We asked our very own Global Director of Artistry and Education, makeup artist Daniel Martin, to share how to create a natural makeup look with The Silk Powder. When developing the formula, we turned to Martin’s expertise in the field; he has mastered the delicate art of creating a “no-makeup” look better than anyone we know. Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai, a long-time friend of Martin, says it best: “He believes makeup is not just about covering up, but elevating and exposing natural beauty.” Read on for his tips, how The Silk Powder compares to its inspiration, and more.
The Silk Powder is inspired by oshiroi, a protective makeup worn by geisha. What fascinates you most about the traditional geisha beauty ritual?
The ritual of time and application in the process of transformation. From the tools, to placement and skin prep underneath, it is the true form of a beauty ritual respecting the art and practice of it from start to finish.
Oshiroi is the opaque white powder that gives geisha their otherworldly appearance while shielding their delicate complexions, but The Silk Powder is translucent, which makes it more palatable for modern-day makeup looks. How else would you say The Silk Powder compares or differs to traditional oshiroi?
The Silk Powder blurs out pores and fine lines while also setting and finishing makeup, similarly to oshiroi. Adapting oshiroi’s protective benefits for the 21st century, The Silk Powder acts as an invisible barrier between the skin and the elements: anti-pollution and blue light ingredients filter pollutants and blue light emitted from screens, both of which may cause premature signs of aging and irregular skin pigmentation. Similar to the powder that inspired it, the finely milled texture of The Silk Powder helps makeup last 8 hours* and prevents transfer onto face masks and clothing. Instead of an opaque white appearance, this translucent powder uses a blend of pink and gold Japanese pearl powder to give a soft-radiant finish for a shine-free, video-friendly glow.
While it appears to have many benefits, what do you love most about The Silk Powder?
The anti-pollution and blue light aspect feels especially beneficial now, with many of us spending a significant part of our day looking at our phones and computers.
What is your makeup ritual for a more natural look?
For a no-makeup look on oilier skin, I’ll first apply 1-2 pumps of The Liquid Silk Canvas all over the face. For drier skin, use The Silk Canvas. These primers create a really great magnet for foundation, but also protect the skin. I’ll then use a large powder brush to apply a light dusting of The Silk Powder all over the face, focusing on areas that shine. This gives you the protection you want while also blurring out any unwanted radiance. Then, I like to use a small brush to apply foundation, starting in the center of the face. If your skin is on the drier side, I recommend using a more moisturizing foundation to give a little extra glow. If your skin is on the oilier side, a mattifying foundation will help even out your complexion. After makeup, use The Silk Powder again to set and finish your makeup. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly. This ritual gives a natural radiance without looking flat.
Do you have any tips on how to use The Silk Powder?
For the best appearance, make sure to really buff the powder into your skin. If you want more coverage in the T-zone to cancel out shine, use The Silk Powder with a powder puff pressed into designated areas.
We’d love to see how you enhance your natural beauty with The Silk Powder—share your Tatcha look on Instagram with #TatchaMoment.
Watch Daniel Martin Create a Natural Makeup Look
*Based on a clinical study of 26 women using a long-wear foundation and the Silk Powder for a duration of 8 hours
