📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

I love supporting local small businesses and was recently introduced to IQ Natural. IQ Natural is an organic skincare company based out of Portland, Oregon. They sell natural skincare and mineral makeup products. The company has been around for 14 years and is ran by a team of 5. IQ Natural products use the purest ingredients (no chemical or fillers), and are never tested on animals. Most of the products are made in-house.

IQ Natural Clarifying Daily Care Set

I received the Clarifying Daily Care Set. This set includes a cleanser, toner, and lotion. The trio is formulated for acne and blemished skin, clearing blackheads and preventing breakouts. The cleaner is gentle on the skin and won’t dry it out. The toner is soothing and balances out the natural oils in your skin. The lotion is hydrating but does leave a shiny finish. I prefer matte.

I’ve been using these products for under a week and I can already tell the difference. My skin is clear and visibly rejuvenated. The only thing I didn’t like is the smell, which is chemical-like (to my nose). This is probably due to the natural ingredients.

IQ Natural Super Facial

I also received the Super Facial. This mask is like nothing I’ve used before. It simultaneously tightens, brightens, tones, and exfoliates. Ingredients include mud and seaweed. I could do without the smell, but the end results were glowy, fresh-faced skin. This mask might be too much for someone with sensitive skin. It left mine feeling a bit tingly.

IQ Natural Makeup

I really want to try their makeup next. So many gorgeous options. I am a big fan of finishing powders and I love Tarte’s Amazonian powder and Pixi’s Quick Fix powder. IQ Natural has a Setting Veil that I want to try. I might need to do a blog post comparing all three. I’m also adding this mascara and these lip glosses to my wish list.

*IQ Natural provided me with these products, but all opinions are my own.

📷’s by  Luba Kochubey Portraits

Tatcha is a luxury skincare line inspired by Geisha beauty rituals. Victoria Tsai, the founder, created this line after a chance encounter with a modern-day geisha. It just recently launched at the Bellevue Square Sephora and is also available online.

The Story Behind Tatcha

Victoria yearned for simplicity and authenticity after working many years at large corporations. Her journey east taught her that when it comes to skincare – less is more. After suffering from acute dermatitis, she learned what worked best on the skin.  She then created Tatcha.

I received the Polished Rice Enzyme Powder and the Pore Perfecting Water Gel Moisturizer.

The polish is for normal to combination skin. The product is a creamy, water-activated enzyme powder exfoliant and cleanser. It also has anti-aging properties. The packaging is beautiful. It comes in a beautiful box and the actual container is also nice. Since I have oily skin, I would love to try the Deep Rice Enzyme Powder.

How to Use the Tatcha Enzyme Powder

To use the Enzyme powder you simply pour about a half teaspoon into the palm of your hands and add water. Lather the powder into a creamy rich foam. Then massage into the face for 10-20 seconds. Rinse and pat dry. The Enzyme power is the second step in the cleansing process. Ideally, you would use the cleansing oil first.

The Pore Perfecting Water Gel is for oily skin and offers oil-balancing hydration. The ingredients are meant to balance and clarify skin while tightening pores within 28 days. The 23k gold particles impart a shine-free glow.

What I like best about this line is the quality of the product, and how Victoria considered every skin type. I have oily skin and am always on the lookout for the best skincare to combat my shine. The products and packaging are gorgeous. I’m curious to see how my skin changes over time and if I see a noticeable difference in my large pores.

If you’re interested in trying out the Tatcha line, swing by the Bellvue Sephora or purchase online.

*Tatcha graciously provided me with both of these items, but all opinions are my own.