Vicky Tsai, Tatcha Founder
Vicky Tsai started the Japanese geisha-inspired Tatcha Skincare after learning about the many harmful ingredients in beauty products such as parabens and phthalates that are permitted in the U.S. Her line was launched in San Francisco the day she went into labor with her daughter, so when prospective mom-entrepreneurs ask whether it's possible to start a company and a family at the same time, she says, “My daughter Alea and Tatcha are now both 2 1/2, and I've never been more fulfilled in my life and in my career. I always tell them to go for it!”
Nail Lacquer
“Now that I’m a mom, my time is limited, so I want my products to multitask,” says Tsai. She says this greige (gray plus beige) hue, Yummy Mummy, “sexier than your everyday neutral.”
To buy: Butter London, $14
Aquaphor
Any mother knows this protective ointment is a diapering essential, but it’s also ideal for rough patches on elbows, knees and heels. “I use it on both my daughter and myself anytime we get a rash or a dry spot.”
To buy: Drugstore.com, $5
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YSL Mascara
Tsai says this is still the best mascara she’s ever used. “Finding a mascara that volumizes my ‘anemic’ Asian eyelashes in just a couple of swipes is no small feat!” she says.
To buy: Yves Saint Laurent, $30
Sara Happ Lip Scrub
“Since my lips are probably the most prominent part of my face, I have to make sure they look good!” She says this exfoliator is not only yummy but also effective.
To buy: Nordstrom, $24
Tweezerman for Benefit
“Eyebrows frame the face, so I always keep mine in shape with a pair of these tweezers,” says Tsai.
To buy: Benefit, $25 to $30
Chantecaille Gloss
Tsai says this gloss is silky and smooth and not sticky at all. “It makes me look far more dressed up after one swipe.”
To buy: Chantecaille, $33
Camellia Oil
“Because I’m a mom, I’m constantly washing my hands,” says Tsai. “I love keeping pure camellia oil around the house to keep my cuticles healthy and my skin hydrated.”
To buy: Russell Organics, $24
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Sunscreen Spray
“We all know that sun protection is super important, and I have been using this one on both my daughter and myself,” says Tsai. “We live in California, so it’s a must—especially when we head to the beach.”
To buy: Coola Sport SPF 35, $32
Sleep Drink
“This is an all-natural sleep aid that has become a lifesaver for my travels when I'm hop-scotching between Japan, San Francisco and New York.”
Visine
As any mother of a young child knows, a lack of sleep can show up on your face the next day. “The majority of my team is in Japan, so I need to work late nights,” says Tsai. “This helps me fake a good night’s rest.”
To buy: Drugstore.com</a>; $6
Tatcha Lifting Mask
Tsai’s new gel mask quenches thirsty skin. “In 15 minutes, it makes me look and feel years younger,” she says. “When I chase my daughter around while wearing it, it terrifies her, which is good for a laugh!”
To buy: Barneys New York, $95
Sachajuan Volume Powder
“This product keeps my hair perfect in between washings so I can focus on getting my 2-year-old in the bath, which can be a challenge!” Tsai says this is a serious time saver and keeps a full-sized version at home and totes the travel size in her carry-on when she’s jetting around.
To buy: Sachajuan, $32
