Pure Skin: Discover the Japanese Ritual of Glowing

by Victoria Tsai

Skincare is self-care. This guide book helps you get to know and improve your skin health with useful tips and recommendations for using everyday ingredients and skin products in a super simple, unique-to-you ritual. Vicky Tsai, founder of Tatcha Skin Care, is sharing generations-old, time-tested Japanese skincare traditions with you .  No matter how you customize it, all you need is two minutes and four steps : Purify, Polish, Prep, and Nourish . But Pure Skin isn’t just about basic skincare, it’s also about a lifestyle; it begins with how you eat and even how you sleep. You’ll also learn

·  East vs. Learn why spot treatment and quick fixes never make lasting changes

·  A Silken Path to Softer Pamper yourself with silk in five different ways

·  What’s Your Skincare Psyche?: Discover your skincare personality and what treatment will work for you

·  Sheet Masks Indulge in this scientifically-proven beauty trend once a week

·  Ingredients to Believe Use the six traditional ingredients found in Japanese skincare

·  The Japanese Diet for Clear Feed your skin with the trinity of Japanese superfoods

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help, Japan, Fashion, Lifestyle, Ebooks

128 pages, Hardcover

Published May 8, 2018

Reviews

[Sammie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book on Geisha skincare rituals, I definitely learned some things. I already loved Tatcha skincare but I definitely trust it more now.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very short book on beauty tips from Geishas. It can be summed up as:

1. Cleansing - with Camelia oil
2. Polishing - with rice powder
3. Use essence
4. Moisturize

Again, I rolled my eyes at statements like "In the west, women focus on make up and eye shadows while Japanese women on skin care" etc. In reality, all developed societies like Korea, Japan have become like western societies - everyone is focusing on make up and anti aging. It may have been true 50 years ago but now definitely not.

This along with modern internet myths - all Koreans and Japanese have flawless skin (no, they don't) and they have great skin because they eat so healthy (no, they don't. I have seen many women eat a lot of junk food). It is like we are comparing women of 1950's with the present day western women without looking at Japanese and Koreans today.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick review for a quick read. Some might know that Victoria (Vicky) Tsai is the founder of the luxury brand of Japanese/Japanese-inspired skincare Tatcha. I knew that going into this book because I've used Tatcha products for about a year and a half, but I had not picked up the book before that point to do a deeper dive behind the brand until this year. If you're looking for a combination of what inspired Tsai to form the company, her interactions with Geishas who informed her on their beauty routines, and suggestions on what ingredients and rituals she suggests for skincare, this is a brief and beautifully illustrated guide.

I own the hardcover, sometimes I find myself flipping back through it just to pick up some of the tidbits, but you could likely read this sitting within an hour or two, it's really short. That's probably also the caveat to it, though - it's so short that I really wanted to know more, particularly in terms of how such routines impacted other people who used it. (I think I wanted something like what Marie Kondo does for her books in terms of explaining her process and noting her interactions with others on how she was able to help them with the KonMari Method.) Still, I found it worth the read among the beauty books I own, and would recommend it for a calming, inspiring read.

Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.

[Elena Druță · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ceea ce-mi place la cărțile despre îngrijirea pielii asiatice în general este modul în care se explică acțiunea diferitor substanțe asupra ei, dar și importanța sănătății acesteia, modul în care anumite plante ajută și mențin pielea tânără. Faptul că în Asia se pune foarte mare accent pe skincare și nu pe machiaj, cum se întâmplă la noi, este un lucru care ar trebui învățat și la noi, din fragedă copilărie. Încă un aspect - simplitatea este cheia succesului.

[Teni Megaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct introduction to caring for your skin using 'time-tested' Japanese methods.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up during the holidays because I recognized Victoria Tsai's name (as the founder of Tatcha) and the book itself is beautiful. As noted, Victoria Tsai founded Tatcha (a beauty and skincare company based out of California but with a Japanese aesthetic) and her products feature in the book (either in illustrations or subtle recommendations)

The art in the book is stunning (and one of the reasons why I picked it up). It's watercolor drawings that keep the aesthetic in a soft, dreamy state of luxe (which mimics the Tatcha brand). I don't know if it's the same artist but the book is a nice addition to the Tatcha line on its own.

The three sections I enjoyed the most are the recipes included, the breakdown of certain "powerful" ingredients often found in skincare items and the two facial massages (which included how to's and steps).

I'm quite familiar with skincare and beauty products (nationally and internationally) so Tsai's book didn't teach me very much but I feel if someone is beginning to learn about skin care this would be a nice introduction. I ended up keeping this book after reading because it is beautiful and because I like having the face massage guides on demand.

