locks in moisture instantly and over time. Weightless, all-natural squalane glides on easily to soften, comfort and lock in moisture, alleviating and minimizing skin and makeup dryness.

• Creates a dewy cushion for makeup and refreshes. Melts into clean skin seamlessly, preventing makeup from settling into lines and improving blendability. Over makeup, it refreshes dry spots throughout the day and imparts a natural glow.

It was only upon first application that I started to get it… the cushiony pearlescent formula felt almost like a gel when it touches the skin and rather than a chunk of solid, this was really a serum concentrate made in a solid form. Oh, and it’s fragrance-free as well for those who might be sensitive.

Why solid? I imagine you might ask, given that it was my initial question too. Although Tatcha doesn’t go into why they decided to go this route, through my use, I noticed practical it was. Due to the stick form factor, you can easily throw The Serum Stick in your handbag (or backpack) and go about your day. It’s great for touch-ups both working as a makeup primer but also as a light balm. For me, the initial levels of skin nourishment from creams, oils, and general moisturizers always subside throughout the day, especially when it comes to my undereye area, and Tatcha’s The Serum Stick is perfect for these times because a quick swipe and the formula of a whopping 80% pure squalane (the renowned barrier improving emollient), lemon balm (an anti-inflammatory leaf, not the citrus fruit), and Tatcha’s signature Hadasei-3 complex of antioxidant-rich Japanese superfoods absolutely makes the skin feel nourished and dare I say, silken? Even touching my skin as I write this, the areas on my forehead and under eyes where I applied this about 20 minutes ago feel like the texture of a pearl, and that tight, uncomfortable feeling with dry skin vanishes almost immediately.

Should you get The Serum Stick? Well, it retails for $48 and is a cross between a balm, face oil and traditional serum (hyaluronic acid), all products that individually would cost more. And with the way that one glide will cover so much, The Serum Stick is sized to last so yes – get this and keep it on your person so your skin never has to go without.