TATCHA Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm

TATCHA's new Gold Collection harnesses the timeless gifts of the camellia to nourish the skin and lips. As I mentioned recently, the precious benefits of the camellia were first discovered thousands of years ago in Japan - specifically by Oshima Island "farm girls" who applied the flower’s extract to their skin and hair. The Ama (Japanese female free divers) evolved this ancient beauty secret by coating their bodies with camellia oil to protect their skin during frigid ocean dives. Centuries later, geishas began applying nutrient-rich camellia oil after bathing, a luxurious addition to their daily beauty ritual.

Rich in essential antioxidants and moisturizers that deeply nourish and protect the skin, the TATCHA Gold Collection is embellished with flecks of 24-karat gold to add a touch of opulence, celebrating the geishas' timeless practice of elevating the day from routine to exquisite. The sumptuous, two-piece collection marries Old World wisdom with modern sensuality.

On a recent day, when I was felling particularly blah, I received a gift of the Gold Collection from TATAHA. Everything about the gift was luxurious - the purple and gold embellished gift box to the purple tissue paper and gold cord. Opening it was a pleasure. I felt good even before I gave the Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm ($36) its first whiff.

The balm is packaged in a beautiful box with a pull-out drawer that holds a beautiful jar, accented by the TATCHA logo, a purple rum, and a see-through window at the top. Behind the window the balm is adorned with gold leaf. It's gorgeous. I've never seen a more beautiful lip balm presentation.

There is a little story inside the box, "A Rediscovery." I won't spoil it be quoting it. You will enjoy its contribution to the experience of unwrapping your beautiful TATCHA treasure.

It took me only a nanosecond to try it. I lightly ran my finger over the balm (and gold leaf) and spread the treatment onto my lips. This natural treatment melted onto my lips instantly, infusing them with the treasured emollients of squalane; Japanese camellia oil, which has been long regarded for its antioxidant properties that protect the skin; licorice, which brightens; and rice oil to moisturize deeply. Also in the formula are macademia nut oil and TATCHA's HADASEI-3 Complex. It has a natural, very mild, and pleasant fragrance that all but disappears on application.

All TATCHA skin care is formulated without mineral oil, synthetic fragrances, sulfate detergents, parabens, PEGs, PPGs, DEA, TEA, urea, or phthalates. TATCHA succeeds at providing the best ingredients for your skin and your health.

To use the balm, scoop a tiny bit of balm and just a touch of the gold leaf, then spread or dab evenly on your lips. The first time I used mine, I took too much gold, but it was certainly a treat. My lips were instantly hydrated and gleamed with the trace of gold, which magically melted and fused with the balm.

In the days I've had TATCHA's Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm, I've saved it for nights, trying to make it last forever, I guess. When I apply it at bedtime, my lips feel indulged. It has almost unheard-of lasting power. When I awaken at 3:00 or 3:30 - a nightly occurrence - I can still feel it on my lips! For a balm that feels lightweight, that is remarkable. When I finally drag myself out of bed (5:30 lately), I still have moist lips. I consider myself the lip balm expert (there are few I haven't tried), and I have never found one that lasts eight hours on my lips - until now.

Gold Camellia Nourishing Lip Balm is a remarkable product. If you are as compulsive as I am about having moist lips, you must check it out at TATCHA's Web site. It is work every penny, if not more, of the $36 price (the jar is generously sized at .28 ounces).

Next up, I will be introducing you to the Gold Camellia Beauty Oil, which I am testing for a little bit longer (as I normally do with skin care) to ensure that I can give you the straight scoop.

Photos courtesy of TATCHA