[Christa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book randomly and was delighted by it! I’ve had many hiccups about western skincare for myself (I realize skincare is very personal). After years of seeing dermatologists, nutritionists, trying every kind of cleanser, and even some medications I had awful broken out skin for about a decade. This book explores traditional, Japanese skincare that’s worked for thousands of years.

It helped me explore my own skins needs and since reading it a year ago, I’ve been making my own skincare following these methods and it’s never even more clear, radient, and glowing. We’re taught to exfoliate, chemical peels, abuse the hell out of our skin in America (at least I have from dermatologists and pop culture). This takes us through how to make skincare a sacred ritual that involves nurturing the skin and giving it everything it needs to to be dewy and glowing.

It’s also written really well, easy to comprehend with step by step instructions for various rituals.

[Vera Brits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. It is filled with beautiful artwork, so it is not only valuable for its beauty secrets, but really beautiful to look at.

I recommend this book to everyone. The information inside makes a huge difference to your beauty regimen. My skin improved within a day of following the instructions and continues to improve. My pores are visibly smaller and my skin tone is more even. I have less breakouts and my coloring is also much improved.

[Riley Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, concise book on Japanese beauty. Victoria Tsai gets directly to the point without coming off preachy. The book is mostly spent on discussing how traditional geisha beauty routines can be used in an everyday life. She definitely has a respect and love for the geisha but doesn’t spend the whole book bagging on different cultures for being different. It’s also incredibly concise. It’s about skin and beauty and that’s about it. She doesn’t spend 40 pages telling you how to live your life or how to eat everyday.

Overall, it was a great book that left me feeling excited and curious to try new skin techniques.

[Selise I · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here is the book in its whole:

-Cleanse with oil to remove makeup and dirt off face
-exfoliate or "polish" with Rice Bran / Enzyme exfoliant
-Plump rub "essence" or alcohol-free toner on the face (use your hands)
-Moisturise

Beyond that, the author suggests using silk pillow sheets or silk infused blotting sheets...

the most interesting thing I read was a recipe for pesto made with seaweed

-one sheet roasted seaweed (torn)
-half a cup of pine nuts
-a half cup of olive oil
-two cups of mixed greens (parsley spinach or basil)
-two garlic cloves
-two tables spoons lemon juice
-blend together

[bel · Rating 3 out of 5]

a short, concise, beautiful little book about Victoria Tsai's introduction to the Japanese skincare rituals that inspired Tatcha. It's a book you'll probably only buy if you love the brand or love the minimalist beauty of the book's cover and illustrations, and you'll probably finish it (as I did) in one sitting, but put on a face mask and enjoy it! Not every book has to be a literary giant or chock full of information. Reading this book with a glass of wine and a face mask was a nice evening for me, and for that reason alone, I recommend it for skincare enthusiasts.

[Jess Chua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a concise, minimalist and very beautiful skincare book. I preferred this sophisticated book a lot more to the Korean skincare book by Charlotte Cho (which seemed more fluffy and felt more "ooh look--must try this shiny new product" in comparison).

This book had a very meditative and focused tone on the ritual of caring for one's skin. I read it in two sittings. It was a luxurious experience in itself to absorb the book's contents and gaze at the beautiful artwork and unique cover. Keeping on my bookshelf!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very insightful and the way Tsai writes makes you feel like she is talking to you, an old friend. She makes you feel appreciated and she seems like a very delightful and elegant woman who wants to spread a message of living a peaceful life in general but also with your skin. I really liked it.

Also: can we just appreciate the structure and illustrations in this book because oh my, it's so beautiful

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A very detailed introduction to Japanese skin care. I happened to have just purchased her skin care products (Tatcha) and then stumbled upon this book not realizing she founded the skin care line. I especially like the detailed information regarding specific ingredients that support different skin types.

[Sara Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for someone who wants to add some Japanese Skincare to their routine! Japanese Skincare is all about taking care of your skin instead of covering it up with makeup unlike Western Skincare. There are also ancient Japanese Skincare philosophy, from the time of the geisha, to be learned.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent introductory primer on the Japanese Geisha approach to minimal and natural beauty rituals put together into a lovely book!

[Dr Goon Taco Supreme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. I’m a little more interested in the science behind things and I didn’t think there was enough science to really back up some of the claims Tsai made in this book. I’m not saying that her product recommendations aren’t science backed, I just didn’t feel that they were sufficiently explained with the scientific evidence that I like to see in a skincare book.
I know she bases her skincare line on what Geishas do to take care of their skin and I think my problem with that is I don’t know very much about Geishas as a general thing. I looked up their makeup applications on YouTube and I tried to find an example of their skincare routines, but couldn’t find too much during my admittedly brief search.
This book was pleasant with very pretty illustrations. It’s almost whimsical in my opinion, and it has skincare advice stemming from Japanese time tested practices. I think it has sparked an interest in my learning about Japanese skincare, but I’m not sure that I am convinced of the efficacy of the products or techniques described as of yet. I need to look into things further, and I need to learn more about Geishas!

[Hala Bahnasawi · Rating 5 out of 5]

most amazing thing ever. thank you victoria for all you do. when i opened that call with you and james charles, my world turned upside down. you are an angel sent from heaven, you saved me. This book transformed my life (and skin), into a glowy dewy luminosity one. i feel like im 30, flirty and thriving again, and after giving birth to my quadtruplets, my skin is looking better than ever. i even feed some of the lip mask to my sisters, they love the exotic flavours. personally, i will always be a tatcha girl. sometimes i ask my friends if they like tactha, and if they say no i punch them and steal their money. i think that the world would be an amazing place without tatcha haters, we need to get rid of them all! in conclusion, in simple terms... i LOVE TATCA and you dear victoria. let me say just one more time... u are an angel. sent from heaven itself. thankyou for ur tireless efforts into changing the world one skin at a time.

ciao! - from your top fans in germany - HALA AND ZOE

[Bloodorange]

Do przeczytania i zrobienia notatek w pół godziny. Bardzo ładna książka o niczym.

1) oczyszczanie - olejek kameliowy, umyć twarz 10-20 sekund, spienić wodą -wieczór
2) złuszczanie - ciepła woda, pół łyżeczki mąki ryżowej, 10-20 sekund, spłukać, wytrzeć - rano, wieczorem
3) esencja (serum?) - nałóż dłońmi na twarz, szyję dekolt, bez użycia wacika - rano, wieczorem
4) nawilżanie - kremem, żelem lub olejkiem. 20 sekund na masaż twarzy do góry i na zewnątrz - rano, wieczorem

dodatki: bibułki matujące, mgiełki nawilżające do twarzy

[Dakota · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything recommended in this book is tried-and-true and has been utilized for decades, or even centuries. I appreciate that further information and modifications are given for specific skin concerns.
Everything I have tried from this book thus far has worked incredibly well, and I look forward to adjusting my routine to further match this book.
I'm definitely keeping this one on my shelf for reference purposes.
My only gripe is that I wish there was more detail given about one or two of the recommendations, where to get these ingredients, and how to use the extra ingredients listed.

[Veselina Nedelcheva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book itself is beautiful and I really enjoyed the contents too - it had surprisingly practical tips for skincare but I also found the background philosophy and historical context very interesting. It felt like a very mindful, meditative read, while being pretty educational in a very straightforward way too - especially in today's day and age where there is an overload of so much muddled information on skincare out there.

[Bonnie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me a lot!! short and sweet as well as to the point. I applied the described routines into my own daily skin care routines and I'm stunned at the results! I use fewer products, 4 to be precise, all natural ones and they do wonders! All thanks to that book! I tackle my daily skin care routines from a different angle and, now, it's not a painful experience anymore!!

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this look at Japanese skin care. For years I just assumed that there was nothing to help my red skin. Tsai gives us a roadmap for finding the right products for our skin types. While I'm probably not going to purchase her beauty products, knowing what to look for helped me find a new facial wash and moisturizers at the drug store.

[lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok maybe this shouldnt count as a read but it was 125 pages (mostly pictures tbh) and quite a few words. v pretty book especially the cover which ain't shown on goodreads and idk it had some skincare but i would've liked to hear more about how the products the geishas use work. as i said aesthetic though.

[Katherine Giardina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lovely and magical. If you’re a skincare enthusiast or expert, I would highly recommend this exploration into Eastern skincare and journey towards self-care. As a sufferer of problematic skin, this reference book offers hope; delight in your personal journey and embrace your skin as it changes over time. This guide is as much about prevention as it about timed results.

[Tracy Gilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love! I will definitely be incorporating these steps into my skincare ritual. I will be adding ritual also. I realize how important taking care of my skin is and that I can make it better at my age. Glow on beautiful ladies!!

[Verna Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and natural beauty ritual

I would recommend this to anyone seeking pure and thoughtful skin and self care and a mindful way to incorporate it into your life. It is about more than just beauty.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick but delightful read, this book is both incredibly informative and so artistically laid out. I will definitely be doing some research after reading this book, and will be keeping my copy for reference for a long time.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider myself a skincare fanatic, and I didn’t think I would learn a lot from this book. But I did. After a month, I really enjoy the skincare rituals and how this book changed my outlook on performing skincare.

[Hồng Ngọc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mình rate 3 sao ko biết có phải do mình là một người khó tánh hay không :v nma mình thấy sách khá ổn thôi. sách bày cho phương pháp chăm sóc da kiểu geisha nhật, khá hay ho, trong đó chú trọng loại "nước thần" essence gì đó